Long distance cross-border hiking trail “The Forest Trail” (Forest Trail)

 

 

PROJECT RESULTS

FOREST TRAIL long-distance forest hiking trail in Latvia and Estonia

Project leaflet LV  EN   EE

 

Video

Mežtaka - garās distances pārgājienu maršruts

The Forest Trail - long-distance hiking route

Metsa matkarada - kaugmatkarada

 

 

 

Forest Trail brochure with map

FOREST TRAIL. Long-distance hiking trail in Latvia/Estonia

LV  EN  EE  DE  FI  RU 

 

 

Forest Trail Guidebook

LV  EN  EE  DE  RU 

 

 

 

 

 

Forest Trail Tours

EN  DE

 

"Hiker-friendly" criteria

>> Hiker-friendly criteria LV (Print version)

>> Hiker-friendly criteria LV  EN  EE  LT 

 

 

 

 

"Hiker friendly" logo 

LV (png) (pdf)

EE (png) (pdf)

LT (png) (pdf)

 

Forest Trail Brandbook

 LV  EE

 

Forest Trail Marking Guidelines

>> Forest Trail marking guidelines LV  EN  EE  

>> Sticker examples with directional signs

>> Forest Trail sticker E11 LV  EN  EE 

>> Forest Trail marking label to download files for printing

 

 

Way marking guidelines for long-distance routes / video

LV/EN

 

Communication strategy

EN

 

 

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56 % of the Vidzeme Planning Region territory is covered by forests. The rich natural capital is a competitive advantage for the Vidzeme region and an important resource for the development of active and recreational tourism.

The Forest Trail project is being implemented in order to use this resource and promote the region as an active and natural tourist destination.

The project activities will improve the nature tourism infrastructure in the region and attract tourists with the new long distance hiking trail, thus supporting local tourism entrepreneurs and improving the region' s economic competitiveness. Encouraging hiking will also promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle among the population. The route will take ~ 1050 km from Riga to Tallinn through the Gauja National Park, the protected areas of the Northern Gauja and Veclaicene, the Seto area in Estonia, along Lake Peipus and the coast of the Northern Estonia.

 

Project goals

The project goal was to develop a long distance cross border hiking tourism route along the forest from Riga till Tallinn. The Forest trail starts in Riga, then crosses Gauja national park, Ziemaļgauja and Veclaicene. In Estonia it continues through the Setomaa, along lake Peipsi and further along the coast of Northern Estonia to Tallinn. The Forest Trail guides hikers through ca 1050km of most beautiful nature territories as they would fallow the map the marked route, with a map or a mobile device in hand. Walking distances cover of average 20km per day. The Forest trail includes all forest types and wildlife features typical of the Baltic States.

Project results

Long distance cross border hiking trail "The Forest Trail":
- marked trail for all fitness levels;
- total length of 1050km, split in ca 20km daily distances;
- accommodation, food and transport services en route;
- guidebooks, books and online information en route.

https://baltictrails.eu

https://www.facebook.com/meztaka

https://www.facebook.com/metsamatkarada 

This is done with 960 418.80 euros from the European Regional Development Fund.

***

 

Title

Long distance cross-border hiking trail “The Forest Trail”

Abbreviation

FOREST TRAIL

Lead partner Latvian Country Tourism Association
Project number CB779
Programme Central Baltic Programme 2014–2020

Partners

  • Latvian Country Tourism Association, Latvia
  • Nature Conservation Agency, Latvia
  • Latvia’s State Forests, Latvia 
  • Estonian Rural Tourism Organization, Estonia 
  • Peipsimaa Tourism, Estonia 
  • Setomaa Tourism, Estonia 
  • Okokuller, Estonia 
  • Vidzeme Planning Region, Latvia 
  • Riga Planning Region, Latvia

Associated partners

  • Pohja–Eesti Turism, Estonia

Aim

  • To develop the region' s attractiveness to tourists, using forests as a natural resource
  • Develop a sustainable nature tourism product with high potential to increase visitor numbers in the region
  • Implement Forest Trail marketing activities to attract tourists
  • Promote public health by encouraging people to take an active vacation in nature

Activities

  • Creating a great hiking route connecting Riga and Tallinn via forest trails. This includes trail planning with the involvement of stakeholders, survey and inspection of the trail, identification of service providers along the trail, as well as trail marking and installation of information signs, stands and directions to guide tourists.
  • Forest Trail marketing activities. This includes activities to promote and inform about the new tourism product to attract tourists and raise public awareness - participation in tourism exhibitions, the production of printed and digital information materials and guides and the organization of information events.
  • Joining with European long distance hiking paths E9 and E11

Results

  1. A long distance cross-border hiking trail “The Forest Trail” created on the route:  Rīga - Garkalne - Rāmkalni - Sigulda - Līgatne - Cēsis - Valmiera - Strenči - Zīle - Gaujiena - Trapene - Ape - Korneti - Haanja - Piusa - Varska - Poosi - Varnja - Kalaste - Mustve - Vasknarva - Kuremaa - Toila - Lahemaa nacionālais parks - Kaberneeme - Maardu - Tallinn
  2. The recognition of the region as an active and nature tourism destination will be promoted

Budget

Total budget: 1 215 720.00 EUR

  • ERDF thereof: 960 418.80  EUR

VPR budget: 141 375,00 EUR

  • ERDF thereof: 111 686.25 EUR

Implementation period

01.04.2019–30.06.2021

Contacts

Maija Rieksta

Project Manager

Tel. +371 26099521

maija.rieksta@vidzeme.lv 

Project website https://baltictrails.eu/lv/forest