Aktivtouren

Spaziergänge im Moor, auf Seen, an der Küste und in Wäldern
enn wir nach Kemeri fahren, reisen wir durch den bekannten Kurort Jurmala mit seinen hölzernen Villas aus dem 18. Jh. Auf jeden Fall ist Kemeri der Ort, wo die Geschichte des Kurortes in der Wirklichkeit angefangen hat. Wir probieren das heilende Wasser der Schwefelquellen, besuchen das Waldhaus und unternehmen einen Spaziergang auf dem Schwarzerlenpfad, der durch einen feuchten Wald führt. Danach besuchen wir den Bretterpfad in dem großen Moor von Kemeri mit seiner wunderschönen Landschaft, seltenen Vögeln, Tieren und Pflanzen. Weiter führt die Tour zum See Valgums, wo wir unseren Mittag essen und eine Wanderung um den See Kanieris unternehmen, wo ein Burgbergpfad eingerichtet und ein Aussichtsturm aufgebaut ist. Der Tag endet mit einem ruhigen Spaziergang an der Küste, wo wir alte Fischerhütten besuchen und die Vorort geräucherten Fische probieren.

Nach der Durchquerung von Sigulda folgt der Waldweg dem Fluss Vējupīte zum Paradīzes-Hügel, wo eine steile Treppe hinunter in das alte Tal des Flusses Gauja und in die Schlucht des Flusses Vējupīte führt. Es schlängelt sich weiter über kleinere Wege durch Wiesen und überquert kleine Flüsse, deren Ufer Sandsteinaufschlüsse aufweisen. Die letzten sechs Kilometer dieses Abschnitts folgen einem kleineren Pfad entlang der Naturpfade von Līgatne. Auf diesem 5,5 km langen Weg können Sie einheimische Wildtiere und Vögel beobachten. Weiter auf dem Waldweg geht es die Hügel des alten Tals des Flusses Gauja hinauf, bevor es wieder hinunter in die tiefe Schlucht des Flusses Līgatne geht, wo sich das Dorf der ehemaligen Papierfabrik Līgatne befindet. Sie können dieses attraktive kleine Dorf erkunden, die Līgatne-Löffelfabrik, das Weingut und die Līgatne-Höhlen besuchen. Es gibt auch den Līgatne Net Park mit 4-7 m hohen Netzlabyrinthen zwischen den Baumwipfeln.

Dieser Teil des Waldweges und des Gauja-Nationalparks ist durch einen allmählichen Übergang von verschiedenen Laubwäldern (Esche, Grauerle, Eiche, Birke, Linde) zu Nadelbeständen gekennzeichnet.

Der Baltische Küstenwanderweg führt durch das Naturschutzgebiet Nõva, in dem Sie eine wunderbare Aussicht auf die weißen und grauen Dünen haben. Die Strände sind beliebt zum Angeln und Kiteboarding. In Dirhami können Sie in eine Kneipe einkehren, von deren Terrasse Sie eine schöne Aussicht auf das Meer und den Hafen haben. Entlang des Wegs können Sie alte schwedische Dörfer mit unterschiedlicher kulturellen Umgebung und Landschaft sehen, als auch flache Seen, die sich von dem Meer abgetrennt haben. 
ROOSLEPA 

Die Route schlängelt sich zwischen einer mit Schilfen und Gräsern stark bewachsen steinigen Seeküste auf einer Seite und bewaldeten Dünen auf der anderen Seite hindurch. An manchen Abschnitten ist der Strand mit kleinen runden Steinen gepflastert, in anderen können Sie graue Dünen mit einer großen Pflanzenvielfalt sehen. In der Nähe des Dorfs Bērzciems gibt es große Küstenwiesen mit weit entfernt im Meer zu sehenden Untiefen, die zur Vogelbeobachtung geeignet sind. Auf dieser Route ist es möglich das Fischer-Gehöft „Dieninas“ zu besuchen. Dort können Sie regionalen Räucherfisch kaufen. Außerdem lohnt es sich den Hafen von Engure und die evangelisch-lutheranische Kirche von Engure zu besichtigen.

