The rugged beauty of Latvia’s nature trails on display at ITB Berlin 2025
Featured in the prestigious Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2024 guide, Latvia’s long-distance hiking paths, part of the Baltic Trails, lead travellers across rugged seascapes and verdant forests, offering a singular opportunity to be at one with nature
Latvia has been highlighted in the guide in the context of sustainability, for the Baltic Trails, two long-distance hiking paths that stretch across the three countries, allowing hikers and cyclists to explore unique natural beauty.
The Baltic Trails include the Baltic Coastal Route, ideal for travellers who enjoy walking by the sea, and the Baltic Forest Route, perfect for trekkers fond of forested land and national parks.
The Baltic Coastal Route, part of the larger E9 route, traces along the Baltic Sea, offering seaside views and fresh air. With a total length of 1,419 km, 581 km of the trail is within Latvian borders, divided into 20 km-long one-day or two-day sections. The Baltic Coastal Route through Latvia leads hikers down well-trodden trails and small roads to mostly sandy beaches along with some more rocky stretches as well as coastal meadows and seaside forests.
As travellers make their way along the Baltic Coastal Route, they can enjoy a number of highlights along the way. Fans of rocky landscapes will enjoy the steep shores of Jūrkalne and Vidzeme, while those looking for a taste of civilisation along the way can take their time as the trail winds through the port cities of Liepaja, Karosta, and Ventspils as well as the coastal resort Jurmala.
Trekkers will have plenty of opportunities to breathe in the fresh air and soak up the breathtaking landscapes surrounding them. Some of the high points along the Baltic Forest Trail include Kuldiga and the Venta Waterfall—the widest in Europe; Abava River Valley Nature Park and Sabile Wine Hill, the northernmost vineyard in the world. One section stretches along the historic village of the Līgatne Paper Mill, providing an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate history at the same time.
Given their length, the trails present numerous options and hikers can choose a section or sections that correspond to the number of days they have available to explore. They can start from anywhere along both the Baltic Coastal Route and the Baltic Forest Route and hike in either direction for as long as they like, or as long as their feet hold out.
All of the trails in Latvia are walkable in every season of the year so travellers can choose what dates and ambiance suits them best. Advanced booking is recommended in the summer and winter however as in the winter some of the attractions and guest houses are closed while in the summer they can get quite crowded.
Exploration on two wheels
The Baltic Trails are not reserved exclusively for hikers, and also provide an escape to nature for travellers who prefer cycling. With very little traffic and few steep climbs, the trails are quite accessible, offering cyclists a great way to discover the stunning landscapes and unique sites along the way, all while covering greater distances.
Due to the gravel, dirt and asphalt terrain that extends across much of the trails, mountain or gravel bikes are generally recommended, but there are also many sections that are accessible with standard bikes. In the sections of the trails where cycling is not possible, such as beaches, alternative routes and detours back to the main trail are quite straightforward. Bike rentals are available near all major cities.
Hall 18 / Stand 105
Photo: © Nauris Vasiļevskis
