Baltic Forest Hiking Trail
| Batlic Forest Hiking trail | |
|---|---|
 Overview of Baltic Forest Hiking trail and E11 | |
| Length | 2141 km |
| Location | Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia |
| Designation | Long distance path |
| Trailheads | Polish - Lithuanian border, Tallinn |
| Use | Hiking |
| Elevation | |
| Highest point | Suur Munamägi, 318 m |
| Hiking details | |
| Season | All year |
| Sights | National parks, forests, lakes |
| Hazards | Tick-borne diseases |
| Surface | Forest roads and trails, country roads, edges of asphalted roads, sandy or rocky beaches |
The Baltic Forest Hiking Trail, also known as the Forest trail, is a long-distance hiking route that is part of the E11 European long-distance path. The E11 path starts by the North Sea in Scheveningen, in the outskirts of the Hague, the Netherlands, and ends in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. It passes through six countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.[1]
The Forest trail leads through the most forested lands and national parks of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The route starts from the Polish - Lithuanian border near the town of Lazdijai, leads through Latvia, turning into Riga, and finishes in Tallinn, Estonia. The total length of the Forest Trail is 2141 km and takes about 102-114 days to walk. The Forest trail is divided into the southern and the northern part. The southern part of the Forest trail goes from the Polish - Lithuanian border near the town of Lazdijai to Riga. The northern part of the Forest trail goes from Riga to Tallinn.
The route is divided into approximately 20 km long sections with accommodation and transport options along the trail. The road surface consists of forest roads and trails, country roads, edges of asphalted roads, and sandy or rocky beaches.
There are specific markers (white, orange, white) on trees and other objects along the Forest trail to find the way through the landscape. In urban areas the trail is marked with stickers.[2] [3]
Lithuania[edit]
The Lithuanian part is known as Miško takas (Forest Trail) and is 747 km long. To walk the entire distance in Lithuania takes 36 - 38 days. The trail in Lithuania is divided into five regions and 36 sections with different landscapes, terrain, natural values, and sections of complexity.[3]
Dzūkija Ethnographic Region (140 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Lazdijai (Polish/Lithuanian border) – Veisiejai – Trikojis – Didžiasalis – Druskininkai – Žiogeliai – Merkinė – Nemunaitis and takes 6 days to finish. It is the most forested region of Lithuania with the least human-influenced wildlife.
The Dzūkian landscape was shaped by a glacier more than 10,000 years ago. The Forest Trail passes through a vast, sparsely populated woodland and small villages along forest roads. Features and traditions of Dzūkija ethnographic region have been shaped by the forest. People's occupations and the traditional lifestyle are linked to the forest. Since ancient times, they have been going to the woods to pick and later sell mushrooms. The resort of Druskininkai has evolved thanks to springs of salty natural mineral water. The name of the town originates from the Lithuanian word druska — salt.[4] The town of Merkinė, at the confluence of the Merkys and the Nemunas, is among the oldest settlements in Lithuania. In this region, the Forest Trail passes through Dzūkija National Park.[5]
Highlights in Dzūkija ethnographic region: Dzūkian forests, the blossom of yellow dwarf everlast, swimming in clear lake-waters, buildings and saltwater springs of the resort town of Druskininkai, views and landscapes of Sūduva and Dzūkija Uplands, Dzūkija National Park, and ethnographic villages with wooden building, hive trees, and craftspersons.[6]
Along Nemunas River Loops (111 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Nemunaitis – Alytus – Panemunis – Birštonas – Alksniakiemis – Pakuonis and takes 5 to 6 days to complete. The region consists of the old forests around Puniai, riverside bluffs, and mineral water resorts.
