10 Ideas for Nature Activities in Latvia and Estonia, Autumn 2024

Both in Latvia and Estonia, autumn offers many opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature. Here are some ideas on how to spend unforgettable moments outdoors, engaging in both active and relaxing activities. From mushroom picking and cycling trips to bird watching, these activities provide a great opportunity to discover the charm of Baltic nature.

Plein-air painting

Unleash your creativity in this painting workshop, led by an experienced instructor. You’ll explore various techniques and styles, capturing the manor’s splendor on canvas. Suitable for all skill levels, this workshop offers a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere.

Price: 35 EUR/person

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/apple-garden-silajani-manor-plein-air-painting

Mushrooming in Gauja National Park

Join a professional mycologist on a mushroom-picking tour, blending the fascinating world of fungi with local culinary traditions. Latvia, known for its vibrant mushroom-gathering culture, sees many people with baskets full of mushrooms along country roads in autumn. The tour includes a scenic ride from Riga to Sigulda, where you’ll meet the guide and learn about edible and poisonous species.

Starting price: 75 EUR/person (minimum group of 5 persons)

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/latvian-mycological-society-mushrooming-gauja-national-park

E-bike Tour in Gauja National Park

Participants in this tour use e-bikes to explore the natural and historical sites of Gauja National Park. The route covers a variety of landscapes, including forests and riverbanks, with the assistance of electric bikes making the journey accessible to a wider range of participants. The tour also includes visits to local towns, providing a

comprehensive experience of the area.

Price: 50 EUR/person

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/easy-ride-ebike-ligatne-sigulda

Autumn Bird Migration in West Estonia

Autumn migration in Estonia provides not only a spectacle of large bird numbers but also opportunities to see rare species and a diverse range of migratory behaviours in a variety of habitats. During the peak days, up to half a million Chaffinches, tens of thousands of Siskins, or continuous chains of Long-tailed Ducks pass through the observation points in West-Estonia. You will also have a very good chance to find some forest specialties, such as Pygmy and Ural Owls, Hazel Hen, White-backed, Black, and Grey-headed Woodpeckers, and Nutcrackers.

Price: 990 EUR/person (group of 4-6 persons)

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/birding-haapsalu-autumn-bird-migration-estonia

Authentic Estonian Smoke Sauna Experience

This tour offers insight into the traditional Estonian smoke sauna, located in Mustjõe village. Visitors learn about the historical and cultural significance of the sauna, including the methods used to heat it and the associated rituals. The experience is designed to provide a deeper understanding of this aspect of Estonian heritage.

Price: 50 EUR/person

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/mustjoe-kortsitalu-authentic-estonian-smoke-sauna

3-Day E-Fatbike Journey Along Estonia’s Northern Coast

A 3-day e-fatbike adventure along Estonia’s northern coast starts near the Viru Bog and continues eastward, taking in a range of coastal landscapes. The route includes stretches through pine forests and trails with views of the sea, offering a pleasant ride through varied terrain.

Price: 595 EUR/per person

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/package-Awsome-3day-fatbike-north-estonia

Nature Survival Excursion in Latvia

Archery is a great activity for people of all ages and fitness levels to relax and unwind in a natural setting. At the DabaLaba archery track, visitors can enjoy time outdoors, practice shooting with a classic bow, and learn about Latvian wildlife. “Archer’s Soup,” prepared over an open fire, is also served, making for a memorable experience with family, friends, or colleagues. 

Price: Short track: 19 EUR/adult, 15 EUR/kid

Long track: 25 EUR/adult, 19 EUR/kid

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/daba-laba-archery-track

Ziplining “Zērglis” in Sigulda

This tour offers an adrenaline-focused experience with a zipline over the Gauja River valley in Sigulda. Participants experience the landscape from a unique perspective, combining adventure with natural beauty. The tour is structured to provide a safe yet exciting activity for those interested in more extreme sports.

Price: From 69 EUR/person

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/sigulda-adventures-zerglis

Brown Bear Watching from a Hide

Spend a night at our Brown Bear and wildlife-watching hide. Situated in Alutaguse, an area covered with western-taiga forests and vast bogs in Northeast Estonia, it is home to about half of Estonia’s 1000 Brown Bears. The hides have windows on both sides offering a view of the taiga forest and a stream and flooded meadow. Here you can spot a variety of wildlife such as raccoon dogs, elk, wild boar, roe deer, and otters. 

Price: 115 EUR/person

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/natourest-brown-bear-watching

Family Adventure Retreat

This is 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 smoke sauna. Kids have their movie night and parents can relax in the saunas. 

Price: from 50 EUR 

​​https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/sea-kayaking-estonia-family-adventure-retreat

The activity is part of the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Target Market Acquisition in the United Kingdom (CB0100030),” which is implemented with the support of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund through the Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027.

10 Ideas for Nature Activities in Latvia and Estonia, Summer 2024

Both in Latvia and Estonia, summers offer numerous opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature. Here are some ideas for spending unforgettable moments in the great outdoors, whether you prefer active or relaxing activities. From hiking and boat trips to seal watching, these experiences provide a wonderful chance to discover the charm of Baltic nature.

