Cycling Along the Baltic Sea Coast in

Tallinn

The route gives a chance to enjoy one the most beautiful and diverse parts of the Baltic Sea coast. You will pass white sandy beaches, wild beaches with big rocks and steep banks. The route goes along several national parks and protected nature territories as well as traditional fishermen villages and lively cities of Liepāja and Jūrmala.

Vilnius Cycling: ~20-60 km daily (11 days)

General Route: Rīga – Liepāja – Zi- Day 4 emupe – Pāvilosta – Jūrkalne – Ventspils Pāvilosta - Jūrkalne (~21 km, tarmac) – – Mazirbe – Kolka – Roja – Breakfast. Leisure time till noon to explore Engure – Jūrmala – Rīga the steep banks and the scenic seashore of Jūrkalne. It’s a place were famous blue Day 1 cows grazing coastal meadows – a very Arrival in Rīga typical breed for the region. Overnight in Transfer to the Hotel. Receive from the Jūrkalne. hotel reception the tour information pack with maps and detailed description Day 5 of the routes, sites and accommodation. Jūrkalne – Ventspils (~50 km, tarmac). Overnight in Rīga. Breakfast. On the way, can have a look The Waterbreak at Liepāja at the Uzava church. In the afternoon, Day 2 leisure time at Ventspils. The best main- Rīga - Liepāja tained town in Latvia. Places of interest Breakfast. Receive bicycles delivered to include the , central promenade, the hotel. Free time in Rīga. Train: Riga, open-air museum and excellent beach Central Railway Station – Liepāja. Liepāja facilities. Excellent live beer is brewed at – Many nice cafes, nice beach and a park Uzava brewery. Another option is to take by the sea, a harbor, naval fortification an inland tarmac road to Ventspils. Over- and former Soviet military town Karaosta. night in Ventspils. Overnight in Liepāja. Day 6 Day 3 Ventspils – Ance - Dundaga (~55 km, 20 Liepāja – Saraiki – Ziemupe – Pavilosta km of this distance – on a gravel road). Cycling along the authentic Livs’ village (~60 km, 50% gravel road and forest Breakfast. The Dundaga Castle. Overnight road) in Dundaga. Breakfast. In Liepāja, route leads through the Karosta district – the former Soviet Day 7 military town and submarine harbor. Dundaga – Mazirbe – Kolka (~40 km, The territory earlier was closed. There are 20km of this distance – on a gravel military and residential buildings, a park road) and an impressive Russian Orthodox ca- Breakfast. Places of interest include thedral. Further, the 1st option offers a Slītere lighthouse and boardwalk through ride along the coast, stopping to see the marsh, fisherman villages around Mazirbe Saraiķi estate on the way. The 2nd option and a ride through the forests of Slitere offers an easier ride on an inland tarmac National Park. The territory is also a home road. Overnight in Pāvilosta. of the smallest ethnic group in the world Lighthouse of Cape Kolka called The Livs. Overnight in Kolka.

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv / 2011

Promenade at Ventspils

www.europeangreenbelt.org The European Green Belt For nearly 40 years, the so-called Iron Curtain di- vided Europe into two parts – Eastern and West- ern Europe. Two decades have passed since the collapse of the wall, and in many places the en- vironment – European-level biotopes and rare species of plants and animals – has taken over once-abandoned frontier territories and former military objects. We call this imagined zone the Green Belt, and it links the European landscape and human environment from the Barents Sea to the Black Sea. This is a global historical monu- ment, too. Our vision is to preserve the Green Belt as the backbone of interaction between the environ- ment and the continent’s culture and history – one which now links the parts of Europe which were once split apart. This is necessary so as to protect the fragile nature of the shoreline and Dundaga Castle frontier environments in Europe while, at the same time, ensuring balanced development of the territory’s economic and social environ- ment by providing for the sustainability of the relevant sectors. The Green Belt along the shore of the Baltic Sea and its protection. Young people who have been born along the shores of the Baltic Sea find it hard to understand why juts 25 years ago people were only allowed to visit specified and limited beaches, why enormous spotlights were used to light up the seashore at night, and why the delicate sand of the beach was ploughed every night. The coastal regime had its pluses, of course – few people lived along the shores of the Baltic Sea, and there was little in the way of economic activity there. This meant a relatively untouched territory of dune biotopes, forests, underwater algae “meadows,” and other envi- ronmental treasures. Memories about the past are supported by former military bases, border guard towers, coastal defence batteries, and other objects which can now be seen as our joint heritage of the historical past.