The Forest Trail meanders along the wooded banks of the Nemunas through Nemunas Loops Regional Park (Nemuno kilpų regioninis parkas). In the stretch of the Nemunas between Alytus and Pakuonis, where the river forms several large loops with outcrops up to 40 m high, exceptionally picturesque landscapes abound.[7] Nemunaitis, like a majority of Lithuania's small villages, features a brick-and-stone church, while Alytus Castle-mound inhabited by ancient Lithuanians dates back to as early as the 14th century. Today, Alytus features the tallest pedestrian bridge in Lithuania and recreational parks.[8] Birštonas, a resort town on the right bank of the Nemunas, is a mud therapy resort with springs of medicinal mineral water. At Birštonas, visitors can treat themselves with mineral water for free at specially designed public places.[9]
Highlights of Nemunas River Loops: tallest pedestrian bridge in Lithuania in Alytus, green parks of the town of Alytus, Nemunas Loops and outcrops on the riverbanks, the resort of Birštonas and mineral water springs, parks and recreational facilities of the town of Prienai, tall castle-mounds and churches on the riverbanks and wooden crucifixes and chapels on the roadside.[6]
Kaunas and Kaunas District (79 km)[edit]
The trail goes though Pakuonis – Kaunas – Lampėdis – Kulautuva – Vilkija and takes 5 days to complete. In the region, picturesque towns are surrounded by greenery and interwar architecture at the confluence of two rivers.
Kaunas is located at the confluence of the Nemunas and the Neris.[10] It is Lithuania's second-largest city, the capital of the former Kovno Governorate of the Russian Empire (1842–1915), and the interim capital of Lithuania (1919–1940). Panemunės šilas is the largest park in Kaunas, with beaches on the bank of the Nemuna, bicycle lanes, and footpaths.[11] Lampėdis quarry (125 ha) used to be a gravel extraction site. Its banks serve as a recreational and bathing area for townspeople. Making a loop through the resort town of Kulautuva, a footpath and a bicycle lane stretches along the Nemunas as far as to Vilkija and offers views over the river.[12] On the way to Vilkija, a diverse landscape with small settlements, castle-mounds, and forests can be enjoyed.
Highlights of Kaunas and Kaunas District: Kauno Marios Regional Park with a landscape of a dam complex and rock outcrops, the modernist architecture of 1919–1940 in Kaunas (European heritage), forests and parks of the city of Kaunas, blossoming meadows on the banks of the Nemunas, Kulautuva that is a resort area with pine forests, green parks, and a sandy beach, and the ferry across the Nemunas at Vilkija.[6]
Along the Banks of the Dubysa River Valley (141 km)[edit]
The trails goes though Vilkija – Padubysys – Ariogala – Kirkšnovė – Kaulakiai – Šiluva – Tytuvėnai – Aukštiškiai – Dengtiltis and takes 6 to 7 days to complete. The area has multicolored meadows and Lithuania's most picturesque river valley.
During one and a half day walk, the Forest Trail passes through Dubysys Regional Park (Dubysos regioninis parkas), where castle mounds, historical churches, and other testimonies of culture and history dot the riverbanks. The Dubysys is a river with a rapid flow. The Dubysys is shallow, the water in the river is clear, and campsites and camps have been established on its sandy banks.[13] The Forest Trail passes through the historic settlements of Betygala, Ugionius, and Šiluva and reaches Tytuvėnai Regional Park. The most valuable natural asset of the park is lakes surrounded by wetlands — an important habitat for many animals and birds, including thousands of cranes. The town of Tytuvėnai is renowned for the Baroque-style Bernardine monastery and church, built in the 17th century. Šiluva is an important Catholic pilgrimage site.
Highlights of the Dubysa River Valley: rapid and clear waters of the river Dubysys and the deep valley, fortified castle-mounds and wooden crosses in Dubysys Regional Park, tallest and longest railway bridge in Lithuania, Šiluva (a Catholic pilgrimage site in Lithuania), Šiluva — apparition (1608) place of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tytuvėnai Regional Park with its lakes, swamps, and forests, and the pilgrimage destinations Tytuvėnai Monastery.[6]
Žemaitija Ethnographic Region (276 km)[edit]
The trail goes though Dengtiltis – Kurtuvėnai – Šaukėnai – Gaulėnai – Pavandenė – Biržuvėnai – Telšiai – Buožėnai – Plinkšės – Žemaičiu Kalvarija – Paplatelė – Plateliai – Salantai – Mosėdis – Skuodas – Lithuanian/Latvian border and takeds 14 days to complete. The trail goes through Žemaitija Upland.
