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Baltic Coastal Hiking Route Tours www.coastalhiking.eu / touRs WHat can YOu Find 11 12 in tHe BRocHuRe TABLE OF CONTENTS 10 The brochure includes 15 hiking tours for one and multiple days (up to 16 days) in 13 Latvia and Estonia, which is part of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route long distance 9 path (in Latvia - Jūrtaka, in Estonian - ranniku matkarada) (e9) - the most WHat can YOu cOastaL nature 1. tHe rOcKY 2. tHe great 3. sLĪtere 4. engure ESTONIA interesting, most scenic coastal areas of both countries, which are renowned for Find in tHe in LatVia and BeacH OF VidZeMe: WaVe sea natiOnaL ParK nature ParK their natural and cultural objects. Several tours include national parks, nature BrOcHure estOnia saulkrasti - svētciems liepāja - Ventspils - kolka Mērsrags - engure PÄRNU parks, and biosphere reserves, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites. 3 p. 8 7 Every tour includes schematic tour map, provides information about the mileage to be covered within a day, level of di culty, most outstanding sightseeing objects, as getting tHere 2days km 6 days km 1 day km 1 day km KOLKA well as practical information about the road surface, getting to the starting point and & arOund 52 92 23 22 3 SALACGRĪVA returning from the fi nish back to the city. useFuL 1 p. LinKs 4 p. LATVIA 5 p. LATVIA 7 p. LATVIA 10 p. LATVIA 11 p. 1 The tours are provided for both individual travellers and small tourist groups. VENTSPILS 6 4 It is recommended to book the transport (rent a car or use public transportation), SKULTE 5 accommodation and meals in advance, as well as arrange personal and luggage 5. cOastaL 6. a HiKing rOute 7. aLOng PÄrnu 8. WaLK tHe 9. Bird WatcHing 10. BaYs and caPe transfer if necessary. nature ParK acrOss tHe BaY KiHnu isLand in MatsaLu HOrns in tHe The tours included in the brochure may be shortened or extended depending on the Vecāķi – carnikava diVerse cOastaL Häädemeeste - kihnu island natiOnaL ParK nOrtHWestern JŪRMALA rĪga 2 wishes of the travellers. These hiking tours, or some of them, may also be included LandscaPes OF Pärnu Haeska - Puise Part OF estOnia LATVIA in the traditional tourism routes and city excursions to diversify the o er. LatVia Rooslepa – LIEPĀJA If you want to do the tours individually for each tour in www.coastalhiking.eu, you 1 day 14 km 7 days 105 km 2 days 47 km 1-2 days 23 km 1 day 23 km 2 days 44 km will fi nd a detailed route description with a map of sightseeing objects, catering places, shops, rest areas, road surface, obstacles along the route and other useful LATVIA 12 p. LATVIA 13 p. ESTONIA 17 p. ESTONIA 19 p. ESTONIA 20 p. ESTONIA 21 p. information, or the GPX fi le with the main route of the hike. CONTACT: 11. arOund PaKri 12. tHe LegendarY 13. a HiKing 14. grand HiKing 15. WaLKing generaL inFO 14 15 Baltic country holidays: www.countryholidays.lv PeninsuLa suuruPi tOur aLOng tHe tOur On tHe cOast nature traiLs in aBOut tHe [email protected] - PeninsuLa Western cOast OF OF LatVia and LatVia and estOnia cOuntries taLLinn taLLinn Rīga – saulkrasti – ainaži – PALDISKI estonian rural tourism: www.maaturism.ee - Jõesuu - estOnia and tHe estOnia 37 p. HAAPSALU [email protected] Pärnu – Muhumaa – saare- resOrt tOWns Mazirbe - - Pärnu - maa – Hiiumaa – Matsalu – PÄRNU PÄRNU SAAREMAA West-estonia tourism: www.westestonia.com Pärnu and Haapsalu Haapsalu - tallinn Haapsalu – Paldiski – tallinn KIHNU [email protected] MaP OF tHe area ISLAND 1 day 1 day 6 days ~ 180 km AINAŽI 20 km 20 km 80 km ~ 90 km and eurOPe MAZIRBE AINAŽI 16 days 8 days ZVEJNIEKCIEMS SAULKRASTI ESTONIA 23 p. ESTONIA 24 p. ESTONIA 25 p. LATVIA, ESTONIA 27 p. LATVIA, ESTONIA 32 p. 38 p. rĪga JŪRMALA rĪga

1 2 GETTING airPOrts LATVIA THERE & Riga: www.riga-airport.com Liepaja: www.liepaja-airport.lv cOastaL nature in latVia anD estonia AROUND ESTONIA Tallinn: www.tallinn-airport.ee : www.kuressaare-airport.ee Kärdla: www.kardla-airport.ee In Latvia, the Baltic Coastal In Latvia, steep blu s can be found from Strante In the summer, the water temperature in the sea can Pärnu: www.parnu-airport.ee Hiking Route mainly goes to Ošvalki Village and near Staldzene and along the reach +18; +20 °C or more, so it is pleasant to walk barefoot along sandy beaches, in rocky seacoast in Vidzeme, while cli s can be seen in on the sandy sections of the coast and swim in the bathing Stenalines some places, rocky beaches, situated near Tallinn in Estonia. areas. Passenger transport services from and for short stretches, , travemunde to liepaja (lV) The itinerary can be com- Dangerous natural calamities through coastal meadows. and from , nynashamn to pleted in all four seasons. are not characteristic to the Baltic There are well-trodden Ventspils (lV). Summer (June - August) Sea littoral. Strong storms occur LOcaL Buses and trains: trails and small roads in the www.stenaline.lv is the tourist season in rarely and usually in the autumn ESTONIA seaside forests. In some ar- Latvia and Estonia, when or winter seasons. Silja Line Buses: www.tpilet.ee (regional transport eas, the sand may be soft, which The leading provider of high-quality tickets online) more people come to the In Latvia, the dominant makes walking di cult. mini-cruise and passenger transport www.peatus.ee (route search, city seacoast in comparison wind direction is from the West. services in the northern In Estonia, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route goes to other times of the year. transport, regional transport) In the Baltic Sea littoral of Latvia, region. Routes: Helsinki – tallinn, Trains: www..ee along the very seashore for around 100 km, mainly be- As a result, accommoda- the wind is noticeably stronger, so Helsinki – stockholm, Riga – tween Haapsalu and Tallinn. In other places, crossing the tion near the sea can be fully the hike from the Lithuanian border to USEFUL LINKS: stockholm, tallinn - stockholm. LATVIA Buses: www.autoosta.lv coastline becomes di cult as it is shaped by numerous booked some time in advance. In Kolka may be more comfortable in this di- www.tallinksilja.com capes, peninsulas, wetlands with reeds, fl oodplains, la- the autumn (end of August-October), you can see more www.visitestonia.com o cial tourism web page in Estonia Trains: www.pv.lv rection with a tail wind at your back. www.latvia.travel o cial tourism web page in Latvia Viking Line Enquiry service, including public goons and shallow coves, which is why the remaining colours when going through the woods, especially in A market-leading brand in passenger There are no high or low tides in the Baltic Coastal transport: www.1188.lv distance has to be covered via seaside trails, roads and Estonia: leaves are changing co- www.countryholidays.lv accommodations, worth seeing, farms in Latvia traffi c on the northern Baltic sea. along motor roads. lour and you can fi nd mush- Hiking Route that would limit movement along the seashore www.maaturism.ee accommodations in Estonia Route: tallinn - Helsinki. rooms, berries and nuts. or make it unsafe. www.vikingline.com In cities and populated www.liveriga.com Capital city of Latvia - Riga During storms, areas, the Baltic Coastal The coast of the sea is ever www.visittallinn.ee Capital city of Estonia - Tallinn Eckerö Line cOacHes amber is washed ashore Hiking Route goes along changing and the same place may Estonian line and a travel agency. in Latvia. The itinerary pedestrian pavements. look di erent every next time you Route: tallinn - Helsinki Lux Express: www.luxexpress.eu can also be completed go there. The steep blu s are www.eckeroline.ee/en Ecolines: www.ecolines.eu The coastal terrain in winter (December - washed away by storms, the beach Local ferries in estonia is mostly level and most March), doing booking in changes, a sandy beach can be re- Hiking route length: Local ferries operate between the advance, as many services of the Baltic Coastal Hik- placed by pebbles or even stones, SYMBOLS islands and mainland Estonia: are not available at this time Duration: car rentaL ing Route is close to sea but at other times the pebbles may • Kihnu and other small islands of year. level. be covered by sand washed on top of USED: Diffi culty level: easy www.veeteed.com • The islands of Muhu, Hiiumaa and Avis, Budget, Sixt, Hertz and other local them. medium Saaremaa www.praamid.ee and international car rental companies. hard

