The Latvian part of E11 is known as "Mežtaka" (“Forest Trail”). It goes through Rietumkursa Upland, Venta Valley Nature Reserve and Abava River Valley Nature Park,
Kemeri National park and
Gauja National park, Northern Gauja and
Veclaicene protected landscape area. The total length of the route in Latvia is 674 km and it is divided into 9 sections: South Kurzeme region, Kuldīga and surroundings, Abava river valley, Tukums and Ķemeri National park, Jūrmala and Rīga, Riga and Pieriga, Gauja National Park, Northern Gauja Forestland, Veclaicene Forestland. These sections are divided into ~20 km long stages with accommodation and transport options. Most of the route leads on forest roads and trails, about a third on gravel roads. Only a small part of the route, which is outside the big cities, leads on asphalt roads. Some parts of the Forest Trail in Kemeri and Gauja National Parks coincide with already exciting hiking trails and other tourist routes. There are specific markers (white-orange-white) on trees and other objects along the route to help you get your bearings in nature and not lose track of the road. In populated areas, it is marked by stickers on road signs and other objects. The Forest Trail can be started from any physically available location and it can be hiked in both ways (there are markers in both directions).
South Kurzeme region (111 km) Along the hills and river valleys of Rietumkursa Upland (Lithuanian – Latvian border – Snēpele, day 87 - 91) Southern Kurzeme is also referred to as Leišmale — the area next to the Lithuanian border. The landscape features no old homesteads or villages, as they were destroyed in World War II, and the area around the Forest Trail is dominated by agricultural landscapes sparingly interspersed with wooded areas. The Swedish Gate in
Priekule, built in 1688, adorned with the ducal coats of arms of the von Korff and von Redern families, chiselled in sandstone from Gotland, as well as the 18–19th century historical buildings in Aizpute, are testimonies of by-gone times.
Highlights: panoramic views of Rietumkursa Upland, spectacular gravel quarries at
Gramzda, cultivated cereals fields and buckwheat fields in blossom, deep and cool Ruņupe Valley, landscape of
Kazdanga Park and ponds, delicious cheese of Kazdanga, historical wooden architecture of
Aizpute, wine-making traditions of Aizpute.
Kuldīga and surroundings (53 km) Charm of the old town of Kuldīga and the widest waterfall of Europe (Snēpele - Renda, day 92 - 93) In the 16–17th century, Kuldīga served as the residence of Duke Jacob Kettler of
Courland (Kurzeme) and
Semigallia (Zemgale). During his 40-year reign, the Duchy saw an economic boom. Cobbled streets of Kuldīga, old buildings, the river Alekšupīte, running through the town, St. Catherine’s Church and organ music concerts in it, gourmet restaurants and a country delicatessen shop in the town centre is a great travel experience to enjoy in a leisurely ambience of a small town. The red-brick bridge over the river Venta is a landmark of the town. The widest waterfall of Europe,
Ventas rumba (width 100–110 m) lies on the Venta. Since it is only about 1.6–2.2 m tall, once a year you can watch flying fish there, when during spawning in spring, vimba breams jump over the waterfall. Vast Kurzeme woodlands stretch from Kuldīga.
Highlights: Ostrich-watching in the vicinity of
Snēpele,
Pelči Manor and its fish ponds, lovely cats of the old town of
Kuldīga, leisurely walk on the banks of the Alekšupīte, refreshing bathing by the waterfall (Ventas Rumba), historic brick bridge over the river Venta in Kuldīga, Riežupa sandstone caves — a maze with the greatest total length of underground passages in Latvia, waterfalls on the river Īvande at Renda.
Abava River valley (70 km) Past the vineyards of the Abava valley (Renda - Jaunmoku palace, day 94 - 96) The Abava Valley is up to 2 km wide and about 30–40 metres deep, so hikers can enjoy beautiful landscapes. In Sabile, you can taste ciders and wines brewed in the vicinity and beyond.The territory of
Pedvāle Art Park (less than 100 hectares) features meadows, shrubs, rolling slopes, deep valleys, springs, streams and a winding river. There, an artist residence is established, and exhibitions, concerts, shows are held. The symbol of the town of Kandava is the boulder bridge over the Abava. Natural meadows of the Abava Valley, particularly beautiful in the middle of summer, are sustained by livestock bred for living in the wild. In Pūre, chocolate works that offer tours and tasting are located.
