UNESCO Heritage Sites and Cultural Spaces in Ethnographic Regions of ESTONIA - Setomaa, Kihnu Island, LATVIA - Suiti Land, Livonian Coast, and SOUTH COAST of FINLAND

UNESCO heritage sites and cultural spaces in Ethnographic Regions of ESTONIA - Setomaa, Kihnu Island, LATVIA - Suiti Land, Livonian Coast, and SOUTH COAST OF FINLAND

Programmes for Tourists The north-eastern shores of Baltic Sea washes three states – Finland, Estonia and Latvia. For centuries these countries have shared common cultural landscape, exchanged and mutually enriched one another’s culture. The way of life in this region characterized by shared cultural context, values and natural resources has developed traditions specific to each nation yet keeping common Nordic-Baltic spirit in every cultural expression.

For this reason it is worthwhile taking a closer look into the region finding out what heritage values it has to offer, and which of them are internationally recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) an organisation which works to promote and safeguard the heritage of humanity. 1 2 What is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage?

One of the most beautiful UNESCO developed lists of this kind is devoted to promotion of intangible cultural heritage. With the term “intangible cultural heritage”, we understand different forms of oral expressions, languages and dialects, social practices, festive events, performing arts and rituals, traditional knowledge and Destination craftsmanship, including instruments and objects associated with them, as well as area – Latvia, cultural spaces. Estonia and Cultural spaces are special places where traditions passed down from generation South Coast of to generation are concentrated in an environment that relates to the origins Finland. of such traditions. In Latvia and Estonia, Estonia, Latvia and Finland are multiple cultural spaces can be found neighbouring countries in the North which are promoted by UNESCO granting of Europe and Scandinavia, on the international recognition. shores of the Baltic Sea. Visiting Would it be sklandrausis, a traditional pie all countries in one trip is very easy What is UNESCO baked with love alongside Suiti women, or for the following reasons: relatively a moment of admiration observing Līvi men short travelling distances between acknowledged heritage? carrying out the catch of the day in the wind- and within the countries due to their swept shores of the Livonian landscape, small size, no border formalities the humbleness and wisdom sounded out between countries since Estonia, For centuries, people thirsty for included exploration of the main centres in the polyphonic singing of Seto people, or Latvia and Finland are in EU, all knowledge have travelled to explore of culture, science and education in the inspiration found in the cheerful colours countries have the same time zone, the world’s diverse peoples and Belgium, France, Italy and Germany – of crafts developed by Kihnu island people; the same currency and similar cultures, their skills and wisdom. In while nowadays, UNESCO maintains every single one of these experiences is climate. The peoples of our countries Europe of the 17th and 18th centuries, lists of values that can be considered an expression of tradition concentrated in feature many similarities in temper the phenomenon of educated and as peculiar guidebooks for cultural time and space, which we can receive in and way of life. However, each one wealthy men travelling around Europe’s journeys. UNESCO develops such lists an extraordinary tourism product that helps is proud of their own unique identity metropolises was called a “Grand of tangible heritage values (monuments, us travel meaningfully and to become more which shows in language, arts and Tour”. However, today cultural tourism architectural ensembles, nature parks aware, skilful and inspired. crafts, food and traditions. While is no longer a tradition of the bourgeois, and sanctuaries, cultural landscapes), each country has its own national it is an opportunity – available to as well as for traditions, which are language, in cities many people everyone. not tangible, and reveal in the use of speak English as well. In rural areas, knowledge and skills passed down from however, foreign language skills One hundred years ago, the “Grand generation to generation. More information on the UNESCO are sometimes less common and Tour” had a certain canon: the route Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists available: interpreter services would 3 https://ich.unesco.org/en/lists be helpful. 4 About programmes in this brochure: CONTENT PAGE

