Cycling

Этот маршрут предлагает вам отличную возможность посетить самый большой остров Эстонии – Сааремаа, который является своеобразным символом для туризма по Эстонии. На острове находятся один из наиболее впечатляющих метеоритных кратеров в Северной Европе, Епископский замок Курессааре, самая крутая отвесная скала в Эстонии и множество других интересных туристических объектов.

To start the tour you take a train from Riga to Liepaja, a city with white sandy beaches and a lively cafe culture. The route goes through suburbs of Liepaja to the former millitary town where you see the Orthodox cathederal, old naval fortifications, former barracks and an imposing military prison which is now a tourism site. Pavilosta is a small seaside town and a favourite with windsurfers. Next the route follows the picturesque coastline, including steep banks at Jurkalne and finishes at the well-maintained town of Ventspils. Then along to fishing villages that are home to the tiny Finno-Ugric ethnic group, the Livs. At Cape Kolka the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga. Here, sampling the local smoked fish is a must. Further on, the route crosses three different types of sea shore – the stony beach at Kaltene, a sandy one at Upesgriva and coastal meadows at Engure. Finish with the trails at Kemeri National Park and return to Riga from the popular resort town of Jūrmala.

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.

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.

Маршрут подходит для тех, кто любит наслаждаться природными и культурными ценностями! Сказочные Слитерские Синие горы известны уже с давних времен, когда на них «пираты» жгли ложные костры, чтобы корабли налетали на мель мыса Колки. В наше время берега национального парка «Слитере» образно наывают геологическим музеем Балтийского моря под открытым небом, так как здесь можно увидеть древний берег Балтийского ледникового озера, береговой уступ Анцильского озера и дюнные образования Литоринского моря (валообразные дюны (кангари) и заболоченные междюновые впадины (виги)), которые наглядно отображают историю развития Балтийского моря за последние 10 000 лет. Этот берег исторически населяли ливы, рыбацкие поселки которых являются значимой культурной средой одного из самых малых национальных меньшинств в мире. Маршрут на участке от Мазирбе до Колки ведет по старой прибрежной дороге, которая петляет через ливские поселки – Кошрагс, Питрагс, Саунагс и Вайде. Национальный парк «Слитере» – одна из наиболее флорестически богатых территорий Латвии, а мыс Колка – одно из популярнейших мест для наблюдения за птицами во время их миграции.

Информация о маршруте от Latvijas Lauku forums​​

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.