When home and the backyard start to feel too small in summer and adventures call for the open spaces of nature, we invite families with young children to explore two circular routes in Valmiera Municipality. One is located along Section 8 of the “Forest Trail” (Caunītes–Valmiera), near Sietiņiezis, and the other along Section 10 (Strenči–Spicu Bridge), near Kauči (landmark – the parking area). Both routes form a loop and return to the starting point, and in nature they are marked with the “Brīvdabis” sign.
Circular route near Sietiņiezis
This 3.8 km educational trail starts and ends at the Sietiņiezis parking area. Four outdoor games have been installed along the route, allowing visitors to learn about forest animals, discover the sounds of different tree species, and play with the “Rain Stick” installation. The route is partially stroller-accessible, though one section has stairs.
Circular Route near Kauči
This 3 km trail offers a digital educational game in which participants answer questions about the surrounding nature and cultural heritage. A smartphone with the LOQUIZ app and mobile internet access is required. The game is free of charge, available in Latvian and English, and can only be played while on the route. The starting point is the recreation area by the river Gauja (Kauči). The route is also suitable for walks with strollers.
Both trails and the games installed along them were created to make the “Forest Trail” more accessible to families with children. These shorter hiking routes are also suitable for travellers who cannot or do not wish to hike the longer sections of the trail. The routes were developed by the Vidzeme Planning Region within the Estonia–Latvia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme project “Accessible Hiking Trails”. We invite everyone to explore the “Forest Trail” and follow the “Brīvdabis” markings!
Photos: Juris Smaļinskis (“Baltic Country Holidays”), Zane Kaķe, Baiba Šelkovska (Vidzeme Planning Region).
Translated from Latvian into English by Liene Pelēkzirne (Vidzeme Planning Region).