Highlights: Sabile Wine Hill with a vineyard, tasting of
Sabile wines and ciders, merry toboggan ride at Zviedru Cepure (the Swedish Cap), landscapes of
Abava Valley, instagram-ish Fishmen Bridge over the
Abava, mouth-watering
Pūre chocolate truffles, exploring forest at the Forest Museum.
Tukums and Ķemeri National park (56 km) Ķemeri National park — among the most diverse wetlands in Latvia (Jaunmoku palace - Bigauņciems, day 97 - 99) The main purpose of creation of Ķemeri National Park is protection of wetlands — shallow coastal waters of the Gulf of Rīga, overgrowing coastal lakes, vast marshlands, wet forests and alluvial meadows — as an important habitat for many plant (25% of the plant species listed in the Latvian Red Book are found in the park) and animal species, especially breeding and migratory birds. One of the largest swamps of Latvia — Great Ķemeri Bog, as well as others — Zaļais purvs (Green Swamp), Raganu purvs (Witches’ Swamp) lie within the park and are passed by the winding Forest Trail. The large marshes are an important site for formation of sulphur water and medicinal mud, which was the basis for establishment of the resort of Ķemeri. Having passed the historic resort of Ķemeri, the Forest Trail meets the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route (E9) at the seaside at Bigauņciems, and both trails follow the same route towards Rīga.
Highlights: beautiful avenues of manors and palaces, charm of roses at
Tukums,
Šlokenbeka Manor — medieval fortified dwelling, most forest-abundant section of the Forest Trail in Kurzeme, forests rich in mushrooms and berries, raised bogs and wetlands, h
istorical resort park of Ķemeri, mirror-like surface of Lake Slokas and the observation tower, peaceful
Gulf of Rīga.
Jūrmala and Rīga (51 km) Latvia’s most popular resort town and capital city (Bigauņciems - Dubulti, day 100 - 102) This section of the Forest Trail passes through the resort town of Jūrmala and the Latvian capital city Rīga. A sandy beach runs along the coast in Jurmala, though hikers can also proceed through the downtown of Jūrmala to see Jomas iela, its main pedestrian street. The town is popular with summer holidaymakers, with many SPA hotels, cafés, live music in summer evenings. The town features unique wooden architecture of the historic summer-house area, and mansions and villas are still being built there. The forests of the coastal dunes are criss-crossed by a dense network of trails suitable for strolling and Nordic walking. The
river Lielupe separates Jūrmala from the forests in the outskirts of Rīga. From
Priedaine, you can reach Rīga along the roads and trails of the
Kleisti forest and suburban streets leading to the
Daugava; having crossed the river, you arrive at the very heart of Rīga — Rātslaukums (Town Hall Square). You can walk through Rīga and explore different areas of the city, or use public transport — a train or a bus.
Highlights: wooden architecture of
Jūrmala, Ragakāpa Dune Natural Park with a wood-paved footpath, historic buildings of
Ķīpsala, Old Town of Rīga — a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Art Nouveau architecture of Rīga,
Rīga Central Market.
Riga and Pieriga (54 km) The picturesque contrast region – from towers to forests and cliffs (Old Riga - Rāmkalni, day 1 - 3) The city of
Riga is surrounded by forests, which means that if you begin your hike in the heart of the city, in a couple of hours you will find yourself in a beautiful coniferous forest. The trail leads through a wooded coastal dune area, along
Gauja River and along a historical postal road which was once used to travel to neighbouring countries. In early summer, the meadows show a magnificent display of blooming catchflies.
