Baltic Accessible Hiking Conference and Public Hike
23.05.2025-24.05.2025, Apšuciems
On May 23–24, the Baltic Hiking Tourism Conference and a group hike along the Jūrtaka trail took place in Apšuciems, Latvia, bringing together a wide audience of hiking and nature tourism professionals. Around 60 participants attended the conference, and more than 100 people joined the hike from Apšuciems to Engure the next day.
The conference focused on accessibility in long-distance hiking trails, the development of a volunteer movement, and inclusive tourism. A new accessibility infrastructure was unveiled at Apšuciems beach, developed by the Kurzeme Planning Region in cooperation with Tukums Municipality – now making the Jūrtaka trail more accessible to people with limited mobility.
A special highlight was the first aqua walking session in the Baltic Sea, led by Sofia Chipon and Patricia Neuville. This growing outdoor activity in Europe shows great potential for development in Latvia thanks to its flat, sandy coastline. From September 8-14, 2025 we will organize aqua walking trainer training in Apšuciems, led by Sofia Chipon and Patricia Neuville. Application for training - lauku@celotajs.lv. The registration fee is €100 per person, and the group size is limited to 12 people.
On May 24, the group hike along Jūrtaka created a friendly and active atmosphere. Participants explored the trail, learned about local volunteer initiatives, and received a symbolic pin to mark their membership in the Jūrtaka hiking community.
>>> Photos - Conference 23.05.2025
>>> Photos - Pilottesting Aspsuciems beach 23.05.2025
>>> Photos Aqua Walking session 23.05.2025
>>> Photos - Public Hike Apsuciems - Engure 24.05.2025
| Presentations | |
|---|---|
| The Impact of the Accessible Hiking project in the Context of Accessibility Improvement | Asnate Ziemele, Latvian Rural tourism association "Lauku ceļotājs" |
| Forest and Coastal hiking trails accessibility improvement for different social groups in Estonia | Elin Priks, Estonian Rural Tourism Organisation |
| Involment of people with Visual impairment in the development of trails | Līga Ķikute, Service Dog Association «Teodors» |
| Forest Trail Infrastructure – the Route in Kuldīga | Juris Smaļinskis, Latvian Rural tourism association "Lauku ceļotājs" |
| Aqua walking in Latvia, Baltic identity and origins | Sophie Chipon, Eurapean Hiking federation / Aqua walking trainer |
| How to Guide Tours for People with Access Needs | Liina Käär, Estonian Rural Tourism organization |
| Hiking on wheelchairs on trails | Laura Bite, Riga Planning Region |
| Involvement of Volunteers in Coastal and Forest Trail Maintenance, Establishment of Latvian Hiking Club | Aija Neilande, Latvian Hiking Club / Kurzeme Planning Region |
