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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?

14.01.2025

13.01.2025

In Estonian nature there is many unique experiences to choose, ice roads being one of them. Sadly due to warmer winters the sea does not freeze enough for the ice roads but if it would- we open up the ice roads between some islands and mainland. Do not worry- the safety of the road is checked multiple multiple times per day. And with bad weather conditions like for also closed.

10.01.2025

Today, January 10th, is the international Save the Egles Day-day to celebrate these majestic birds of prey and give thanks for the conservation efforts to prevent their extinction. In Estonia, there are approximately a thousand pairs of eagles of five different species nesting. All eagle nesting sites are protected, along with the forests and marshes surrounding the nests. Many other endangered and protected animal and plant species have also found a home in these habitats created to protect eagles. As of today, another 183 different protected species have been found in the eagles' permanent habitats, with a total of nearly 1,200 different locations.

09.01.2025

The pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) camera shows a collection of adult pearl mussels in the river, they attach themselves to the bottom gravel and sand with their feet and live their slow and long lives there, filtering water and responding to changes in their environment. In Estonia, the pearl mussel, a category I protected species, is still only found in one river in Lahemaa, where this mussel camera is located. you can look it on live camera

04.01.2025

The Times has suggesed 88 TOP destinations in the worlf for 2025. Amongst them in top 15 The Lynx effect in Estonia There are 411 wildlife holidays on offer in the latest Naturetrek brochure, covering thousands of species in 104 countries and seven continents — and 40 are new for 2025. These include birding in Extremadura, hamsters in Vienna and a quest for the Japanese River Dragon, but this month’s pick is the trail of the lynx in snowy Estonia. The world’s most endangered felid is also one of the most elusive, and the action on this eight-day expedition to the Lahemaa National Park takes place mostly in the cold, Baltic nights, when the lynxes are most active.

03.01.2025

PART II If you found it interesting the PART I, here are some more insights in the wild and diverse fungi world that is discoverable during this winter. 🍄‍🟫 The Candlesnuff Fungus (Xylaria hypoxylon) is commonly found on decaying hardwood. Its branching forms resemble deer antlers or lichen, making it a distinctive feature of the forest floor. 🍄‍🟫 The Silverleaf Fungus (Chondrostereum purpureum) is often seen covering tree stumps, with its purple hues making it particularly striking, especially when the light hits it just right. 🍄‍🟫 Black Witches’ Butter (Exidia glandulosa) appears as glossy black jelly blobs on fallen wood, thriving in wet conditions and adding a dark contrast to the forest. 🍄‍🟫 The Spruce Cone Cap (Strobilurus esculentus) is a small mushroom that grows on spruce cones, often appearing either individually or in small clusters. 🍄‍🟫 Finally, the Late Oyster (Panellus serotinus) is a brown mushroom that adds character to the winter forest floor, its distinctive appearance making it easy to spot among the fallen leaves and wood. Photo: Juris Smaļinskis

02.01.2025

Happy New Year, may it be full of new adventures in nature. We are certainly ready to make your vacation into a great adventure by offering a wide range of outdoor activities: Botanical tours Mammals watching Bird watching Fungi tours Insect watching Hiking/walking Bogshoe hiking Cycling Water activities Horseback tours Winter activities Nature retreats Nature therapy Nature escape Wild food restaurants Food foraging Nature capture by photo/video Nature drawing/painting Extreme sports Nature survival

01.01.2025

The travel professionals from The Daily Telegraph give their suggestions and ideas what to do and where to go to experience the real like a local experience.

31.12.2024

This winter’s unusually warm and wet conditions have created ideal opportunities to observe a diverse array of mushrooms in Latvia's forests. Biologist Juris Smaļinskis shares his recent findings, highlighting the fascinating fungi at the end of the year. PART I 🍄‍🟫 The Amber Jelly Roll (Exidia recisa) is a jelly-like fungus often found on tree branches. It becomes particularly noticeable during frosty weather and is striking when photographed against the sky. 🍄‍🟫 The Brain Jelly (Tremella encephala) is another jelly-like species, aptly named for its unique appearance. 🍄‍🟫 Adding bright color to the gray December landscape, the Yellow Stagshorn (Calocera cornea) stands out with its vibrant yellow hues, contrasting sharply with the muted tones of winter. 🍄‍🟫 On the forest floor, the Leaf Marasmius (Marasmius epiphyllus) grows delicately on aspen leaves. This species often remains in the same location for weeks, making it a reliable sight during forest walks. 🍄‍🟫 The Reddish Earthstar (Geastrum rufescens), an intriguing species of earthstar mushroom, has been consistently observed in certain areas for over a decade, adding another layer of interest to the diverse fungi found in winter. Photo: Juris Smaļinskis

