Ecotourism in Latvia

F O R E S T SLatvian forests are located in a mixed forest zone consisting of northern coniferousand southern deciduous trees. You will find a pine forest next to a lindentree forest and a diverse spectrum of other species throughout. Because of theunique climate and terrain, nearly one quarter of Latvia’s forests grow on wetlands.Many plant and animal species that can surviveonly in constant habitats have found a homehere. The existence of the wetland forests ensures ahigh standard of biological diversity. Several ofLatvia’s forests meet the criteriafor a natural forest. Latvia’sforests also afford a rich supply ofberries, wild strawberries, blueberries,raspberries and loganberries.The berry-picking seasonlasts from late June until lateSeptember. It is also the time forgathering mushrooms. The most popular mushrooms are the edible boletus,orange cap boletus, chanterelles and rusulla. If in the 1930s Latvia was knownfor its butter and bacon exports, then today it is known for its export ofchanterelles. Apart from clearly marked private lands, the wealth of Latvia’sforests, berries, mushrooms and hazelnuts is accessible to anyone. 8 /9A characteristic feature of Latvia’s coast –slender Riga pines.

Coastal fishing traditions are anessential part of Latvian culture.A fishing expedition with localfisherman, including preparationof the catch, can be an unforgettableexperience.The fragrance ofsmoked fish isthe unmistakablecalling card of acoastal fishingvillage.The small harboursthat wereneglected duringthe Soviet era areonce again comingto life andawait yachtsmen. By sailingfrom harbour to harbour, it ispossible to traverse nearly halfof Latvia.Unique natural areashave survived in coastal lowlands,one of these beingP a p e L a k eand its surrounding environment.It is a typical 1,200-ha coastal lake.Rare species of birds, such as thebearded tit, common and little bittern,the corncrake, the hen harrier, the littleand spotted crake, nest in the lake andits surroundings. The lake and thenearby Nida mire are importantstopovers for bean and white-frontedgoose and curlews during migration.The lakeshore boasts one of the fewbird-watching towers in Latvia.Every year millions of land-dwellingbirds and thousands of migratory batstravel through the strip of dry land between Pape Lakeand the Baltic Sea.12 / 13Jürkalne (in English: “sea-mountain”) – a place wherethe sea invades the land.

M I R E ST e i ç i S t a t e R e s e r v e .Compared to other European countries, mires It covers an area of 19,337 ha and is thetake up a significant proportion of Latvia. 4.9% largest protected mire in the Baltic.of Latvia’s territory consists of open marshes. A raised bog covers the larger part of theAbout 50% of the mires are largelyterritory, but there are alsoundisturbed by human activity. Within19 lakes, bog pools, mineralthis territory there are more than 20 protectedplant species. At least 15 speciesand natural meadows.soil islands, fens, swamps,of birds nest in mires and marshlands,The most intensive peatincluding the crane, golden plover, blackcreation process in Latviagrouse, whimbrel, merlin and peregrine.can be observed here.During periods of bird migration, theIt also has the largest concentrationof pre-migratorymires are importantresting-places for cranes and cranes in Latvia. An ancient Russian villagegeese. There are 10 protected of Russian Old Believers (people who holdinsect species and a rare speciesof snail. Mirespagan, beliefs) still exists onto the Russian Orthodox, as well as oldand marshes are alsoone of the marsh islands.highly valued by berry pickers for theThe mire can be entered only inwide range of berries that grow there,the company of a guide.including cranberries, cloudberries, cowberriesand bilberries. 14 / 15Tîre¬purvs and many other Latvian mires are accessibleonly to the most adventurous visitors.

L A K E S A N D R I V E R SLatvia has over 12,500 rivers that stretch for 38,000kilometres, as well as 2,256 lakes that are biggerthan 1 ha, with a collective area of 1,000 sq. km.Eastern Latvia,where many ofthese lakes arefound, is known as “the Land of the Blue Lakes”.Nearly all inland waters are pollution-free andideally suited for swimming and fishing.Although some of Latvia’s rivers have had their courses straightened, mostlarge- and medium-sized rivers retain their natural contours. As a result, theirbanks are home to such now rare European wildlife as otter, beaver and commonkingfisher.16 / 17Early morning by the riverside.Imagine the song of the nightingale’s trill!

Latvia is one of the fewplaces in the Baltic Searegion where naturalsalmon spawning areasstill remain. There areplenty of rivers suitablefor canoeing and rafting.G a u j a N a t i o n a l P a r k .The Gauja, Latvia’s longest river, is extremely popularwith tourists because none of its 452 kilometres has been changed from its original course.For 85 kilometres the Gauja flows through an old valley that is theheart of the Gauja National Park. Nowhere else in Latvia will youfind so many steep banks, ravines, streams, sandstone and dolomitecliffs, and caves as in the old valley of the Gauja River with itstributaries. Like other national parks in the east of the Baltics, theGauja National Park includes natural territories relatively untouchedby man, as well as historic rural landscapes and important ancientmonuments. The park also offers walking trails, observation points,rest areas, well-established camping facilities, car parks, cafes,various types of tourist cabins, information centres andthe services of knowledgeable guides. 18 / 19The old valley of the Gauja –the most popular tourist site in Latvia.

R U R A L F A R M SThe soul of Latvia is revealed in the typical rural farmyard, where one lives in harmonywith nature’s laws and rhythms. It is a place where ancient traditions arerespected and annual festivals are joyously celebrated. On Lîgo eve (Summer solstice)the traditional bonfire is lit inalmost every farm. Lîgotåji (the celebrantsof the festival) who, during theday have gathered colourful Jåñu zåles(field flowers), head off in pairs toseek the legendary secret fern blossomthat blooms only once a year onthis night. The single-family farm is an integral part of theLatvian landscape. Many still look just as they did centuries ago. The Latvianlandscape is also unimaginable without its stately old trees; oaks that are severalhundred years old can be found in farmyards, as well as in the fields. Hereas well, Latvia has become home to9,000 – 10,000 pairs of white storks.Today, an increasing number of farmersare opening their farms to tourists.More than 140 farms offer bed-andbreakfastservices and a variety ofleisure activities. 20 / 21Latvia – a land where picturesque landscapesgreet the traveller at every turn.

P R O T E C T E D N A T U R E A R E A SLatvia has a long tradition of nature conservation. The firstlaws and regulations concerning the use of forests were passedas early as the 1500s and 1600s. In the 1800s an effort wasmade to reforest the Baltic coastaldunes and the Gulf of Riga. In the1900s proposals for conservationareas were initiated. The first protectedarea in Latvia was in theKurzeme region – Moricsala, anisland in Usma Lake.At present 8.5% ofLatvian natural territoriesare protected bylaw. There are 4 statereserves, 3 nationalparks, 22 nature parks,211 nature reserves, 6protected landscapeareas, and 1 biosphere reserve. Together, these placesmake up Latvia’s natural heritage; they are readyto offer the keen ecotourist a wealth of experience. 22 / 23 appleemeri National Park – wetland forest paradise.

Latvia has a wealth of springs –a treasured source of pure drinking water.π The Latvian Institute, 2001Text: Valdis PilåtsLayout: Uldis SosnovskisEnglish translation: Aija Ozoliña, Måra PriedkalneChief Editor: Raimonds CerüzisEditors: Ieva Pîgozne, Juris Sma¬inskisPhotographers: R.Cerüzis, A.Eglîtis, M.Kundziñß, A.Linarts, A.Meiers, J.Pîgoznis, V.Pilåts,I.Prédelis, E.Véveris, J.Zalåns