The Forest Trail passes through Kurtuvėnai, Varniai, and Salantas Regional Parks and Žemaitija National Park (Žemaitijos nacionalinis parkas), presenting the natural and cultural heritage of Žemaitija ethnographic region. The Forest Trail opens a view on a hilly and wooded landscape, dotted with lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, and springs. More than half of the Žemaitija National Park area is covered in forests, mainly thick and dark fir forests and natural, old coniferous and mixed forests, while the open areas feature meadows.[14] Forests and hills conceal what once were human settlements and castle mounds. The Forest Trail passes through villages where people have retained the dialect, traditions, and festivals (Shrovetide, summer and winter solstice, etc.) of the ethnographic region.
Highlights of Žemaitija Ethnographic Region: Kurtuvėnai Regional Park (a land of forests, hills, and lakes), landscapes of Žemaitija Upland and views from Šatrija Castle-mound, Telšiai (a town on seven hills by Lake Mastis), Žemaitija National Park and its largest and deepest lake named Lake Platelių, Žemaičių Kalvarija that is a pilgrimage destination, Mosėdis which is a city of stones with boulders, and Žemaitian dialect, customs, and traditional festivals.[6]
Latvia[edit]
In Latvia both the southern and the northern part of the Forest trail are located. The southern part of the forest trail starts on the Lithuania – Latvia border and ends in Riga. The northern part starts in Riga and ends on the Latvian – Estonian border, close to Korneti. The trail in Latvia is divided into nine regions and 31 sections with different landscapes, terrain, natural values, and sections of complexity.[15]
Southern Kurzeme Region (111 km)[edit]
The trail crosses the Lithuanian/Latvian border and goes through Gramzda – Priekule – Kalvene – Aizpute – Snēpele which takes 6 days to complete. The trail goes along the hills and river valleys of Rietumkursa Upland.
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, chiseled in sandstone from Gotland, as well as the 18–19th-century historical buildings in Aizpute, are testimonies of by-gone times.
Highlights of Southern Kurzeme Region: panorama over Rietumkursa Upland, gravel quarries at Gramzda, cultivated cereals fields and buckwheat fields in blossom, deep Ruņupe Valley, the landscape of Kazdanga Park and ponds, cheese of Kazdanga, historical wooden architecture of Aizpute, and wine-making traditions of Aizpute.[6]
Kuldīga and Surroundings (53 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Snēpele – Pelči – Kuldīga – Renda and takes 2 days to complete. The trail passes the old town of Kuldīga and the widest waterfall in Europe.
In the 16–17 th 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.[16] 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 center is a great travel experience to enjoy in a leisurely ambiance 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 lies on the Venta. Since the waterfall is only about 1.6–2.2 m tall, once a year it is possible to watch flying fish there, when during spawning in spring, vimba breams jump over the waterfall.[17] Vast Kurzeme woodlands stretch from Kuldīga.
Highlights of Kuldīga and surroundings: ostrich-watching in the vicinity of Snēpele, Pelči Manor and its fish ponds, cats of the old town of Kuldīga, walk on the banks of the Alekšupīte, bathing by the waterfall (Ventas Rumba), historic brick bridge over the river Venta in Kuldīga, Riežupa sandstone caves (a maze with the longest underground passages in Latvia), and waterfalls on the river Īvande at Renda.[6]
Abava River Valley (70 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Renda – Sabile – Kandava – Jaunmokas Palace and takes 3 days to complete. The trail passes the vineyards of the Abava Valley.
The Abava Valley is up to 2 km wide and about 30–40 meters deep.[18] In Sabile it is possible to 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. An artist residence is established, and exhibitions, concerts, and shows are held[19]. The symbol of the town of Kandava is the boulder bridge over the Abava. Natural meadows of the Abava Valley are sustained by livestock bred for living in the wild. In Pūre, chocolate works that offer tours and tasting are located.[20]
Highlights of the Abava River Valley: Sabile Wine Hill with a vineyard, tasting of Sabile wines and ciders, Merry tobbogan ride at Zviedru Cepure (the Swedish Cap), landscapes of Abava Valley, Fishmen Bridge over the Abava, Pūre chocolate truffles, and forest at the Forest Museum.[6]
Tukums and Ķemeri National Park (56 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Jaunmokas Palace – Tukums – Jāņukrogs – Bigauņciems and takes 3-4 days to complete. Ķemeri National Park is one of the most diverse wetlands in Latvia.