Day 8 seashore – coast dotted with boulders and visit the historic sulphur spring from Kolka – Roja (~34 km tarmac) at Kaltene, the sandy beach at Upesgriva where the history of Jūrmala as a spa re- Breakfast. The Cape of Kolka where the and coastal meadows near Engure. At- sort started. By train: Jūrmala – Rīga or 6 Gulf of Rīga meets the open sea and tractions also include bird watching tow- cycling: Jūrmala – Rīga (~25 km, a cycling waves cross. Especially impressive during ers, wild horses grazing the meadows by road). In the evening, the hired bicycles strong winds. Overnight in Roja. the lake. Overnight in Engure. shall be returned at the hotel. Overnight in Rīga. Day 9 Day 10 Roja - Mersrags – Engure (~47 km, tar- Engure - Lapmežciems – Jūrmala (~ 54 Day 11 mac) km, tarmac). Rīga The route goes through fishermen vil- Route goes through Ķemeri National Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Individ- lages with three different types of the Park. It is possible to walk Dumbrāju trail ual departures.

This project is partly financed by European Union (ERDF) within the Baltic Sea Region Programme Walking Along the Baltic Sea Coast

Tallinn The tour begins in Latvian capital Rīga. Then proceeds along the Baltic Sea coast and pass different landscapes - white sandy beaches, coastal meadows, dunes with pine forests and steep banks. The route leads through ethnographic fishermen villages and two important port towns – Liepāja and Ventspils. On the way back it goes through pretty provincial town Kuldīga. Tour goes through two national parks – Slītere and Kemeri.

Vilnius

Walking ~5-15 km daily (7 days)

General Route: Rīga - Nida - Pape - km). Sightseeing of Pāvilosta, the capital Liepaja - Pavilosta - Jurkalne - Ventspils of windsurfers, Grey Dune with viewing - Kolka - Roja - Ķemeri - Rīga tower. Overnight in Pāvilosta.

Day 1 Day 4 Arrival in Rīga Pāvilosta – Jūrkalne - Kuldīga - Jūrkalne Optional: Private transfer from airport to Breakfast. Bus transfer: Pāvilosta – Ul- the hotel. Overnight in Rīga. male. Walking: Ulmale - Jūrkalne (~12 km, 3 h). From Pāvilosta, hiking in one of Day 2 the most beautiful parts of the Baltic sea Rīga – Liepāja coast where there are 10-15 m high steep Breakfast. 09:00 meeting with the tour sandy banks. These beaches are quiet Seashore with steep sandy banks guide at the hotel lobby. Rīga sightsee- and nice for swimming. In Jūrkalne it is ing tour. Half-day city tour featuring me- possible to see the “blue” cows – a very dieval Old Town and Art Nouveau area. typical breed for the region. In the af- Afternoon: coach transfer Rīga – Liepāja ternoon bus transfer: Jūrkalne – Kuldīga (~250 km). On the way stop for a walk at (~45 km). Sightseeing of Kuldīga – the Cena Heath trail (~5 km, 2 h). Sightsee- ancient town of Courland (Kurzeme) with ing of Liepāja, famous for its nice beach, the widest waterfall in Europe (240 m) cozy pubs and restaurants, music festi- and old brick bridge across the river. Visit- vals, interesting history, military heritage ing of Riežupe sand caves which has been and one of the oldest church organs in artificially made escavating sand for glass Europe. Overnight in Liepāja. making. Bus transfer: Kuldīga – Jūrkalne. Overnight in a guest house in Jūrkalne. Day 3 Liepāja – Pape – Pāvilosta The widest waterfall in Europe at Kuldīga Breakfast. Bus transfer: Liepāja – Nida Day 5 (~65 km). Walkig: Nida - Pape (~ 8 km, Jūrkalne - Ventspils – Kolka - Roja 2,5 h). Walking along the Baltic Sea coast Breakfast. Coach transfer: Jūrkalne area. Access to this territory was strongly – Ventspils (~45 km). Sightseeing of restricted in the Soviet times. Trail passes Ventspils with its renovated convent Pape Lake (the former sea lagoon) nature type castle, Old Town, market place and park. Its a place for great diversity of nest- promenade along the sea. Coach trans- ing birds. Marked nature trail goes along fer: Ventspils - Slītere lighthouse (~ 70 the lake, leading through some late-back km). Walking in the Slītere National Park ethnographic fishermen villages. Possi- on a special hiking trail near the Slītere bility to visit the Nature House, the bird lighthouse (1,5 km, 0,5 h). Coach trans- observation tower, and to watch wild fer: Slītere lighthouse -Mazirbe (~ 10 km). horses in their enclosed area. Coach Walking: Mazirbe – Košrags – Pitrags - Walking in the Slītere National Park transfer: Pape – Liepāja – Pāvilosta (~110 Saunags (~10 km, 3 h).Walk through the

