BEST HIKING ROUTES IN LITHUANIA (2019-2020)

Walking along those trails, you will not only see the most interesting natural objects, but also hear millions of sounds of the Lithuanian forest, dispel the mystery of the wetlands, and at a moment of repose refresh yourself with water from our streams or springs. Read more..

Treetop Walking Path / Parnidis cognitive path / Ecological Cognitive Trail “Litorina” / Juniper valley / Pūčkoriai Cognitive Trail /

Interesting facts – Cape Kolka (Latvia)

Author – Uldis Vanags, 2019

Photos – Google.com

When you stand ashore at still weather day and enjoy full 225 angle view at peaceful Baltic Sea, you never except how deadly dangerous this place is for those who are just dozen meters away in water. Cape Kolka

Cape Kolka by opinion of many specialists is one of biggest Ship Graveyards in the world. If we count the years of navigation trough those gates to Northeast Europe, it looks trustful.

Vessels of different sizes try to pass Irbe strait for more than 4000 years. For those familiar with ancient navigation place have another name – Domesnes (for cape) and Irbestraβe (for strait).

One of legends told us that this place once inspired Richard Wagner to wrote beautiful opera “Flying Dutchman” (Der fliegende Holländer).

To understand why you must stand in dunes of cape Kolka in storm together with local fisherman, and later listen to never-ending stories about storms, pirates, sunken ships and lost souls around the Cape.

To understand why you must stand in dunes of cape Kolka in storm together with local fisherman, and later listen to never-ending stories about storms, pirates, sunken ships and lost souls around the Cape.

 

Just one small note for everybody who visit the place. Please not to try to swim around cape, not in bad or even in good weather. There are beautiful strands just a mile away, but the cape itself despite of drowsy imagination (especially in sunny day) actually is giant maelstrom more than hundred feet deep.

RigaTours.lv offer tours to Cape Kolka book now- link here!

 

 

Winter in Baltics: 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Baltic’s in Winter!

Many will argue that the Baltics (Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) are great travel locations in summer, and they would not be wrong. What they might not know, is that the Baltics are as great for holidays in the winters too, especially for the beautiful scenery.

For one, the Baltics make use of what they have to create that amazing winter holiday experience. On the other hand, these are one collection of countries that come together to make your experience a totally unique one.

Here are some of the top things through which you get to enjoy winter in the Baltics… and reasons why you should consider going at all three countries.

Skiing

Cross skiing in Latvia

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are all great locations for skiing. In the fact the outdoors always provides a great skiing experience.

You would think so too if you saw how well the snowy forests formed out delicately challenging paths for different levels of skiing experiences. Frozen lakes also bring all the fun and adrenaline rush into your skiing.

All of these resorts offer services that cater to different skill levels of skiers, so you are always covered.

The longest road in Europe

 

Ice road winter EstoniaOne thing you get to experience when you travel to Estonia in the winter is the chance to drive through the longest road in Europe. This would not have been an interesting endeavor but for the fact that the entire road would be covered in ice. Imagine having to drive all through all that mass of ice throughout multiple islands which would not have been connected otherwise.

 

 

You get to see three countries

One thing we love most about taking a trip to the Baltics is the close proximity of the countries one to another. It is always a 3-in-1 experience, such that you don’t get anywhere else.

It’s even bettered in the fact that all of these countries share a similar climate, so you get to enjoy the same activities over all the regions. You could even split out your activities in such away that they can be spread over all of these regions.

 

 

Speaking of activities…

HORSE SLEDGE AND TRADITIONAL LATVIAN SAUNAThere are a ton of them. There is no shortage of fun when you are enjoying winter in the Baltics. You get to enjoy everything from the bobsleigh in Sigulda, ice fishing, skiing, winter bag walk and horse sledge in snowy forests. 

That is in addition to being treated to the ultimate husky dog sledding experience (Latvia, Lithiuania and Estonia), and having a snowmobile or ATV’s safari experience to remember.

 

 

 

It is a better cost alternative

One thing you should look at when planning a winter trip is the cost of setup. If you consider everything you get from a visit to the Baltic countries to other similar regions of the world, you would quickly see that it is a cost-effective holiday idea for you. 

Scandinavian countries are the only ones that closely compare to what Baltics will offer you, but they come at a higher price margin. Couple that with the fact that distances are usually within fast reach in the Baltics, and you have a winner.

 

Wrap Up

Spend your next winter holiday here in Baltic’s – Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania!

The Baltics are waiting to give you a warm welcome!

SNOWMOBILE SAFARI EXPERIENCE IN ESTONIA

Last week finally was ready for snowmobile safari in Estonia. Snow was enough for snowmobile and perfect sunshine weather. Just 1h drive from Tallinn, or 3h drive from Riga in Estonia midland located Snowmobile safari, where you can enjoy winter fairytale is snowy forests, iced rivers.

