Best of Gauja River Valley in One Day: Kayaking Trip
Enjoy a full-day guided kayaking adventure through some of the most distinctive and visually striking sections of Gauja National Park. The trip combines both the main Gauja River and a quieter tributary, creating a more varied and immersive experience on the water. Along the way, the landscape shifts from open river stretches to narrower forest passages and dramatic Devonian sandstone cliffs formed over 350 million years ago — a geological feature unique to this region of Latvia and Estonia. Built on over 20 years of hands-on experience in nature and more than 8 years of active guiding, each trip is adapted to the group and conditions, creating a personal and well-paced journey. You’ll also gain insight into the surrounding landscape, local nature, and Baltic traditions. Pickup from your accommodation in Riga or Sigulda is included. No prior kayaking experience is required, but you should feel comfortable paddling for several hours. Maximum 4 participants.
Evening canoe trip on the river Ahja
Experience the picturesque and primeval nature of the River Ahja on a guided canoe trip during a summer evening in South Estonia. As you pass the stunning sandstone cliffs at Taevaskoja , time seems to stand still during the long, lush Nordic twilight. No experience is necessary for our guided canoe trips. Life jackets are provided to all participants, regardless of their swimming ability. The instructors will also provide a safety briefing before the journey begins.
Your experienced instructors will share their knowledge about the local area, its flora, fauna, and the river's history. You'll gain insights into the ecological importance of this pristine natural environment while enjoying your adventure.
TAKA Kaņieris Mindfulness Walk
The TAKA Kaņieris Mindfulness Walk unfolds in the open landscapes surrounding lake Kaņieris, combining meadows, ancient oak trees and lakeside paths.
Through slow, silent walking and guided breathing practices, participants are invited to reconnect with the body and the natural rhythm of the environment.
The experience includes grounding barefoot walking, body awareness meditation in the meadow, mindful tasting, and moments of reflection and sharing in a calm, supportive space.
This walk encourages deep relaxation, presence and a sense of connection with nature.
Team Adventure in Bog
A swamp hike is a team adventure lasting several hours, taking us deep into the swamp, where we venture beyond the typical footpaths, equipped with swamp shoes. The swamp is distinguished by its stunning natural beauty, swamp lakes, and expansive landscapes.
Tea ceremony in nature villas
Tea ceremony is a beautiful way to escape from the fast pace of life and ground yourself in nature. During this meditative tea drinking session, you will experience the effects of tea leaves carrying ancient wisdom, affecting your body and soul.
Tea has been a ceremonial drink for centuries in both Chinese and Japanese cultures. The process of making tea is ceremonial and thought through from picking the leaves all the way to pouring and drinking it. At the same time, it is strongly intuitive and in deep harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Depending on the season, tea ceremony can take place in the area of Maidla Nature Resort in the wild or in the indoor space of the Servants House.
Family Adventure Retreat
This a two day family adventure camp with plenty of time to explore the outdoors, play and learn new skills. It's the best way to experience wild Soomaa National Park and enjoy quality time together with your children. We explore the big bog system, learn how to make fire and build a shelter and go on a canoe journey. There is time to enjoy the hot tub next to the river and go to the smokesauna. Kids have their movie night and parents can relax in the saunas. The activities are suitable for 5-12 year old kids and their parents.
Ethnic-inspired Mindful Retreat Experience
Immerse yourself in our curated experiences blending folkloric rituals, workshops, and treatments for mindful living. Tailored to your preferences and schedule:
-Herbal Crafting: Explore local flora's healing properties.
-Sauna Sensation: Experience the Latvian sauna ritual.
-Ancient Power Songs: Discover centuries-old folk verses.
-Latvian Symbol Exploration: Decode traditional symbols.
We arrange transfers, accommodation, and meals, suggesting journeys beyond Riga for deeper exploration. Travel options include public transport, bikes, or eco-friendly Teslas. Extend your stay in rural guesthouses or camping. Meals showcase local flavors, enriching your Latvian adventure amidst scenic landscapes.
Kicks sled's trips @Soomaa National Park
In winter, when the rivers and water meadows of Soomaa have frozen over and the weather conditions are favourable, you are welcome to try riding on a kicksled!
These lightweight sleds are perfect for gliding over ice and packed snow. You stand with one foot on one runner and push off with the other foot. Some sleds even have a seat for kids to ride or to carry supplies.
The sleds or kicksleds or kicksparks make it fun to hike on frozen flood areas or forest roads. When planning the route of the hike, we will take into consideration your wishes, experiences, and the weather conditions.
Sunsets with the seals, birds and seascapes
Seals are marine mammals that leave no one indifferent with their human-like nature and interesting ways of life. Watching grey seals roaming on the rocks and swimming in the sea around the small islands and coves of Kolga Bay is a unique and memorable opportunity to get to know one of the most fascinating seascapes in Northern Estonia and to get a closer look at the life of the Baltic top predators - grey seals.