The main purpose of creation of Ķemeri National Park is the protection of wetlands[21]. Shallow coastal waters of the Gulf of Rīga, overgrowing coastal lakes, vast marshlands, wet forests, and alluvial meadows are important habitats for many plants (25 % of the red-listed plant species in Latvia 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 like Zaļais purvs (Green Swamp), and Raganu purvs (Witches' Swamp) lie within the park and are passed by the winding Forest Trail. The large marshes are an important site for the formation of sulfur water and medicinal mud, which was the basis for the establishment of the resort of Ķemeri. Having passed the historic resort of Ķemeri, the Forest Trail meets the Coastal Trail (E9) at the seaside at Bigauņciems, and both trails follow the same route towards Rīga.
Highlights of Tukums and Ķemeri National Park: avenues of manors and palaces, roses at Tukums, Šlokenbeka Manor, the most forest-abundant section of the Forest Trail in Kurzeme, forests rich in mushrooms and berries, raised bogs and wetlands, historical resort park of Ķemeri, mirror-like surface of Lake Slokas and the observation tower, and peaceful Gulf of Rīga.[6]
Jūrmala and Rīga (51 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Bigauņciems - Rīga which takes 3 days to complete. 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 Jūrmala, though hikers can also proceed through the downtown of Jūrmala to see Jomas iela, its main pedestrian street. The town is popular for summer holidaymakers, with many SPA hotels, cafés, live music in summer evenings. The town features the 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 crisscrossed by a dense network of trails suitable for strolling and Nordic walking.[22] The river Lielupe separates Jūrmala from the forests in the outskirts of Rīga. From Priedaine, it is possible to reach Rīga along the roads and trails of the Kleisti forest and suburban streets leading to the Daugava. After crossing the river the trail reaches the heart of Rīga — Rātslaukums (Town Hall Square). It is possible to walk through Rīga and explore different areas of the city or use public transport such as a train or a bus.
Highlights of Jūrmala and Rīga: the 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)[23], Art Nouveau architecture of Rīga, and Rīga Central Market.[6]
Riga and Riga Region (56 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Old Riga – Rāmkalni and takes 3 days to complete. Is it a region consist everything from towers to forests and cliffs.
The city of Riga is surrounded by forests, which means that in a couple of hours it is possible to hike out of Riga into the coniferous forest. The trail leads through a wooded coastal dune area, along Gauja River and along a historical postal road that was once used to travel to neighboring countries. In early summer, the meadows show a display of blooming catchflies.
Highlights of Riga and Riga Region: Old Town of 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), the garden of Artists by Anna Ludiņa, Inčukalns Hunting Palace, and the hunting trail and Inčukalns Velnala (Devil’s) Cave.[6]
Gauja National Park (112 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Rāmkalni – Valmiera and takes 5 days to complete. Guaja Valley is an ancient river valley in Latvia.
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 colorful sandstone outcrops[24] which are reflected in the water. During springtime, bird cherry trees are in full bloom. In the autumn 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 of Gauja National Park. the ancient valley of Gauja River (the deepest river valley in the Baltic States), Sigulda, 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 which offers 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, Valmiera (the northern gateway to the Gauja National Park).[6]
Northern Gauja Forestland (123 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Valmiera – Trapene and takes 5 days to complete. It is the most untouched forest region of Vidzeme.
It is one of the least populated and most densely forested areas on the 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. On the peak of the hill is a panorama over river bends, vast meadows, and ancient, majestic oak trees. It is possible to see the typical Latvian landscape with individual farmsteads enclosed by forests and fields.
Highlights of Northern Gauja Forestland: 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 (ravines with waterfalls and a cave-like niche).[6]
Veclaicene Forestland (44 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Trapene – Korneti and takes 2 days to complete.