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv / 2011

Walking Along the Baltic Sea Coast

Seashore and a fisherman’s boat near to Roja

www.europeangreenbelt.org The European Green Belt For nearly 40 years, the so-called Iron Curtain di- vided Europe into two parts – Eastern and West- ern Europe. Two decades have passed since the collapse of the wall, and in many places the en- vironment – European-level biotopes and rare species of plants and animals – has taken over once-abandoned frontier territories and former military objects. We call this imagined zone the Green Belt, and it links the European landscape and human environment from the Barents Sea to the Black Sea. This is a global historical monu- ment, too. Our vision is to preserve the Green Belt as the backbone of interaction between the environ- ment and the continent’s culture and history – one which now links the parts of Europe which were once split apart. This is necessary so as to Walking at the Ķemeri National Park protect the fragile nature of the shoreline and frontier environments in Europe while, at the same time, ensuring balanced development of the territory’s economic and social environ- ment by providing for the sustainability of the relevant sectors. The Green Belt along the shore of the Baltic Sea and its protection. Young people who have been born along the shores of the Baltic Sea find it hard to understand why juts 25 years ago people were only allowed to visit specified and limited beaches, why enormous spotlights were used to light up the seashore at night, and why the delicate sand of the beach was ploughed every night. The coastal regime had its pluses, of course – few people lived along the shores of the Baltic Sea, and there was little in the way of economic activity there. This meant a relatively untouched territory of dune biotopes, forests, underwater algae “meadows,” and other envi- ronmental treasures. Memories about the past are supported by former military bases, border guard towers, coastal defence batteries, and other objects which can now be seen as our joint heritage of the historical past.

Slītere National park through old fish- Day 6 the history of Jūrmala as a spa resort ermen villages where lives one of the Roja – Jūrmala - Rīga started. Bus transfer: Jūrmala – Rīga. On 6 smallest ethnic group the Livs, decents Breakfast. Hiking: Roja – Kaltene (~8 km, 3 the way stop at Jūrmala, resort town. End from ancient Finno-Ugric tribe. Coach h). The route leads along the coasts of the of guide services. Overnight in Rīga. transfer: Saunags – Kolka – Roja. Stop at Rīga gulf through a very attractive stony Kolka – visit Kolka horn where the Baltic area – the beach is studded with many Day 7 Sea meets the Rīga gulf and the waves stones of different size. Bus transfer: Ka- Rīga are crossing forming a long dune. Stop ltene – Ķemeri. Stop at Mērsrags - possi- Breakfast. Optional: Private transfer from at Purciems –walking (1 km, 0,5 h) hiking bility to visit the bird observation tower. the hotel to airport or extra days in Rīga trail to the White Dune. Walking at the Ķemeri National Park - it is or in the countryside. Individual or group Overnight in Roja. possible to walk Dumbrāju trail and visit departure. the historic sulphur spring from where

This project is partly financed by European Union (ERDF) within the Baltic Sea Region Programme Canoeing in Kurzeme

Tallinn Western part of Latvia

The route covers spectacular ancient Abava river valley. The territory is interesting with its biological diversity as well as natural and historical monuments and scenic land- Rīga scapes. The ancient cult places, settlements, famous Sabile wine hill, Pedvale open-air art museum - are only few attractions on the route. The small Abava river fall provides extra excitement for boating experience.