Highlights: Old Riga – UNESCO World heritage site,
Freedom Monument and
Latvian National Opera House,
Riga Central Market – historical aircraft (zeppelin) hangars, The cultural and natural heritage of
Vērmane Garden park, Art Nouveau buildings on Tērbatas Street,
The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia, Riga water supply museum – industrial heritage, Garden of Artists by Anna Ludiņa,
Inčukalns Hunting Palace, Hunting trail and Inčukalns Velnala (Devil’s) Cave.
Gauja National Park (112 km) Gauja valley – most impressive ancient river valley in Latvia (Rāmkalni - Valmiera, day 4 - 8) For some 100 km, Forest trail stretches through the ancient valley of Gauja River and Gauja National Park. The banks of the Gauja River reveal colourful sandstone outcrops which are reflected in the water. The sights are most wonderful in springtime, when bird cherry trees are in full bloom, and in autumn, as the trees turn red and yellow. The ancient valley of Gauja River has a distinctive terrain relief that can fluctuate up to 80 m. The largest part of the road leads through forest paths, along the river, and exits the woods in
Līgatne and Sigulda.
Highlights: The ancient valley of Gauja River – the deepest river valley in the Baltic States,
Sigulda – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latvia,
Bobsleigh and Luge Track Sigulda, Sigulda cable car over river Gauja at a height of 43 m, Medieval castles of
Sigulda,
Krimulda,
Turaida and
Cēsis,
Gūtmaņala Cave, the largest grotto in the Baltic States,
Līgatne Nature Trails offer a chance to observe local wildlife and birds, Līgatne Paper Mill Village – industrial heritage, Secret Soviet Bunker in Skaļupes, Medieval Old Town of Cēsis, Devil’s Cave cliff, Kūķu Rock, Zvārtes Rock, Ērģeļu Cliffs and Sietiņiezis – the most impressive Devonian sandstone outcrops in Latvia,
Valmiera – northern gateway to the Gauja National Park.
Northern Gauja Forestland (123 km) Most untouched forest region of Vidzeme (Valmiera - Trapene, day 9 - 13) One of the least populated and most densely forested areas on Forest trail. The forests are abundant in mushrooms and berries, birds and wild animals. Here Gauja, the longest river in Latvia, curves along inland dune ranges which are covered in scarce, transparent pine forests. The land is covered in white reindeer moss which enchants the forest with a bright, sun-lit hue. Climb to the peaks of the hills to take in the panorama in its full splendour: river bends, vast meadows and ancient, majestic oak trees. Here you can see the typical Latvian landscape with individual farmsteads enclosed by forests and fields.
Highlights: Park of Senses on the bluffs of the Gauja River – trail in the trees and barefoot trail in Valmiera city, The bridge over the Gauja River next to Strenči,
Strenči – a town with ancient rafter traditions,
Seda – a town built in socialist urban style, featuring classical architecture of Stalin’s era, Cirgaļi inland dunes and a viewing tower,
Castle of Zvārtava – a Neogothic castle built in 1881, Trapene larch alley, Kalamecu - Markūzu ravines – magnificent ravines with waterfalls and a cave-like niche.
Veclaicene Forestland (44 km) Most beautiful North Latvian highlands (Trapene - Korneti, day 14 - 15) Forest trail stretches over the hillocks of
Alūksne. This is one of the most difficult hiking sections, since the area is hilly. There are many glacial ravines and hills featuring panoramic views stretching all the way to Estonia and Munamägi. The highest hills are castle hills with thousands of years of history, which were purposefully selected for their high ground so that any hostile armies could be seen far away. In this section, Forest trail takes a small detour through
Paganamaa or Devil’s Land in Estonia, where hikers will find a viewing tower overlooking the picturesque forest lakes. The scenery is most beautiful in spring, when dandelions are in bloom, and in autumn, as leaves turn red.
Highlights: Landscapes of Alūksne hillocks with hills and lakes, Historical centre of Ape – dolomite buildings and cobblestones, Kornetu - Peļļu subglacial bed – one of the most impressive in Latvia, Drusku castle mound and Dzērve hill watchtower, Witches’ Cliffs on the bank of the
Vaidava River. == E11 in Estonia (720 km) ==