3 www.coastaLhiking.Eu 4 THE ROCKY BEACH OF VIDZEME: SAULKRASTI - SVĒTCIEMS THE ROCKY BEACH OF VIDZEME: SAULKRASTI - SVĒTCIEMS

it is possible to organise a transfer to/from the taLLinn place of accommodation, as well as from the DaY 2 fi nish point to Riga tHe rOcKY You can also choose a shorter route: saulkrasti - Hiking 1 lauči (13 km) and then arrange a transfer to Riga tŪJa - sVĒtcieMs BeacH OF or saulkrasti. 24 km 8 – 10 h

SVĒTCIEMSI VidZeMe: a bus ride svētciems - Riga (the stop is 1 tūja DaY 1 lauči km from the sea, the bus runs 7-9 times a SAULKRASTI SAULKRASTI - SVĒTCIEMS going by train: Riga - saulkrasti (1 h, train day) or stay overnight at svētciems.

rĪga operates ~ 1 x per hour). itinerary: saulkRasti - lauČi - arrival in saulkrasti, walk to the sea ~ 1 km. PRactical inFo: tŪJa - sVĒtcieMs Hiking diffi culty level: Hiking route length: 52 km saulkRasti - tŪJa road surface: Rocky beaches, grassy/ Duration: 2 days reedy coastal sections, gravel roads, Diffi culty level: 28 km 9 – 12 h asphalt, forest trails, occasionally algae washed ashore (algae scum). PRactical inFo: good to know! the sandstone outcrops are composed of an unconsolidated and diffi culty level: / This section of the seacoast of Vidzeme is of outstanding scenic beauty with a lot unstable material, which is why it is not of rocky capes and boulders in the sea alternating with small, sandy coves where road surface: Fine gravel, sand, plank-ways, safe to approach them from the top and the bottom or to crawl into the caves the small streams and rivulets, which dry out in summer, fl ow into. Occasionally, forest trails. in Zvejniekciems, asphalt, bays with sandy beaches, capes with stones, in washed out by the waves. the beach is completely covered with the gray backs of stones. In Zvejniekciems some places, pebbles. you need to make a detour around the estuary of the Aģe River and the Skulte good to know! in some places, fi ne gravel is port. In some places, small patches of reeds appear, while near Tūja you will see washed ashore which makes walking diffi cult. the fi rst sandstone outcrops. Some part of the route can be covered via the beach the stones overgrown with algae are slippery. or via a trail meandering through the dune forest with old pines. At the end of the a lot of stones “move”. You will need suitable route, you can see the unique lamprey fi shing method - Svētupes nēģu tacis. (closed) footwear and walking poles for support. accommodation near tūja.

5 6 THE GREATE WAVE SEA: LIEPĀJA - VENTSPILS THE GREATE WAVE SEA: LIEPĀJA - VENTSPILS

it is possible to arrange transfers and/or taLLinn luggage transfers from one accommodation DaY 3 DaY 4 place to another. tHe greate You can also take a shorter route Jūrkalne - Hiking Hiking 2 sārnate (14 km) and then organise a transfer ZieMuPe - PĀVilosta PĀVilosta - JŪRkalne WaVe sea: back to Jūrkalne. 21 km 7 – 9 h 20 km 7 – 9 h

LIEPĀJA - VENTSPILS DaY 1 PRactical inFo: PRactical inFo: VENTSPILS

užava Bus ride Rīga - liepāja or diffi culty level: diffi culty level: / by train (on Friday evenings). Jūrkalne rĪga itinerary: LIEPĀJA - VENTSPILS road surface: sandy, pebbly (with Pāvilosta or by plane from Riga airport. road surface: sandy, pebbly beaches (with Ziemupe Hiking route length: 92 km little pebbles), occasionally wide (near pebbles of diff erent sizes), beaches covered excursion in liepāja. LIEPĀJA Duration: 6 days akmensrags), occasionally narrower sandy in small stones. near Pāvilosta and Jūrkalne: accommodation in liepāja. beaches. in Pāvilosta, asphalt. Diffi culty level: wide sandy beaches. dangerous places: there are no dangerous places: a ~ 0,5 h walk from DaY 2 pedestrian sidewalks in Pāvilosta. Pāvilosta, the beach narrows and is covered in Hiking good to know! no shops or catering is stones. there are two locations under the bluff s available between Ziemupe and Pāvilosta. with a length of 100 – 200 m where you may The Baltic Sea littoral on the West coast of Kurzeme is called the Great Wave liePaJa - ZieMuPe need to take lunch boxes. have to wade through shallow water in case of Sea. The seacoast is mainly sandy. While the Great Wave Sea section is the 22 km 8 – 10 h accommodation in Pāvilosta. a heavy swell on the sea due to strong W, nW least populated coastal area in Latvia, at the same time, the third biggest city in or sW winds or during storms. so the bluff s Latvia, Liepāja, is also located there. Steep blu s rise before your eyes on the PRactical inFo: cannot be used for moving forward. good to know! no shops are available between seacoast between Pāvilosta and Sārnate. The villages are quiet and sparsely diffi culty level: / Pāvilosta and Jūrkalne. need to take lunch populated. At the beginning of the route, you can see the Soviet military heritage road surface: sandy and pebbly beaches, boxes. suitable footwear is necessary, walking in Liepaja Karosta Prison, taste smoked local fi sh in Pāvilosta and then enjoy coastal trails, occasionally soft, silted sand, in poles are advisable for support. one of the most beautiful views of the entire route to the seacoast from Užava some places there are stones and structures accommodation Jūrkalne. lighthouse. The route closes in the port city of Ventspils, where there are various protecting against coastal erosion. entertainment and sightseeing places, especially for families with children. dangerous places: Personal safety must be ensured in the surroundings of the fortifi cations. they are washed away by the sea and are not equipped with amenities. it is not recommended to wade through the sea as there are sharp and dangerous underwater objects. good to know! near saraiķi, there is no access to the sea for the public (private properties). no shops or catering are available from karosta to Ziemupe. ( only small snack bar in Ziemupe parking place during the summer time). need to take lunch boxes. accommodation in Ziemupe. 7 8 THE2. LIEPĀJA GREATE -WAVE VENTSPILS SEA: LIEPĀJA - VENTSPILS SLĪTERE NATIONAL PARK: MAZIRBE - KOLKA

PRactical inFo: DaY 5 taLLinn road surface: sandy beaches, forest trails Hiking sLĪtere and gravel roads. in Mazirbe and kolka Villages, asphalt. JŪRkalne - uŽaVa 3 good to know! the only shops in this section 29 km natiOnaL 10 – 13 h are located in Mazirbe and kolka Villages. 10 – 13 h KOLKA the itinerary goes through slītere national PRactical inFo: MAZIRBE ParK: Park. need to take lunch boxes.