What is UNESCO Ethnographic regions – The programmes offer brief cultural acknowledged 3 UNESCO cultural spaces experiences that can bring some diversity heritage? in Latvia and Estonia. to itineraries for group and individual The programmes allow visitors to travels. They can be adapted to the timing What is UNESCO experience unique and different and geographical area covered by tour Intangible Cultural 4 ethnographic regions where operators’ existing tours, and fitted in as Heritage? traditional culture is still part of additional elements without changing the peoples’ everyday life: basic tour itinerary. Destination area – The descriptions of the programme Latvia, Estonia and • UNESCO Representative List of packages are provided to give an idea 4 the Intangible Cultural Heritage of South Coast of of the product perfomance, as well as Finland Humanity: to showcase the different elements which charaterize the nature of UNESCO - Seto Leelo, Seto polyphonic About programmes aknowledged intangible cultural heritage in 5 singing tradition (Estonia); in this brochure tourist friendly manner. - Kihnu cultural space They are structured in three parts: SETOMAA 7 (Estonia); • General Information presents - Smoke sauna the technical details regarding the Estonian Smoke programme’s duration, distances, etc. to tradition in Võromaa (Estonia). Sauna at MOOSKA 9 help readers understand whether and how FARM the programme could be fitted into tour • UNESCO List of Intangible operators’ itineraries; Cultural Heritage in Need of KIHNU ISLAND 11 • The Introduction describes the Urgent Safeguarding: highlights and unique experiences the THROUGH THE LAND 13 Suiti cultural space. programme offers; OF SUITI • The Programme Itinerary • National Intangible Cultural describes activities that can be included in LIVONIAN COAST 17 Heritage Inventory of Latvia: the package. the Livonian Cultural 10 days 21 Combined Tour space. Livonian community has made a At the end of the brochure, see the Information 30 commitment to prepare a nomination combined 10-day touring route for UNESCO Representative List of along the above listed UNESCO cultural the Intangible Cultural Heritage of spaces and UNESCO World Heritage sites Humanity. such as Historic Centre of Riga in Latvia, Old Town of Tallinn in Estonia and Fortress of Suomenlinna in Finland. 5 6 More information: SETOMAA www.visitsetomaa.ee

Season For whom: Programme includes: Programme Type of transport: Distance from Tallinn: all year individuals/groups guided tour + entrances + duration: private driver/tour bus approx. 285 km (max. 30 pers.) local lunch 8 hours Distance from Riga: approx. 240 km

PROGRAMME: The group is greeted by a local guide Helen Külvik. • • Obinitsa Museum: Värska Farm Museum. get dressed up as a Seto! The Seto A living farm museum with livestock women have a special look and wear a lot of silver jewellery. Get an idea of iNTRODUCTION to give you an idea of the traditional way of life of the Seto people some how to dress as a Seto – one of the Setomaa has been inhabited for 100 years ago. Optional workshop on group members is dressed up in Seto about 8,400 years, which makes it baking traditional rye buns in a Russian clothing and jewellery. This is equally one of the oldest human settlements stove. Option to have hot drinks and/ enjoyable for the other members of the in Estonia. It is located on the or lunch in the museum restaurant. group: the person who gets dressed border of Eastern and Western Handicrafts for sale and a gift shop. up will look completely different. Gift civilisations, adjoining Russia, Latvia Duration: museum tour approx. 1 hour, shop and souvenirs. and Estonia. Setomaa is famous bun baking approx. 30 min., restaurant Duration approx. 1 hour. for its well-preserved traditions meal approx. 45 min. • and culture. The local handicraft • Seto Art Gallery: skills have been passed down Saatse Boot: the story of Seto silver. The local through families for centuries. Seto drive through Russia. There is a section silversmith will share his knowledge polyphonic singing (Seto Leelo) is of Russian territory in the route from of Seto silver jewellery and show the inscribed on the UNESCO List of group some nice examples. the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Värska to Saatse. Visitors are permitted to drive through without a Russian visa, Duration approx. 1 hour. Humanity. Setos have distinctive • national costumes, rich in detail and but they are not allowed to stop. • Taarka’s House. unique to each family. Perhaps most A heart-warming and bountiful dinner impressive is the distinctive array of Old George’s Soap Shop and God’s Hill. featuring the best traditional recipes Seto jewellery. These visually striking from Seto cuisine. The hosts welcome pieces not only reflect the social A visit to a courageous and smart visitors and tell them all about the food. standing of the wearer, but are also entrepreneur who combines Duration approx. 1 hour. worn as amulets safeguarding them ingredients from the local environment The dinner can be accompanied or from misfortune. To this day, the – such as bog peat, the holy water of followed by a performance by a local Seto lifestyle remains closely tied to Pechory Monastery, fine sand, birch choir presenting Seto Leelo (groups nature. It is common practice for the leaves, blueberries – into lovely- Seto not only to enjoy the natural smelling products. Listen to his stories, only), the traditional Seto polyphonic beauty of the forest, but to also smell the soap, and buy some lovely singing, which has been included in use its gifts. Seasonal berries and and useful souvenirs (payment in cash the UNESCO Representative List of the mushrooms are picked freely. only). God’s Hill is a small hilltop with of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2009. local historical significance. Duration approx. 1 hour. It is best to start the tour in Tartu and Duration approx. 1 hour. Optional: a session with a musician to finish in Tartu. The tour can also learn some traditional dances. 7 start and end in Võru. Duration approx. 30 min. 8 Estonian Smoke Sauna at More information: www.mooska.eu