For seal and wildlife watching, we use a purpose-built, enclosed-cabin boat with up to 6 seats. Its one-way mirror glass windows allow you to observe nature, while remaining invisible and disturbing as little as possible the shy wildlife. Quiet and precise manoeuvring and stationary positioning are ensured by an electric bow engine, which allows the seals to be observed more closely and with less disturbance than with conventional watercraft. The hull of the boat is constructed from highly durable recycled plastic and has a stable shape with low sides. For this reason, and with the possibility of a low seating position, our boat trips are particularly well suited for photo and video recordings of seals and seabirds. If the weather and visibility are suitable, we can
monitor the seals; underwater activities with a small underwater drone. If necessary, we can also open both the windows and roof hatches to let the sun and the salty sea air refresh us, or observe the animals and birds from a distance through binoculars or enjoy the views of the seascapes.
Latgale Sauna Ceremony & SPA rituals
Experience ultimate relaxation with our Latgale sauna ceremony. This ancient ritual, guided by an experienced sauna master, includes a tea ritual on the sauna terrace, steaming with brooms, and a soothing hand oil mask. Conclude with a refreshing walk through the garden to the main shower. Available year-round, the sauna is particularly enchanting in autumn and winter, but delightful in summer. Bring a swimsuit and sauna slippers; we provide bath towels and bathrobes.
Enhance your relaxation with our 3-hour spa rituals, featuring luxurious treatments such as body scrubs, massages, wraps, and facial procedures using premium Thalac cosmetics.
Explore Riga from the Water
Embark on an exciting water escapade in Riga's canals. Choose from single or double sea kayaks, SUP boards, or even a team SUP board for a fun group experience. With multiple routes available, you can paddle through Zunda Canal, glide past the historic Old Town, or journey towards the Riga Shipyard. While guides are available upon request, the allure of self-guided exploration lets you set your own pace and immerse in the surroundings. Discover Riga's charm from a unique perspective as you navigate the waterways at your leisure, creating a remarkable memory of your Latvian visit.
Oven Baked Pizza Hike
Experience the serenity of nature with our organization's invigorating hikes, covering 15-20 km through the tranquil forests or picturesque seaside. We constantly explore different locations, ensuring that every hike is a new adventure. For those seeking a more thrilling experience, we highly recommend our night hikes. The hike culminates with a delicious treat of oven-baked pizza at a local pizzeria. This is a perfect opportunity to explore, connect, and appreciate nature's beauty while forging new connections.
Hiking and SUP Adventure in Garezeri
This expedition offers a combination of hiking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) as you traverse through three scenic lakes in Vidzeme region, central part of Latvia. Your journey begins with a train ride from Riga, followed by a 9km hike through the enchanting dunes, forests and the beach to reach the Gauja River mouth and the South Garezers, your SUP starting point. After indulging in delicious Latvian cuisine by a cosy fire, you'll explore the South, Middle and North Garezers on your SUP boards, including a treasure hunt on a lake island. At the end of the day, you will walk 1.5 km to the train station to return to Riga.
Team Adventure Hike with Challenges
Join our adventure hike with tasks, a team event that lasts a few hours. During this exciting experience, you'll discover how to navigate using a map, conquer natural challenges, cook your meals over a self-made bonfire, and partake in team-building activities. These fun activities will help you get to know each other better in a relaxed outdoor setting, all while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Eurasian Lynx – Scheduled Tour
During different periods, Estonia has been the country with the highest lynx population density and the local individuals are one of the largest in the world. Its’ main prey – Roe Deer, is doing better year after and so is the local lynx population. Right now, an estimated 550-600 Eurasian Lynx inhabit the forests of Estonia, and one of the best areas to spot them is Lahemaa National Park in the northeastern part of the country.
March is the mating season for the main target of this tour but a great time to look for the lynx is autumn when the temperatures have dropped and mammals have become more active again. The species spectrum is very similar to early spring.
Although this tour concentrates on the Eurasian Lynx, we will most likely also meet other mammals sharing the same habitats, such as Elk, Roe Deer, Snow Hare, Pine Marten, and Raccoon Dogs, just to name the main ones. Daytime will be used for resting and looking for bird specialties, such as the forest grouse and woodpeckers. If the snow conditions are suitable, we would also go lynx-tracking. Evening excursions will give us also the chance to spot several species of owls, such as the Ural Owl and Pygmy Owl.
Looking for the lynx will be done with thermal imagery binoculars and we start usually an hour/half an hour before sunset. Usually, we look until late in the evening or sometimes even until the first hours of the new day depending on our success and level of tiredness.
Scheduled trips:
20/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
03/03/2025 - 08/03/2025
11/03/2025 - 16/03/2025
18/10/2025 - 23/10/2025
SUP and kayak adventure to the Death Island
Join us on a unique SUP and kayak adventure on the Daugava river, where you'll visit the WW1 battle sites on the Death Island. The island is home to trenches, a bunker, and other remnants of the historic battle, which you can explore on a guided walk with a knowledgeable guide.
As the day comes to a close, you'll be treated to a soldier's dinner, giving you a taste of what life was like for the soldiers who fought here a century ago. This SUP and kayak adventure is a perfect way to experience Latvia's history while enjoying the beauty of the Daugava river.