28.12.2024

The 2024 Enviromental Performance Index Estonia became 🥇 It combines 58 indicators across 11 issue categories, ranging from climate change mitigation and air pollution to waste management, sustainability of fisheries and agriculture, deforestation, and biodiversity protection. We are certainly very happy and grateful

24.12.2024

The 5th season in Soomaa Estonia is open. As most of the ❄️ has melted, it has risen the water levels and it is possible to book a wintery canoe trip 🚣 Soomaa.com Soomaa Puhkeküla Seakayakingestonia

24.12.2024

Happy Christmas! We are awaiting you in nature! Time to book your stay Baltic Nature Tourism

22.12.2024

🎈🥾 Soar high in a hot air balloon flight and go on thrilling hike from the landing location with @letshike.co. 🙌 This unique journey lets you witness the natural beauty of the terrain from two distinct perspectives, making it an ideal option for adventure seekers seeking a truly unforgettable experience. ✨ Tour and photos: @letshike.co Balloons: @sky.amazons.fractals More info on the portal - https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/movement_spontaneous_hot_air_balloon_hike #hotairballoon #hiking #adventure #balticnaturetourism #centralbaltic #letshike #skyamazons

21.12.2024

Join a two-day winter kayaking adventure in Latvia with @letshike.co! 🚣❄️ Paddle through scenic rivers or lakes, with the route depending on the weather, and explore unique, hidden spots. Cover about 10 km each day, combining a fun physical challenge with exciting discoveries. After paddling, relax in a sauna and enjoy a cozy overnight stay. 🛖🔥  Tour and video material: @letshike.co https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/movement_spontaneous_winter_kayaking   #winteradventure #kayakinginlatvia #activetravel #balticnaturetourism #centralbaltic

19.12.2024

🪓🌲Forest survival and bushcraft 🌲🪓 At the exciting survival huts along the route, there are tutorials and tools to train the skills you need to survive in the forest. These are the knowledge and skills that our predecessors have encountered daily and successfully solved for tens of thousands of years. 🏕️🔥 Tour and photos: @preeriakoda https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/preerakoda_forest_survival_and_bushcraft #survivalskills #bushcraft #forestadventure #balticnaturetourism #centralbaltic

17.12.2024

🌲🎈Hot Air Ballooning and Hiking Experience🎈🌲  We present a unique tourism product that combines an exhilarating hot air balloon flight with a challenging 10-20km hike from the landing location. This adventure offers a one-of-a-kind experience to witness the natural beauty of the surrounding terrain from two distinct vantage points, making it an ideal option for adventure seekers seeking a truly unforgettable excursion. The location varies and is dependent on weather conditions.  Video: @eaglewoodpictures  Tour: @letshike.co https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/movement-spontaneous-hot-air-balloon-hike #hotairballoon #hiking #adventure #balticnaturetourism #centralbaltic

16.12.2024

🦅Golden Eagle Photography in Estonia 🦅 Estonia has some great photo hides for capturing Golden Eagles, especially in the middle of the country. The best time for photos is from December to February. Keep in mind that weather conditions can affect the eagles' behavior. You might even spot White-tailed Eagles from the hide! 📷❄️ Tour and photos: @elerilopp_fromestonia https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/wildlife_estonia_photography_hide_golden_eagle #goldeneagle #wildlifephotography #estonianature #balticnaturetourism #centralbaltic

13.12.2024

🎄On the 12th of December we were part of a beautiful event at the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland where many tour operators from the UK came together. We introduced the Baltic Nature tourism, had fun decorating Latvian gingerbreads and celebrated magical pre-Christmas time together! LIAA Tūrisma departaments Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays Baltic Travel Group IMPRO Travel

12.12.2024

Join a winter kayaking experience in Latvia with Movement Spontaneous. Over two days, participants will paddle through scenic rivers or lakes, with the route determined by weather conditions, leading to unique and less-explored destinations. 🚣‍♀️❄️ Covering approximately 10 km each day, this adventure is designed for those looking for both a physical challenge and the excitement of exploring new locations. After a day of paddling, unwind in a sauna and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay. 🛖🔥 Tour and photos: @letshike.co https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/movement_spontaneous_winter_kayaking #winteradventures #kayakinginlatvia #activetravel #balticnaturetourism #centralbaltic

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