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Baltic Nature Tourism
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26.06.2025
🍄‍🟫 June is a great time to head into the forest for SLIME MOLD PHOTO HUNTING and to discover the wondrous world of slime molds!�Currently, in moist places on decaying wood, you can often find Honeycomb Coral Slime Mold Honeycomb Coral Slime Mold – Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa, which resembles tiny white corals. On fallen trees and logs, in various stages of development, you may spot Chocolate Tube Slime – Stemonitis splendens, whose spore “clubs” rise on black stalks, resembling mythical jellyfish. Against green moss or elsewhere, the stark contrast of WITCH’S BUTTER – Fuligo splendens in white or yellow is clearly visible. This species is also colloquially known as "witch’s vomit." On stumps, logs, and other surfaces, you can see balls of various colors and sizes – grey, orange, red. These are Lycogala slime molds, a group in which many new species have been discovered recently. To have the “complete set,” you’ll want to find one of the RASPBERRY SLIME MOLDS, which truly resemble raspberries in red or orange. The one shown in the photo (next to a mushroom) might be ORANGE RASPBERRY SLIME MOLD – Tubifera montana. You may also come across one of the CYLINDRICAL SLIME MOLDS, which resemble tiny batons or clubs with thin stalks. The one in the photo (white) could be SILVERY CYLINDER SLIME MOLD – Stemonitopsis typhina. While searching for slime molds, you’re likely to find many other fascinating organisms – snails, arthropods (insects, spiders, springtails), plants, mosses, and lichens! You just have to keep your eyes open. And you’ll also hear the diverse calls of many bird species throughout the forest! 🐦‍⬛ Photo: Juris Smaļinskis
12.06.2025
LITTLE TERN (Sternula albifrons) Each spring, many bird species return from their wintering grounds. Among them is the little tern, which has just arrived in Latvia from Africa. Only about 70–100 pairs now nest in Latvia, and their numbers have dropped by 70–80% in the last 40 years – making this species critically endangered in our country. The little tern nests directly on sandy ground, often along the upper part of the beach, beyond the reach of waves. The nest is just a shallow hollow in the sand where 2–4 speckled eggs are laid. Chicks leave the nest the day after hatching but stay nearby, hiding behind driftwood and stones. Both parents feed the chicks with small fish, crustaceans, and insects. The young learn to fly after about 15–17 days but are very vulnerable until then. What can we do? By collecting or burning driftwood and removing stones, we reduce the number of hiding places for chicks. Even more importantly, human presence and off-leash dogs disturb the birds and can prevent them from successfully raising their young. That’s why nesting success is so low in many areas. To protect the little tern, access to parts of the Irbe and Gauja river mouths (left banks) and the Ķikans beach stretch is seasonally restricted from April 1 to August 1. Clear signs and maps mark these protected zones. 🌊 Dear hikers, sunbathers, anglers, dog walkers, and beachgoers – please respect these protected areas. If you’re on a different part of the beach and see an agitated bird that won’t leave a certain spot, take a closer look underfoot and quietly move a bit away. Nesting birds need peace – this is the least we can do to help. 🗺️ These restricted zones make up only 1800 meters – just 0.3% of Latvia’s coastline – and the Jūrtaka trail conveniently bypasses them (except for Ķikans, where you can walk along the wet shoreline). Photo: Normunds Zeidaks (with permission from the Nature Conservation Agency) Map source: from the Nature Conservation Agency website

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

 

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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