Ventspils start: Mazirbe, livonian people’s home (a diffi culty level: / MAZIRBE - KOLKA bus from Riga runs twice a day). road surface: sandy, pebbly beaches (with rĪga pebbles of diff erent sizes) and sandy – Finish: kolka (bus to Riga goes 5x per day). PRACTICAL INFO: itinerary: MaZiRBe - kolka beaches, in some places, small stones. liepāja You can also choose a shorter route: Hiking route length: dangerous places: When you get to the Mazirbe - (9 km) and then arrange užava lighthouse, you have to take a trail 23 km 7 – 9 h a transfer to kolka. it is possible to arrange a through the concrete breakwaters. You can Duration: 1 day transfer from Mazirbe to kolka or vice versa. wade across the užava River during low Diffi culty level: accommodation in kolka. water. there is a bridge located 0,3 km away from the mouth. good to know! You have to shop in Jūrkalne as there are no shops and catering in sārnate, closest shop is in užava. need to take lunch boxes. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route starts at the center of Mazirbe village where Walking poles are advisable for support. you can see the Livonian National House. Continuing through small forest and Private transfer to Ventspils (25 km). country roads past the former Mazirbe Naval school, it winds through small coastal Livonian villages: Košrags, and then Saunags. The accommodation in Ventspils. is the only place where you can get to know the cultural history heritage of one of the smallest peoples in the world, the . In this section, the indicating signs are in both the Latvian and . At the end of route you will DaY 6 see , the point where the Great Wave Sea meets the Little Wave Sea. It is one of the most popular bird-watching sites on the Baltic seacoast. excursion in Ventspils. Bus ride: Ventspils - Riga (3 - 4 h).

9 10 ENGURE NATURE PARK: MĒRSRAGS - ENGURE COASTAL NATURE PARK: VECĀĶI – CARNIKAVA

PRACTICAL INFO: PRactical inFo: taLLinn taLLinn road surface: Beaches covered in sand and road surface: Mainly sandy beach, a forest engure fi ne gravel, coastal meadows, small trails, cOastaL trail connecting the seacoast and laivu iela 4 forest roads. asphalt in the villages, a small 5 (a promenade is planned), the gauja River nature ParK: section of gravel road. nature ParK: levee (gravel road). good to know! You should avail yourself good to know! in Vecāķi, catering companies kolka MĒRSRAGS - ENGURE of binoculars for bird watching, suitable salacgrīva VECĀĶI – CARNIKAVA are only open in the summer. after passing (closed) footwear and walking poles for Vecāķi, you will fi nd a nudist beach. it is Ventspils MĒRSRAGS support. recommended to devote a couple of hours to CARNIKAVA ENGURE visit carnikava. the lamprey fi shing season itinerary: MĒRSRAGS - ENGURE start: Mērsrags information centre (bus VECĀĶI rĪga itinerary: VECĀĶI – CARNIKAVA takes place from 1.08.- 01.02. Jūrmala Hiking route length: from Riga runs 5 times a day). rĪga Hiking route length: start: Vecāķi beach (By train from Riga, train liepāja 22 km 7 – 9 h Finish: engure (bus to Riga runs 6-7 times 14 km 5 – 6 h operates 20 times a day). Duration: 1 day a day). it is possible to arrange a transfer to/from Duration: 1 day Finish: carnikava, next to the carnikava Diffi culty level: Mērsrags. Diffi culty level: pedestrian bridge across the gauja River (train to Riga operates 20 times a day). accommodation in engure or Mersrags.

Route meanders between a rocky seacoast richly overgrown with reeds and This section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route is a comparatively short hike other grasses on one side and wooded seaside dunes on the other side. In across a beautiful sandy beach, the coastal side of which is bounded by some places, the beach is paved with small round stones, in other places you brightly colored pine forests with spectacular dunes and dams of dunes. To can see grey dunes with a rich variety of plants. Near Bērzciems village, there get from the beach to Carnikava, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route will take you are large coastal meadows with shoals appearing far away in the sea that are through a forest via a promenade. Then it takes a stroll around the Old Gauja suited for birdwatching. During this route, it is possible to visit the fi shermen’s River via a levee and reaches the pedestrian bridge over the Gauja River. homestead “Dieniņas”, where you can buy local smoked fi sh. Also it is worth to Both as you start and end the hike, it is nice to sit in one of the pubs and see Engure port and Engure Evangelical Lutheran Church. summer cafés located on Vecāķi beach and in Carnikava.

11 12 A HIKING ROUTE ACROSS THE DIVERSE COASTAL LANDSCAPES OF LATVIA A HIKING ROUTE ACROSS THE DIVERSE COASTAL LANDSCAPES OF LATVIA

You can divide the route and take only some taLLinn parts of it. DaY 2 DaY 4 a HiKing rOute it is possible to arrange transfers and/or luggage transfers from one accommodation Bus ride kolka - MeRsRags Bus ride in the morning: 6 acrOss tHe place to another. the bus leaves in the middle of the day. enguRe - DuBulti excursion in Mersrags, nature reserve, diVerse cOastaL trail, sightseeing tower. Hiking KOLKA accommodation in Mersrags. DuBulti - BulDuRi MAZIRBE SVĒTCIEMSI DaY 1 through Jūrmala city. tūja MĒRSRAGS LandscaPes OF Bus ride early in the morning: SAULKRASTI 5 km ENGURE Riga - MaZiRBe (bus runs 2x day). 1 – 2 h DUBULTI rĪga LatVia BULDURI Hiking DaY 3 PRactical inFo: itinerary: MaZiRBe - kolka - MĒRsRags MaZiRBe - kolka Hiking - enguRe - DuBulti - BulDuRi - RĪga - diffi culty level: 23 km 7 – 9 h MeRsRags - enguRe saulkRasti - tŪJa - sVĒtcieMs road surface: sandy beaches. Hiking route length: 105 km the route passes through slītere national 22 km 7 – 9 h Duration: 7 days Park, the small livonian coastal villages accommodation in Jūrmala or Riga. to kolkasrags, where the great Wave sea train operates regularly from Jūrmala to Diffi culty level: PRactical inFo: meets the little Wave sea. Riga. start: MaZiRBe liVonian national House diffi culty level: / Finish: sVĒtcieMs PRactical inFo: road surface: Beaches covered in diffi culty level: sand and fi ne gravel, coastal meadows, DaY 5 road surface: sandy beaches, forest trails small trails, forest roads. asphalt in the and gravel roads. in Mazirbe Village and villages, a small section of gravel road. day for sightseeing in riga. old town, art nouveau District, central Market, etc. kolka Village, asphalt. good to know! You should avail yourself This long tour of Latvia includes some of the best and most beautiful parts of good to know! the only shops in this section of binoculars for bird watching, suitable accommodation in Riga. Jūrtaka in Latvia. Hikes along the sea alternate with trips and excursions in the are located in Mazirbe and kolka villages. (closed) footwear and walking poles for cities. You will go along the coast of the Baltic Sea from Mazirbe to Kolka, seeing the itinerary goes through slītere national support. Slītere National Park and Livonian villages. You will see Engure Nature Park and Park. accommodation in engure. the overgrown seaside meadows that are suitable for bird watching. Along the take a lunch box with you as no catering is way, you will be able to purchase smoked fi sh from local fi shermen and learn off ered. about fi shing traditions in Latvia. Further, the route will take you through the most accommodation in kolka. popular seaside resort in Latvia, Jūrmala; you will also have time to visit the capital city - Riga. The second part of the route runs along the Vidzeme coast from Saulkrasti to Svētciems. In terms of landscapes and views, the most multifaceted section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Latvia, which includes both sandy and rocky beach, coastal meadows, reeds, dunes, sandstone outcrops, forests, capes and small coves, fi shing villages and pubs.

