Маршруты - активный отдых

Болото, озеро, морское побережье и прогулки по лесу
На пути к Кемери мы будем проезжать через популярный в Латвии морской курорт Юрмалу с его характерными деревянными виллами 18 века. Однако, именно Кемери- это то место, где начинается история курорта. Здесь мы попробуем лечебную серную воду из источника, затем посетим Лесной дом и пройдемся по тропе Черной Ольхи через лесную местность. Затем время для прогулки по дощатому настилу в Большом Кемерском болоте с его интересным ландшафтом, редкими птицами, животными и растениями. Далее маршрут идет к озеру Валгумс, где остановитесь на ланч и для того, чтобы прогуляться вокруг озера Каниерис с его тропой по замковому холму и вышкой для наблюдения за птицами. Завершите день релаксирующей прогулкой вдоль пляжа, посетив хижины старых рыбаков и попробовав местной копченой рыбы.

В этом туре вам предлагается езда на велосипеде, байдарке, и пешие прогулки.

Если вам по душе активный отдых, этот тур — отличная возможность насладиться наследием, таящимся в Национальном парке Гауя, с различных перспектив. Велосипедная часть маршрута начинается в Стренчи и проходит через две местные пивоварни в Бренгули и Валмиермуйже, где найдете отличные кафе и хорошее пиво. Из Валмиеры маршрут проходит через красивый лес в Цесис с его очаровательным Старым городом. От Цесиса в Лигатне сплавитесь на байдарке, по одной из красивейших частей реки Гауя, с ее берегами из песчаника, отдаленными друг от друга фермерскими хозяйствами, и старинной переправой, работающей от силы течения. Исторический центр Лигатне связан с развитием там бумажной фабрики. Здесь вы также сможете посетить местных производителей вина и ремесленников, которые расположились в одной из искусственно созданных пещер, типичных для данной местности. Пройдясь по Природным тропам Лигатне, увидите диких животных в лесной обстановке. А проехав на велосипеде по удивительно холмистым, петляющим дорогам Сигулды, увидите средневековые замки Турайду и Сигулду, пещеру Гутмана, и насладитесь красивыми пейзажами.

This tour leads to the popular seaside resort towns in Lithuania and Latvia, from Nida on the Curonian Spit to Jūrmala on the Gulf of Riga. The first stage of the route runs through the Curonian Spit to the city of Klaipėda with its symbol – the wooden sailing ship – and its old town resembling German towns in terms of architecture. You will then visit the Lithuanian summer beach capital Palanga with some of its top sights being the Botanical Park, the Amber Museum, the pedestrian street of J. Basanavičius and the Sea Pier. Next, the route will take you to the former fishermen village of Šventoji, now a resort town, near which the Žemaičių alkas (Samogitian Sanctuary) is located – an ancient pagan sanctuary. After crossing the border of Lithuania/Latvia you will reach Liepāja – known as the windiest city in Latvia. Should you be interested in military heritage, you will find that in the former military port of Karosta. The tour continues to reach Ventspils, another seaside city. Here, you can go on a voyage on a small vessel on the river Venta river and out to the sea, walk along the riverside, go for a ride on the narrow-gauge train called “Mazbānītis”, marvel at greenery in the form of clocks made of flowers, spot the iconic cows of Ventspils – multiple sculptures scattered around the city streets. At the end of the tour, you will drive to Jūrmala and walk on the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route through the longest Latvian resort cities boasting with its widest sandy beaches.

This part of the Forest Trail gives an opportunity to see Setomaa or “the Land of Setos” which is inhabited by Setos – an ethnographic group with specific ancient traditions and a unique language dialect. Forest Trail hikers can visit the traditional Setos homestead and enjoy Setos cuisine. The forests of the region are especially charming in early autumn, when the ground is coloured lilac by the blooming heather. There is a good chance to pick wild mushrooms and berries. One of the most beautiful sections of this trail in Setomaa leads along the River Piusa, where the river is surrounded by sandstone outcrops. You will also visit the Piusa caves. The tour will end in Värska resort – with its sanatorium and SPA, which use the strengths of local nature: mineral water and lake mud. Värska mineral water is well known in Estonia and elsewhere.

This grand hiking tour includes some of the best and most beautiful parts of the Forest Trail in Latvia and Estonia. Hikes in the forest trails and villages are combined with trips and excursions in cities, as well as other popular tourist sights in both countries. You will get a detailed impression about the forest diversity and most popular national parks in Latvia and Estonia. You will start the tour in Riga, where you will enjoy the beautiful Old Town included in the UNESCO and Art Nouveau District. Then you will drive to Sigulda and see the most scenic ancient valley of the River Gauja, visit Turaida Museum Reserve, hike in Gauja National Park till the historic Ligatne papermill village. Further on you will visit the famous Lake Āraiši Castle, hike on the Cirulisi nature trails and see the beautiful medieval town of Cesis. On the way to Estonia you will stop at the Sietiņiezis big sandstone cliff to have picturesque views of the River Gauja. Then you will stay in Estonia’s second biggest city – Tartu, and visit the recently opened Estonian National Museum. Further on you will drive to Alutaguse National Park and hike along the picturesque Kurtna landscape reserve among the bright coniferous forests ornamented by the mirror surfaces of its many lakes. At the end of the tour you will hike in Estonia’s oldest national park – Lahemaa, which means the “land of bays” in Estonian. The Forest Trail goes along the bays and peninsulas of Lahemaa National Park, introducing the hikers to its most significant natural and cultural heritage. The forests are rich with blueberries and mushrooms in autumn and the air is very clean. This tour will end with sightseeing in Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city, with the Old Town also included in UNESCO.

Маршрут начинается в Риге с ее районом Югендстиля и Старым Городом. Затем отправляйтесь на поезде в Сигулду. Холмистая дорога ведет через Пещеру Гутмана, Турайдский Замок и Кримулдский Замок, которые стоят на берегах долины реки Гауя. Дорога затем идет в Лимбажи — типичный латвийский провинциальный город. Далее вы достигнете побережья Балтийского моря и Салацгриву, город, славящийся своими рыбацкими традициями и заколами для миног. За Салацгривой находятся редкие прибрежные луга и лагуны. После пересечения латвийско-эстонской границы, дорога вьется через старые прибрежные деревни — Икла, Треймани, Кабли и Хядеместе, прежде чем сливается с Виа Балтика. В Пярну прогуляйтесь по дороге для пешеходов Руутли и по старым укреплениям. А затем время переехать на острова — маршрут проходит через небольшой остров Муху. Посетите местное рыбное кафе в Ливи и этнографическую рыбацкую деревню Когува. Затем маршрут по дамбе ведет на остров Сааремаа. Основные достопримечательности во время маршрута - «Валъяла маалин» - один из наиболее впечатляющих холмовых фортов в Эстонии, церковь Валъяла и метеоритный кратер Каали. Оттуда на автобусе вы направитесь в столицу Эстонии Таллинн, с его очаровательным средневековым Старым Городом. А из Таллинна отправляйтесь на экскурсию на бывшую советскую базу для подводных лодок в Палдиски, незабываемом свидетельстве о недавнем историческом прошлом.

After passing through Sigulda, the Forest Trail follows the River Vējupīte to Paradīzes Hill, where a steep staircase leads down into the ancient valley of the River Gauja and the ravine of the River Vējupīte. It continues to wind down smaller paths through meadows, crossing small rivers whose banks reveal sandstone outcrops. The last six kilometres of this section follow a smaller path down the Līgatne Nature Trails. You can see local wildlife animals and birds on this 5.5 km long trail. Further on the Forest Trail moves up the hills of the ancient valley of the River Gauja, before descending back down into the deep ravine of the River Līgatne, where the village of the former Līgatne paper mill is located. You can explore this attractive small village, visit the Līgatne spoon factory, winery and Līgatne caves. There is also the Līgatne Net Park with 4-7 m high net labyrinths among the treetops.

This part of the Forest Trail and Gauja National Park is characterised by a gradual transition from diverse, deciduous forests (ash, grey alder, oak, birch, linden) to coniferous stands.

Маршрут начинается с поездки на поезде из Риги в Лиепаю, город с белыми песчаными плюжами и оживленной культурой уличных кафе. Маршрут проходит через пригороды Лиепаи в бывший военный город, где вы увидите православную церковь, старинные морские фортификационные укрепления,бывшие бараки и внушительную военную тюрьму, которая сейчас является туристическим объектом. Павилоста — небольшой прибрежный город и любимое место среди виндсерфингистов. Затем маршрут проходит вдоль живописного побережья, включая крутые берега Юркалне, и заканчивается в содержащемся в идеальном порядке городе Вентспилсе. Затем отправляйтесь вдоль рыбацких деревень, являющихся местом жительства для очень маленькой этнической группы финно-угров, ливов. На мысе Колка Балтийское море встречается с Рижским заливом. Здесь вы просто обязаны отведать рыбы местного копчения. Далее маршрут пересекает три различных типа морского побережья — каменный пляж в Калтене, песчаный в Упесгриве и прибрежные луга в Энгуре. Заканчивайте маршрут в Национальном парке Кемери и возвращайтесь в Ригу через популярный курорт Юрмалу.

