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25.03.2025

Randu Meadows Trail is a suitable place for birdwatching. It features boardwalks, a viewing platform, and a birdwatching tower. The trail is 1.4 km one way. Over the weekend, various bird species could be seen, including geese, velvet scoters, red-throated and black-throated loons, long-tailed ducks, whooper swans, reed buntings, skylarks, bearded tits, teal, pintails, and others 🥾🌿

22.03.2025

🦭 Today we celebrate international seal day. The Baltics are home to two species of seals: the gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the ringed seal (Pusa hispida). Some fun facts: 🦭gray seals have big population- thousands of individuals living around the coast and isalnds 🦭 seals are known for their intelligence and curiosity 🦭 seals can dive up to 100 meters (328 feet) deep and hold their breath for up to 30 minutes while hunting for fish 🦭 seals use a variety of sounds to communicate, including grunts, growls, and even playful barks. Book you seal watching trip

20.03.2025

The beginning of spring is today! Much awaited and the change in nature is very fast now! Now is the time for a fresh birch and maple sap!

14.03.2025

🌿 Hiking the Baltic Coastal Trail 🥾 The Baltic Coastal Trail stretches along the shores of Latvia and Estonia, offering a route through sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and quiet fishing villages. The trail is marked and divided into sections, making it accessible for both short hikes and multi-day trekking. 🔹 Seasonal conditions – spring to autumn provides stable paths and moderate temperatures. 🔹 Terrain – varies from forested trails to open coastal stretches. 🔹 Essentials – suitable footwear, water, and navigation tools are recommended. 🔹 Guidelines – camping regulations differ by region; in some areas, designated sites must be used. More details: https://visitestonia.com/en/tips-for-hiking-the-baltic-coastal-trail and baltictrails.eu

12.03.2025

In the night sky, the voices of migrating birds can be heard. The calls of taiga bean geese and greater white-fronted geese were audible. Somewhere nearby, a noisy flock of whooper swans had landed. A tawny owl called out. Before darkness fell, the flocks of geese were also visible. Can you hear them!? 🐦

11.03.2025

🌊 Seal pups on the shore – let’s give them space! 🦭 This year, no ice has formed along the Latvian coast, so seal pups are resting on the beach. They’re simply warming up and gathering strength. The best thing we can do? Leave them undisturbed. ✔ Keep your distance – no selfies, no getting too close. ✔ Do NOT push them back into the sea – they’re on land to warm up. ✔ Keep dogs on a leash – seal pups can be hidden behind driftwood or rocks. ✔ Avoid sharing their exact location online – let them rest in peace. If you live near the coast, it’s a good idea to keep pets from roaming freely on the beach—a curious pup might unknowingly disturb a young seal. 📸 The seal in the photo is a grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pup, already in its “teenage” phase in early April. The photo was taken from a distance with a telephoto lens, ensuring the seal remained undisturbed. Let’s respect and protect nature, so we can continue to enjoy it! 🌿💙 Share this post to spread awareness!

09.03.2025

Welcome to Otepää! Known as a winter capital and a very versatile outdoor adventure city

04.03.2025

🌍#WorldWildlifeDay is celebrated today! Book your next wildlife experience in Baltics, short distances and possible to combine many species!

27.02.2025

The spring is just around the corner! Have you already planned your next hiking adventure? 🌿🥾😍

24.02.2025

Happy Estonian Independence Day! 🇪🇪💙

24.02.2025

Did you know the Forest Trail passes through Peipsimaa, home to Estonia’s Old Believer villages and the vast Lake Peipus? Hike through pine forests, discover local traditions, and enjoy the peaceful lakeside views. #ForestTrail #Peipsimaa #Hiking

14.02.2025

The emotions from trip to Estonia

13.02.2025

One of the participants from our recent FAM trip, Beaver and Grouse, has written an article about wildlife watching in Latvia and Estonia 😊

11.02.2025

It is the 🦭baby season! Take a look on a live camera for seals and their young ones! The gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) is one of two seal species to be found off the Estonian coast, along with the ringed seal (Pusa hispida). It is the largest mammal species which permanently inhabits the Baltic Sea; adult males can weigh over 300kg and grow up to 3m in length. Often also eagles and other birds can be seen!