The Forest trail stretches over the hillocks of Alūksne. This is one of the most difficult hiking sections since the area is hilly. Many glacial ravines and hills are featuring panoramic views stretching 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, the Forest trail takes a small detour through Paganamaa or Devil’s Land in Estonia, where hikers will find a viewing tower overlooking the forest lakes.
Highlights of Veclaicene Forestland: landscapes of Alūksne hillocks with hills and lakes, the historical center of Ape (dolomite buildings and cobblestones), Kornetu - Peļļu subglacial bed, Drusku castle mound and Dzērve hill watchtower, and Witches’ Cliffs on the bank of the Vaidava River.[6]
Estonia[edit]
The Estonian part is known as Metsa matkarada (Forest Trail) and is 720 km long. To walk the entire distance in Estonia takes 35-38 days. The trail in Estonia is divided into four regions and 15 sections with different landscapes, terrain, natural values, and sections of complexity.[15]
Haanja Upland (54 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Loogamäe – Vana - Vastseliina and takes 3 days to complete. The Forest Trail passes Suur Munamägi in the Haanja nature park.
The view of the 50 km wide landscape of Haanja Upland opens from the Suur Munamägi viewing tower. Suur Munamägi reaches 318 m above sea level, and it is the highest peak in the Baltic states.[25] The Forest trail leads through minor rural roads and along with farmsteads. Forests in this region alternate with agricultural land.
Highlights of Hannja Upland: Haanja Nature Park (diverse landscapes and nature), Suur Munamägi viewing tower, the cafe at the highest peak in the Baltic states, traditional smoke sauna (UNESCO intangible cultural heritage), Nopri farmstead that are local dairy producer, Vastseliina Bishop’s Castle Ruins and Pilgrim’s House, and the National Geographic yellow frames in the villages of Haanja and Vana-Vastseliina.[6]
Setomaa Region (73 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Vana Vastseliina – Ristipalo and takes 3 days to complete. Setomaa has a diverse nature combined with authentic culture.
Setomaa or “the Land of Setos” is inhabited by Setos – an ethnographic group with specific ancient traditions and a unique language dialect.[26] Forest trail hikers can visit the traditional Setos homestead and enjoy Setos cuisine. The forests of the region are especially charming in early autumn when the ground is colored lilac by the blooming heather. One of the most beautiful sections of the trail in Setomaa leads along the Piusa River, where the river is surrounded by sandstone outcrops. Located at the Värska Bay, underneath a pine forest there is Värska resort with its sanatorium and SPA which use the strengths of local nature: mineral water and lake mud.
Highlights of Setomaa Region: unique culture with its traditions, architecture, handicrafts, language, and cuisine, Seto leelo and Seto traditional polyphonic singing (UNESCO intangible cultural heritage), forest sites for picking wild mushrooms and berries, the valley of the Piusa River, caves and bats, Härma Walls (Estonia’s highest Devonian sandstone outcrop), Mustoja Landscape Protection Area, Seto museums in Värska, Saatse and Obinitsa, Värska mineral water and healing mud, and the National Geographic yellow frames in the villages of Obinitsa and Podmotsa.[6]
Peipsimaa Region (225 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Ristipalo – Kuremäe and takes 12 days to complete. The route is known as the fishing villages and onion route.
Lake Peipus is that large that it could be mistaken for a sea. The Forest Trail leads along the shores of the lake and passing through villages that are linked together by long streets. The streets are packed with rows of colorful houses. An influence of Orthodox culture can be sensed in the way these villages are constructed. Since the time of the Russian Emperor Tsar Nicholas, a tradition of growing onions persists in this region, and often people sell strings of home-grown onions on street sides.[27] Visitors can buy fresh fish from Lake Peipus in shops or eat at local restaurants. As the Forest Trail reaches the northern shore of Lake Peipus, the route stretches along a sandy beach for two days.