Vilnius

(7 Days)

General Route: Rīga - Tukums - Ren- Day 4 da - Kuldīga Renda - Kuldīga Breakfast at the guest house / Take the prepared lunch boxes. Transfer to the Day 1 river. Canoe tour along the river Abava, Arrival in Rīga Renda – “Seržu valks” (20 km). Its beauti- Transfer from the airport to the hotel. ful and tranquil course with some small Overnight in Rīga. rapids, fords and swift sources. There is no much civilization and facilities along Day 2 the way but good chance to observe Rīga - Tukums some wildlife along the river banks. The old brick bridge in Kuldīga Breakfast at the hotel. Leisure time in Sites at Renda: Īvande waterfalls, tiny Rīga. Attractions in Rīga include beauti- but nice. Dinner and overnight near ful medieval Old Town, Art Nouveau dis- Kuldīga. trict, boat trip along the Riga canal and the river Daugava as well as impressive Day 5 Central Market. Renda - Kuldīga Train Rīga – Tukums (~1 hour, 30 min- Breakfast at the guest house / Take the utes). Dinner and overnight near Tu- lunch boxes. Canoe tour in the river kums. Abava, “Seržu valks”– the river Venta (16 km). During this course there is no much Day 3 civilization and access to the river from Tukums - Renda outside is rather limited. Dinner and Breakfast at the guest house / Take the overnight in Kuldīga. prepared lunch boxes. Transfer to the Kandava town river. Canoe tour along the picturesque river Abava, Abavas Rumba (waterfall) Day 6 – Renda (20 km). There are several swift Kuldīga - Rīga sources, especially at the places where Breakfast at the guest house. Leisure are dolomite outcrops. Sometimes there time in charming Kuldīga – the capital of are small rapids, however during spring the former Duchy of Kurzeme (16-18th floods those might disappear all togeth- cent), Old Town with well preserved er. The course can be done without get- wooden architecture, the Ventas rumba ting out of the boat until Abavas Rumba. – one of Europe’s widest waterfalls ( 249 Beginners better take a boat around m) and the old brick bridge across the its side. Sites en route: the windmill of river. Svente, different sand stone cliffs and Collection of the boat. Public bus trans- outcrops. Dinner and overnight near fer Kuldīga – Rīga (3 hours). Overnight in Sabile town Renda Rīga.

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv / 2011

The Abava River Near the the Abava river fall

www.europeangreenbelt.org The European Green Belt For nearly 40 years, the so-called Iron Curtain di- vided Europe into two parts – Eastern and West- ern Europe. Two decades have passed since the collapse of the wall, and in many places the en- vironment – European-level biotopes and rare species of plants and animals – has taken over once-abandoned frontier territories and former military objects. We call this imagined zone the Green Belt, and it links the European landscape and human environment from the Barents Sea to the Black Sea. This is a global historical monu- ment, too. Our vision is to preserve the Green Belt as the backbone of interaction between the environ- ment and the continent’s culture and history – Road to Medieval Historical Centre of Kuldīga one which now links the parts of Europe which were once split apart. This is necessary so as to protect the fragile nature of the shoreline and frontier environments in Europe while, at the same time, ensuring balanced development of the territory’s economic and social environ- ment by providing for the sustainability of the relevant sectors. The Green Belt along the shore of the Baltic Sea and its protection. Young people who have been born along the shores of the Baltic Sea find it hard to understand why juts 25 years ago people were only allowed to visit specified and limited beaches, why enormous spotlights were used to light up the seashore at night, and why the delicate sand of the beach was ploughed every night. The coastal regime had its pluses, of course – few people lived along the shores of the Baltic Sea, and there was little in the way of economic activity there. This meant a relatively untouched territory of dune biotopes, forests, underwater algae “meadows,” and other envi- ronmental treasures. Memories about the past are supported by former military bases, border Canoe tour in the river Abava guard towers, coastal defence batteries, and other objects which can now be seen as our joint heritage of the historical past.

