Baltic Nature Tourism News

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18.02.2025

Winter finally has arrived in Latvia and Estonia! ❄️ Snow-covered landscapes offer various outdoor activities. Options include snowshoeing in frozen bogs, winter kayaking, country cross skiing, dog sledding, hikes and more. These activities provide opportunities to experience nature in winter conditions. More information about available winter activities can be found here:

15.02.2025

Winter Wonderland live from Estonian Small Lapland on February 15th. The season is ongoing. We have amazing snow, sun, strong friendly sleddogs, puppies, protected forest, marshmellows, campfire, herbal tea, a warm house if necessary and friendly English speaking staff. Get on the ride with us 🐺❄️

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.

29.01.2025

No snow? No problem! With huskies, you can enjoy not only dog sledding in winter but also hiking year-round. It’s a hands-free walk, full of fun and new friendships! @dodkepu.lv are located near Āraiši historical site in Gauja National park 🐶

29.01.2025

The FAM trip kicked off yesterday with a beautiful and spiritual visit to Ziedlejas for a pirts ritual, followed by a stay and dinner at SPA HOTEL EZERI 🧖 This time, the FAM trip welcomes seven tour operators and media representatives from the UK! 📽️🏞️

23.01.2025

From January 24 to 26, the Latvian Ornithological Society invites everyone to spend one hour observing and reporting birds in their garden, park, or nearby area. This event runs simultaneously across neighboring countries and Europe, following a unified methodology to collect valuable data on bird populations.

22.01.2025

January 2025 is a great time for PLANET WATCHING! In the eastern sky, MARS is clearly visible. You can even see its reddish-brown hue with the naked eye. To the right and about twice as high, the brightest object in the southeastern sky is JUPITER. Use ORION'S BELT as a guide – the three stars in a straight line in the constellation Orion. Jupiter can be seen approximately above Orion's Belt, while Mars will be to the left. But don't confuse Mars with BETELGEUSE, which is at a similar height and also has a reddish hue. Mars is even farther left of Betelgeuse! Another celestial landmark is the PLEIADES or the "Seven Sisters." Currently, Jupiter is located below and slightly to the left of the Pleiades. To the right of the Pleiades is URANUS, though it is not visible to the naked eye. You’ll need a telescope for that. I haven’t tried viewing it with binoculars. In the southwestern sky, VENUS is shining brightly. It’s hard to mistake Venus for anything else, as it’s the brightest object in that part of the sky. Next to it (to the left and slightly below, appearing as a small “star”) is SATURN. To the left and above Venus, you’ll find NEPTUNE. Like Uranus, Neptune is visible only with a telescope. Venus and Saturn need to be spotted right after nightfall, as they disappear below the horizon by 9 p.m. Neptune is no longer visible after 10 p.m. Uranus and Jupiter will set around 4-5 a.m., while Mars remains visible until dawn. So: Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn – six planets! Only Mercury and Pluto are missing. Mercury is below the horizon after nightfall, and Pluto, which has been reclassified as a dwarf planet, is also below the horizon. Wishing you a clear night sky! 🌌

22.01.2025

Fifth season in Soomaa Soomaa Puhkeküla

21.01.2025

Discover the Nightlife of Wildlife 🌙🦊 Ever wondered who visits your trails or homestead after dark? By setting up a night vision camera, you can uncover the nocturnal activities of wildlife that remain hidden during the day. Check out the attached video to see what happens in the night! Video: JJuris Smaļinskis

16.01.2025

Every year, Latvia selects a series of "Species and Features of the Year" to highlight the unique flora, fauna, and natural elements found in the country. See what has been chosen for 2025 and take a moment to explore and appreciate these unique natural features in your surroundings! 🤩🌳 Animal of the Year – HEDGEHOG. There are two species in Latvia: EASTERN HEDGEHOG Erinaceus roumanicus and WESTERN HEDGEHOG Erinaceus europaeus. Bird of the Year – COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris. Insect of the Year – GLOW-WORM. Two glowing species are found in Latvia: EUROPEAN GLOW-WORM Lampyris noctiluca and LESSER GLOW-WORM Phosphaenus hemipterus. Snail of the Year – HEATH SNAIL Helicella obvia. Invertebrate of the Year – DUST SPIDER Eratigena atrica. Plant of the Year – SAND CINQUEFOIL Potentilla arenaria. Moss of the Year – TUFTED FEN-MOSS Paludella squarrosa. Fungus of the Year – PARROT WAX-CAP Hygrocybe psittacina / Gliophorus psittacinus. Slime Mold of the Year – PRETZEL SLIME MOLD Hemitrichia serpula. Tree of the Year – WYCH ELM Ulmus glabra. Habitat of the Year – EDGE (e.g., FOREST EDGE, MEADOW EDGE, FIELD EDGE, etc.). Geosite of the Year – CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT! In the images: PARROT WAX-CAP (photo by Līga Jēka), PRETZEL SLIME MOLD (photo by Julita Kluša), TUFTED FEN-MOSS (photo by Julita Kluša), HEDGEHOG (photo by Juris Smaļinskis). Photos are used with the authors' permission.

15.01.2025

By next week Saturday we will have one of a kind planet parade. Will you join us?

Baltic Nature Tourism newsletter archive

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