09.02.2025

Right now in nature, you can spot Needle Ice! ❄️🧊 Needle ice forms on cold nights when water moves up through very narrow soil pores—capillaries—and freezes, creating ice needles or ice columns. These break into multiple layers or “strands” of ice. The needles are much thicker and more massive than hair ice, which forms due to the Exidiopsis effusa fungus. As a result, the soil surface ends up looking like small mounds, similar to molehills, covered with thick ice needles! 📍 Studies describe how this process, called soil heaving, can damage plant root systems and contribute to erosion. Have you noticed needle ice in your area? Share your photos! 📸 Video: Juris Smaļinskis

05.02.2025

A NEW FUNGAL SPECIES HAS BEEN DISCOVERED IN LATVIA - Pseudographiella variiseptata! According to current information, there are ONLY FIVE KNOWN FINDINGS OF THIS SPECIES IN THE WORLD (according to gbif.org) - in Finland, the United Kingdom, and Canada, where it was first identified. In any case, it is rare or possibly under-researched. The fungus was discovered by Juris Smaļinskis on the mycelium of honey fungus (Armillaria). Based on the substrate, microscopy, description of the fungus, and consultation with the "Ascomycetes of the World" Facebook page, it was decided that this is Pseudographiella variiseptata. The fungus was microscopically examined and identified by Julita Kluša. There is very little information available about this fungus online. What is known is that it is rare, its systematic classification is unclear, and it has not been genetically studied. The mushrooms are indeed very small. The size of the cap is a TENTH OF A MILLIMETER, and its length is just over HALF A MILLIMETER. A sample of the fungus will be submitted for storage at the Latvian National Museum of Natural History. Photo credit: Julita Kluša, Juris Smaļinskis.

01.02.2025

By the end of January, reports appeared online that the Common Mezereon (Daphne mezereum) was in bloom. In the forest, the plant is indeed flowering. It is important to remember that mezereon is one of the most poisonous plants in Latvia. It is best left to bloom undisturbed in its natural habitat 🌸 Photo: Juris Smaļinskis

31.01.2025

On the third and final day of the FAM trip, the morning began with a kayaking experience in the “Fifth Season” of Soomaa National Park, followed by a wetland hike in the same area leaded by Aivar Ruukel from Soomaa.com. Afterward, we visited two guesthouses—Põnka puhketalu/Põnka guesthouse and Kõveri Guesthouse. At Koveri Guesthouse, we met several Estonian entrepreneurs specializing in wildlife watching. The trip concluded with dinner at Baltvilla restaurant near Riga. Thanks to all the SMEs that provided an excellent service, the tour guide Valdis Čeičs from Baltic Nature Travel. And the FAM trip organisers LatviaTravel, Eesti Loodusturismi Ühing, Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays, Dabas Tūrisms, Puhkus Maal

30.01.2025

FAM Trip – Day 2 We started the day with breakfast and an excursion at SPA HOTEL EZERI, then traveled to Dodkepu.lv to meet the huskies and go on a hike with them. The route passed by the historical landmarks of Āraiši, adding a cultural element to the experience. At Pernigele, we enjoyed a meat tasting, sampling local specialties. Pernigele also provides accommodation with 20 rooms, offering a comfortable stay for visitors. In the evening, we explored Soomaa National Park, beginning with a lantern wetland hike. The day ended with a locally sourced dinner, herbal tea workshop at the bonfire and a guided sauna ritual, rounding out the experience with traditional Estonian hospitality.

Baltic Nature Tourism newsletter archive

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 winter 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 Read online Summer 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