13 14 A2. HIKINGLIEPĀJA ROUTE - VENTSPILS ACROSS THE DIVERSE COASTAL LANDSCAPES OF LATVIA A HIKING ROUTE ACROSS THE DIVERSE COASTAL LANDSCAPES OF LATVIA

DaY 6 DaY 7 going by train Riga - saulkRasti Hiking 1 h (train operates ~ 1x hour). tŪJa - sVĒtcieMs arrival in saulkRasti, 24 km walk to the sea ~ 1 km. 8 – 10 h 10 – 13 h Hiking PRactical inFo: saulkRasti - tŪJa diffi culty level:

28 km 9 – 12 h road surface: Rocky beaches, grassy/ PRACTICAL INFO: reedy coastal sections (before reaching the svētupe River), gravel roads, asphalt, forest PRactical inFo: trails, occasionally algae washed ashore diffi culty level: / (algae scum). road surface: Fine gravel, sand, plank- good to know! the sandstone outcrops ways, forest trails. in Zvejniekciems, are composed of an unconsolidated and asphalt, bays with sandy beaches, capes unstable material, which is why it is not with stones, in some places, pebbles. safe to approach them from the top and the bottom or to crawl into the caves washed out good to know! in some places, fi ne gravel by the waves. is washed ashore which makes walking diffi cult. the stones overgrown with algae a bus ride sVĒtcieMs - Riga (the stop is are slippery. a lot of stones “move”. You 1 km from the sea) or accommodation in will need suitable (closed) footwear and sVĒtcieMs. walking poles for support. accommodation in or near tūja.

15 16 ALONG PÄRNU BAY: HÄÄDEMEESTE – PÄRNU ALONG PÄRNUHÄÄDEMEESTE BAY: HÄÄDEMEESTE – PÄRNU –ESTONIA PÄRNU

it is possible to arrange a transfer to the taLLinn starting point from Pärnu and to the place of DaY 2 aLOng accommodation Hiking uulu - PÄRnu PÄRNU 7 DaY 1 uulu PÄrnu BaY: 21 km 7 – 9 h HÄÄDEMEESTE Bus Pärnu – Häädemeeste (bus operates ~ 13 times a day). HÄÄDEMEESTE – PÄRNU PRactical inFo:

diffi culty level: rĪga itinerary: HÄÄDeMeeste - uulu - PÄRnu Hiking road surface: Forest roads and small Hiking route length: 47 km HÄÄDeMeeste - uulu meandering trails, gravel roads, grassy base, in the city: asphalt pavements, pedestrian and Duration: 2 days 26 km 8 – 10 h cyclist lanes. sandy beach with a slight mixture Diffi culty level: of rocks and pebbles at Reiu beach, sandy at PRactical inFo: Pärnu beach. Obstacles: You can cross the uulu canal diffi culty level: by bridge. the itinerary has to be covered road surface: Forest roads and small trails, according to the indications of the gPX fi le or This section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route is suitable to hardy hikers who in some sections, gravel road, sand, roads the map, as impassable wetlands cover the like to travel across uninhabited places. In many places, reeds, fl oodplains overgrown with grass, asphalt in the most seacoast throughout its entire length. with pastures and wetlands stretch across the Estonian seacoast, which populated areas. good to know! no catering services are off ered is why the itinerary often leads you along forest and country roads. In the Obstacles: there are wetlands on the coast, along the way, except fi nish point in Pärnu. second half of summer you can pick the mushrooms and berries in the coastal so this section of the itinerary moves inland. need to take lunch boxes. forests. Pärnu is a popular resort city with many cafés, live music, SPAs, You can cross the streams by bridge. in some accommodation in Pärnu. hotels and a beautiful Old Town. places, trees may have fallen upon the trail. From Pärnu, it is easy to get to Riga and tallinn good to know! no catering services are by bus. off ered, and no shops are available throughout the whole section. need to take lunch boxes. accommodation near uulu.

17 18 WALK THE KIHNU ISLAND, ESTONIA BIRD WATCHING IN MATSALU NATIONAL PARK

taLLinn start: kiHnu PoRt (1 h bus ride from taLLinn start: Haeska (by bus from Haapsalu or Pärnu to Munalaid Port and by ferry , get off at the Haeska teerist stop, PUISE NINA WaLK tHe Munalaid - kihnu 1 h, operates 2 to 3 times Bird WatcHing buses run 7x a day). HAESKA a day). 8 9 FinisH: Puise nina (bus to Haapsalu, ride KiHnu isLand, FinisH: kiHnu PoRt in MatsaLu 0.5 h, runs 2x a day). KIHNU ISLAND this circular hiking route can be included in natiOnaL ParK estOnia other longer trips. PRactical inFoRMation: it is possible to arrange a private transfer HAESKA – PUISE from Pärnu to Munalaid Port and back. road surface: Roads covered in asphalt and itinerary: kiHnu PoRt - sÄÄRe - linakÜla gravel. itinerary: Haeska – sinalePa – tuuRu – - RootsikÜla - leMsi - kiHnu PoRt PRactical inFo: rĪga rĪga PÕgaRi-sassi – Puise – Puise nina. good to know: the itinerary goes through Hiking route length: road surface: the shoreline is mostly Matsalu national Park. During the migration Hiking route length: 23 km 7 – 9 h rocky, with spots full of smaller pebbles and period, the birds that are resting near the gravel, and spots with larger stones. the 23 km 8 – 10 h coast and in the nearby fi elds should be Duration: 1 - 2 days disturbed as little as possible. no shops (the hike will mostly be along the gravel roads of Duration: 1 day Diffi culty level: the shoreline, one stretch leads through an closest one is in Panga village) or catering asphalted road. Diffi culty level: companies are available in this section. need to take lunch boxes. good to know: kihnu does not have atM’s, but you can pay with payment cards in most of the shops. there are no catering places on the island operating all year round. From Kihnu Island is the largest island in the Gulf of Riga and the seventh largest september to May please book catering in island in Estonia. Its total area is 16.9 km², the island is 7 km long and up to advance! One of the most beautiful sections of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Matsalu 3.3 km wide. The former seal hunter and fi shermen’s island, with around 600 accommodation and catering on kihnu National Park, which leads through the agricultural lands and coastal meadows inhabitants, is currently eager to maintain its identity in spite of everything. island: www.visitkihnu.ee located near Matsalu Bay, where thousands of migrating cranes and geese gather The unique characteristics of the Kihnu cultural space, like the lifestyle of the information about ferry traffi c: in autumn. There are excellent birdwatching sites with towers near Haeska village community, the diverse cultural traditions, the Kihnu language, music, national www.veeteed.com (coastal meadows, shallow coves, small islets, cattle pastures) and at Cape Puise costumes and nature, are included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. (coastal meadows with pastures, shoals). The most panoramic views of the sea and strings of islands can be seen in the surroundings of Põgari-Sassi and Puise nina. A coastal route that goes through four villages – Sääre, Linaküla, Rootsiküla and Lemsi - will help you to discover the cultural and natural values of Kihnu Island. You can visit Kihnu Museum all year round and get insight into the history of the island, including the life of the famous local captain, Kihnu Jõnn. It is also worth seeing Kihnu Church and the cemetery located across from the museum. In the summer, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the island, the surrounding sandbanks and the sea from the lighthouse. The commemorative stone by the former house of Kihnu Jõnn introduces you to the island’s legendary “wild captain”.