This is the longest of the Forest Trail tours, where you will hike on many beautiful forest nature trails in Latvia and Estonia. These nature trails are part of the Forest Trail and this tour is suitable for self-drive tourists, who wish to hike different sizes of trails and get an impression of the forest diversity in both countries. You have the possibility to see the northern coniferous forests with spruces and pines, broadleaf forests, wet floodplain forests and picturesque forests growing on slopes and ravines. You will also see the most interesting tourist sights in Latvia and Estonia, which are close to the Forest Trail. In Latvia you will visit Sigulda, the historic Ligatne papermill village, medieval Cesis, the River Amata valley, which is located in Gauja National Park. Then you will drive to the less populated eastern part of Latvia – the Northern Gauja protected landscape area, Aluksne Town and hike in the Korneti-Peļļi subglacial depression, one of the most impressive ravines in Latvia. You can climb to Drusku castle mound – the highest and steepest of all the castle mounds in Latvia, When entering Estonia, you will see the highest point of the Baltics – Suur Munamagi Hill, where the observation tower is built. Further on the tour will lead you to the River Piusa valley, Obinitsa, with the culture of Seto people. You will hike in the historic Varska resort town, which is very close to the Russian border. Then you will reach Tartu and Lake Peipsi, which is the 5th biggest lake in Europe. You will hike in the Kurtna landscape reserve, see the Ontika limestone cliff, Valaste waterfall – the highest in Estonia. Finally you will hike in one of the beautiful wooded areas in Estonia – Lahemaa National Park. The tour ends in Tallinn, where you can enjoy the medieval Old Town and many other attractions.

This tour is suitable only for experienced hikers. The itinerary circles the Suurupi Peninsula where the dense forests conceal the military heritage of different eras. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route meanders through overgrown and rocky seacoasts, birch groves, along former pioneer camps and sand-stone cliffs protecting coves with sharp capes. At the end of the itinerary, one of the most astounding outcrops of the Estonian littoral rises before your eyes – the Rannamõisa Cliffs, which gives views of Kakumäe Bay and Peninsula and the towers of Tallinn’s Old Town

This section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route is a comparatively short hike across a beautiful sandy beach, the coastal side of which is bounded by brightly colored pine forests with spectacular dunes and dams of dunes. To get from the beach to Carnikava, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route will take you through a forest via a promenade. Then it takes a stroll around the Old Gauja River via a levee and reaches the pedestrian bridge over the Gauja River. Both as you start and end the hike, it is nice to sit in one of the pubs and summer cafés located on Vecāķi beach and in Carnikava.

This long-distance tour follows the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route from the Lithuanian coast, starting on the island of Rusnė and continuing to the Curonian Spit, running along the Baltic Sea coast to Cape Kolka and finally reaching Rīga.

On this route you will hike some sections of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route and experience the diversity of coastal landscapes: rocky beaches, steep shores, overgrown beaches, bird migration sites, vast sandy beaches. You will walk on solitary beaches with no-one in sight for several kilometres just to suddenly find yourself in lively resort towns. There are both sections of hiking and bus transfers along the route.

Initially you will visit the peculiar island of Rusnė with its bird migration sites, observation towers and the delta
of the river Nemunas, which is Lithuania’s lowest point. Next, a ferry will take you to the just-as-impressive Curonian Spit – a lengthy spit of sand-dunes extending into the Baltic Sea of the coast of Lithuania. Here you will walk two sections of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route enjoying the magnificent dunes and visiting the Lithuanian Sea Museum and the Dolphinarium. Then, heading north along the coast through the Seaside Regional Park, you will reach the Lithuanian beach capital Palanga and pay a visit to the Amber Museum.

Crossing the Lithuanian/Latvian border on foot you will stop over at the Pape Nature Park and enjoy its lighthouse, wild horses, the authentic fishermen village and local museum. The walk on lone beaches takes you to the top of the highest dune in Latvia – the Pūsēnu dune – and afterwards continues to reach the village of Bernāti. Next on the route is the windy seaside city of Liepāja, also known as the Latvian capital of rock music. Karosta is another distinctive site in Liepāja – it is the former military town and nearly every street of this part of the city has some footprints of its military heritage.

Heading further, your feet will take you through the solitary beaches of Ziemupe to the village of Pāvilosta. If you are lucky, you might find some ambers washed ashore. Pāvilosta is a small charming village with a marina and some notes of smoked fish lingering in the air. Moving on, from Ventspils through Slītere National Park, through the Livonian fishermen villages to finally reach the Kolka Cape – the meeting point of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. Also, a top site for bird watching.

At the end of the tour, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route leads to Engure Nature Park, meandering through reed trails running between the villages of Mērsrags and Engure. The tour ends in Jūrmala with its wide sandy Beaches, the bustling urban life of a resort town, impressive villas and summer cottages, and the Ragakāpa Nature Park in the resort’s neighborhood Lielupe.

This tour can be done with your own or rented car and it includes driving, some hiking parts and transfers with the public transport. This grand Forest Trail and Baltic Coastal Hiking Route tour includes some of the best and most beautiful parts of the Forest Trail and Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Lithuania and the southern part of Latvia. Hikes are combined with trips and excursions in cities, as well as other popular tourist sights in both countries. You will get a detailed impression about the forest diversity, coastal landscape and most popular national and regional nature parks in Latvia and Lithuania.

You will start the tour in Rīga, where you will enjoy the beautiful Old town included in UNESCO and Art Nouveau district. Then you will drive to Ķemeri National Park, where you will have some small hiking along the Forest Trail till the place Bigauņciems, where the Forest Trail meets the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route. After that you will hike along the Forest Trail in the beautiful Abava River valley and see Sabile - the wine and cider town. Then you will reach the most charming Kurzeme town - Kuldīga with its old town streets, the bridge over river Venta, the promenade and waterfall. Afterwards you will drive to the coast and have some hike along the most outstanding bluffs around the Baltic Sea.

Then you will also see Liepāja - the windy city and hike in the Pape Nature Park. Further the tour will bring you to Lithuania and its Baltic Coastal Hiking Route part. You will see the resort town Palanga, Klaipėda and hike in the Curonian Spit from Pervalka to Juodkrantė to see the interesting sand dunes. Further you will drive from Klaipėda to Paplatelė and enjoy a 1 day hiking in Žemaitija National Park. Then you will drive to Telšiai and explore the Lake Germantas and landscape reserve along small forest paths and wooden footbridges.

At the end of the tour you will go for a 1 day hike in Kurtuvėnai Regional Park which is one of the most forested areas in Central Lithuania with very pronounced glacier-shaped terrain forms spread in the Eastern Žemaitija Upland.

This tour is a road trip from Rīga to Vilnius, stopping along the road to hike on nature trails of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route. In Latvia the route mainly follows the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route/ the Baltic coast, continuing along the coast and the Curonian Spit in Lithuania. Further, the route includes some smaller sections of the Forest Trail in Lithuania leading to Druskininkai and near the Lithuanian/Polish border. This tour will suit travellers who are ready to indulge in some nature trails and have a peek in urban landscapes, but who are not prepared for longer distances with backpacks, tenting and similar.

A car will take you from one short hike to the next. Another transfer is planned from the island of Rusnė to the Dubysa valley, thus linking the Lithuanian sections of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route and the Forest Trail. The tour includes Latvian and Lithuanian nature’s jewels – the national parks of Ķemeri and Slītere, Cape Kolka, Pape Nature Park, the Curonian Spit, the island of Rusnė, the river Nemunas, the Dubysa river valley regional park with its rolling terrain, the most forested and secluded area of Lithuania – the Dzūkija National Park.

Besides the capital cities of both countries, the route will take you to other major cities – Ventspils, Liepāja, the popular resort town of the Curonian Spit – Nida, as well as historical bathing resorts: Ķemeri, Birštonas and Druskininkai. You will also see the city of Kaunas and the beautiful riverscapes of the river Nemunas.