Address: MOOSKA FARM Mooska Farm, Haanja, Võru, Estonia 65601

Season For whom: Programme includes: Programme Type of transport: Distance from Tallinn: all year individuals/groups 1.5 hour tour + 1.5 - 2 hours duration: individual transfer/ 270 km (max. 20) masterclass or half-day tour bus HOST: sauna session + 1.5 hours dinner programme Eda Veeroja

INTRODUCTION The smoke sauna is an important part of everyday life in the Võru community PROGRAMME: in Estonia. It is the hub for a rich set of traditions including bathing customs, Arrival, meeting the hosts. the skills of making sauna whisks, build- • ing and repairing saunas, and smoking Short lecture about smoke sauna’s meat in the sauna. The sauna is a build- intangible cultural heritage, UNESCO`s ing or room heated by a stove that is Representative List of the Intangible covered with stones, with an elevated Cultural Heritage of Humanity – in platform for sitting or lying. It has no Estonian and in English. chimney, and the smoke from the burn- • ing wood circulates in the room. People The hosts present the smoke saunas usually go into the sauna together and of Mooska farm. Two of them are for remain until they are sweating. Water is bathing, while the third is for smoking thrown onto the heated stones to pro- meat. Visitors get an overview of the duce hot steam-laden air and bathers construction, heating, sauna rituals and beat their bodies with whisks to exfoli- family traditions of the smoke sauna. The ate and stimulate blood circulation. After tour ends with tasting of smoked pork. sweating, whisking, relaxing and possi- Duration approx. 1.5 hours. ble healing procedures, people cool • down outside and rinse their bodies with Practical master class for how to heat water. The procedure is then repeated. a smoke sauna and make whisks. 1 hour. The smoke sauna tradition is primarily a • family custom, usually practised on Sat- Optional: Sauna session with the host urdays, but also before major festivals family. The hosts lead the visitors through or family events. Its main function is to the sauna process. The sauna is located relax the body and mind. Families take near a pond for a refreshing swim when turns hosting each other. Usually an the water is ice free or an invigorating older family member is responsible for preparing the sauna, accompanied by dip during winter. During the experience, children, who gradually acquire the nec- hosts will talk about Estonian smoke essary skills. The smoke sauna tradition sauna traditions and beliefs. 2.-2.5 hours. is part of the UNESCO Representative • List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Optional: traditional Estonian meal. 1.5 Humanity. hours. Mooska Farm is a typical smallholding in Southern Estonia. The Veeroja family are proud to share their life with 9 guests and introduce them to the 10 smoke sauna. More information: https://visitkihnu.ee KIHNU ISLAND www.kultuuriruum.ee www.kihnumare.ee