19 20 BAYS AND CAPE HORNS IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF ESTONIA BAYS AND CAPE HORNS IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF ESTONIA

NÕVA HARBOUR taLLinn it is possible to arrange a transfer to the VIHTERPALU starting point from Haapsalu and to the DaY 2 ROOSLEPA place of accommodation. BaYs and caPe Hiking a bus ride from HaaPsalu to 45 10 HOrns in tHe min. (stop “Rooslepa”, the bus runs 2x a day). nÕVa HaRBouR – ViHteRPalu nOrtHWestern Walk to the sea ~ 1 km. 24 km 8 –10 h Part OF estOnia: DaY 1 PRactical inFo: diffi culty level: Hiking rĪga ROOSLEPA – road surface: Forest trails, highly variable RooslePa - DiRHaMi - beaches: sandy, occasionally overgrown with VIHTERPALU nÕVa HaRBouR herbaceous plants, rocky, short sections of dolomite base and dolomite pebbles. itinerary: RooslePa - DiRHaMi - 20 km 6 – 8 h nÕVa HaRBouR - ViHteRPalu good to know! the closest shop is located in Harju-Risti, but that’s about 10 km away. PRactical inFo: Hiking route length: 44 km there is also a shop in nõva. no catering Duration: 2 day diffi culty level: companies are available in this section. need to take lunch boxes. Diffi culty level: road surface: a short stretch of road covered in asphalt and gravel, forest trails, accommodation near Vihterpalu. highly variable beaches: sandy, occasionally covered in gravel, pebbles, stones of diff erent sizes, a short section of dolomite The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route goes through Nõva Nature reserve where base. in some places, algae have been you will have exceptional views of the white and grey dunes. The beaches are washed ashore. popular for fi shing and kite-surfi ng. In Dirhami you can spend some time in dangerous places: Be careful and ensure a cafe and from its terrace you will have a beautiful view of the sea and the safety when walking along the road. port. Along the way you can also see ancient Swedish hamlets with a di erent cultural environment and landscape, as well as shallow lakes that have been good to know! catering companies are separated from the sea. available at the Port of Dirhami. the closest shop is in nõva village (3.5 km from the Port of nõva) and Dirhami village. additional possibilities: You can go by boat to island from Dirhami port. the island has an exciting swedish time and military history, as well as enchanting coastal nature. osmussaar is great for hiking. there is also a 9 km long hiking path here. transfer to accommodation place near Rooslepa. 21 22 AROUND PAKRI PENINSULA THE LEGENDARY SUURUPI PENINSULA

TABASALU PÕLLKÜLA start: Paldiski city center (train from VÄÄNA-JÕESUU PALDISKI taLLinn taLLinn start: VÄÄna-JÕesuu coastal promenade, tallinn operates 15 times a day). luige tee (street), bus from tallinn. arOund PaKri FinisH: train stop in + 3 km tHe LegendarY FinisH: taBasalu, keskpäeva tee (regular 11 (goes to tallinn 2 times per day) or 12 city bus route to the centre of tallinn). train stop in klooga + 4 km (goes to tallinn PeninsuLa: 20 times per day). there is also a bus suuruPi PALDISKI - PÕLLKÜLA station in Põllküla (kersalu). PeninsuLa: PRactical inFo: PRactical inFo: road surface: cobblestones (promenade), in populated areas: asphalt roads, gravel roads, road surface: asphalt, gravel roads, trails, VÄÄNA - JÕESUU - forest roads, trails, overgrown coastal areas rĪga itinerary: PalDiski - PÕllkÜla forest and unpaved roads, sand, short (reeds), meadows, variable beaches: sand, Hiking route length: sections of beach covered in stones and rĪga TABASALU gravel, stones, dolomite – sandstone base, pebbles. algae washed ashore etc. 20 km 5 – 7 h itinerary: VÄÄna-JÕesuu – suuRuPi – ilManDu – RannaMÕisa – taBasalu Duration: 1 day dangerous places: You must not approach dangerous places: You must not approach the upper part and the base of Pakri and the upper part and the base of the Hiking route length: Diffi culty level: other cliff s because rockfalls occur regularly Rannamõisa cliff s and other outcrops as a result of the waves washing away the 20 km 7 – 9 h because rockfalls occur regularly as a result cliff s. Duration: 1 day of the waves washing away the outcrops. Military fortifi cations can be viewed from the Diffi culty level: good to know! there are shops and catering outside! services in Paldiski town, in the summer good to know: no accommodation is The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route leads around the Pakri Peninsula, from also next to the Pakri lighthouse. suitable available in tabasalu, but you can take a bus (closed, water resistant) footwear is to tallinn on a regular basis. whose rocky shores you will discover the most beautiful coastal landscapes necessary, walking poles are advisable for This tour is suitable only for experienced hikers. The itinerary circles the Suurupi in northwest Estonia. It goes through the centre of Paldiski and, after having support. Peninsula where the dense forests conceal the military heritage of di erent eras. reached the fortress bastions of Peter I, it turns towards the Pakri Lighthouse The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route meanders through overgrown and rocky seacoasts, going across the upper part of the impressive Pakri Cli s. Further on up to birch groves, along former pioneer camps and sand-stone cli s protecting coves Kersalu, there are both ups in the shape of rocks and downs where the Baltic with sharp capes. At the end of the itinerary, one of the most astounding outcrops Coastal Hiking Route meanders along a sandy and rocky seacoast and a of the Estonian littoral rises before your eyes – the Rannamõisa Cli s, which gives beautiful pine forest. views of Kakumäe Bay and Peninsula and the towers of Tallinn’s Old Town.