The first half of this section leads through magnificent coniferous forests, especially in the Järvevälja landscape reserve, where the trail is surrounded by beautiful dunes in the north and a raised bog in the south. It is well worth visiting the kiosk at Rannapungerja to buy smoked fish – the Lake Peipus vendace (rääbis) and some local farm produce. In the second part, the Forest Trail winds along the coast of the beautiful Lake Peipus. During the summer, when the water level in the lake is lower, beautiful, sandy beaches with wide shallows appear. Past Alajõe, the highest dunes of Lake Peipus (up to 20 m) rise on the landscape, providing a distant view of Lake Peipus, one of the largest lakes in Europe.

Трехдневный маршрут позволит Вам познакомиться не только с одним из красивейших творений балтийской природы – Куршской косой, но также посетить некоторые интересные сельские хозяйства  в Латвии. Вы сможете осмотреть пасеку, понаблюдать за работой гончара, посетить хозяйсто экзотических животных . Незабываемые впечатления оставит посещение двух своеобразных человеческих творений - «Каменного города» и парка инсталляций  «Город абсурда», которые не имеют аналогов не только в странах Балтии, но и в более широком масштабе.

Отправляйтесь на поезде из Риги в Цесис и остановитесь на ночлег в самом центре этого очаровательного города. Это один из самых привлекательных провинциальных латвийских городов со средневековым замком Ливонского Ордена, Новым Замком, где располагается отличный музей истории региона и творческие мастерские, очаровательный Старый город с собором Св. Иоанна и несколько уютных кафе и ресторанов, где по выходным играют живую музыку.

В пригороде найдете два горнолыжных центра, Жагаркланс и Озолкалнс, где можно взять напрокат снаряжение, снегоходы, где находятся лыжные склоны (самый длинный 500 м), парк сноубординга, склоны для начинающих и детей, тренированные инструкторы, пункт первой помощи и кафе.

The tour combines the most beautiful southern parts of the Forest Trail in Lithuania and Latvia. The route starts in Druskininkai, Lithuania, and for the next day you will walk through forests of the Dzūkija National Park. After getting to Vilnius and Kurtuvėnai Regional Park, two sections of the Forest Trail will take you from Dengtiltis to Šaukėnai. Since it is among the most forested areas of Central Lithuania, the Kurtuvėnai Regional Park with its glaciated valleys is a wonderland of forests, waters and wetlands. The Forest Trail will run along small forest paths, tourist trails, beautiful tree alleys and wetlands. Next you will take public transportation to reach the Žemaitija National Park, where you will taketwo sections of the Forest Trail from the pilgrimage town of Žemaičių Kalvarija along the lakes of Plateliai, Ilgis and Beržoras to the town of Plateliai. It is one of the most beautiful towns of Samogitia taking pride in its manor park and the viewing platform on Lake Plateliai. Žemaitija National Park takes pride in its old pine and fir forests, as well as mixed forests.
Next, you will drive through Klaipėda and Liepāja to reach Kuldīga in Latvia. The trip starts in Kuldīga – a jewel among the old towns in Kurzeme. The town centre is home to historic buildings dating back to the 17th – 19th century, Venta waterfall, the old bridge over the river Venta, gourmet restaurants and a local farmer’s store in the centre of the town. 

From there on the Forest Trail takes you along the riverside promenade in Kuldīga, continues through the nature park “Abavas senleja” from Renda to the wine and cider town Sabile and Kandava. The section along the Abava River Valley Nature Park is the most diverse river valley in Kurzeme in terms of landscapes and terrain. The final section of the tour takes you to the Ķemeri National Park, which is an important place for the protection of wetlands. As to the town – Ķemeri – it is the former balneological and sulphur springs resort.

The tour ends on the seaside – the village of Bigauņciems, from where you can easily get to Rīga. Optionally, one can take a detour along the Lake Sloka trail with its bird-watching tower or pay a visit to the “Forest House” – the visitor’s centre of the Ķemeri National Park.

This route section takes you to the Dzūkija National Park – it is among Lithuania’s most forested and desolate nature areas –, and to the town of Druskininkai – a popular SPA and mineral water health resort on the banks of the river Nemunas. When in Druskininkai, we recommend dipping yourself in mineral water baths, enjoying the trip with the cable car over the river Nemunas, visiting the musical fountain, and walking along the river promenade. The starting point of the hiking route is the village of Didžiasalis, which is reached by bus from Druskininkai. From there, the route will take you through vast coniferous forests, rich in berries and mushrooms, and small villages. As you get to Druskininkai, the Forest Trail will meander along the small streets and parks of the historic resort of Druskininkai, crossing the river Ratnyčia and the forest park on the right bank of the Nemunas valley. Leaving the resort town behind, the Forest Trail runs on the side of the village revealing you the beautiful landscapes and the view of the Liškiava monastery on the other bank of the river Nemunas. Up to the village of Žiogeliai, the route goes along forest roads and continues along the banks of the Nemunas valley, surrounded by the vast Dzūkija forests. Towards the end of the route, climb up the Merkinė Mound and it will surprise you with breathtaking views of southern Lithuania.

This tour will give you an impression of the eastern part of Latvia, which is less populated and also less popular among tourists. You will first arrive in Aluksne and explore the town, which is located at Alūksne highland, on the shore of Lake Alūksne. It is worth visiting Temple Hill – an old Latgalian castle mound and the place of the old town, Sun bridge, and the Castle manor park, Alūksne Lutheran Church and the Bible Museum. After staying there overnight you will go by bus to the start point of the hike in Ape. This Forest Trail section winds through a hilly farmland landscape, then enters a large dark forest, occasionally interrupted by the blue surfaces of lakes. After Peļļi, it crosses the Latvian/Estonian border and winds along the shores of the lakes Smilšājs, Sūneklis and Ilgājs for 2 km on the Estonian side, known as Paganamaa (translation: Devil's Land). There it descends and enters the Korneti-Peļļi subglacial depression, one of the most impressive ravines in Latvia. The Forest Trail returns to Latvia at Lake Ilgājs and, after a steep climb, takes you through a hilly area to the Drusku castle mound. Here you can enjoy a beautiful view. At the end of this tour, you will reach Korneti. The section is located in the protected landscape area “Veclaicene”.

A scenic and tradition-rich stretch of the Forest Trail symbolised by the onion. Onions were brought to the region by Old Believers in the 17th century. Ladies and gentlemen selling home-made onion strings on the roadside have become somewhat of a business card of the villages. The villages on the twenty-four kilometre stretch of road between Varnja and Kallaste are connected by the tourist route called Onion Road. The landscape is decorated by colourful wooden houses, small fish shops and a restaurant where you can enjoy tea made in the samovar, true to the traditions of Old Believers. You can visit the Kostja’s onion farm, where the host welcomes the guests and shows them onion cultivation. It is also worth visiting the Chicory Museum in Kolkja to get acquainted with the history of chicory cultivation in row villages near Lake Peipus. At the end of the trail you will reach Alatskivi, where the famous Alatskivi Castle is located.

This is an easy 3-day route, suitable for any traveller ready to take some steps outside the capital and get into the woods. You will start the tour by taking a train from Rīga to Ķemeri. The walk will start in the Ķemeri resort park leading to the legendary sulphur spring and continue to the “Forest House” – the visitor’s centre of the Ķemeri National Park. The park is established for the protection of mainly wetlands – the shallow coast of the Gulf of Riga, the overgrown seaside lakes, the vast marshlands, mires (forests) and flood plans. Besides, there is the wooden plank Melnalkšņu swamp forest trail. Next, the Forest Trail takes one to the Lake Sloka, a shallow coastal lake with rich aquatic plants, sulphur springs and important migratory bird rest areas. On the banks of it, there is a 7 m high floating bird-watching tower. Further, the Forest Trail runs to the Gulf of Riga in the small fishermen village of Bigauņciems, where it joins with the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route (E9 European long distance path). From there on, the trail runs along the coast direction Jūrmala – the most popular resort town in Latvia with the widest sandy beaches. The tour ends in Ragakāpa Nature Park, which is established to preserve the dunes covered in old pine forests and natural diversity of the seaside. The Jūrmala Open-Air Museum is a place to get to know a traditional local fishermen’s farmstead.

The Baltic Sea littoral on the West coast of Kurzeme is called the Great Wave Sea. The seacoast is mainly sandy. While the Great Wave Sea section is the least populated coastal area in Latvia, at the same time, the third biggest city in Latvia, Liepāja, is also located there. Steep bluffs rise before your eyes on the seacoast between Pāvilosta and Sārnate. The villages are quiet and sparsely populated. At the beginning of the route, you can see the Soviet military heritage in Liepāja Karosta Prison, taste smoked local fish in Pāvilosta and then enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the entire route to the seacoast from Užava lighthouse. The route closes in the port city of Ventspils, where there are various entertainment and sightseeing places, especially for families with children.
 