Day 7 Rīga Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the air- port. Departure.

This project is partly financed by European Union (ERDF) within the Baltic Sea Region Programme Spring Birdwatching Tour

Tallinn Latvia is among one of the world’s three most important bird migration paths, and during migration seasons tens of thousands birds can be seen at one place. The tour will spent significant time along the sea coast in order to catch the highlights of migration. In spring time also flood-lands become alive with activities of thousands of birds and provide great Rīga atmosphere for birdwatchers. This tour explores different biotops to get the best impres- sions of the spring time migration.

Vilnius (10 Days)

Pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) Selected species: These territories are essential for migrating geese, different plovers, also Great Snipe, Corncrake, Lapwing and Curlews. Artificially made fish breeding ponds are great places to spot not only different types of ducks and waders but also predators like Sea Eagle, Marsh Harrier and others.

General Route: Rīga - Jelgava - centre; Overnight in Jaunmokas. Jaunmokas - Engure - Kolka - Ventspils - Liepāja - Saldus - Bauska - Rīga Day 4 Jaunmokas-Bērciems-Engure-Bērciems- Day 1 Mērsrags-Ģipka-Kolka-Košrags (~195 km) Arrival in Rīga Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route: A tour of the Latvian capital of Rīga and its an overgrown seashore with reefs - ideal Old Town. Overnight in Rīga places to watch wading and water bird; Lake Engure, a pasture of wild horses and Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) Day 2 cows and a birdwatching tower (the Lake Rīga - Jelgava - Svēte - Jelgava -Slampe– Engure Nature Park); Mērsrags seashore Dunduru Wiese - Smārde - Jaunmokas meadows and Pekrags. A complex of la- (~160km) goon-type biotopes, including meadows, Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route: areas of reeds, a rocky seashore, shoals and The Svēte flood-lands: a majorsirte of mi- bird watching tower. This is a small area of grating geese, ducks and different plo- wetlands located where a lagoon from the vers; ’s island (reserve); The ancient Litorine Sea once was. Overnight Dunduri Meadows are an important part in Košrags. of the forested area of the Ķemeri Heath along the curvy shores of the little Slampe Day 5 River. There is a birdwatching tower, as Košrags - Kolka - Pūrciems - Dundaga- well as so-called Throat of Melnragi -wet- Slītere - Mazirbe - Košrags (~74km) The Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) lands flooded by beavers; The Jaunmokas Breakfast. Sites en route: Cape Kolka is one Manor Park; Overnight in Jaunmokas. of the best places for birdwatching when it comes to the diversity of species during Day 3 the spring migration – nearly all of the spe- Jaunmokas - Ķemeri - Sloka - Odiņi - cies that are present in Latvia can be found Lapmežciems - Jaunmokas (~100 km) here at the right time; The Pēterezers Na- Jaunmokas - Ķemeri (~30 km) ture Trail (3,5 km), which offers a set of Breakfast. A wetland path near a forest dunes with high swamps and a samp lake hut and the damp forests whish surround that are unique at the European level; The it. The short Path takes one through the wetlands of Ģipka; Slītere National Park - black alder wetlands of the Vēršupīte River, the former coastline of the ancient Baltic as well as the wetlands between the Forest Ice Sea. Overnight in Košrags. House and Lake Sloka; A visit to the visitors