23 1224 A HIKING TOUR ALONG THE WESTERN COAST OF ESTONIA AND THE RESORT TOWNS A HIKING TOUR ALONG THE WESTERN COAST OF ESTONIA AND THE RESORT TOWNS

PALDISKI NÕVA HARBOUR taLLinn it is possible to arrange transfers and/or ROOSTA luggage transfers from one accommodation DaY 4 DaY 5 HAAPSALU a HiKing tOur place to another. Hiking in the morning, a private transfer to 13 nÕVa HaRBouR - ViHteRPalu Paldiski, or the bus Vihterpalu - Paldiski in PÄRNU aLOng tHe West- DaY 1 the second half of the day. 24 km 8 – 10 h ern cOast OF excursion by foot in Pärnu’s old town. Pärnu accommodation in Paldiski. is a popular resort city with many cafés, live PRactical inFo: estOnia and tHe music, sPas, hotels and a beautiful old town. We also recommend visiting beach area. diffi culty level: DaY 6 rĪga resOrt tOWns: Bus: PÄRNU - HAAPSALU road surface: Forest trails, highly (operates 1 x day, at 16.00). variable beaches: sandy, occasionally Hiking around Pakri Peninsula: PÄRNU AND HAAPSALU PalDiski - PÕllkÜla accommodation in HaaPsalu. overgrown with herbaceous plants, rocky, short sections of dolomite base 20 km and dolomite pebbles. 5 – 7 h itinerary: PÄRnu - HaaPsalu - Roosta - DiRHaMi - nÕVa HaRBouR - ViHteRPalu - DaY 2 DaY 3 good to know! no catering companies PalDiski - PÕllkÜla - tallinn are available in this section. need to take PRactical inFo: Hiking Hiking route length: ~ 80 km excursion by foot in HaaPsalu. We lunch boxes. diffi culty level: Roosta - DiRHaMi - Duration: 6 day recommend visiting the old town of the accommodation near Vihterpalu. Haapsalu resort town, Bishop’s castle mound, nÕVa HaRBouR road surface: asphalt, gravel roads, trails, Diffi culty level: Dome cathedral and the historic promenade forest and unpaved roads, sand, short 20 km with various monuments. 6 – 8 h sections of beach covered in stones and pebbles. During lunch - a bus trip to Haapsalu - PRactical inFo: dangerous places: You must not approach On this hiking route you will see the most part of the western coast of Estonia Dirhami, (getting off at the stop “”, bus runs 2x day, 1 km walk to the the upper part and the base of Pakri and diffi culty level: from Pärnu to Tallinn. You will visit Estonia’s most popular resort cities: accommodation). other cliff s because rockfalls occur regularly Pärnu and Haapsalu. You will pass along many bays, cape horns, fi shermen’s road surface: a short stretch of road as a result of the waves washing away the villages and overgrown meadows. In the northern part you will walk along the accommodation near Rooslepa village. covered in asphalt and gravel, forest cliff s. trails, highly variable beaches: sandy, spectacular Pakri cli s, where you will see some of the most beautiful scenery good to know! there are shops and catering occasionally covered in gravel, pebbles, in the area. There will also be sandy beaches and dolomite outcrops in places. services only in Paldiski town, in the stones of diff erent sizes, a short section summer also next to the Pakri lighthouse. In some rocky and wet sections you will use coastal forests and trails. During of dolomite base. in some places, algae need to take lunch boxes or shop in Paldiski. the route, you will see the Soviet military heritage in Paldiski. have been washed ashore. suitable (closed, water resistant) footwear Be careful and dangerous places: is necessary, walking poles are advisable for ensure safety when walking along the support. road. accommodation in tallinn. good to know! catering companies are available at the Port of Dirhami. the train stop in kloogaranna + 3 km (goes closest shops are in nõva (3.5 km from to tallinn 2 times per day) or train stop in the Port of nõva) and Dirhami village. klooga + 4 km (goes to tallinn 20 times per day). there is also a bus station in Põllküla to Rooslepa. transfer back (kersalu). 25 accommodation near Rooslepa village. 26 GRAND HIKING TOUR ON THE COAST OF LATVIA AND ESTONIA GRAND HIKING TOUR ON THE COAST OF LATVIA AND ESTONIA

VIHTERPALU NÕVA HARBOUR taLLinn it is possible to arrange transfers and/or ROOSLEPA luggage transfers from one accommodation DaY 3 DaY 5 HAPSALU place to another. grand HiKing Hiking Free day for sightseeing in riga. old MeRsRags - enguRe town, art nouveau District, central PÄRNU 14 tOur On tHe DaY 1 Market, etc. KIHNU HÄÄDEMEESTE 22 km 7 – 9 h ISLAND accommodation in a hotel in Riga. KOLKA AINAŽI cOast OF LatVia Bus ride early in the morning: MAZIRBE SVĒTCIEMSI Riga - MaZiRBe (bus runs 2x day). PRactical inFo: tūja MĒRSRAGS and estOnia ZVEJNIEKCIEMS ENGURE Hiking diffi culty level: rĪga MaZiRBe - kolka DaY 6 JŪRMALA itinerary: MaZiRBe - kolka - MĒRsRags - road surface: Beaches covered in enguRe - JŪRMala - Riga - ZVeJniekcieMs 23 km sand and fi ne gravel, coastal meadows, By train Riga - ZVeJniekcieMs ~ 1 hour 7 – 9 h small trails, forest roads. asphalt in the - tuVa - sVĒtcieMs - ainaŽi - ikla - PÄRnu (train operates 10x per day). villages, a small section of gravel road. - kiHnu islanD - PÄRnu - HaaPsalu - Walk to the sea ~ 2.5 km. PRactical inFo: RooslePa - nÕVa HaRBouR - good to know! You should avail yourself ViHteRPalu - tallinn diffi culty level: of binoculars for bird watching, suitable (closed) footwear and walking poles for Hiking Hiking route length: ~ 180 km road surface: sandy beaches, forest trails support. ZVeJniekcieMs - tŪJa and gravel roads. in Mazirbe Village, asphalt. Duration: 16 day accommodation in enguRe. 25 km the only shop in this section 8 – 11 h Diffi culty level: good to know! are located in Mazirbe and kolka villages. the itinerary goes through slītere national Park. DaY 4 PRactical inFo: take a lunch box with you as no catering is diffi culty level: / off ered. Bus ride in the morning: This grand hiking tour is provided for experienced hikers wishing to walk along enguRe - DuBulti road surface: Fine gravel, sand, plank- accommodation in kolka. ways, forest trails. in Zvejniekciems, a large part of the coasts of Latvia and Estonia, gain a detailed impression Hiking asphalt, bays with sandy beaches, capes about the diverse coastal landscape, nature, birds and animals of the Baltic DuBulti - BulDuRi with stones, in some places, pebbles. Sea. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route sometimes runs through sandy beaches, DaY 2 through Jurmala city. in some places, fi ne sometimes along sections of beach covered in stones and pebbles. Sometimes good to know! 5 km gravel is washed ashore which makes the trail goes through coastal forests or stops at a fi shermen’s village. There Bus ride kolka - MeRsRags the bus leaves 1 – 2 h walking diffi cult. the stones overgrown are many fl oodplain meadows, lagoons and shallow bays on the Estonian side, in the middle of the day. with algae are slippery. a lot of stones so sometimes the path goes along coastal trails and roads. In the end section of “move”. You will need suitable (closed) excursion in MeRsRags, nature reserve, trail, PRactical inFo: the route you will feel Estonia’s Nordic nature more. Part of the route runs along footwear and walking poles for support. sightseeing tower. diffi culty level: a sparsely populated seashore where you can be alone with yourself, but you accommodation in or near tŪJa. will also be able to visit the most prominent cities. You will visit both capitals: accommodation in MeRsRags. road surface: sandy beaches. Riga and Tallinn. Enjoy the hospitality of the resort towns of Jurmala, Pärnu and accommodation in JuRMala or Riga. Haapsalu. During the hike, you will also get acquainted with the regions of small train operates regularly from Jurmala ethnic cultures: the Livonians in Latvia and the inhabitants of Kihnu in Estonia. to Riga.