This part of the Forest Trail passes through the historical centre of Valmiera. In Valmiera you can visit St. Simon’s Church, the Ruins of the Livonian Order Castle and Valmiera Museum. We also suggest walking the barefoot trail in “Sajūtu Parks” (Park of Senses). After sightseeing in Valmiera, the Forest Trail goes through Atpūtas (Recreation) park, the beautiful pine forest and Baiļi winter ski centre. Further on you will walk along the River Abuls Trail, curving along the banks of the river until reaching the Brenguļi brewery built in an old Hydroelectric power plant. You can enjoy unfiltered and unpasteurised beer here. Further down you will enter unpopulated forest areas and the Northern Gauja protected landscape area.

The forests in Northern Gauja (“Ziemeļgauja”) are very diverse. There are old or natural boreal (northern) forests and marsh forests, oak forests, alluvial forests (formed on river sediments which periodically flood) and mixed oak, wych elm and ash forests along the river. The tour will end in Strenči Town.

This tour will take you on a walk through the Curonian Spit from Nida to Smiltynė. The Curonian Spit National Park is located on a long, sand-dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea coast. A sand beach of ~50 km is running on the western side of the dune spit, while the shore of the Curonian Lagoon is shallow and characteristic of ridged bays overgrown with reeds. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route starts in the centre of Nida near the port. In Nida, it runs along the Curonian Lagoon promenade, offering beautiful views of the spacious waters. From Nida to Bulvikio Cape, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route winds along small forest paths leading up and down pine-covered dunes; in the village of Preila, the trail runs along the promenade of the lagoon. Between Pervalka and Juodkrantė, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route leads along a beautiful, sandy beach. You can take the Raganų kalnas (Hill of Witches) trail in Juodkrantė. The route alternates between the Baltic Sea coast, the dunes and the Curonian Lagoon until it finally reaches the ferry, which will take you to Klaipėda.

The tour from Rīga to Tallinn combines natural and cultural heritage and includes lovely landscapes and 15 nature trails which cross marshlands, meadows and forests along the shores of the Baltic Sea, including several protected nature reserves. Many trails are equipped with viewing towers for birdwatching. Randu meadows near Ainaži contains one third of Latvia’s entire plant species. A boardwalk leads through reeds to a viewing platform with views over the meadow and the sea. Saaremaa island is interesting with very different natural attractions to the mainland - dolomite cliffs, juniper heaths, a meteorite lake and rocky sea shore. The tour passes rural farms and traditional villages typical of the coastal areas. Hiiumaa island is a laid back place and retains a very Estonian atmosphere with an important bird reserve at Käina Bay, unusual Sääre Tirp as well as several small islets off its south-eastern coast. Back on the mainland, Paldiski peninsula gives a glimpse of the recent history with its former Soviet military base

This tour of the Forest Trail covers the national parks of Dzūkija and Žemaitija and the Nemunas Loops Regional Park in Lithuania. The starting point of the route is Druskininkai, a popular SPA and mineral water resort on the banks of the river Nemunas. Here, we recommend dipping yourself in mineral water baths, enjoying the trip with the cable car over the river Nemunas, visiting the musical fountain, and walking along the river promenade. For the next two days from Druskininkai, the Forest Trail passes through the Dzūkija National Park to the town of Merkinė. In this most forested and unpopulated region in Lithuania you can enjoy hiking along solitary forest roads, visit ancient mounds and ethnographic villages, where the traditions of bee-keeping, crafts, mushrooms and berry harvesting are still kept alive. You will then head to Birštonas, one of the key resorts in Lithuania with its valuable mineral waters. The town finds itself in the Nemunas Loops Regional Park, which includes four large and one smaller loops of the river. The Forest Trail stretches from Birštonas through the entire Nemunas Loops Regional Park up till the town of Prienai. Next, hikers will get to Kaunas, the second largest city in Lithuania and its former capital city. Kaunas is notable for its modernist architecture. The catchment area of the river Nemunas and the river Neris is situated here. Heading on, from Lampėdžiai to Vilkija, the Forest Trail runs for two days along trails and small countryside gravel roads next to the right bank of the river Nemunas, also crossing resort territory of Kulautuva. This section is characteristic of beautiful riverscapes, waterfront meadows and small villages. For the final section, first you must get to the Žemaitija National Park, where the Forest Trail runs around the Lake Plateliai, which is the largest lake in the historic Samogitian region. Old pine and fir forests and mixed forests are among the most precious natural values of
the park. A transfer will take you to Plungė, and from there a train will take you to Vilnius or Kaunas.

The route leads through the Gauja National Park which is located on both sides of the ancient Gauja river valley. Sandstone cliffs and caves, hilly landscapes and deep forests and castles are characteristic of the park. Further on at Igate Manor stop for a lunch at their mill tavern to taste traditional Latvian food. The route turns towards the coastwhich belongs to the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserveand continues through old Estonian fishing villages before arriving at the seaside resort of Parnu with its elegant villas. Next is a guided wilderness day in Soomaa National Park trying old-fashioned bog-shoeing and canoeing. Further on the route you will pass Pootsi with a 19th century manor and the ancient village of Varbla. Take a ferry to Muhu island and stay in the ethnographic fishermen's village of Koguva for a couple of days to explore the area. Cycle across the causeway to Saaremaa island from where you can take a ferry to laid-back Hiumaa island for a day trip to get a feeling for the true spirit of Estonia. Back on Saaremaa there is time for a free day in its capital, Kuressaare with plenty of spa and relaxation facilities. Then by bus head to Tallinn, charming with its medieval Old Town. From there enjoy a day trip to the former military base of Naissaar island where special cycling routes showcase its military history, mine and nature reserves.

The Gauja is the most beautiful river in Latvia, with an impressive river valley that is up to 80 metres in depth. Picturesque sandstone outcrops rise above the river. The Gauja is a calm river, with just a few small rapids. Leisure boating is perfect here. Between Cesis and Sigulda, the Gauja flows through the Gauja National Park . There are several well-appointed facilities for boaters on the banks of the river, with benches, tables, places for campfires, firewood and information stands.Several interesting heritage sites on the way - Ligatne Oldfashioned ferry, Turaida medieval castle and Krimulda Manor.

This tour includes a walk along the Baltic Sea coast Lithuania through the Curonian Spit from Nida to Smiltynė (see a detailed description under tour No. 9) and continues further north from Klaipėda to Šventoji located at the Lithuanian/Latvian border. Klaipėda and Palanga are popular seaside resorts with lots of pubs, hotels, street cafés and musicians. Klaipėda is the only port city and the third largest city in Lithuania. Šventoji is also a popular seaside town located next to the mouth of the river Šventoji. Between Klaipėda and Palanga, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route leads through the Seaside Regional Park (Lithuanian: Pajūrio regioninis parkas). It was founded for the protection of coastal and marine landscapes, biodiversity and local cultural heritage. The most famous place of the seaside is the Dutch Hat (also called Dutch Cap, Dutchman’s Cap or Holland’s Cap) – a 20 m high cliff, which used to serve as a landmark and guide for seafarers and fishermen.

This is the most challenging Forest Trail section, especially on the second day. Here, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, rises the North-Estonian Klint – a steep, rocky and forest-covered cliff that stretches non-continuously to Tallinn and further to the islands of West-Estonia. The Forest Trail runs on top of the cliff and occasionally descends into valleys. It crosses the deep and vast Pühajõgi valley in Toila-Oru park and comes to Toila, a popular coastal resort. One of the most unusual sections of the Forest Trail in Northern Estonia, which leads along the foot of the impressive North-Estonian Klint in good weather, then climbs to the top of the klint in the villages of Valaste and Saka, revealing breathtaking views of the Gulf of Finland.

On this hiking route you will see the most part of the western coast of Estonia from Pärnu to Tallinn. You will visit Estonia’s most popular resort cities: Pärnu and Haapsalu. You will pass along many bays, cape horns, fishermen’s villages and overgrown meadows. In the northern part you will walk along the spectacular Pakri cliffs, where you will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. There will also be sandy beaches and dolomite outcrops in places. In some rocky and wet sections you will use coastal forests and trails. During the route, you will see the Soviet military heritage in Paldiski. 

The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route starts at the center of Mazirbe village where you can see the Livonian National House. Continuing through small forest and country roads past the former Mazirbe Naval school, it winds through small coastal Livonian villages: Košrags, Pitrags and then Saunags. The Livonian coast is the only place where you can get to know the cultural history heritage of one of the smallest peoples in the world, the Livonians. In this section, the indicating signs are in both the Latvian and Livonian language. At the end of route you will see Cape Kolka, the point where the Great Wave Sea meets the Little Wave Sea. It is one of the most popular bird-watching sites on the Baltic seacoast.
 