Dieser Teil des Waldweges bietet die Möglichkeit, Setomaa oder das „Land der Setos“ zu sehen, das von Setos bewohnt wird - einer ethnografischen Gruppe mit spezifischen alten Traditionen und einem einzigartigen Sprachdialekt. Wanderer auf dem Forest Trail können das traditionelle Gehöft von Setos besuchen und die Küche von Setos genießen. Die Wälder der Region sind besonders im Frühherbst reizvoll, wenn der Boden durch die blühende Heide lila gefärbt ist. Es besteht eine gute Chance, wilde Pilze und Beeren zu pflücken. Einer der schönsten Abschnitte dieses Weges in Setomaa führt entlang des Flusses Piusa, wo der Fluss von Sandsteinaufschlüssen umgeben ist. Sie werden auch die Piusa-Höhlen besuchen. Die Tour endet im Värska Resort - mit Sanatorium und SPA, die die Stärken der lokalen Natur nutzen: Mineralwasser und Seeschlamm. Das Mineralwasser von Värska ist in Estland und anderswo bekannt.

Diese Tour bietet Ihnen die Möglichkeit, das Beste vom Winter in Lettland zu erleben. Sie beginnt in der regen Hauptstadt Riga mit ihrem Weihnachtsmarkt, Verzierungen, Einkaufsmöglichkeiten, vielen Kulturveranstaltungen und Museen, sowie mit der zauberhaften Altstadt. Danach führt die Tour auf dem Land, wo man auf Skipisten und an Schlittenhängen die Winterfreuden genießen kann. Nach einem aktiven Tag ist die Zeit gekommen, sich in einem Spa Hotel verwöhnen zu lassen, wo man auch die gesunden und einzigartigen Rituale der lettischen Sauna ausprobieren kann. Besuchen Sie die Ruinen der mittelalterlichen Burg von Sigulda, die Burg Turaida und probieren Sie den hausgemachten Wein im Landgut von Krimulda. Auf den Naturpfaden des Naturparks Ligatne können Sie sehr leicht die einheimischen wilden Tiere, z.B. Wölfe, Bären, Elche und andere beobachten. Danach können Sie auf einem unweit gelegenen Hof eine Fahrt mit einem Pferdeschlitten genießen.

This route includes some of the most authentic experiences that can be found in the regions of blue lakes in eastern Latvia and Lithuania.  No masses of tourists are here, and local residents are sincere and hospitable.  You will find traditional villages, many religious objects and farms that represent agricultural heritage.  You will ride through the Rāzna National Park, which is alongside the lovely Lake Rāzna.  You will visit traditional farms and ancient castles, as well as the Aglona Basilica, which has been a destination for pilgrims for many years.  There is also a bread museum in Aglona.  From there you will ride through Daugavpils, which has an impressive 19th century fortress that includes the Mark Rothko Art Centre.  Along the way you will find potteries where traditional ceramics are offered.  You will learn more about breeding horses and cows, as well as about how traditional cheeses are made and herbal teas are prepared.  Next you will ride through the Aukštaitija National Park that is on the border between Latvia and Lithuania.  You will see ethnographic villages with wooden castles, as well as many lakes.  It is worth visiting the Stripikiai Beekeeping Museum, the local open-air art museum, as well as the European Centre.  To be sure, you will enjoy local Lettigalian beer, as well as zeppelins, which are a traditional dish in Lithuania.

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

The tour begins in Riga with its Art Nouveau district and Old Town. Make your way to Sigulda by train. A hilly road passes Gutmana Cave, Turaida Castle and Krimulda Castle which stand on the hillsides of the Gauja river valley. The road continues to Limbaži, which is a typical Latvian provincial town. Further on you reach the Baltic Sea coast and Salacgriva, which is famous for its fishing traditions and lamprey. Outside Salacgrīva town there are rare coastal meadows and lagoons. After crossing the Latvian-Estonian border point, the road winds through old coastal villages - Ikla, Treimani, Kabli and Häädemeeste before rejoining the Via Baltica. At Pärnu explore Ruutli pedestrian street and the old fortifications. It is time to cross to the islands - the route passes through the small island of Muhu. Visit the local fish cafe at Livi and ethnographic fishermens’ village of Koguva. Then the route leads to Saaremaa island over a causeway. The main sites on the route are 'Valjala maalinn' – one of the most attractive hill forts in Estonia, the Valjala church, and meteorite craters of Kaali. By bus you head to the Estonian capital, Tallinn, charming with its medieval Old Town. From there take a tour of a former Soviet submarine base at Paldiski, a memorable reminder of recent history.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Onions, fish, villages that stretch out for several kilometres where the buildings are lined along the main street, ornate Old Believers' churches, small harbours with fishing boats and wooden houses, each painted in a different colour! Cafés, shops and a view of Lake Peipus, which looks more like a sea than a lake. This could be the description of this tour. This tour is a very interesting part of the Forest Trail, which will give you an opportunity to see and enjoy the Lake Peipsi region, the culture and lifestyle of local people as well as the nature.