Home-like accommodation and nature experience at "Piedāgi Ūši"
Experience Piedāgi Ūši, a cozy two-story vacation house nestled in a coastal pine forest. Its dark gray exterior blends seamlessly with nature, offering tranquility. The Sea Room boasts stunning sea views, while the Forest Room overlooks a serene pine grove, ensuring a unique stay.
Designed for nature enthusiasts and hikers, the house includes amenities like drying facilities for gear, laundry services, and a relaxing sauna. A well-equipped kitchen and dining area encourage communal meals, and outdoor storage caters to cyclists with bicycles. Ideal for those seeking serenity and immersion in nature's beauty.
Lahemaa National Park Tour
Lahemaa National Park is just east of Tallinn. It is a place of breathtaking landscapes and unspoilt nature. You can find beautiful peninsulas and bays, forests and beaches, waterfalls and bogs seasoned with rich cultural history. This day trip is perfect for spending a day out of Tallinn and is designed to show you the beauty of the area in every season.
During this tour you will admire Jägala waterfall, the highest natural waterfall in Estonia. Go on a hike in a bog, the mystical wetland with an important place in every Estonian's heart. Explore the charming fishing villages along the coastline. Visit a romantic manor and have a walk in the historical manor garden.
Lunch at a local tavern is not included in the price.
Packrafting in Lake
Discover the versatility of our custom-made ultra light packrafts, perfect for solo paddling or tandem/triple adventures with friends. Crafted for durability, these inflatable boats are ideal for year-round exploration of Latvia's rivers and lakes. The tour takes place in a river or lake (depending on weather conditions and other factors), covering 5-10 km route, packrafting is a leisurely activity that can be complemented with a refreshing walk, a relaxing sauna or a local cafe visit.
Estonian Wilderness & National Park Experience
Embark on an active and authentic journey with Estonian Wildnest Resorts, dedicated to immersing you in Estonia's natural beauty with ease and comfort. Their multi-day wilderness experiences offer a deep connection to nature and culture.
The three-day wilderness experience features a luxurious nomadic camp in a serene forest setting. After hiking and biking to camp on the first day, unwind with sauna and dinner. Choose between relaxing days exploring Lahemaa National Park and Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve, or opt for more active adventures like hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. Each evening, enjoy sauna sessions, dinner, and campfire ambiance under the pine-scented sky.
Phyto Sauna Holiday Escape
Enjoy a phyto sauna while staying in a cosy log cabin by Lake Kāla in East Latvia. Phyto sauna uses heated herbs, steam, and aromatherapy. Located on a 6-hectare private forest within the protected NATURA 2000 area, the cabin is fully self-sufficient and heated with firewood harvested from the surrounding forest. Enjoy fishing, boating, or stand-up paddleboarding on the lake, exploring the forest paths and trails.
Kicksledding in Estonia on Otepää Lake Pühajärv or snowy forest roads
A Finnish sledge hike is perfect for enjoying the outdoors during the colder winter months. Basic kicksledding is easy to learn. Just stand with one foot on the runner, hold on to the handlebar, and kick with your free foot.
The Finnish sled has gone through a great transformation and looks sleek and modern. We use new Finnish sleds on light aluminum frames for an even better experience. We’ll be sledding along snowy nature trails, hiking paths, or even across frozen lakes.
If Lake Pühajärv is properly frozen and the weather allows, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to sledge between its islands — familiar to you from your canoeing trip.
Finnish sledge hikes are for everyone, regardless of fitness level. No physical preparation or prior experience is required!
Lakeside Lodge Forest Retreat
The Nature Gallery, in a beautiful forest location in western Latvia, offers a distinctive nature experience combining science, art, unique design, gastronomy, technology and cultural developments. Enjoy the group session which includes an hour hike around a scenic lake and is followed with a splendid meal with gastronomical performance elements. You will see unique nature installations, hear poetry from the trees, listen to the stories about the natural world, and indulge in a unique auditory experience “Sound in 360 degrees."
Wild Estonia – Nature Tour through Estonia 8 days
This is the tour to take if you want to actively spend time in the wilderness, enjoy different natural habitats and watch birds and mammals. We watch the brown bears, elks(moose) and bird migration. We go bog-shoeing in one of Europe’s largest raised bogs with breath-taking views of bog-pools and experience the peacefulness of old-growth forests. To explore the most stunning contrasts of Nordic nature, we go canoeing and hiking in Matsalu- and Soomaa National Parks and other protected areas. In addition to excellent sightseeing and activities in natural settings we walk in medieval Tallinn Old Town, an increasingly popular UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights:
Very good opportunity to see Brown Bears in their natural habitat.
Elk spotting
Bog-shoeing in one of Europe’s largest raised bogs.
Canoeing on one of the wild rivers of Soomaa NP
Sights and sounds of thousands of cranes and geese, and millions of songbirds on their mass migration
Boat tour to watch Ringed Seals
Experiencing the medieval atmosphere of Tallinn Old Town.