This long tour of Latvia includes some of the best and most beautiful parts of Jūrtaka in Latvia. Hikes along the sea alternate with trips and excursions in the cities. You will go along the coast of the Baltic Sea from Mazirbe to Kolka, seeing Slītere National Park and Livonian villages. You will see Engure Nature Park and the overgrown seaside meadows that are suitable for bird watching. Along the way, you will be able to purchase smoked fish from local fishermen and learn about fishing traditions in Latvia. Further, the route will take you through the most popular seaside resort in Latvia, Jūrmala; you will also have time to visit the capital city - Rīga. The second part of the route runs along the Vidzeme coast from Saulkrasti to Svētciems. In terms of landscapes and views, the most multifaceted section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Latvia, which includes both sandy and rocky beach, coastal meadows, reeds, dunes, sandstone outcrops, forests, capes and small coves, fishing villages and pubs.

One of the most beautiful sections of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Matsalu National Park, which leads through the agricultural lands and coastal meadows located near Matsalu Bay, where thousands of migrating cranes and geese gather in autumn. There are excellent birdwatching sites with towers near Haeska village (coastal meadows, shallow coves, small islets, cattle pastures) and at Cape Puise (coastal meadows with pastures, shoals). The most panoramic views of the sea and strings of islands can be seen in the surroundings of Põgari-Sassi and Puise nina

Šis maršruts iekļauj dažas no visautentiskajām pieredzēm, ko var iegūt ceļojot cauri zilo ezeru apgabaliem gar Latvijas un Lietuvas austrumu pusi. Šis ir reģions, kur nav redzamas tūristu masas, un cilvēki šeit ir labsirdīgi un viesmīlīgi, šeit ir tradicionāli ciemi, daudz reliģisko objektu, kā arī lauku mantojuma saimniecības.
Maršruts iet cauri Rāznas Nacionālajam parkam, kas atrodas pie ainaviskā Rāznas ezera, tradicionālām lauku sētām un senām pilīm. Šeit var redzēt Aglonas baziliku, svētceļinieku galamērķi, kā arī ir vērts apmeklēt Aglonas Maizes muzeju. Tālāk tūre iet cauri Daugavpilij, kur atrodas iespaidīgais 19. gs. cietoksnis, kur ir Marka Rotko mākslas centrs. Pa ceļam ir arī podnieku darbnīcas, kur izgatavo tradicionālu keramiku.
Jūs uzzināsiet vairāk par zirgu un govju audzēšanu, kā arī par to, kā tiek taisīts tradicionālais siers un zāļu tējas.
Tūre tālāk iet cauri Aukštaitijas Nacionālajam parkam gar pašu Lietuvas robežu cauri entogrāfiskiem ciemiem, koka baznīcām un garām daudziem ezeriem. Vērts apmeklēt Biškopības muzeju Stripeikiai un brīvdabas mākslas muzeju, kā arī Eiropas centru.
Un, protams, varēsiet nogaršot vietējo Latgales alu un tradicionālo ēdienu – cepelīnu – Lietuvā.

Ar salām izraibināts jūras klajs, savdabīgas kadiķu pļavas - alvāri, seni dievnami, Baltijas tautām nozīmīgi vēstures pieminekļi - pilskalni, pilis, vējdzirnavas. Neredzētas augu sugas, liela putnu daudzveidība. Eiropas iespaidīgākais meteorīta krāteris, senie zvejnieku ciemi ar salenieku parašām un īpatnībām - tās ir tikai dažas Sāmsalas iezīmes. Salas galvaspilsēta Kuresāre ir viena no skaistākajām Igaunijas mazpilsētām ar senu rātsnamu un rātslaukumu un vienu no iespaidīgākajām viduslaiku pilīm Baltijā, kurai pēc izskata nav līdzīgu. Muhu salā jāredz etnogrāfiskais Koguvas ciems, Līvas baznīca un Pedastes muiža.

This section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route is suitable to hardy hikers who like to travel across uninhabited places. In many places, reeds, floodplains with pastures and wetlands stretch across the Estonian seacoast, which is why the itinerary often leads you along forest and country roads. In the second half of summer you can pick the mushrooms and berries in the coastal forests. Pärnu is a popular resort city with many cafés, live music, SPAs, hotels and a beautiful Old Town.

The Forest Trail leads through smaller paths, arching around Vangaži Lutheran Church and the Werewolf Pine. On its way to the Hunting Palace, it passes the garden created by opera singer Anna Ludiņa and then follows the Hunting trail. The first side ravines with the pronounced relief of the ancient valley of the River Gauja can be seen here. One of them is located by Inčukalns Velnala (Devil’s Cave), surrounded by small river channels of the old Gauja. From there, the Forest Trail continues through meadows and crosses the Murjāņi–Valmiera motorway, where the recreation park “Rāmkalni” is located. In this park, there is a café, shop and active leisure centre with a sledge track.

On this route you will mainly see pine forests of various ages, as well as the botanical plantation with 80 tree and 120 shrub species. By the end of the section, the landscape features sandstone outcrops – Devonian sedimentary rocks and habitats protected in Latvia.

This itinerary allows you to enjoy the Latvian winter at its best. It starts in the bustling capital of Riga with its Christmas market, decorations, shopping facilities, many cultural events and museums as well as a charming Old Town.
Then the route heads out to the countryside to enjoy winter pleasures at skiing and sledging slopes. After an active day its time for relaxation and papmering at a spa hotel plus the chance to experience Latvia's healthy and unique sauna rituals. For sightseeing visit Sigulda medieval castle ruins, Turaida Castle and taste home-made wine at Krimulda manor. Local wild animals such as wolves, bears, mooose and more, can easily can be observed at the Ligatne Nature Trails and afterwards enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn sledge at a nearby farm.

Route meanders between a rocky seacoast richly overgrown with reeds and other grasses on one side and wooded seaside dunes on the other side. In some places, the beach is paved with small round stones, in other places you can see grey dunes with a rich variety of plants. Near Bērzciems village, there are large coastal meadows with shoals appearing far away in the sea that are suited for birdwatching. During this route, it is possible to visit the fishermen’s homestead “Dieniņas”, where you can buy local smoked fish. Also it is worth to see Engure port and Engure Evangelical Lutheran Church.

This grand hiking tour is provided for experienced hikers wishing to walk along a large part of the coasts of Latvia and Estonia, gain a detailed impression about the diverse coastal landscape, nature, birds and animals of the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route sometimes runs through sandy beaches, sometimes along sections of beach covered in stones and pebbles. Sometimes the trail goes through coastal forests or stops at a fishermen’s village. There are many floodplain meadows, lagoons and shallow bays on the Estonian side, so sometimes the path goes along coastal trails and roads. In the end section of the route you will feel Estonia’s Nordic nature more. Part of the route runs along a sparsely populated seashore where you can be alone with yourself, but you will also be able to visit the most prominent cities. You will visit both capitals: Rīga and Tallinn. Enjoy the hospitality of the resort towns of Jūrmala, Pärnu and Haapsalu. During the hike, you will also get acquainted with the regions of small ethnic cultures: the Livonians in Latvia and the inhabitants of Kihnu in Estonia.

From Kaberneeme the route runs through a forest where you can see piles of stones carried here during the last ice-age. The trail soon climbs about 20 m up to the hiking trail, which runs on the old shore line of Lake Ancylus. The trail continues to the Linnamäe HES and a suspension bridge. Follow the trail over the ancient fortress hill of Linnamäe and continue on the right bank of the River Jägala, until reaching the Jägala waterfall. This is the highest natural waterfall in Estonia, more than 8 m high. The Suka bridge is about 500 metres up from the waterfall. After crossing the river, the trail passes through the Jägala waterfall park. Finally, the trail runs through the village of Koogi and arrives at Jõelähtme.

The Forest Trail leads down from the highest point of the Haanja Upland. The most important sight on this route is the Suur Munamägi Hill – 318 m above sea level. The highest point of the Baltics with its observation tower provides its visitors with a splendid 50 km range view of the Estonian nature. The 150 year-old western taiga spruce forests grow on the slopes of Suur-Munamägi. Further on the trail circles around the southern part of Lake Vaskna, and continues down small country roads surrounded by solitary homesteads and small clusters of farms. The route ends in a small village, Tsiistre, where the Linen Museum is located. The museum has a collection of folk linen. Flax is one of the oldest cultural plants in Estonia and a few decades ago, blue flax fields were a common sight in southern Estonia.