Season For whom: Programme includes: Programme Type of transport: Distance from all year sauna session: guided tour + traditional lunc duration: - private driver/tour bus Tallinn: Winter 4–6 persons + home visit approx. - ferry to/from Munalaiu har- 140 km time: tour: max. 20 persons + folklore concert (groups only) 6.5 hours bour (near Pärnu in Estonia) during winter it is better to come with PROGRAMME: the bus or to prearrange Boat from Munalaiu to Kihnu. one on 09:30 the island Local guide Kihnu Mare meets visitors 12:00 (max 20 seat) arriving by ferry from Munalaiu at the Metsamaa Heritage Farm visit. Visitors harbour. will see traditional architecture, handicrafts, 10:00 farm life, and the motorcycles with side- Kihnu Museum. Visitors will learn about cars that are used by the local women the history of the island, see national as a regular means of transport and have costumes and household items, fishing become closely associated with the island. equipment and local paintings. There is 13:00 a range of local souvenirs on sale and a Traditional lunch: fish or meat, home- coffee corner. made rye bread. 11:00 14:00 St Nicholas Church, built in 1784, is Home visit: an opportunity to see how a one of the few orthodox churches con- traditional Kihnu family lives. Guests will verted from a Lutheran sacral building. see sheep, storehouses with chests full of There is a simple but beautiful iconostasis handicrafts, a sauna and the living rooms in the church. of the main house. 11:30 15:00 INTRODUCTION Kihnu lighthouse is a striking iron struc- Folklore concert. Local singers and ture, built in 1864 and offering spectacular handicraft masters perform the island’s Kihnu is the largest island in the Gulf views over the island. It stands 29 metres traditional wedding and village songs and of Riga, with an area of 16.4 km2. It is tall, with a winding internal staircase. dances, and demonstrate handicrafts. only 7 km long and 3.3 km wide. Kihnu’s There is a narrow round-the-tower bal- 16:15 cultural space and it’s traditions are cony at the top. Ferry departs. included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. There are four villages on the island, and the islanders still wear national dress as everyday apparel. The unique atmosphere of the island can be experienced during a guided daytime programme. Kihnu Mare, the local guide, has developed her own traditional culture network with the people who have the know-how and skills to demonstrate different aspects of Kihnu culture to visitors – the language, traditional clothing, farming and fieldwork, handicrafts, the cooking of traditional foods, folklore, church life, singing, and dancing at weddings and village parties, as well as their traditions surrounding the sea, fishing, seal hunting and living in harmony with nature. 11 12 THROUGH THE LAND OF More information: www.alsunga.lv/lv/ SUITI www.suitunovads.lv/en/

Season For whom: Programme includes: Programme Type of transport: Distance from Riga: all year individuals/groups guided tour + entrances + duration: private driver/tour bus 180km local lunch 5 h

iNTRODUCTION The Suiti are a community with some of the most colourful and unique cultural traditions in Kurzeme region and Latvia. This was acknowledged on October 1, 2009, when the cultural space of the Suiti was included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, indicating that these traditions are very fragile and must be safeguarded. The Suiti cultural space as an exceptional value of folk traditions, is also a PROGRAMME: part of the Latvian Cultural Canon. • Manifestations of this intangible The “Rija” Suiti craftsmanship and art cultural heritage include traditional space is in the threshing barn of an old festivals, customs, oral traditions, estate in Alsunga. There is a souvenir traditional singing and music playing shop where you can purchase practical skills, folk costumes and culinary items such as shawls, gloves, stockings, traditions. Since 2009, the Suiti dishes, herbal teas, etc. Creative community has been undergoing children’s workshops are available, and a renaissance, with people actively if you contact the venue in advance, you working to restore traditions and can meet Suiti women to learn about to ensure their sustainability and traditions, sing, and play games. promotion at the local, national and international level. The survival of the • cultural space is in the hands of the The Livonian Order castle in Alsunga Suiti themselves, and this is closely was built gradually between the 14th linked to the practices and the and 18th centuries and has been rebuilt creativity of community members. several times. It is known that there was The Suiti believe the development a fortified house in Alšvanga in 1341, and of tourism in their cultural space in 1372, work began on a square castle to be of great importance in this. made of rocks. Defensive towers and This means emphasising a niche other elements of the church were built in cultural tourism that is based on between the 15th and 18th centuries. The the broader promotion of the unique Alsunga castle is unique in that it is one of cultural heritage of the Suiti. the few Medieval buildings in Europe that has preserved its historical 13 appearance. 14 THROUGH THE LAND OF SUITI THROUGH THE LAND OF SUITI