Hiking, running, biking – whatever your activity of choice, Estonia’s nature trails will take you through national parks, forests, bogs and along the sea. Breathe some of the purest air in the world and follow in the tracks of fox, rabbits and moose. The following trails range from easy to advanced, some even accessible for wheelchair users.

Viru Bog Trail, Kuusalu

Location Kuusalu Municipality, Harju County
Object no.19 on the national park map
Driving directions Drive 52 km on Tallinn–Narva road (Road no. E20), turn left (sign “Võsu 22, Loksa 15”). Drive 1 km to the parking area to the right of the road (sign “Viru raba”). The trail starts from the parking area.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 59.464375
longitude: 25.638328
L-EST 97 x: 6592980.2 y: 592885.9

3,5 km is one way, circle will be 6 km. The trail introduces the vegetation and terrain characteristic of the raised bog in Estonia.
To protect the vegetation and soil we ask hikers to keep on the boardwalk. Cycling on the boardwalk is not allowed!

Abula hiking trail

Location Saaremaa municipality in Kalasma and Abula villages
Object no 40 on recreation area map
Driving directions Starting from Kuressaare:
Drive 30 km on the Kuressaare-Kihelkonna road, from the crossroads turn tu Pidula. Drive 9 km and from the crossroads turn left. Drive 1 km and turn right. Drive 3 km. Abula hiking trail is located at Mustjala–Kalasma village road, 8.4 km from Mustjala. The trail starts at the Kalasma campfire site.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 58.474276
longitude: 22.115466
L-EST 97 x: 6483103 y: 390061
A wonderful and exciting hiking trail along the seaside. Especially nice in spring. The limestone pine forest and coastal cliffs provide a habitat for many different plant and animal species. The trail starts at Kalasma campfire site and is marked with yellow ribbons.

Karula long hiking trail (36 km)

Location In Karula National Park. The trail has no definite starting or end point. Object no 24 on the national park map.
Driving directions Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs pointing to the Karula National Park’s visitor centre, which lead you to the trail.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 57.7124683
longitude: 26.5051262
L-EST 97 x: 6399498 y: 649297
The hiking trail runs through Karula National Park and has no marked starting or end point. The circular trail is marked with signs leading to both directions; however, it is advisable to move counter-clockwise. The trail is marked with yellow blazes on trees, plastic hiker pictograms on sign posts and tin signs along major trail sections.

Meenikunno hiking trail (5.8 km)

Location Räpina municipality, Põlva County. Object no 25 on the recreation area map.
Driving directions Drive 15 km from Räpina towards Võru, turn left towards Värska. Drive 3.8 km and turn right towards Meenikunno Landscape Protection Area. Drive another 5.5 km and turn right. Drive about 1.5 km to the parking area, where the sign “Liipsaare” points to the right. The start of the hiking trail is about 500 m away.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 57.932105
longitude: 27.310046
L-EST 97 x: 6426011 y: 696026

The 5.8 km circular hiking trail runs on 2.4 km boardwalk and 3.4 km forest path. There are 13 information points introducing the bog and forest along the trail. There is an observation tower on the Liipsaare end of the hiking trail. It is a fascinating trail for nature enthusiasts—hikers, berry-pickers, bird-watchers, etc.

 

Rõuge primeval valley hiking trail (10 km)

Location Rõuge municipality, Võru County. Object no 14 on the nature park map.
Driving directions Drive along Võru–Valga road (Road no. 67) and turn towards Rõuge. Before Rõuge turn left (follow the sign “Rõuge Suurjärve külalistemaja 1,5 km”) and drive to the junction, with a red brick building (schoolhouse) across the road and the Rõuge school bus stop on your right. Turn left at the junction and after the schoolhouse immediately to the right (follow the signs “Ööbikuorg 0,6 km”, “Plaani 11 km”, “Haanja 8 km”). The bordermark of Haanja Nature Park and cemetery are on the left. Drive on (there is a lighted cycle and pedestrian track at the side of the road), and where the cycle and pedestrian track ends, you’ll see Rõuge Ööbikuorg visitor centre and parking area on the right. Near the visitor centre there are signs and information boards introducing the surrounding area.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 57.72783
longitude: 26.93450
L-EST 97 x: 6402243.7 y: 674799.9

The 10 km hiking trail descends from near the village swing to Rõuge primeval valley, goes past a small pond and runs along the slope of the valley, which is rich in springs. There are two hydraulic rams operating on the shore of Lake Liinjärv. Hydraulic ram is a “perpetual-motion” pump using hydraulic power and is capable of pumping water as high as ten metres or more. The trail continues along the village road between the Liinjärv and Valgjärv lakes and offers wonderful views towards Ööbikuorg valley and Linnamägi. Then the trail goes along the south-western shore of Lake Rõuge Suurjärv – the deepest lake in Estonia. Next the trail goes along the chain of lakes (Ratasjärv, Tõugjärv, Lake Kahrila) to the Hinni canyon.