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, then this tour is the perfect way to enjoy the heritage hidden in Gauja National Park, from several different perspectives. Cycling starts at Strenči and passes two local breweries at Brenguļi and Valmiermuiža with nice cafés and good beer. You will hike through beautiful forests and along the Sietiņiezis sandstone cliff towards Cēsis with its charming medieval Old Town. Canoeing takes place from Cēsis to Līgatne, which is one of the nicest parts of the River Gauja with its sandstone banks, remote farmsteads and old fashioned water-powered ferry. Līgatne historic centre is connected with the development of its paper mill. Here you can also visit local wine and handicraft producers located in one of the artificial caves typical of the area. Walk the Līgatne Nature Trails to see local wild animals in a forest setting. At the end you will cycle from Līgatne to Sigulda, which is one of the most popular tourist sights in Latvia. You'll see the Turaida and Sigulda medieval castles, Gutman’s Cave and other picturesque views.

On this tour there are the finest cultural and historical heritage left behind over the course of several centuries – medieval castles, different manors and splendid palaces. Part of the route goes through Gauja National Park with some excellent views of meadows and ancient forest, where  farmsteads carry on with their unchanging lives. A picturesque road connects three castles - Sigulda, Turaida and Krimulda - situated on the high valley sides of the Gauja river. Further on, the road passes one of the oldest churches in Latvia and heads to two attractive 19th century manors at Birini and Igate. Next day, relax in luxury at Dikļi manor hotel. The tour then goes through charming medieval town Cesis with mighty castle ruins and a newer castle alomgside.

The other part of the tour makes a loop formed by Zemgale's distinctive castles and palaces. It includes Jaunpils Castle, barely changed since medieval times, Dobele Castle ruins and Tervete ancient hillock. Located a short ride from each other are 15th century Bauska Castle, strategically situated between two rivers, the classically styled Mežotne Palace hotel and the most famous pearl in the Baltics - splendid baroque and rococo style Rundāle Palace surrounded by a French park.

Saaremaa and Hiumaa are the two largest ones amongst 1500 other Estonian islands. In fact Saaremaa is the common name for Muhu and Saaremaa islands which are connected by the causeway like Hiumaa and Kassari islands. 
Kuressare is a capital of Saaremaa and that's from where this route starts. There is impressive medieval Bishop's Castle, many spas, pleasant cafés, galleries and market in the town. From Kuressare the route goes to sparsely populates Sõrve peninsula. Then going towards Kihelkonna you pass Viidumäe Nature Reserve and reach Vilsandi National Park which encompasses Vilsandi and 150 other off-shore islets. Its headquarters is at Loona Manor. 
Small fishermen villages, picturesque juniper growth, windmills are typical for the Saaremaa landscape. 
From Triigi there is a ferry to Hiumaa island which is much wilder than Saaremaa. There are peninsulas to all direction stretching in the sea. The route goes to Kõpu peninsula where is the most remarkable and the third oldest lighthouse in Europe located.  Kärdla is the main town of the island once renowned for its textiles factory which now houses museum. Kassari island is a retreat from several Estonian artists who has summer houses there. Kassari Church is unusual for its thatched roof. 
Arriving back to Saaremaa explore Meteorite Lake at Kaali and the earliest stone church in Estonia – Valjala Church. Return to Kuressare. 

This route will allow you to see Latvia's most impressive medieval castles or their ruins, as well as outstanding manor houses from aristocratic estates dating back th the 18th and 19th century. The mansion of the Ungurmuiža Estate is one of the only wooden palaces left in Latvia from those that were built in the early 18th century. The ruins of the Cēsis Castle are among the most impressive Medieval ruins in the country. The tower of the Turaida Castle offers panoramic view of the ancient Gauja River Valley. About one-half of  the route passes through the Gauja National Park. You will arrive at the place where the oldest crossing of the Baltic rivers exists - the rafts which transport people across the river are still powered by the stream itself. 
Accommodations is organized at baronial estates and castles wherever its possible. Suggested meals are organized at the upper class restaurants or places where traditional Latvian atmosphere and dishes can be tried.

The tour starts at Jaunmokas Castle estate, where you will also find the Forest Museum. The pride of the castle is its unique painted tile stove (beginning of the 20th century) made of 130 painted tiles featuring 50 different views of the cities Rīga and Jūrmala. The Forest Trails runs along smaller tracks through the Austrumkursa Uplands, the valley of the river Slocene, along Lake Sekļa and Lake Jumprava to finally reach the town of Tukums. Well, the town takes pride in its pots, planters and flower beds with blooming roses along its streets. Next, the route meanders through forests to the demanding hillock of Milzkalns and Lake Valguma, where you will find the barefoot trail and a secluded art space within the woods. The Forest Trail continues to make a stopover at the Ķemeri National Park. The park is dedicated to protection of wetlands, since it is home to one of the largest marshlands of Latvia – the Great Ķemeri bog. As to the town – Ķemeri – it is the former balneological and sulphur springs resort. The tour ends in the village of Bigauņciems, where the Forest Trail joins with the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route (E9 European long distance path). Optionally, one can take a detour along the Lake Sloka trail with its bird-watching tower or pay a visit to the “Forest House” – the visitor’s centre of the Ķemeri National Park.

The Forest Trail follows small roads and trails through the woods. Along the route you will see the Ērģeļu Cliffs, where the observation terrace provides a great view of the impressive 700 m wide sandstone cliff and the beautiful natural landscape in the ancient River Gauja valley. One of the most beautiful places on the banks of the River Gauja is at “Caunītes” tourist lodging, where you will end the first day of the route. Further on the trail leads through pine forests and wetlands, across and around hills and slopes. One of the most beautiful views of the River Gauja opens from Sietiņiezis Rock, a 15 m high sandstone cliff where a circular 1.5 km trail has been constructed. Coming to Valmiera, you will reach the so-called “Dzelzītis” bridge (a narrow-gauge railway bridge) and continue walking along the River Gauja to Valmiera Centre. Sites of interest in Valmiera: St. Simon’s Church, ruins of the Livonian Castle and Valmiera Museum. There is also an adventure park “Sajūtu Parks” (“Park of Senses”), where you can walk on the barefoot trail, the tree-top trail and enjoy other activities.

The route brings you to Kaunas, multiple Lithuanian regional parks and allows to enjoy the landscapes of the river Nemunas. Kaunas is Lithuania’s second largest city. It is notable for its modernist architecture. The city is located at the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers: Nemunas and Neris. Moving further from Lampėdžiai to Vilkija, the Forest Trail runs for two days along trails and small countryside gravel roads next to the right bank of the river Nemunas. This section is shaped by beautiful landscapes with views of the river, the waterfront meadows and small villages. Do not miss the ferry in Vilkija crossing over the river Nemunas, one of the few still in operation in the Baltic States. For the next two days from Vilkija, the Forest Trail runs through its most spectacular sections in the Dubysa Regional Park from Kirkšnovė to Šiluva with mounds on riverbanks and historical churches now and there. This regional park covers the impressive Dubysa river valley, which reaches a depth of 40 m and a width of up to 500 m. Be prepared for a rolling terrain. Next, the route will take you to the town of Šiluva – the Catholic pilgrimage site – and to the Kurtuvėnai Regional Park. It is among the most forested areas of Central Lithuania; thus, the regional park with its glaciated valleys is a wonderland of forests, waters and wetlands. The Forest Trail leads along small forest paths, tourist trails, beautiful tree alleys and wetlands. The walk ends in Šaukėnai village, from where the city of Šiauliai is easily reached.

The route includes some of the most authentic local expediencies travelling through blue lake districts along the Eastern part of Latvia and Lithuania. This is a region where mass tourism has not yet arrived, and you find very sincere and hospitable people, traditional villages, many churches and cult locations which bring together paganism, Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, Russian Orthodoxy and Old believers, 
The route weaves through the Rāzna National Park surrounding lake Rāzna which provide scenic views, contains traditional farmsteads and ancient castle mounds. There is Aglona Basilica, pilgrimage place and Bread Museum worthwhile a visit. The route goes through Daugavpils with impressive 19th century' s fortress where the Art Centre of the world's famous abstractionist Mark Rothko is located.  Several pottery workshops producing traditional “black” ceramics are along the way. 
The route continues through Aukštaitija National Park across the border in Lithuania. It goes through ethnographic villages, along wooden churches and many lakes. Ancient Bee-keeping Museum at Stripeikiai is worthwhile a visit. To keep the contrast the route goes also to European Park, an open-air contemporary art museum and the centre of Europe.
Surely, you will taste the local beer of Latgale in Latvia and traditional dish Cepelinai in Lithuania. 

The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route goes through Nõva Nature reserve where you will have exceptional views of the white and grey dunes. The beaches are popular for fishing and kite-surfing. In Dirhami you can spend some time in a cafe and from its terrace you will have a beautiful view of the sea and the port. Along the way you can also see ancient Swedish hamlets with a different cultural environment and landscape, as well as shallow lakes that have been separated from the sea. 