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv / 2011

Nature trail at Ķemeri National Park Pine forest at Slītere National Park

www.europeangreenbelt.org The European Green Belt For nearly 40 years, the so-called Iron Curtain di- vided Europe into two parts – Eastern and West- ern Europe. Two decades have passed since the collapse of the wall, and in many places the en- vironment – European-level biotopes and rare species of plants and animals – has taken over once-abandoned frontier territories and former military objects. We call this imagined zone the Green Belt, and it links the European landscape and human environment from the Barents Sea to the Black Sea. This is a global historical monu- ment, too. Our vision is to preserve the Green Belt as the backbone of interaction between the environ- ment and the continent’s culture and history – one which now links the parts of Europe which were once split apart. This is necessary so as to protect the fragile nature of the shoreline and Birdwatching days at the Lake Engure Nature Park frontier environments in Europe while, at the same time, ensuring balanced development of the territory’s economic and social environ- ment by providing for the sustainability of the relevant sectors. The Green Belt along the shore of the Baltic Sea and its protection. Young people who have been born along the shores of the Baltic Sea find it hard to understand why juts 25 years ago people were only allowed to visit specified and limited beaches, why enormous spotlights were used to light up the seashore at night, and why the delicate sand of the beach was ploughed every night. The coastal regime had its pluses, of course – few people lived along the shores of the Baltic Sea, and there was little in the way of economic activity there. This meant a relatively untouched territory of dune biotopes, forests, underwater algae “meadows,” and other envi- ronmental treasures. Memories about the past Day 7 Day 9 are supported by former military bases, border Labrags-Liepāja-Nīca-Grobiņa-Durbe Saldus - Pilsrundāle (~85 km) guard towers, coastal defence batteries, and other objects which can now be seen as our (~130 km) Breakfast. Sites and atttractions en route: joint heritage of the historical past. Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route: The Sātiņi fish ponds are an important the cape of Labrags; The Liepāja port, place for water birds to feed and rest Day 6 Lake Liepāja, village of Nīca, the Old Durbe (Northern swans, waders). The territory Mazirbe -Oviši-Ventspils-Užava-Labrags School. Overnight in Durbe. can be viewed from different locations; (~140 km) Lunch in Saldus; Zvārde – former military Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route: Day 8 base; The Tērvete Park, river valley.Over- The Irbene radar station, The coastline of Durbe-Līguti-Vītiņi-Skrunda-Saldus night in Pilsrundāle. Ovīši, a sandy seashore, The Užava Estuary, (~175 km) Breakfast. Sites and attrac- with a restricted area to protect a biotope tions en route: The Līguti Estate park; The Day 10 which includes the grey dunes - rare in Vītiņi Meadows on the eastern shore of Saldus-Sātiņi-Saldus-Kokmuiža-Tērvete- Europe; The meadows and polders of Lake Liepāja are the largest area of damp Pilsrundāle - Rīga (~140 km) the lower reaches of the Užava River; The meadows in Latvia. The last nesting place Breakfast. Sites and attractions en route: steep shores of the little Muižupīte River. for the dunlins. Pastures of wild horses and The Rundāle Palace Park and the palace Overnight in Labrags. cows. The fish ponds of Skrunda; Lunch in itself; The Cena Heath, Getliņi; Departure. Skrunda. Overnight in Saldus.

This project is partly financed by European Union (ERDF) within the Baltic Sea Region Programme Migration passion, Owls and

Tallinn Woodpeckers

Latvia is located on the way of one of the world’s main migration paths of the birds. Wherewith during migration period a big concentration of the passerine birds followed by raptors and in wetlands by thousands of waterfowl travelling through the country is Rīga seen here. There are excellent opportunities for birdwatching, including a chance to catch owls night migration.

Vilnius (6 Days)

White-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) Selected species - most likely to be observed: great numbers of geese species: Tundra and Taiga Bean Goose, White-fronted Goose, Tundra Swan and diverse waterfowl, including Ducks, Scooters, Divers and Mergansers; Woodpecker species: Greyheaded & Black, Three-toed & White-backed, Little & Middlespotted Woodpecker; Raptors: Rough-legged Buzzard and orthern Goshawk, White-tailed Eagle, Pygmy Owl, prob- ably engmalm’s Owl and also Hazel Grouse, Marsh and Coal Tit, Nutcracker. Good possibilities to see the mammals, like Red Fox, Roe-deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Moose and others.