27 28 GRAND2. LIEPĀJA HIKING - VENTSPILS TOUR ON THE COAST OF LATVIA AND ESTONIA GRAND HIKING TOUR ON THE COAST OF LATVIA AND ESTONIA

DaY 7 DaY 9 DaY 10 DaY 13

Hiking Bus ride in the morning: PÄRnu - We continue to explore kiHnu islanD. Hiking tŪJa - sVĒtcieMs Munalaiu PoRt (1 h). Ferry trip to Munalaiu PoRt (1 h). Roosta - DiRHaMi - nÕVa HaRBouR a ferry to kiHnu (1 h) runs 2-4 times a day Bus trip to PÄRnu (1 h). 24 km 8 – 10 h 20 km 6 – 8 h depending on the day of the week. accommodation and catering in PÄRnu. PRactical inFo: Kihnu Island is the largest island in the Gulf PRactical inFo:

of Riga and the seventh largest island in diffi culty level: Estonia. Its total area is 16.9 km², the island diffi culty level: road surface: Rocky beaches, grassy/ is 7 km long and up to 3.3 km wide. The DaY 11 road surface: a short stretch of road reedy coastal sections (before reaching former seal hunter and fi shermen’s island, covered in asphalt and gravel, forest trails, the svētupe River), gravel roads, asphalt, with around 600 inhabitants, is currently Free time in Pärnu in the morning. highly variable beaches: sandy, occasionally forest trails, occasionally algae washed eager to maintain its identity in spite of in the afternoon, bus trip to Pärnu - covered in gravel, pebbles, stones of ashore (algae scum). everything and has been included in the Haapsalu. diff erent sizes, a short section of dolomite UNESCO World Heritage List. accommodation in HaaPsalu. base. in some places, algae have been good to know! the sandstone outcrops washed ashore. are composed of an unconsolidated and Hiking unstable material, which is why it is not kiHnu islanD dangerous places: Be careful and ensure safe to approach them from the top and safety when walking along the road. the bottom or to crawl into the caves 23 km 7 – 9 h DaY 12 washed out by the waves. good to know! catering companies are available at the Port of Dirhami. the closest excursion by foot in Haapsalu. We accommodation in sVĒtcieMs. PRactical inFo: shops are in nõva (3.5 km from the Port of recommend visiting the old town of the nõva) and Dirhami villages. diffi culty level: Hapsalu resort town, Bishop’s castle mound, Dome cathedral and the historic transfer back to Rooslepa. good to know! Hiking on kihnu island (or promenade with various monuments. you can rent a bike and explore this route by accommodation near Rooslepa village. DaY 8 bike). During lunch - a bus trip to Haapsalu - a coastal route that goes through four Dirhami. Bus ride: sVĒtcieMs - ainaŽi (bus runs villages – sääre, linaküla, Rootsiküla and accommodation near RooslePa. 10x per day). lemsi - will help you to discover the cultural catering places in HaaPsalu. crossing the latvian-estonian border on and natural values of kihnu island. foot (ca 2 km). accommodation on kiHnu islanD. Bus ikla - PÄRnu. last buses leave at information about ferry traffi c: around 16:00 and 17:00. www.veeteed.com excursion in PÄRnu. Pärnu is a popular resort city with many cafés, live music, sPas, hotels and a beautiful old town. accommodation and catering in PÄRnu.

29 30 GRAND2. LIEPĀJA HIKING - VENTSPILS TOUR ON THE COAST OF LATVIA AND ESTONIA WALKING NATURE TRAILS IN LATVIA AND ESTONIA

DaY 14 PALDISKI taLLinn DaY 1 HAAPSALU Hiking HIIUMAA WaLKing arrival in Riga / Pick up the hired car at the nÕVa HaRBouR - ViHteRPalu airport. PÄRNU 15 SAAREMAA nature traiLs Pick up your info pack with the map and 24 km 8 – 10 h detailed itinerary from the hotel’s reception. Free time in Riga. KOLKA AINAŽI in LatVia and PRactical inFo: Overnight in Riga. SAULKRASTI diffi culty level: estOnia road surface: Forest trails, highly variable rĪga DaY 2 beaches: sandy, occasionally overgrown itinerary: RĪga – saulkRasti – ainaŽi – with herbaceous plants, rocky, short PÄRnu – MuHuMaa – saaReMaa – HiiuMaa RIGA - AINAŽI sections of dolomite base and dolomite – Matsalu – HaaPsalu – PalDiski – pebbles. tallinn Riga – saulkRasti – ainaŽi good to know! no catering companies or Hiking route length: • Wooden walking trail through the pine shops are available in this section. ~ 90 km forest, dunes, sandy beach: garciems need to take lunch boxes. – carnikava, 2–3 hour (8 km). the car is Duration: 8 day left in garciems train station. the fi nish accommodation near Vihterpalu. Diffi culty level: is in carnikava train station. afterwards you return to garciems by train (train runs approximately once an hour). • nature trail over the dunes and through the pine forest at saulkrasti (1–2 h). DaY 15 approx. 3 km, - the way back is along the in the morning, bus ride ViHteRPalu - The tour from Riga to Tallinn combines natural and cultural heritage and includes seashore. tallinn (bus runs only 1x a day). lovely landscapes and 15 nature trails which cross marshlands, meadows and • (Possibility to do - Forest hiking trail forests along the shores of the Baltic Sea, including several protected nature of the Baron von Munchhausen at Dunte arrival in tallinn. reserves. Many trails are equipped with viewing towers for birdwatching. Randu (~ 3 h). 5–6 km back and forth). sightseeing in tallinn. We recommend meadows near Ainaži contains one third of Latvia’s entire plant species. A • Walking trail through the very rare seeing tallinn’s medieval old town, which is boardwalk leads through reeds to a viewing platform with views over the meadow coastal meadows and wetlands at ainaži part of the unesco World Heritage list. and the sea. Saaremaa island is interesting with very di erent natural attractions – bird watching possibilities (tower) in spring and fall (1–2 h) 3–4 km back and accommodation in tallinn. to the mainland - dolomite cli s, juniper heaths, a meteorite lake and rocky sea forth; shore. The tour passes rural farms and traditional villages typical of the coastal areas. Hiiumaa island is a laid back place and retains a very Estonian atmosphere with an important bird reserve at Käina Bay, unusual Sääre Tirp as well as several PRactical inFo: DaY 16 small islets o its south-eastern coast. Back on the mainland, Paldiski peninsula diffi culty level: gives a glimpse of the recent history with its former Soviet military base. road surface: sand beaches, gravel, plank- sightseeing in tallinn. ways, forest trails. end of tour! distances: 21 km hiking, 115 km by car. accommodation near ainaži. 31 1232 WALKING NATURE TRAILS IN LATVIA AND ESTONIA WALKING NATURE TRAILS IN LATVIA AND ESTONIA