 

Salevere hiking trail (1.5 km)

Location Salevere village, Lääneranna municipality, Pärnu County
Object no 1 on the national park map
Driving directions Drive 56 km on Risti–Virtsu road (Road no. 10) to Ridase, turn left towards Salevere. Drive 9 km on gravel road to Salevere village, pass the two-storey residential houses and arrive at the parking area and recreation site, which also mark the start of the hiking trail.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 58.690320
longitude: 23.580652
L-EST 97 x: 6505698 y: 475684

LATVIAN BEER (GUIDE)

If you are beer lover, then this post is for you! Anyone who likes beer and is thinking of visiting Latvia may consider to try some of the local brews that Latvia has to offer.

 

For a traditional Latvian lager experience look for:

 

 

 

1. Valmiermuiža beer Unhurriedly brewed for special occasions, in Latvia beer has been the landlord’s pride and joy since days of yore. As a measure of our respect for venerable traditions, at Valmiermuiža we brew live beer patiently and nurture a culture of enjoying beer, so that beer enjoys a place of honour on the festive table just as it did in olden days. The road taken by Valmiermuiža’s brews to beer lovers started with its amber lager. A sumptuous and popular flavour where, offset by the sweetness of caramel, the bitterness of hops quenches one’s thirst and refreshes. In every sip, you can also taste the flowery minted notes of buckwheat honey. Try this lager beer in Valmiermuiža embassy Aristida Briāna iela 9, Rīga 

 

 

2. Užavas beer was founded in 1994 shortly after Latvia’s restoration of independence. Because of the high-quality water of the Užava area, this was the clear choice for the location of our brewery. Here our proprietor first built his residence containing a small brewery. Bringing under the same roof his passion for family and beer making! Three varieties of beer are currently produced – Užavas LIGHT, Užavas DARK and Užavas WINTER (Baltic Dark beer)

 

3. Zoltners beer – the brewery produces two unique original sorts of beer – light and dark. Own production – from the grain to the beer mug. Try this lager beer in Aurora bar, Dzirnavu iela 43, Rīga.

 

 

4. Mežpils  beer – Mežpils Gaišais (Light) is brewed from golden barley malt, and proudly boasts an amber hue, distinctly hoppy bitterness and a subtle hint of caramel – a combination that will be appreciated by even the most discerning beer lovers invariably in search of the genuine and natural article. Mežpils Tradicionālais  beer flavour that has been beloved by many generations encounters the typical characteristics of Mežpils, the result is Mežpils Traditional beer — a light, refreshing and enjoyable lager-type beer with a pretty and gently golden colour. The characteristics of the flavour of Mežpils Tumšais (Dark) beer are highlighted by premium quality malt. This redden brown variety of beer will surprise you with its inimitable aroma of hops and caramel malt, and memorably refreshing aftertaste. Try this lager beer in Aurora bar, Dzirnavu iela 43, Rīga.

 

 

5. Tērvetes beer – Beer has been an essential part of Latvian lifes. In order to preserve the brewing traditions in region of Zemgale, in 1971 Tērvetes brewery was built. There was started the brewing of the well-known and highly appreciated beer Tērvete. Beer is a natural product and good brewing should be in accordance with tradition and natural processes. Thanks to Zemgale fertile land, special beer barley varieties are grown every year in Tērvete, which is the basic raw material for beer production. Tervete beer is made of local raw materials, as a proof of that is quality label “Quality product” or more widely known as”Green spoon” which represents the provenance and high quality of product.

 

For a Craft beer experience look for:

 

 

1. Malduguns Craft Beer – this microbrewery started to operate in 2013 and immediately made a huge step forward: it was listed in ”The top 100 brewers in the world” award in that year. Now they are very well known in Latvia and in the countries nearby. Malduguns produces very tasty Ales with a creative craft touch. They have now more than ten different beers, like the delicious Rudais Rudens, an Extra Special Bitter (ESB), and the spicy Sānslīde, an India Pale Ale (IPA), in addition to almost twenty variations of the single hop IPA Zaļā Bise (Green Shotgun), each using a different kind of hop. The brewery is located in the Rauna district, 110 km from Riga. Try this lager beer in Vinil bar, Kalnciema iela 39, Rīga.