• • Dizgabalkalns Hill is an ancient The Alsunga Tourist Information Curonian castle mound in the very and Historical Heritage Centre has centre of Alsunga. It got its name a permanent exhibition that features a in 1659 when General Berg from Suiti living room and a kitchen, as well Kurzeme put cannons on it to attack as liturgical apparel collection worn by Swedish forces that had established Catholic priests. In the exhibition hall fortifications in the Alsunga castle. The there are rotating exhibitions related to hill is 8 to 10 metres high and 24 x 54 the history and present life of the Suiti metres wide, offering a lovely view of women’s ethnographic ensemble. A the St Michael Roman Catholic Church, special offer involves performances by as well as the Alsunga windmill lake ensembles “Suiti women”, “Suiti men” that is alongside it. On the other side and “Suiti bagpipe players”. of the street, to the West of the castle • hill, there is a cemetery with cremation The “Austuve” and “Suiti kitchen” are graves of Curonians that date back creative workshop places located in the to the 11th–13th century. The Suiti building of the Alsunga Administrative celebrate Easter and other festive District Museum. You can see how events on the hill. Suiti folk costumes and elements are • produced, learn more about weaving Spēlmaņu pub is located at the heart traditions and learn about the colourful of Alsunga, where tourists can have apparel of the Suiti people, and dress the opportunity to enjoy hearty meal. up in Suiti traditional clothes. You can Upon request, guests can sample also try your hand at weaving under traditional regional cuisine from Suiti, the guidance of experienced masters. as well as take part in their preparation In the “Suiti kitchen” you can learn under the guidance of Suiti women. In about the culinary heritage of the Suiti addition to cooking, you can explore people, as well participate in the master the richness of Suiti cultural heritage classes and learn how to make Suiti in the performances of the bands traditional sour bread (skābmaize), carrot “Suiti women”, “Suiti men”, and “Suiti pie (sklandrausis) and other traditional bagpipe players”. dishes. • The St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church of Alsunga was built around 1625. For several centuries it was the main worship place for the Suiti community, supporting the community’s spirituality and identity. In 1882, the church was expanded into the form of a cross as seen today. Inside the church, you can see work done by the Dutch wood carver Johann Mertens around 1715. The organ was built by F. Weisenborn in Jēkabpils in 1893, and the altar painting dates back to 1910. Below the church is the bricked graveyard of the Schwerin dynasty. 15 16 More information: LIVONIAN COAST www.visit.dundaga.lv www.livones.net (Līvõd rānda) www.visitventspils.com

Distance from Riga: Season For whom: Programme includes: Programme Type of May – individuals/groups guided tour with entrances duration: transport: 150 km (Kolka) (max. 30) with ca 8-10 hours Private driver/ Part of the route crosses the October + traditional lunch Slītere National Park and the Oviši guide/interpreter + folklore concert tour bus Nature Reserve.

PROGRAMME: • Livonian Community house in Kolka – gathering house in renovated building “Pastnieki”, exhibition of Livonian household and cultural objects and iNTRODUCTION information centre. Livonians are the indigenous people of • Latvia of Finno-Ugric origin, who played The performance of Livonian music a significant role in the formation of ensemble Laula. present-day Latvian language and culture. Contemporary Latvian • developed as a result of interactions between the Livonians and The village of Kolka with a Lutheran ancient Baltic tribes – Latgalians, Semigallians and Curonians. (altar piece painted by H. Heinrihsone), Livonians have managed to preserve the peculiarity of their Catholic and an Orthodox churches. language and culture – food, folk costumes, verbal creative works, • etc., as well as to develop these elements, thus becoming a part of Sklandrauši – a traditional Livonian carrot Latvia’s cultural environment. From the data of 2011 the Livonian pie. A master class in cooking sklandrauši population of Latvia is 250 people and today, approximately 30 by Livonian lady Dženeta Marinska at the people are competent in the Livonian language to the degree that Ūši house of Kolka. allows fluent communication. Thus, Livonians currently are one of • the smallest ethnic groups of Europe. The Livonian heritage can Cape Kolka (Livonian – Kūolka nanā) – be observed on the Livonian Coast, as the route spans through one of the first locations of present-day 14 fishing villages on the Livonian Coast. Livonians are committed Latvia that were mentioned by Vikings in to inscribe their heritage on the UNESCO Representative List of the Mervalla rune stone ( approximately the Intangible Heritage of Humanity. 1000 A.D.). Cape Kolka is the place 17 where the Livonian Great Sea (Sūr 18 mer) and Small Sea (Piški mer) meet. LIVONIAN COAST LIVONIAN COAST