DaY 3 DaY 4 DaY 5 AINAŽI - PÄRNU PÄRNU - SAAREMAA KURESSAARE (SAAREMAA) - ainaŽi - kaBli - HÄÄDeMeeste - ISLAND KÄINA (HIIUMAA) sooMetsa - PÄRnu PÄRnu - liu - tÕstaMaa - Matsi - kuRessaaRe - ViiDuMÄe - sigHtseeing anD Walking - VaRBla - PiVaRootsi - - Panga cliFF - tRiigi - sÕRu - tRails: kuiVastu - MuHu - saaReMaa - kÄina • Kabli nature study trail (2 km). a trail with two sightseeing towers, changing sigHtseeing anD Walking tRails: sigHtseeing anD Walking tRails: scenery and birds’ nests. trail starts in front of the RMk kabli nature centre. • sightseeing in Pärnu, historic spa resort • (Possibility to do – sightseeing at - Pärnu beach and promenade, beach • (Possibility to do - several sandy Kuressaare (41 km from leisi by car) park, the pier, old town and Vallikääru attractions include impressive medieval beaches in the area between ikla and Park recreation area. kabli). castle, town’s centre with its art galleries, • (Possibility to do - Valgeranna adventure little shops, cafes and restaurants or is valued for • Luitemaa nature reserve Park (estimated time for completion trails Viidumäe nature restricted area (65 km its sand dunes, raised bogs and old- 1-6 is approx. 3 h); a sandy beaches at from leisi by car) with a forest trail and growth pine forests in the dunes. You can Valgeranna, sutiranna, sepamaa, Matsi observation tower at the seaside (1 h); about choose 3–6 km (2–3 h) back and forth and several churches). 22 m high dolomite Panga cliff at the coast track in the area (forest road) or use (1 h) at saaremaa island). an asphalt road running parallel to the • tõstamaa walking trail 5 km (2 h) is coastal Hiking walking trail to make a equipped with informative signs indicating • boardwalk trail on the kassari loop tour. the closest attractions island through overgrown coastal area with • the ethnographic fi shermen’s village an observation tower near käina bay (bird • Pärnu coastal Meadow hiking trail (600 watching available) (1 h) at Hiiumaa. m) with a viewing platform, which stands Koguva at Muhu island right by the sea in the middle of the • Koigi walking trail 5 km through marsh • sääre nature trail on the kassari island Pärnu beach. Visitors can walk above the and forest at the saaremaa island (2 h) which is a stripe of land covered with backwaters and look for unique protected junipers (bird watching available) (1.5 hour) • a beautiful landscape on the road from at Hiiumaa. plants. (1h) angla Windmills and Heritage center to Karja church, 5 km back and forth (2 h). PRactical inFo: PRactical inFo: diffi culty level: PRactical inFo: diffi culty level: road surface: forest trails, sandy beaches, asphalt in the most populated areas. diffi culty level: Ferry from triigi (saaremaa island) to sõru (Hiiumaa island) (1 h). distances: 8 km hiking, ~70 km by car. Ferry from Virtsu to kuivastu at Muhu island distances: hiking (depend on the route you good to know! During late august–late (0.5 hours) select), 150 km (at saaremaa), 45 km (at october kabli Bird Ringing station is working, distances: 15 km hiking, ~220 km by car. Hiiumaa) by car. you can have a look on autumn migration and accommodation in leisi or at other places bird ringing. at . accommodation in käina or at other places at county. accommodation in Pärnu or in Pärnu county.

33 1234 WALKING NATURE TRAILS IN LATVIA AND ESTONIA WALKING NATURE TRAILS IN LATVIA AND ESTONIA

DaY 6 DaY 7 DaY 8 KÄINA (HIIUMAA) - HAAPSALU - PALDISKI - SIGHTSEEING IN HAAPSALU TALLINN TALLINN OLD TOWN.

kÄina - kÕPu - kÄRDla - - HaaPsalu - PalDiski - -Joa return the car to the tallinn airport. RoHukÜla - Matsalu - HaaPsalu - tallinn Departure from tallinn. Or return to Riga via tallinn-Riga sigHtseeing anD Walking tRails: sigHtseeing anD Walking motorway e67 and leave the car at tRails: the Riga airport. • (Possibility to do – Kõpu lighthouse (40 km from käina by car) is the oldest in the Baltic • (Possibility to do – a walk along states or kärdla town (21 km from käina the beach area from dirhami by car) is the only major town in Hiiumaa to Põõsaspea Horn. the horn is island. located at the westernmost point of • Kiideva-Puise hiking trail (one way is 3.4 the estonian continental part and km) at Matsalu national Park goes through stretches far into the sea as a narrow woodlands and woody meadows (4h). pile of stones. approx. 7 km back and forth). • Walk on the Haapsalu Promenade 4 km (8km back and forth) which starts at the • Walking at the Paldiski peninsula african beach and ends by the Baltic Hotel – a part of the longer hiking trail Promenade. near the promenade there are from uuga limestone coast to Pakri many sites to see and museums to visit, Reserve along the steep Baltic sea e.g. Haapsalu town Hall, ilons Wonderland, banks (3 km back and forth) where Haapsalu Resort Hall, tchaikovsky’s Bench there are many sites to see, e.g. Pakri and Museum of the coastal swedes. (2–3 h). old lighthouse, Pakri lighthouse and Pakri Precipice. • Keila waterfall – the third largest PRactical inFo: waterfall in estonia (6 m high and 60–70 m wide). diffi culty level: • Keila-Joa Park and nature trail 3 km Ferry from Heltermaa (Hiiumaa island) to is circular walking trail with several dangerous places: You must not approach Rohuküla (1.5 h). stairs and suspended bridges that the upper part and the base of Pakri and distances: 15 km hiking, 105 km (at Hiiumaa), wind along the keila river banks and other cliff s because rockfalls occur regularly 50 km (at mainland) by car. a romantic park (1-2 hours). as a result of the waves washing away the accommodation in Haapsalu or at other cliff s. places at lääne county. good to know! suitable (closed, water PRactical inFo: resistant) footwear is necessary, walking poles are advisable for support. diffi culty level: accommodation in tallinn or at other places distances: 16 km hiking, 130 km by car at Harju county. (when visiting Dirhami extra 45 km by car). 35 photo credit: JAREK JÕEPERA 36 estonia latVia

capital tallinn Riga territory km2 45 227 64 573 generaL Population 1 318 700 1 950 000 Population density: inFOrMatiOn inhabitants per km2 28.8 30.02 language estonian. latvian. inhabitants also speak inhabitants also speak aBout latVia & english, german or Russian. english, german or Russian. currency euR euR estonia country code + 372 + 371 local time gMt + 2 hours gMt + 2 hours

climate Warm summers, spring and autumn relatively mild, cold winters. the warmest month is July with average temperature +17 oc, the coldest month is January with average temperature -4 oc

aBout thE PRoJEct “hiking RoutE aLong thE Baltic Coastal Hiking route brochure is made in Estonia – Latvia Programme from European BaLtic sEa coastLinE in Latvia anD Estonia” Regional Developement Fund project “Hiking Route Along the Baltic Sea Coastline in Latvia and Estonia”. Project goal is to develop long distance hiking route along the Baltic sea coastline in Estonia and Latvia. PRoJEct PaRtnERs This brochure refl ects the views of the author. The managing authority of the programme is not liable for how this information may be used.

CARNIKAVAS NOVADS

www.coastaLhiking.Eu 37 38 Baltic Coastal Hiking Route Facts and Figures

The Baltic Coastal Hiking tourist route along the coastline of the Baltic Sea stretches from the south-west border of Latvia to Tallinn in Estonia. The total length of the route is 1200 km, and it is the longest hiking route in the Baltic States.

The Name in Latvia: Jūrtaka, in Estonia: Ranniku matkarada. Total length of the trail: ~ 1200 km (~ 1.5 mil. steps), incl.: In Latvia - 580 km, in Estonia - 620 km. Time required to complete the entire trail: ~ 60 days. Baltic Coastal Hiking Route is part of the European long distance hike route (E9) . ESTONIA Length of the hike per day: 15 - 25 km. The route in nature is marked with colour markings or stickers on trees and other objects. GPX files of the route are available.

GULF OF RIGA

www.coastalhiking.eu

LATVIA