The tour will start in Tartu – Estonia’s second biggest city. You will go by bus from Tartu to Varnja where you will start to hike. During the tour you can visit Kostja’s onion farm, where the host welcomes guests and presents 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.  You will also see Alatskivi Castle. In Avinurme we suggest visiting the Avinurme wooden handicraft centre and get acquainted with the local woodcraft, spend quality time in woodworking workshops and taste or even prepare yourself a selection of Estonian traditional foods. At the end of the tour you will return to Tartu by bus.

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.
 

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 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.

This tour features the best trails and attractions within the Gauja National Park. The walks are organised so that travellers are constantly on the move. The main “artery” of the park is the ancient Gauja River valley with many tributaries and deep ravines with massive sandstone cliffs from the Devonian period. The walk starts from one of the oldest churches in Latvia and follows the river which finishes at Sigulda bobsled track. Scenic views of the river, cliffs and nature trails await in the next section. The Amata river trail winds through untouched forest and inlcudes an icon of the Latvian landscape - Zvartes rock. At Cēsis explore the little streets, climb the tower of St John's Church and visit medieval castle ruins before heading to Cirulisi nature trail to explore the area's geological history. Ungurmuiza Manor is the only remaining wooden baroque manor house in the Baltics. A short trail weaves through ancient oak trees.

The park also features several sites of cultural importance: Turaida Museum Reserve, Krimulda Manor and Ligatne historic centre.

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. 

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 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.

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.

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.

Take a train from Riga to Cēsis and stay in the very heart of this chaming town. It is one of the most attractive Latvian provincial towns with a medieval Livonian Order Castle, a New Castle containing an excellent regional history museum and creative workshops, a charming Old Town with St. John's Church and several cosy cafes and restaurants with live music at weekends.
There are two downhill skiing centres, Žagarkalns and Ozolkalns at the town suburbs, with well stocked equipment hire, snow machines, skiing slopes (the longest 500 m), a snowboard park, nursery slopes for beginners and kids, trained instructors, first aid post and cafes.

From Riga the route goes to the historic Estonian sea resort and then by ferry to Muhu island. On the way there is ethnographic village of Koguva, the Liiva church and the elegant Padaste Manor. Overnight at Muhu island. 28 km cycling there juniper fields, its small fishing villages, and the magnificent Juigu cliffs, which open up a view of the other small islands in the Monzunda archipelago. Then drive to Saaremaa and stay in Kuressare, the island's capital. There the rooute covers such attractions as Kaali meteorite crater, impressive Valjala church and castle mound, Piretikivi rock and Poide church. Cycle along the Tagameisa Peninsula, up to 30 km. Driving to the ferry take a loop along Viidumae National Park with its viewing tower, Kihelkonna Church, the Odaletsi streams and nature trail and the dolomite Panga cliffs.

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 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.

On this tour you will enjoy the diversity  of nature in Lahemaa National Park – the oldest national park in the Baltic states. Lahemaa – means “the land of bays” in Estonian. It is characterised by many bays, peninsulas, forests and villages rich in cultural heritage. The Forest Trail will go 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.

You will start the tour from Tallinn, going by bus to Lahemaa National Park, where you stay overnight in one of the beautiful manors. On the next day you will hike till Oandu. En route you will see Altja – a scenic traditional fishing village, where a traditional Estonian tavern is located and you can enjoy traditional meals. In Oandu there is the visitor centre of the Estonian State Forest Management (RMK), where hikers can learn more about forest habitat types and forest management traditions. Then you will reach Käsmu Peninsula with its wooded dunes and moss-covered rock fields, giving the feeling of being in a fairy tale. Käsmu is also a popular Estonian sea captains´ village. There you can visit the Marine Museum and lighthouse, as well as have an extra walk to the Vana-Jüri rocks.

During the day from Käsmu to Kasispea you will see some of the most impressive boulders in Lahemaa National Park, the Tammispea and Jaani-Tooma boulders, which resemble huge monoliths. You will end the tour in Viinistu Village, where we suggest visiting Viinistu Art Museum.

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 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.