From Vilnius the route goes to picturesque Trakai Castle surrounded by lake from which it continues to Dzūkija National Park. The park introduces with traditional Lithuanian way of living, closeness with forest as well as valuable natural resources.  Information centre and centre of etnoculture is located at Marcinkonys but Čepkelių raistas provides atmospheric vast bog landscape. Pleasant forest trails and quite roads are pleasant for cycling. Druskininkai is a historic spa resort with charming old town, many spa hotels, walking trails and entertainment facilities. There is the Grutos Park where monuments from Soviet area is collected in order to demonstrate the former oppressive ideology. From there the road heads to lively Kaunas which sits between two rivers -Nemunas and Neris. 
The route continues along the picturesque banks of the Nemuna river visiting small friendly villages along the way and passing Nemunas Delta Regional Park. The first Balts' tribes has arrived in Lithuania along the banks of Nemuna river leaving behind rich heritage and scenic castle mounds.
The route finishes at the port city Klaipēda which is Lithuanian gateway to Europe as well as nearby Curonian Spit.

This section of the seacoast of Vidzeme is of outstanding scenic beauty with a lot of rocky capes and boulders in the sea alternating with small, sandy coves where the small streams and rivulets, which dry out in summer, flow into. Occasionally, the beach is completely covered with the gray backs of stones. In Zvejniekciems you need to make a detour around the estuary of the Aģe River and the Skulte port. In some places, small patches of reeds appear, while near Tūja you will see the first sandstone outcrops. Some part of the route can be covered via the beach or via a trail meandering through the dune forest with old pines. At the end of the route, you can see the unique lamprey fishing method - Svētupes nēģu tacis.

Kihnu Island is the largest island in the Gulf of Rīga and the seventh largest island in Estonia. Its total area is 16.9 km², the island is 7 km long and up to 3.3 km wide. The former seal hunter and fishermen’s island, with around 600 inhabitants, is currently eager to maintain its identity in spite of everything. The unique characteristics of the Kihnu cultural space, like the lifestyle of the community, the diverse cultural traditions, the Kihnu language, music, national costumes and nature, are included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.

A coastal route that goes through four villages – Sääre, Linaküla, Rootsiküla and Lemsi - will help you to discover the cultural and natural values of Kihnu Island. You can visit Kihnu Museum all year round and get insight into the history of the island, including the life of the famous local captain, Kihnu Jõnn. It is also worth seeing Kihnu Church and the cemetery located across from the museum. In the summer, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the island, the surrounding sandbanks and the sea from the lighthouse. The commemorative stone by the former house of Kihnu Jõnn introduces you to the island’s legendary “wild captain”.
 

This tour will take you exploring the peculiar island of Rusnė and the delta of the river Nemunas in Lithuania. The island of Rusnė in the Nemunas Delta Regional Park is enclosed by waters of the river Nemunas and its tributaries. It is a resting place for migratory birds and home to a cormorant colony. The area of the island is 45 km2 and it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island of Rusnė is the lowest place in Lithuania, lying below sea level. The historic centre of the town Rusnė is characteristic of authentic wooden architecture, buildings painted in bright colours, colourful window shutters and decorations. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route leads through the small town of Šilutė, revealing architecture that was once common to East Prussia. From Šilutė to Kintai, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route runs along a low plain. To protect this area from flood waters of Nemunas, there is a system of dams, polders and canals established. After crossing the river Minija, the route invites you to visit the ethnographic village of Minija. Here you can enjoy the lowland landscape of the seaside region with vast wetlands and ponds.

The trip starts in Kuldīga – a jewel among the old towns in Kurzeme. The town centre is home to historic buildings dating back to the 17th – 19th century. Cobbled streets of Kuldīga, old buildings, the river Alekšupīte, running through the town, St. Catherine’s Church and organ music concerts in it, gourmet restaurants and a country delicatessen shop in the town centre is a great travel experience to enjoy in a leisurely ambience of a small town. The red-brick bridge over the river Venta is a landmark of the town. The widest waterfall of Europe, Ventas rumba (width ~100 m) lies on the Venta. Venta river promenade is a popular place for walking along the riverbank.

A private transfer will take you from Kuldīga to the village of Snēpele, where you will start your hike. The trail will take you to the Pelči Manor, the manor park and the deer park next to the guest house “Mazsālijas”. Next, the Forest Trail will lead you through the Abava River Valley Nature Park up to the town of Sabile. The latter is home to a winery and cider house “Sabiles Sidra nams”, which offers tastings and sells the local wine and cider. The section along the Abava River Valley Nature Park is the most diverse in terms of landscape and terrain of a river valley in Kurzeme. The river valley with its numerous habitats and vast biodiversity reaches a depth of 30–40 m and is more than 300 m wide. One will find springs, waterfalls, rock outcrops, and boulders here. After the Forest Trail has meandered through meadows, oak forests and hillocks it finally reaches the town of Kandava.

Diese Tour zeigt die besten Pfade und Sehenswürdigkeiten des Nationalparks Gauja. Die Wanderungen sind so organisiert, dass der Reisende ständig in Bewegung ist. Die “Arterie” des Parks ist das Urstromtal des Flusses Gauja mit vielen Nebenflüssen und Schluchten in den massiven Sandsteinfelsen aus der Devonperiode. Die Wanderung beginnt an einer der ältesten Kirchen in Lettland, führt dem Fluss entlang und endet an der Bobbahn von Sigulda. Auf Ihnen warten malerische Aussichten auf den Fluss, die Felsen und Naturpfade. Der Naturpfad des Flusses Amata schlängelt sich durch unberührte Wälder und bietet die Möglichkeit, die Ikone der lettischen Naturlandschaft – den Felsen von Zvarte – zu besichtigen.
In Cesis erkunden Sie die kleinen Straßen, steigen auf den Turm der Kirche des Heiligen Johannes und besuchen die Ruinen der mittelalterlichen Burg, bevor Sie sich zu dem Naturpfad von Cirulisi begeben, um die geologische Geschichte der Gegend zu erforschen. Das Landgut Ungurmuiza ist das einzige erhaltene barocke Landgut aus Holz in den baltischen Staaten. Ein kleiner Pfad schlängelt sich zwischen den alten Eichen des Landgutes.
In dem Park befinden sich einige Sehenswürdigkeiten kultureller Bedeutung: das Museum-Schutzgebiet von Turaida, das Landgut Krimulda und das historische Zentrum von Ligatne.

Auf dieser Tour genießen Sie die Vielfalt der Natur im Lahemaa National Park - dem ältesten Nationalpark im Baltikum. Lahemaa - bedeutet auf Estnisch „das Land der Buchten“. Es zeichnet sich durch viele Buchten, Halbinseln, Wälder und Dörfer aus, die reich an kulturellem Erbe sind. Der Forest Trail führt entlang der Buchten und Halbinseln des Lahemaa-Nationalparks und führt die Wanderer in das bedeutendste Natur- und Kulturerbe ein. Die Wälder sind im Herbst reich an Blaubeeren und Pilzen und die Luft ist sehr sauber.

Sie beginnen die Tour von Tallinn aus mit dem Bus zum Lahemaa National Park, wo Sie in einem der wunderschönen Herrenhäuser übernachten. Am nächsten Tag wandern Sie bis Oandu. Unterwegs sehen Sie Altja - ein malerisches traditionelles Fischerdorf, in dem sich eine traditionelle estnische Taverne befindet und Sie traditionelle Gerichte genießen können. In Oandu befindet sich das Besucherzentrum der Estnischen Staatlichen Waldbewirtschaftung (RMK), in dem Wanderer mehr über Waldlebensraumtypen und Waldbewirtschaftungstraditionen erfahren können. Dann erreichen Sie die Halbinsel Käsmu mit ihren bewaldeten Dünen und moosbedeckten Felsenfeldern, die das Gefühl vermitteln, in einem Märchen zu sein. Käsmu ist auch ein beliebtes estnisches Seekapitänsdorf. Dort können Sie das Meeresmuseum und den Leuchtturm besuchen sowie einen zusätzlichen Spaziergang zu den Vana-Jüri-Felsen unternehmen.

Tagsüber sehen Sie von Käsmu nach Kasispea einige der beeindruckendsten Felsbrocken im Lahemaa-Nationalpark, die Felsbrocken Tammispea und Jaani-Tooma, die riesigen Monolithen ähneln. Sie beenden die Tour im Dorf Viinistu, wo wir Ihnen empfehlen, das Kunstmuseum von Viinistu zu besuchen.