• • Livonian fishing villageS aunags Sīkrags (Sīkrõg) – One of the oldest (Sänag). Livonian fishing villages featuring • traditional and contemporary Pitrags (Pitrõg) with the Pitrags Baptist architecture (a cultural monument). Church. • • Lielirbe (Īra) – once the largest fishing The Krogi homestead in the centre village of the Livonians, connected by of Pitrags (Pie Andra Pitragā) has a a route of narrow-gauge railway (so collection of 27 old types of Livonian called “Līvzemes vilciens” (Livonian Land coastline fencing. The owner also offers Railway) – the most significant coast a chance to help with the smoking transport of Livonians – crossing the of fish and then to taste the resulting River Irbe over the new foot bridge. product. Introduction to Livonian • fishing gear, fishing and fish processing Western Livonian centre – fishing traditions. village Miķeļtornis (Pizā) – school, • church, and Pize Pub building – the Livonian fishing villageKošrags only building of its kind on the Livonian (Kuoštrõg) – cultural monument. Coast – and the environmental object Traditional and modern buildings of a “Burinieku gadsimts” (Century of Sailing Livonian village. Boats), a cemetery with a monument • to a Livonian poets (the earliest known Mazirbe (Irē) – the most significant monument dedicated to a Livonian). centre of Livonian culture on the coasts • of Northern Kurzeme. Irbene locator and deserted army town • of Irbene (Soviet heritage). As the Soviet Mazirbe Old Cemetery (a monument Army entered, Livonians were forced to the parents of Livonian captain A. to leave the coast because individual Bertholds, Werewolf grave – a site fishing was prohibited due to a newly linked to Livonian mythology) and established border area. Numerous army Mazirbe church, where services were bases were stationed at former Livonian once held in Livonian language; (20 min) fishing villages of the western coast. • The monument dedicated to Jānis Livonian Community House – a Princis, Livonian poet and book symbol of Finno-Ugric people. Tasting translator who established a part of the of national dishes. city of Ventspils (Ostgals), the street • (Prinču iela) and the house named after Boat cemetery, the site is associated his family, as well as other buildings of with the prohibition of traditional coastal the Ostgals district of Ventspils around it. fishing during the Soviet times. Visit to the promenade of Ventspils. • Šlītere Lighthouse – a place from which Saaremaa island can be seen – the home of Livonians’ closest Finno- Ugric neighbours, with whom the locals maintained close contact before the World War 2. The exhibition displays the history of culture of Slītere National Park. 19 20 Combined Tour 10 days 9 nights

The tour presents UNESCO TRUE EXPIERENCE World Heritage Sites and the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Latvia, Estonia and Finland. of UNESCO Acknowledged Experience the famous traditions of song, Intangible Cultural Heritage and national crafts, architecture and food of the unique Seto, Kihnu, Suiti and Livonian ethnic National Heritage Sites groups and in the South coast of Finland.

Setomaa, Kihnu Island, Suiti Land, Livonian Coast, Riga – Kolka –Ventspils – Kuldiga – Alsunga – Riga – Tartu – South Coast of Finland VÄRSKA/OBINITSA - TARTU - HAANJA – Pärnu – Kihnu – Pärnu – Tallinn – Helsinki – Western Uusimaa - Lohjansaari island – Helsinki 21 22 Combined Tour Combined Tour