 

2. Labietis Craft Beer  /Aristida Briāna iela 9A2,Riga / – There are 12 different beers on tap here, as well as additional seasonal brews on offer, as well as bottles to take home. Have a seat at one of the huge wooden tables, or when it’s sunny out, head to the outdoor terrace. Try this craft beer also in Riga Central Market, Centrāltirgus iela 1, Riga

 

 

 

3. Viedi Craft Beer – beer from a microbrewery founded in 2015. The recipes started as experiments. They produce unfiltered and non-pasteurized Ales, like the delicious Rodeo (APA) and their most famous, Blondais Grēks (Blond Sin), a Wit beer. The brewery is interested in not only offering a good beer, but also educating the public about the beer culture and creating conditions for the availability and variety of beer in Latvia at the same level as in the United States or Belgium. Try this craft beer in Bar Gauja, Stabu iela 32,  Rīga.

 

24.04.2017 – 30.04.2017

Sigulda Restaurant Week, guests are invited to enjoy three-course meals from a selection of nine restaurants in Sigulda and the surrounding area. Each restaurant will offer meal sets for two prices – 15 and 20 euros.

Five Sigulda restaurants will be welcoming food lovers throughout the week – Aparjods, Garšas Frekvence, Fazenda, Sigulda and Gadalaiki, as well as another four restaurants in the surrounding area – Kungu Rija, Bīriņi Palace Restaurant, Mālpils Manor Restaurant, and Rāmkalni Restaurant.

The meal offers at the restaurants will be published on Sigulda social-networks and by the restaurants themselves from April 18. We kindly recommend those who wish to enjoy a meal at one of the participating Sigulda Restaurant Week restaurants to book a table ahead of time.

Text & Photos – http://www.rigagauja.lv/en/9230-sigulda-restaurant-week-1

 

Everybody is invited to mark the Spring Equinox on Sunday, March 19, with a sunrise ceremony at 6:00-8:00 a.m. in Arkadija Park. During the event, participants will wash face in the Marupite river. Sunrise ceremony with songs, willow and birch twigs, swings and other rituals to ensure fertility, health and beauty.

To create the right mood for the event, take willow-catkins, budding birch twigs, colorful yarn ribbons to decorate the swings, and, of course, painted Easter eggs as offerings for swings, fortune telling, competition, eating, presents, treats.

From 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Spring Equinox celebration at Livi Square.

Celebration of Spring Equinox with decorating swings and swinging, Easter songs, painting eggs, egg battles and games, dances.

The event is organized by the Latvian Folklore Society, traditionally with participation of Riga folklore groups.

Text & photos – https://www.liveriga.com

Travelling to Estonia is easy – by plane, train, ferries.

By plane

The city’s international airport, Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, provides excellent facilities and a wide variety of services. Its convenient location – just 4 km from the city centre – means transport to most destinations takes surprisingly little time. Information on international and domestic airlines can be found here.

Airlines flying to Tallinn

The airport’s information service point is located in the departure hall. It opens 2 hours before the day’s first flight and closes after the last arriving flight. Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport: ph. +372 605 8888, www.tallinn-airport.ee.

By Rail

Two Go Rail trains serve the Tallinn-Moscow route, departing from both cities in the afternoon. Night passes unnoticed in the sleeping car. Two of Go Rail’s trains serve the Tallinn-St Petersburg route. The trains, which depart both cities in the morning and afternoon, complement each other in terms of time, providing a flexible timetable for passengers in both countries. Trains from the Latvian capital Riga set out for Valga in southern Estonia three times a day. The trip takes three hours. The railway station is situated near the Old Town
For further information: GoRail, ph. +372 631 0044, www.gorail.ee.

By Bus

Two international bus lines offer connections to Tallinn from several other European cities. Regular routes connecting Tallinn with Riga, Vilnius and St Petersburg operate several times a day.

International connections are provided by Lux Express and Ecolines.
Domestic bus lines, fares and timetables can be found here.

International and intercity buses arrive and depart via the Tallinn Central Bus Station (Tallinna Autobussijaam): Lastekodu 46, ph. +372 680 0900.

By Ferry

Ships from Helsinki bring thousands of travellers to Tallinn’s busy passenger port each day. There is an overnight ferry link with Stockholm and a semi-weekly cruise ship connection to St Petersburg. Large cruise ships stop in Tallinn from spring until autumn.

Ferries cross the Gulf of Finland between Tallinn and Helsinki several times a day, covering the distance in roughly 2 to 3 hours. From late spring to late autumn, high-speed vessels also operate on the route, reducing travel time to just 1.5 hours.

Ferries between Tallinn and Stockholm depart every evening, with the trip taking approximately 15 hours.

Eckerö Line
ph. +372 664 6000
www.eckeroline.ee

Viking Line
ph. +372 666 3966 (in Estonia: 1719)
www.vikingline.ee

Tallink
ph. +372 640 9808 (in Estonia: 1 7808)
www.tallinksilja.com

St. Peter Line
ph. +372 666 0800
www.stpeterline.com