Highlights of Peipsimaa Region: Peipus, Kavastu Ferry (the only manually powered ferry in the Baltic states), Emajõe wetland with a wooden footpath, Varnja, Kolkja, Kallaste, and Mustvee (Old Believers’ villages, where onions are traditionally grown), fishing traditions and fish restaurants in Lake Peipus area, Alatskivi castle, Kallaste sandstone cliffs, Lake Peipus lighthouses, Avinurme handicraft center, sandy beach on the northern shore of Lake Peipus, Alutaguse National Park which is one of the most densely wooded and swampy areas in Estonia, and Kuremäe Monastery which is a popular pilgrimage place.[6]
Northern Estonia Coastline (334 km)[edit]
The trail goes through Kuremäe – Tallinn and takes 17 days to complete. The trail passes Lahemma national park, waterfalls, stones, and cliffs.
In the Northern Estonia section of the route, nature becomes harsher and increasingly Nordic. Here it is possible to find glacial boulders the size of a house, sparsely populated islands, as well as waterfalls that are quite wide and tall for the Baltic region. The North Estonian Klint is a long rocky outcrop on the coast of the Baltic Sea.[28] Walking on the shore of the Gulf of Finland has both rocky and sandy beaches. Lahemaa National Park is characterized by many bays, peninsulas, forests, and villages of rich cultural heritage.[29] The Forest trail passes through the typical Estonian juniper fields and into the suburbs and the center of Tallinn.
Highlights of North Estonian Coastline: the North Estonian Klint, waterfalls and the largest boulders of Northern Europe, industrial heritage in Kunda, Lahemaa (the oldest national park in the Baltic States), Altja which is a traditional fishing village, Käsmu which is an Estonian sea captains´ village, Purrekkari Cape which is the most northern part of the Estonian mainland, military heritage, Pirita, Old Town of Tallinn (UNESCO heritage site).[6]
References[edit]
- ↑ "E11 in the Baltic countries". European Ramblers Association. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
- ↑ "Baltic Forest Hiking - Practical Info". baltictrails.eu. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Baltic Forest Hiking - Facts". baltictrails.eu. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
- ↑ "Druskininkai resort history". Visit Druskininkai. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Dzūkija National Park". www.lithuania.travel. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 "Baltic Forest Hiking - Itinerary". baltictrails.eu. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ Baltrūnas, Valentinas; Šliaupa, Saulius; Karmaza, Bronislavas (2005). "Origin of the Great Nemunas Loops, South Lithuania". Géographie physique et Quaternaire. 59 (1): 3–15. doi:10.7202/013733ar. ISSN 0705-7199.
- ↑ "Lithuania's highest pedestrian bridge opened in Alytus". the Lithuania Tribune. 2016-06-06. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "www.birstonas.lt » It is Not Only Nature That Wakes Up in Birštonas – Outdoor Mineral Water Recreational Facilities Are Already Waiting for the Resort Guests". Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Kaunas | Lithuania". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "PANEMUNĖ PINEWOOD". visit.kaunas.lt. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Kaunas on a Bike (Routes, Tips and More)". visit.kaunas.lt. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Dubysa regional park". www.visitlithuania.net. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Zemaitija National Park". www.visitlithuania.net. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Celotajs, LLTA Lauku. "Baltic Forest Hiking". baltictrails.eu. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ↑ "The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. 1561-1795 ← National History Museum of Latvia". Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "The Venta Waterfall | The Widest waterfall in Europe | Latvia Travel". www.latvia.travel. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Ancient valley of Abava nature park | Latvia Travel". www.latvia.travel. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Pedvale Art Park". Visit Talsi. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Pure Chocolate - Celebrate any moment". Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Kemeru nacionālais parks". www.kemerunacionalaisparks.lv. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "See and Do - Jūrmala Tourism". www.visitjurmala.lv. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Historic Centre of Riga". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ www.kosmodroms.lv, Kosmodroms | Digital Creative Studio |. "Gauja National Park » EnterGauja". www.entergauja.com. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Suure Munamäe vaatetorn, Võru maakond". Puhkaeestis.ee (in eesti). Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Setomaas reseguide". Visitestonia.com (in svenska). Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Flavours tolook for in the Peipsi area". Visitestonia.com. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "(PDF) North Estonian Klint". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
- ↑ "Lahemaa nationalpark". Visitestonia.com (in svenska). Retrieved 2021-07-14.
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