Day 1 Riga city tour. Day 3 Depart Kuldīga and drive to Alsunga. Visit the centre “Rija” of The Dome Cathedral with one of the world’s largest pipe Suiti arts and crafts in Alsunga town – exhibition and shop. riga organs, St. Peter’s Church with magnificent views of the city SUITI Alsunga Medieval Castle Museum. The Dižgabalkalns hillfort – from its steeple, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, the Kuldiga a place for traditional festivities and beautiful landscapes. Arrival in Riga. architectural ensemble Three Brothers, St. Jacob’s Church, Alsunga The Alsunga Catholic Church. the Parliament House, Old Riga Castle, Art Nouveau area. The Riga Suiti traditional textiles – a weaving craft shop and Historic Centre of Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. demonstration. www.liveriga.com Driving Programme The Alsunga Tourist Information and Historical Heritage Centre. distance: duration: Return to Riga. Overnight stay in a hotel in Riga. 204 km full day (8 h) Overnight stay in a hotel in Riga.

Visit Tartu Old Town and the medieval St John’s Church with Depart Riga and drive to Kolka – Livonian coast – to start your Day4 Day 2 its almost 200 terracotta sculptures. Tartu University is an tour from Livonian Community house in Kolka – and continue outstanding example of Classicist architecture in Estonia, and a LIVONIANS down the Livonian coast to Ventspils, exploring little fisherman TARTU site of European Heritage Label: http://visittartu.com/. Estonian villages, churches, lighthouse, traditional food and crafts and Riga – Kolka Riga National Museum – see examples of Estonian national costumes many other locations to experience Livonian culture. Visit Ventspils Tartu and food, and learn about the Song and Dance Festival that is Kuldiga Ventspils city and drive to Kuldīga. Driving Programme inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Driving Programme Overnight stay in a hotel in Kuldiga. distance: duration: Cultural Heritage of Humanity (http://www.erm.ee/en). distance: duration: 260 km full day (8 h) Tartu University Observatory is a point in Struve Geodetic Arc 294 km full day (8 h) (UNESCO World Heritage Site): 23 https://www.tahetorn.ut.ee/en. 24 Overnight stay in a hotel in Tartu. Combined Tour Combined Tour

Day 6 Visit to Mooska Farm – to experience the UNESCO acknowledged Intangible Cultural Heritage of smoke sauna MOOSKA traditions – located in Haanja Nature Park. Sauna session with FARM SMOKE the hosts and dinner. SAUNA Overnight stay in a hotel in Pärnu. Tartu - Mooska - Pärnu Driving Programme distance: duration: 190 km full day (8 h)

Day 5 Option 1: Option 2: Depart Tartu. At Värska, Depart Tartu. The SETOMAA the Seto Farm Museum Medieval Theme Park of Tartu introduces the history and the Vastseliina Bishop Värska farm architecture of the Seto Castle (14th century). Obinitsa people. The trip continues Meremäe look-out tower, Tartu through “Saatse Boot”, a Serga Orhtodox chapel. Driving Programme section of Russian territory At Obinitsa Museum the distance: duration: in the route from Värska to visitors learn about national 250 km full day (8 h) Saatse. At Obinitsa Museum clothes. The story of Seto the visitors learn about silver jewellery at the gallery. national clothes. The story A hearty national lunch at Day 7 Pärnu is a popular summer resort town. Ferries take visitors of Seto silver jewellery at the Taarka Tarõ accompanied from Pärnu (Munalaid port) to Kihnu Island. The Kihnu Cultural gallery. A hearty national lunch by Seto Leelo, the traditional KIHNU space is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the at Taarka Tarõ accompanied way of singing. Pärnu Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. See details in the Kihnu by Seto Leelo, the traditional Return to Tartu. Kihnu package section and more information at: www.kihnumare.ee. way of singing. Overnight stay in a hotel Tallinn Return to Pärnu by ferry. in Tartu. Driving Programme Overnight stay in a hotel in Pärnu. distance: duration: 270 km full day (12 h) 24 26 Combined Tour Combined Tour