Die Autoreise von Vilnius nach Rīga führt Sie zu den schönsten und wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten des Wald-Wanderweges in Litauen und seinem südlichen Teil in Lettland. Sie beginnen Ihre Tour mit dem Besuch der Hauptstadt Vilnius, dann fahren Sie zu der historischen Kurstadt Druskininkai, und danach wandern Sie auf dem städtischen Abschnitt des Wald-Wanderweges. Danach werden Sie den Nationalpark Dzūkija, den Merkinė-Burghügel und die Kurstadt Birštonas besuchen, die sich im Memelschleifenregionalpark befindet. Weiter erreichen Sie die zweitgrößte Stadt Litauens – Kaunas – und wandern durch die Stadt entlang der Route des Wald-Wanderweges, um schließlich den Wald von Panemunė zu erreichen. Anschließend führt die
Route Sie entlang des schönen Ufers des Flusses Nemunas (Memel) nach Vilkija, wo Sie den Fluss in einer Fähre überqueren können.

Der nächste Teil der Route umfasst den Regionalpark Dubysa mit dem spektakulären Dubysa-Flusstal, historischen Kirchen und mehreren Burghügel entlang der Flussufer. Das Gelände kann Sie mit einer anstrengenden Wanderung überraschen. Anschließend besuchen Sie die Stadt Šiluva, die ein katholischer Wallfahrtsort ist, und fahren dann zum Regionalpark Tytuvėnai, wo Sie den Naturpfad des Sees Gilius, der Teil des Wald-Wanderweges ist, erkunden. Die Tour geht weiter im Regionalpark Kurtuvėnai, wo Sie einen Abschnitt des Wald-Wanderweges von Kurtuvėnai nach Šaukėnai entlang kleiner Waldwege, Lehrpfade, schöner Baumalleen und durch Feuchtgebiete wandern. Dann fahren Sie zu der Region Žemaitija, besuchen die Stadt Telšiai und wandern einen Abschnitt des Wald-Wanderweges entlang des Plateliai-Sees.

Anschließend führt Sie die Tour durch die steinerne Stadt Mosėdis nach Lettland, wo Sie eine Pause machen und einen Spaziergang durch eine der ältesten Städte Lettlands machen – Aizpute. In dieser Stadt empfehlen wird die Holzarchitektur aus dem 19. Jahrhundert und die lokale Weinbrauerei zu genießen. Weiter werden Sie für eine kurze Strecke des Wald-Wanderweges im herrlichen Gutspark Kazdanga wandern und danach weiter zu der schönsten Stadt Kurzeme – Kuldīga – fahren. Am Ende der Tour wandern Sie einen Teil des Wald-Wanderweges im Naturpark des Abava-Flusstals und entlang der Pfade im Nationalpark Ķemeri.

Der erste Teil dieses Abschnitts des Waldweges schlängelt sich entlang des herrlichen Piusa-Tals und biegt dann im Dorf Härmä in Richtung Obinitsa ab, einem wichtigen kulturellen Zentrum von Setomaa, dem Land von Setos. Hier können Sie die Traditionen der Seto-Bevölkerung entdecken, zum Beispiel das feine Handwerk der Seto-Frauen. Nach Obinitsa führt der Waldweg durch wunderschöne, heidereiche Kiefernwälder, steigt zurück in die Tiefen des Piusa-Tals und endet an den Piusa-Höhlen. Die Piusa-Sandsteinhöhlen sind das Ergebnis des Handabbaus von Glassand von 1922-1966. In den Höhlen befindet sich die größte überwinternde Fledermauskolonie Osteuropas. In Begleitung des Führers können Sie die Aussichtsplattform in der Museumshöhle besuchen.

Zwiebeln, Fische, Dörfer, die sich über mehrere Kilometer erstrecken, wo die Gebäude entlang der Hauptstraße gesäumt sind, reich verzierte Kirchen der Altgläubigen, kleine Häfen mit Fischerbooten und Holzhäuser, die jeweils in einer anderen Farbe gestrichen sind! Cafés, Geschäfte und Blick auf den Peipussee, der eher wie ein Meer als wie ein See aussieht. Dies könnte die Beschreibung dieser Tour sein. Diese Tour ist ein sehr interessanter Teil des Waldweges, auf dem Sie die Region des Peipsi-Sees, die Kultur und den Lebensstil der Menschen vor Ort sowie die Natur sehen und genießen können.

Die Tour beginnt in Tartu - Estlands zweitgrößter Stadt. Sie fahren mit dem Bus von Tartu nach Varnja, wo Sie mit dem Wandern beginnen. Während der Tour können Sie Kostjas Zwiebelfarm besuchen, wo der Gastgeber die Gäste begrüßt und den Zwiebelanbau präsentiert. Es lohnt sich auch, das Chicorée-Museum in Kalkutta zu besuchen, um die Geschichte des Chicorée-Anbaus in Reihen-Dörfern in der Nähe des Peipus-Sees kennenzulernen.  Sie werden auch Alatskivi Castle sehen. In Avinurme empfehlen wir Ihnen, das Holzhandwerkszentrum von Avinurme zu besuchen und sich mit dem lokalen Holzhandwerk vertraut zu machen, Zeit in Holzbearbeitungswerkstätten zu verbringen und eine Auswahl an estnischen traditionellen Lebensmitteln zu probieren oder sogar zuzubereiten. Am Ende der Tour kehren Sie mit dem Bus nach Tartu zurück.

Guided wilderness experience day-trip combines bog shoeing and canoeing. First is walking through the forest and reaching the largest peat-bog in Estonia – Kuresoo. Wear bogshoes and walk on the wild landscape, followed by wilderness lunch. The trip ends with a relaxing canoe trip along Soomaa meandering rivers.

Der Baltische Küstenwanderweg führt um die Pakri-Halbinsel herum, von der aus sich ein Blick auf die schönsten Landschaften der nordwestlichen Küste Estlands bietet. Der Pfad führt durch das Zentrum der Stadt Paldiski und biegt an der Bastion des Zaren Peter des Großen in Richtung des Leuchtturm von Pakri ab. Bis zum Leuchtturm verläuft der Weg auf dem Rücken der eindrucksvollen Pakri-Felsen. Weiter bis zum Ort Kersalu führt der Pfad mal steil bergauf über die Felsen, mal bergab zu einem sandig-steinigen Strand und einem wunderschönen Kiefernwald.

Dieser Abschnitt des Waldweges führt durch den gesamten Gauja-Nationalpark und bietet die Möglichkeit, die schönsten Orte und Sehenswürdigkeiten dieses Nationalparks von mehr als 100 km zu sehen. Der Gauja-Nationalpark ist der älteste und größte Nationalpark in Lettland. Das alte Tal des Flusses Gauja ist das tiefste Flusstal in den baltischen Staaten. Die Ufer des Flusses Gauja zeigen bunte Sandsteinaufschlüsse, die sich im Wasser widerspiegeln. Die Sehenswürdigkeiten sind im Frühling, wenn Vogelkirschbäume in voller Blüte stehen, und im Herbst, wenn die Bäume rot und gelb werden, am schönsten. Das alte Tal des Flusses Gauja hat ein markantes Relief, das bis zu 80 m schwanken kann. Der größte Teil der Straße führt über Waldwege entlang des Flusses und verlässt die Wälder in Līgatne und Sigulda.

Fast die Hälfte des Parks ist von Wald bedeckt. Der Gauja-Nationalpark ist bekannt für die große Vielfalt besonders geschützter Wälder mit krautigen Fichtenwäldern, Hang- und Schluchtenwäldern sowie gemischten Laubwäldern.

Nach einem Tag in Rīga fahren Sie mit der Bahn nach Sigulda, wo eine dreitägige Radtour durch den Gauja-Nationalpark beginnt. Zu sehen gibt es Sandsteinfelsen und -höhlen, die Burg Turaida am Flusstal der Gauja, die Naturpfade von Līgatne, wo in weitläufigen Gehegen wildlebende Tiere zu beobachten sind, die rekonstruierte altlettische Inselburg Āraiši und die beiden hübschen Kleinstädte Cēsis mit ihrer Ordensburg und Valmiera. Mit dem Zug geht es weiter zum Naturpark Otepää in Estland, durch den eine eintägige Radtour und eine eintägige Kanufahrt führen. Nach einem Zwischenstopp in der zweitgrößten estnischen Stadt Tartu fahren Sie mit der Bahn in den ältesten Nationalpark im Baltikum, Lahemaa, der sich entlang des Finnischen Meerbusens erstreckt. Während einer dreitägigen Radtour gibt es neben beeindruckenden Findlingen authentische kleine Fischerdörfer und schöne, in Parks gelegene Gutshäuser zu sehen. Die Tour endet in Tallinn, wo Sie die letzte Nacht verbringen.