FAM trip exploring beautiful Latvian Nature, 5-6th of October, 2023

On October 5-6 this year, Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays team organised a two-day exploration trip for foreign nature tourism operators in Gauja National Park. Despite the challenging weather – with winds bending trees and heavy rain – the experience turned out to be enriching. We hiked along the Mežtaka (E11) trail, which crosses Gauja National Park in its entirety. We flew with Zērglis (Sigulda Adventures) over the impressive Gauja valley, met the inhabitants of Līgatne Nature Trails under the guidance of Arta Krūmiņa, and enjoyed sauna procedures and explored Latvian medicinal plants, creating mandalas, guided by Evita Lukina in Ziedlejas .

Meals were organised in wonderful places such as “Zeit” and the Cook’s House in Līgatne, and spent the night at Kārļamuiža . At Kārļamuiža, we were served dinner by the excellent Latvian chef Renars Purmalis , who cooks using what grows/lives in Latvian forests, waters, and meadows.

We received positive feedback, acknowledging that Latvia is a wonderful, undiscovered gem of nature and people in the north of Europe. Based on the promises made by the operators, Latvia’s nature tourism service providers will be included in future routes. Special thanks to our fantastic guides Valdis Čeičs and Santa Feodorova. We have compiled and described nature tourism service providers in Latvia and Estonia here: balticnaturetourism.com

Mežtaka – Forest trail, Gaujas nacionālā parka fonds/ Gauja National Park Foundation, Zerglis, Līgatnes Dabas Takas/Ligatne Nature Trails, Ziedlejas, Pavāru māja Līgatnē, Karlamuiza, Country Hotel ZEIT

Photos: Juris Smaļinskis , Valdis Čeičs