Day 8 Tallinn city tour. Transfer to the Tallink Silja Day 9 It is possible to choose Option 3: The tour combines walking line ferry terminal. Ferry two of the three below Hanko and the old TALLIN AND and bus. The walking tour Tallinn – Helsinki (~2h). WESTERN options: lighthouse Bengtskär, the includes the Old Town of tallest lighthouse within the Helsinki city tour. UUSIMAA Option 1: HELSINKI Tallinn – an excellent medieval Nordic countries, rising 52 The Helsinki Cathedral Fiskars Village – excursion (14th–15th century) city and REGION metres above sea level. The Programme and the Senat Square, the and lunch. lighthouse was built in 1906 a UNESCO World Heritage duration: Parliament, the Old Market Driving Programme The Fiskars company´s and there is a lighthouse Site, the Toompea Castle, the full day Hall and Market Square, the distance: duration: birthplace, an internationally museum, a home turned 13thcentury Dome church, the Esplanade park, the Kamppi 70-130km full day renowned centre of Finnish museum, an exhibition on 19thcentury Russian orthodox (depending Chapel of Silence, the design and art. the Battle of Bengtskär, Cathedral of Alexander Nevskij, on the visiting Temppeliaukio church, the www.fiskarsvillage.fi/en a lighthouse post and a the 15thcentury Town Hall options chosen) Design District Helsinki. café, as well as premises square, the Old Guild built to for accommodation and Optional: The Suomenlinna Option 2: celebrate Tallinn’s membership conferences. fortress, a UNESCO World Svartå Manor at Mustion in the Hanseatic League, Overnight stay in a hotel in Heritage site, located on Linn, one of the most and St. Olaf’s church. The Uusimaa region. an island right in front of precious manor houses in bus tour includes Tallinn’s Helsinki. Finland with a history of more suburbs and Song and Dance www.suomenlinna.fi/ja/ than two hundred years. Festival Grounds, St. Brigitte’s www.mustionlinna.fi/en monastery and Pirita area. Overnight in Helsinki the www.visittallinn.ee/eng capital city of Finland. 27 27 28 Combined Tour

Day 10 LOHJANSAARI ISLAND Uusimaa region Lohjansaari Heksinki Driving distance: 70 – 130km (depending on the overnight location)

Visit apple gardens and open farms on Lohjansaari island in the middle of the Lake Lohja, the largest freshwater lake in Southern Finland. Information https://martinpiha.fi/en/ or www.ciderberg.fi Visit Tytyri Mine museum, a unique and multi- GO RURAL www.balticsea.countryholidays.info/ faceted travel destination 110 metres below Baltic Country Holidays www.celotajs.lv ground level, combining the Nordkalk mining Estonian Rural tourism www.maaturism.ee industry, Kone’s world-class technological Lohja www.visitlohja.fi/en/main/ development, and the adventure and thrills of a travel destination. www.tytyrielamyskaivos.fi/en/ Info on UNESCO regions Extra option during Christmas time in Setomaa www.visitsetomaa.ee December: Kihnu www.visitkihnu.ee Visit Lohja Christmas fair. It is one of the Livonian Coast www.visit.dundaga.lv/en/ best known in Southern Finland and offers Suiti https www.suitunovads.lv/en/ to experience the traditional Finnish way Suomenlinna www.suomenlinna.fi/ja/ to prepare for Christmas. Over 200 selling points full of traditional handicrafts, Christmas decorations, food and delicacies, souvenirs. General tourism info Festive events with music performances, Helsinki www.myhelsinki.fi/ja meeting Santa Claus and other entertainments. Riga www.liveriga.com The Lohja medieval church and Lohja museum Tallinn www.visittallinn.ee/jp exhibitions are open for visitors. Finland www.visitfinland.com/ja/ Transfer from Lohja to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Estonia www.visitestonia.com/en/ driving distance 60 km. Latvia www.latvia.travel/ja Departure.

29 30 About the project

CAITO - META CLUSTER FOR ATTRACTING THE JAPANESE TOURISM MARKET

Project overall objective: to promote and support rural tourism companies to enter Japanese tourism market by strengthening their capacity and cooperation in the three Baltic Sea countries: Latvia, Estonia, and South Coast Finland.

http://balticsea.countryholidays.info/

EUROPEAN UNION European Regional Development Fund

This project is part-financed by the European Union (ERDF Interreg Central Baltic) This publication reflects the views of the author(s). The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.