On April 23, 2025, a seminar on first aid in nature tourism, organized by the Latvian Nature Tourism Association, took place, which brought together active industry representatives to strengthen knowledge about outdoor safety. The seminar was led by certified lecturer Raits Rožkalns, who shared practical advice and examples of situations, specially adapted to the nature tourism context. It was an opportunity for participants not only to refresh essential skills, but also to exchange experiences and make contacts in the informal part. The event was organized within the framework of the project “Baltic nature tourism – mastering the target market of the United Kingdom (CB0100030)” with the support of the European Union.
On April 16, 2025, a master class organized by the Latvian Nature Tourism Association was held, dedicated to tourism product development and photography. The event was hosted by experienced photographer and LDTA representative Andra Marta Babre, who shared practical tips and inspiration on how to improve the tourism offer and its competitiveness with the help of visual content. The master class participants gained both theoretical knowledge and participated in a practical photography workshop using smartphones.
The event is part of the campaign for the promotion of Baltic nature tourism in the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Exporting Baltic Nature Tourism to UK (CB0100030)”, which is implemented with the support of the Central Baltic Program of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund for 2021-2027. #balticnaturetourism
On March 27-28, a two-day meeting of NAT-TOUR-EXPO project partners took place at Hotel Baltvilla, with the aim of promoting cross-border cooperation in nature tourism and moving towards the main goal of the project – increasing the export of nature tourism products to the UK market. The event brought together partners, experts from the UK – Paul Wagner and Andy Fairburn, and tourism companies from Latvia and Estonia: Reimann Retked, Soomaa Puhkeküla, City Bike, Small Lapland, Purvu bridēji, Baltic Nature Travel, SPALVA, IndieTours, Boards You un Movement Spontaneous.
The first day was dedicated to reviewing the project progress and planning future activities to support tourism businesses and promote exports. The partners discussed opportunities to strengthen the balticnaturetourism.com platform and expand joint marketing and training activities.
On the second day, participants participated in practical nature tourism activities. The morning began with a hike led by Movement Spontaneous and Boards You, followed by a shared pizza-making session. In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to explore the Vecgauja and Gauja rivers using SUP boards, kayaks and the amphibious BeTriton camper. The meeting concluded with a practical workshop on developing new tourism products, led by representatives of the Latvian Nature Tourism Association.
The event is part of the campaign for the promotion of Baltic nature tourism in the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Exporting Baltic Nature Tourism to UK (CB0100030)”, which is implemented with the support of the Central Baltic Program of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund for 2021-2027. #balticnaturetourism
The purpose of the trip was to visit treetop trails in the Black Forest of Germany and the Alsace of France. During the trip, 3 trails were visited and meetings were held with the trail project manager, Matthias Gütersloh, who introduced the construction process, maintenance costs and overall experience in building more than 20 treetop trails in Europe.
Construction required strict compliance with environmental standards.
All materials had to blend into the natural surroundings.
Construction roads and infrastructure were carefully hidden after the project was completed.
A special excavator with legs and wheels was used to minimize environmental disturbance.
Paths were built with minimal impact on tree roots and without removing trees whenever possible.
Construction & Maintenance
Structures are made of Douglas fir and larch – materials sensitive to moisture and fungi.
The structures are modular – each part can be replaced individually.
Maintenance includes:
Replacing horizontal beams approximately every 10 years
Replacing planks every 4–7 years depending on wood quality
To reduce costs, multiplex cladding panels (2.5 m x 1 m) are used – about 15% cheaper and easier to replace than full beams.
In winter, snow is cleared, leaving a 5 cm layer and adding gravel to prevent slipping.
Maintenance is carried out using electric/mechanized vehicles; each unit costs around €10,000–€17,000.
Design & Architecture
Bridges are constructed in 30-meter segments, lifted into place by crane.
Towers and paths are uniquely designed for each site (e.g., the Dublin tower is shaped like a Guinness glass).
Educational stations are mechanical, electricity-free, and presented in three languages.
Accessibility is a core principle: max incline of 6%, average 4%, suitable for wheelchair users.
Locations & Visitor Statistics
Operated in Germany, Czech Republic, France, Austria, Malaysia; a project in Niger is currently paused.
Most visited site: near the Polish border – 400,000 visitors in 6 months.
Break-even point: 220,000 visitors per year. Many sites exceed 250,000.
Engineering capacity: up to 16,000 visitors simultaneously.
Tickets sold online and via 2 cashiers; no daily visitor limit, ticket price starts at €11.50 per person.
Educational & Recreational Features
Education without electricity: mechanical panels and tactile learning stations.
Paths are suitable for children and seniors, with interactive installations.
Entertainment features include glass floors, slides, and 3D winter light installations.
Weather, Safety & Operations
Active weather monitoring and evacuation protocols are in place during storms.
Paths are evacuated in case of lightning or high winds.
Structures are designed to withstand strong wind loads and storm conditions.
Lightning strikes have occurred but caused minimal damage due to effective planning.
Cleaning and repair are performed between seasons by maintenance teams.
Team & Operations
The company employs approximately 350 people in total, with around 15 staff at each site.
Local teams handle maintenance (2–3 technicians per site).
Construction involves a combination of manual labor and machines to accommodate delicate environments.
Land Use & Ownership
Most sites are rented from local municipalities.
One location is company-owned due to a low-cost land purchase (formerly a military site converted for tourism with community support).
Accessibility & Inclusion
Strong emphasis on inclusivity – rehabilitation clinics use the trails for therapy.
Dogs are generally not allowed, but special “dog days” are organized.
The design accommodates wheelchair users, building on prior experience with climbing platforms for people in wheelchairs.
Based on the excursion recordings and gathered information, the report was prepared by Matijs Babris and Anna Saļņikova.
“Nature and Active Tourism Cooperation Network” (Project No. 1.2.3.6/2/24/A/001)
Event program: 25.03.2025. 17:00 Trip from the airport to the hotel at the “Treetop Walk Black Forest” 19:00 Dinner with trip coordinators and representatives of JSC Latvijas Valsts mežu
26.03.2025. 9:00 Breakfast 10:00 Trip to “Treetop Walk Black Forest” 10:30 Guided tour “Treetop Walk Black Forest”, guided by project manager Matthias Gütersloh 12:00 Trip to “Chemin des Cimes Alsace” 13:30 Lunch (Joined by Matthias Gütersloh and Audrey Kastner) 14:30 Guided tour “Chemin des Cimes Alsace”, guided by project manager Matthias Gütersloh 16:00 Trip to hotel (Saarschleifenlodge) 18:00 Dinner with trip coordinators and representatives of JSC Latvijas Valsts mežu
27.03.2025. 09:00 Breakfast 10:00 Guided tour “Treetop Walk Saarschleife” 11:30 Departure to the airport 14:30 Arrival at the airport
This FAM trip invites UK tour operators and media representatives to explore winter tourism in Latvia and Estonia. The program includes practical experiences in Latvian sauna rituals, dog sledding, nature hikes and many other nature activities. Participants will also visit local restaurants to sample Baltic cuisine and tour Soomaa National Park in Estonia, known for its bog trails. Through activities and community interactions, the trip provides insight into regional practices and seasonal tourism opportunities.
The FAM trip kicked off on the 28th of January 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!
We started the day two 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.
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.
The event is part of the campaign for the promotion of Baltic nature tourism in the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Exporting Baltic Nature Tourism to UK (CB0100030)”, which is implemented with the support of the Central Baltic Program of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund for 2021-2027. #balticnaturetourism
This time, the FAM trip welcomes seven tour operators and media representatives from the UK! 
