Baltic Nature Tourism News

Please read our Baltic Nature Tourism newsletters here, and subscribe to receive regular updates. You can also stay updated by following us on  Facebook and Instagram pages.

From October 6–10, 2025, tour operators and media representatives from the UK are invited to explore nature tourism opportunities in Latvia and Estonia during a FAM trip organized by Baltic Nature Tourism. The curated itinerary showcases seasonal highlights such as bird migration, bog landscapes, sauna traditions, and local gastronomy. Participants will travel from Tallinn to Riga, experiencing authentic nature-based tourism products suitable for international markets.

The latest FAM trip took place in January and highlighted the appeal of Baltic nature tourism in winter. Despite the weather, participants experienced traditional saunas, winter outdoor activities, and local hospitality. The program showcased how nature and culture-based tourism in Latvia and Estonia remains engaging and accessible all year round.

A FAM (familiarization) trip is a curated tour for tourism professionals—such as travel agents, journalists, and bloggers—designed to showcase a destination’s offerings through direct, first-hand experience.

Read detailed FAM trip program

If you are a media representative or tour operator from the United Kingdom, you can apply for the tour by writing to balticnaturetourism@celotajs.lv.

 

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18.07.2025
The first comprehensive guide to birdwatching in Estonia is now revised and updated (as of September 2020). The book provides information on the best birding sites across Estonia and the best times to visit, as well as including advice for finding northern and eastern specialities. The first comprehensive guide to birdwatching in Estonia written by local experts Includes travel info, birding calendar and short overview of birding habitats Covers the best times to visit and lists the best species of 106 areas across the whole country, including all five National Parks 68 maps with GPS coordinates making it easier to find those important locations Recommends trip itineraries to see migration, certain species, or certain areas of the country throughout the year Fully updated and annotated Estonian checklist, with notes on occurrence, abundance and phenology Authors Uku Paal is an Estonian freelance ornithologist and tour guide from Tartu. He is a long-time member of the Estonian Rarities Committee, has a keen interest in bird ringing, photography, field surveying, and identification. He is a founding member of Estbirding – the Estonian Birders’ Club. Margus Ots is an Estonian ornithologist. He is the long-time chairman of the Estonian Rarities Committee. Margus is an avid bird ringer and a founding member of Estbirding as well.
14.07.2025
Right now in Latvia’s nature, wild orchids are blooming or just finishing their flowering! One of them is the Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera). This is a very rare orchid species that grows in calcareous meadows and sedge fens with sparse vegetation. If you look closely at the flower, its shape resembles an insect. The orchid is quite “clever”: it releases a scent (pheromones) that, together with the flower’s appearance, attracts certain wasp species, which then pollinate these beautiful flowers. For the orchid to develop and grow, the soil also needs the mycelium of fungi from the Tulasnellaceae family. An unusual plant that relies on a unique combination of conditions to exist in the wild! The Fly Orchid is currently finishing its flowering. The Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii) is another rare orchid species. It has already finished flowering but can still be spotted. It’s a small plant that grows in moist, calcareous meadows and sedge fens. It is very sensitive to drainage and habitat overgrowth. The seeds of the Fen Orchid have no nutrient reserves, so they require the help of mycorrhiza (a symbiosis with fungi) to germinate. The name “Liparis” comes from the word liparos meaning “shiny,” and “Loeselii” is in honor of the German botanist Johann Loesel (1607–1655). It’s harder to notice than the previously mentioned Fly Orchid. The Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea) from a distance might look similar to some marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza species) to an untrained eye. It is most often found in peaty meadows with sparse vegetation or calcareous sedge fens, mainly in open areas. This species is negatively affected by meadow drainage and quickly disappears where mineral fertilizers are used. It is relatively common, especially in the central part of the country, and is currently in bloom. All the orchids mentioned here are protected species!
12.07.2025
🌿 Today we had the great pleasure of hosting our international partners at Global Birdfair , sharing not only Estonia’s nature and birdwatching opportunities – but also a taste of our wild flavours! On the menu: 🥖 Dark rye bread with wild garlic pesto and crunchy buckwheat 🌾 Whole grain crisps with chanterelle cream 🍫 Estonia’s beloved dessert “kohuke” – a cheesecake-style sweet in chocolate glaze 🫐 Blueberry pancakes topped with cloudberry jam Each bite was beautifully decorated with cornflower petals, our national flower 🌸 This special taste of Estonian nature was made possible through collaboration with Estonian Rural Tourism / Puhkus Maal , Estonian Food Academy / Toiduakadeemia and the Nat-Tour-Expo Interreg project. If you're attending Global Birdfaif, don’t miss your chance to visit us at Visit Estonia stand S-94 – we'd love to meet you! \#VisitEstonia #TasteEstonia #GlobalBirdfair #WildFlavours #BirdwatchingEstonia #NatureTourism #balticnaturetourism

Baltic Nature Tourism newsletter archive

Baltic Nature Tourism Summer Newsletter #10

Where Days Stretch and Nature Leads

In Latvia and Estonia, summer unfolds with nearly 18 hours of daylight—nights so brief that dusk blends into dawn. Forests are dense with green, bogs shimmer with wildflowers, and coastal trails echo with birdsong and waves.

By late June, Jāņi and Jaanipäev mark Midsummer with oak leaf wreaths, bonfires, and quiet rituals in meadows and farmyards. But nature’s rhythm carries on beyond the celebrations. Wetlands invite paddlers and bog-shoe hikers, while national parks host early morning wildlife tours and long-distance treks.