General Route: Rīga - Ķemeri National Park - Slītere National Park - Ventspils - Day 4 Pāvilosta - Liepāja - Pape - Rīga Ventspils - Pape or Liepāja (140 - 190 km) Early morning sea-watching from Ventspils Pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) Day 1 breakwater (1.5 hrs) for interested ones. Rīga - Ķemeri (56 km) Return to the hotel for breakfast. Drive Arrival in Rīga. Meet and greet in the air- through Užava floodplain fields. Lunch port and go for dinner and accommoda- in Pāvilosta. The western most point – tion in Ķemeri National Park Akmeņrags near Ziemupe. Dinner and accommodation in Liepāja Day 2 or Pape. Best option is to stay in Pape be- Ķemeri - Slītere National Park (130 km) cause of possible owls night migration, if Breakfast. Birding in Ķemeri National Park, started. including wet-forest areas and local places around Lake Kaņieris & Ķemeri village. Day 5 Lunch in Lapmežciems. W coast of Riga Pape or Liepāja Bay with some small stops and longer walk Breakfast. Birdringing station & lake Pape Liepāja and surrounding. Two options – Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) (around 3 km) at Mērsrags. Dinner and ac- commodation in Slītere National Park. stay the whole day at the ringing station or take a drive of nearest surrounding – Day 3 can be decided on the spot. Dinner and Slītere National Park - Ventspils (120 km) accommodation in Liepāja or Pape. After early breakfast live towards Cape Kolka at be there until lunch (sea & migra- Day 6 tion watching or if prefer – small walks in Pape - Liepāja - Rīga (260 km ) surrounding). Lunch in Kolka. Afternoon: Breakfast. Transfer Pape-Liepāja-Rīga air- Slītere National Park, visiting the broad- port (260 km) with lunch on the way. Ac- leaf forests around ancient coast of Baltic cording to the flight time - drive through Ice Lake. Dinner and accommodation in Zvārde wooded area and some small oth- Ventspils. er stops. Departure.

Baltic Country Holidays / Lauku ceļotājs Kalnciema Str. 40, Riga, LV-1046, Latvia, T: +(371) 67617600, [email protected] www.countryholidays.lv / 2011

Kolka Cape

www.europeangreenbelt.org The European Green Belt For nearly 40 years, the so-called Iron Curtain di- vided Europe into two parts – Eastern and West- ern Europe. Two decades have passed since the collapse of the wall, and in many places the en- vironment – European-level biotopes and rare species of plants and animals – has taken over once-abandoned frontier territories and former military objects. We call this imagined zone the Green Belt, and it links the European landscape and human environment from the Barents Sea to the Black Sea. This is a global historical monu- ment, too. Our vision is to preserve the Green Belt as the backbone of interaction between the environ- Landscape of Ķemeri National Park ment and the continent’s culture and history – one which now links the parts of Europe which were once split apart. This is necessary so as to protect the fragile nature of the shoreline and frontier environments in Europe while, at the same time, ensuring balanced development of the territory’s economic and social environ- ment by providing for the sustainability of the relevant sectors. The Green Belt along the shore of the Baltic Sea and its protection. Young people who have been born along the shores of the Baltic Sea find it hard to understand why juts 25 years ago people were only allowed to visit specified and limited beaches, why enormous spotlights were used to light up the seashore at night, and why the delicate sand of the beach was ploughed every night. The coastal regime had its pluses, of course – few people lived along the shores of the Baltic Sea, and there was little in the way of economic activity there. This meant a relatively untouched territory of dune biotopes, forests, underwater algae “meadows,” and other envi- ronmental treasures. Memories about the past are supported by former military bases, border Stony sea coast at Mērsrags guard towers, coastal defence batteries, and other objects which can now be seen as our joint heritage of the historical past.

Birdwatching tower at Lake Kaņieris

This project is partly financed by European Union (ERDF) within the Baltic Sea Region Programme