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 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 farm, established in 1874, today provides comfortable tourist accommodation, saunas, an outdoor pool and organic food made to centuries-old recipes. Its little museum exhibits the exquisite needlework and farm tools of previous generations. All these items have a story to tell about their former owners´ dreams and work.

Путешествие для гурманов и любителей путешествий, в котором будет возможность попробовать не только традиционные курземские блюда, как скландраусис и копчушка, но и блины, приготовленные из свежемолотой муки, крестьянский сыр, домашнее вино и другие дары села. Кроме дегустации даров села, будет возможность пройтись по природным тропам и  познакомиться с культурно-историческим наследием.

Информация о маршруте от Latvijas Lauku forums​​

The most significant period for the town is the time from 1561 to 1795, when the Jelgava district is a part of the Duchy of Courland and Zemgale. When Jelgava obtains the status of residence of the Duke of (1567t) and becomes the capital of the Duchy (1616) a rapid urban development begins, which is highest of during the reign of Duke Jacob. During the reign of last two Dukes of Courland - Ernst Johann Biron and his son Peter (1775) St. Peter's Academy (Academia Petrina) - the first Latvian Institute is founded, in 1816 is founded Courland Society of Literature and Art, in 1822 the first newspaper in Latvian "The Latvian newspaper" is published, in 1802 the first Latvian theatre building is built, but in 1898- the first building intended for museum. In 1937 Latvian agriculture camera is located in the Jelgava palace, but after two years Jelgava Agriculture Academy is opened. Nearly all the town's historic buildings and art treasures perished in the summer of 1944. After the World War II, Jelgava was rebuilt. Recently the Trinity Church tower has been restored, in which now is located one of the best Latvian interactive museums (very friendly for families with children).

The Raudondvaris Castle is on the right bank of the Neveža River in Raundondvaris.  The estate and a park that covers 3.8 ha has two buildings, an orangery, a stable for horses and a cellar.  Alongside the estate in 1834 was a park that was rebuilt in the 20th century with new plants and flowerbeds that featured ancient types of roses.  The northern part of the park is forested, with maple, pine and linden trees, as well as Edelweiss that blooms in the spring.  Paths in the park lead to a local environmentally protected area.

There are ancient cheese-making traditions in Cesvaine, where the Cesvaines Dairy was established on the basis of the historical Cesvaine Estate dairy operation.  The company produces butter, cottage cheese, cheese, home cheese and soured cream.  The “Pie Arkas” store that is alongside the dairy sells those products.

The Cesvaine Castle is one of Latvia’s most beautiful castles. Built in the style of Eclecticism, it is said to have been presented by its owner, Adolf von Wulff, to his wife. The castle was built between 1893 and 1896. On the banks of the Sūla River alongside the castle is the Cesvaine Park, including the afforested Cesvaine castle hill.

The Cesvaine castle roof reconstruction is complete! Visitors may tour the castle accompanied by a Cesvaine Tourism Centre guide. Restoration of the castle interior will ccontinue throughout 2020. Periodic closure of the castle can be expected. Please phone in advance to arrange a visit T. +371 26172637. For more information visit www.cesvaine.lv

Farm "Obelisk" is an industrial hemp farm located in Latgale region, Vilani county. This farm focuses on growing hemp as well as producing various hemp products like oil, seeds, salt, spices and more. There is possibility to learn about hemp and it’s many applications while taking a tour around the farm, joining a workshop or a course, having a group team building event or experience the first and only hemp escape room in Latvia.