Village markets brim with seasonal produce— fresh berries, honey, and herbs—and countryside inns offer meals from forest and field. Outdoor concerts and night hikes add to the rhythm of the season, especially in August, when dark skies return and the Perseid meteor shower draws stargazers to quiet clearings.

Read PDF newsletter #10 here Read online newsletter #10 here

Baltic Nature Tourism Spring Newsletter #09

As the snow melts and daylight stretch- es longer, the Baltic region shifts into spring mode. Forests turn green, migra- tory birds return, and rivers swell with seasonal floods. For nature travelers, this is one of the best times to experi- ence Latvia and Estonia outdoors.

Apring brings a variety of activities. Bird- watchers can witness mass migrations at the seaside, small islands, islets and in many national parks and nature places such as - Kemeri National Park, Slitere National park in Latvia and Haapsalu,​​ Matsalu National Park, Lahemaa Na- tional Park and many other places in Estonia. Boating and kayaking enthu- siasts can paddle through the flooded meadows of Dviete or Soomaa’s “fifth season”. Hikers and cyclists will find national parks coming to life with fresh colors and wildlife activity.

Read PDF newsletter #9 here Read online newsletter #9 here

Baltic Nature Tourism Winter Newsletter #08

Why Winter Travel in the Baltics is a Must!

Winter travel brings a refreshing change of pace with fewer crowds, lower prices, and a unique perspective on familiar destinations. Snow-covered landscapes offer a quiet beauty, while local experiences feel more personal and less hurried. Off-season rates make accommodations more affordable, and winter activities like skiing, hiking, and cozying up by the fire give a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. Winter in northern regions brings a unique transformation to nature, with familiar landscapes taking on new forms and rhythms. While bears settle in for their long sleep and migratory birds head south, fields, forests, and lakes undergo a seasonal shift, cloaking themselves in layers of snow and ice. Rivers and even parts of the sea freeze over, creating surreal scenes and opening up opportunities for activities that only winter can offer. Cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes, and ice skating become the outdoor experiences of choice.

Read PDF newsletter #8 here Read online winter newsletter #8 here

Baltic Nature Tourism Autumn Newsletter #07

As autumn arrives, the Baltic landscapes experiences a transformation, with trees displaying vibrant colours and wildlife preparing for the colder months. The forests in Latvia and Estonia are ideal for observing these seasonal changes. The air becomes crisper, and the sounds of migratory birds signal the shift towards winter.

Foraging for mushrooms is a popular activity during this time, with the forests offering a variety of edible species. Mushroom foraging is a tradition that extends beyond simply gathering food. It serves as an opportunity to spend time outdoors, share knowledge across generations, and engage with nature.

Autumn is also an excellent time to begin winter swimming. The transition from warmer to cooler water is gradual, making it an ideal period to start ice bathing. This activity, increasingly popular in the Baltic region, can be paired with a visit to a traditional sauna, where the warmth provides a relaxing contrast to the cold water. Estonia’s and Latvia’s sauna culture offers a range of experiences, from traditional smoke saunas to more modern facilities, allowing visitors to engage with this cultural practice in a variety of settings​. Baltic nature tourism offers a wide range of Soul tours!

Read PDF newsletter #7 here Read online autumn newsletter #7 here

Baltic Nature Tourism Summer Newsletter #06

What’s new this summer on balticnaturetourism.com?

Explore over 150 nature tourism destinations across Latvia and Estonia with our detailed Baltic Nature Tourism Map. Perfect for planning your next vacation, this map highlights the best spots for experiencing the natural beauty of the Baltic States. Start your adventure today!

Read PDF newsletter #6 here

Baltic Nature Tourism Summer Newsletter #05

Summer is the best season for outdoor activities, thanks to warm weather and long days. This is the time when camping, swimming in lakes, or enjoying the Baltic Sea are highly popular. In the Baltics, locals appreciate nature, often taking walks by the seaside, enjoying the pleasant evenings under starry skies, and catching the beautiful early morning sunrise.

Read PDF newsletter #5 here Read online Summer newsletter #5 here

Baltic Nature Tourism Spring Newsletter #04

Welcome to our 4th edition of Baltic Nature Tourism’s newsletter. As spring approaches, the Baltic region blossoms with exciting outdoor activities. Keep reading to learn about the various outdoor activities available in the beautiful Baltic region this spring

Read PDF newsletter #4 here Read online spring newsletter #4 here

Baltic Nature Tourism Winter Newsletter #03

Welcome to the third edition of Baltic Nature Tourism's updates, where we're excited to present to you the finest nature and outdoor activities in winter in Latvia and Estonia.

 

Read PDF newsletter #3 here Read online winter newsletter #3 here

Baltic Nature Tourism Autumn Newsletter #02

The second issue showcases autumn's top attractions. Bird-watching tours with ornithologists allow you to observe bird migration. Wild animals become more active during this time as they increase their food intake for winter. On a guided tour led by knowledgeable mycologists, you can spot over 100 varieties of fungi. Additionally, the weather remains suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking and even zipline rides.

 

Read PDF newsletter #2 here Read online newsletter #2 here

Baltic Nature Tourism Newsletter #01

Welcome to the first of our updates from Baltic Nature Tourism. For the next couple of months we will bring you regular and fascinating insights that showcase the finest nature and outdoor tours and activities from Latvia and Estonia and tailor-made for the UK market. The Baltic countries are ideal nature tourism destinations as it's all so incredibly accessible with wild and untouched nature less than an hour's drive from the capital cities of Tallinn or Riga.

Read full newsletter #1 here