Seal Watching Tour

Join a seal-watching tour near the Malusi islands, a natural retreat for seals. To encourage the seals to come out and meet us we use a clever lure: classical music. On our trip we will talk about the smaller Estonian islands and about the seals’ everyday life..

Price: 80 EUR/person for adults; 45 EUR/person for children aged 7 to 12; 25 EUR/person for children aged 2 to 6.

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/prangli-reisid-seal-watching-tour

Kayaking Tour in Ķemeri National Park

Experience an unforgettable sunrise, daytime or sunset kayaking tour in one of the largest peat bogs on the Latvian coast – Ķemeri National Park.The bog is approximately 8000 years old and is characterized by a winding labyrinth of small lakes and pools, which gives it a unique and picturesque landscape. On the eastern edge of the Great Ķemeri Bog, a peat quarry was started during the Soviet era, but after the year 2000, a bog restoration project was implemented, resulting in its flooding. In the flooded area, a labyrinth of channels and pools has formed, creating a distinctive and unusual scenery. The bog lake showcases a diverse landscape, with low-lying herbaceous bogs, transitional areas, and the characteristic plants, shrubs, and trees of tall peat bogs. Whether during the day, at sunset, or at sunrise, the views are truly captivating!

Price: 40 EUR per boat (2-3 people per boat).

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/ozolaivas-kayaking-sunrise-kemeri-national-park

Wild Food Foraging and Cooking Experience

Welcome to our recreation center on the border of Soomaa National Park, where we offer a unique wild food foraging and cooking class. Led by an expert guide, we venture into the forest and fields to collect berries, mushrooms, wild herbs, and fresh produce from our garden. Together we prepare homemade Estonian dishes, such as soup or casserole, using traditional recipes and techniques. While our sweet dish cooks in the oven, we enjoy humorous stories about Estonian culture and history over Estonian cider or beer. Finally, we sit down together to enjoy our delicious meal in a convivial atmosphere. This activity is perfect for groups looking for a fun and educational culinary experience.

Price: 45 EUR/person.

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/ozolaivas-kayaking-sunrise-kemeri-national-park

Boating on the Gauja River

Discover a premium selection of boats crafted by the finest manufacturers globally, offering diverse sizes and unique characteristics. Tailored for families, sports enthusiasts, and leisure seekers longing for a tranquil river escapade. Effortlessly secure your booking online to receive the ideal boat size equipped with all necessary gear, conveniently delivered to your chosen starting point. Arrive at your designated time and location, with all arrangements impeccably arranged for an adventure of a lifetime. Upon journey’s end, our dedicated team will greet you and provide chauffeured transport back to your vehicle. Extend your stay to relish a delectable meal at our outdoor restaurant “MUNO” if desired.

Price: From 49 EUR per boat
Included: Equipment rental (boat/SUP board, life jackets, paddles)

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/sigulda-adventures-boat-tour

Prangli Island Day Trip

Experience the charming North Estonian Prangli Island. Have a comfortable ferry ride, drive around in an open top Soviet-style truck or jeep, admire a small wooden church, explore a nature reserve, visit a natural gas source, unique in the whole of Estonia, climb on top of a huge boulder, discover an island off the beaten path with authentic fishing villages, enjoy local island food. The island has a very diverse nature with plants that can boost your immune system. Mass tourism hasn’t touched the small island, so it still has wonderful and lonely sandy beaches.

Price: From 107 EUR/person.

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/prangli-reisid-day-trip-island

Nature walk and Bogshoeing

A delightful day in a bog with captivating landscapes, distinctive vegetation, and wildlife. A bog resembles a colossal sponge made of peat, hosting bog pools, hollows, and raised bog beds. In ancient times, Estonians fastened bog shoes to gather berries or make hay—and to stroll across the bog to visit neighbours. Today, a hike through these intriguing ecosystems provides an excellent way to spend leisure time while immersing oneself in a unique natural landscape.Experienced guides will safely lead you through the bog, and bog shoes will be provided.

Price: Up to 12 people, 36 EUR/person.

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/360-degrees-adventures-bogshoe-hiking

Brown Bear Watching from a Hide

Spend a night at our Brown Bear and wildlife-watching hide. Situated in Alutaguse, an area covered with western-taiga forests and vast bogs in Northeast Estonia, it is home to about half of Estonia’s 1000 Brown Bears. The hides have windows on both sides offering a view of the taiga forest and a stream and flooded meadow. Here you can spot a variety of wildlife such as raccoon dogs, elk, wild boar, roe deer, and otters. You can also listen to the soundscape of the surrounding wildlife through the sensitive microphone outside the hide.

Price: 115 EUR/person.

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/natourest-brown-bear-watching

Sea Kayaking in Estonia’s Archipelago

Sea Kayaking and wild camping expeditions and tours with British Canoeing certified leaders on the stunning archipelago of Estonia. Two days of kayaking and wild camping in the bird and seal paradise of the western Estonian archipelago. Fully guided with transfers, 1 night wild camping.

Price: 250 EUR.

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/sea-kayaking-estonia-archipelago

SUP Sunset Ride in the City Canal

Join us for a beautiful 2-hour SUP ride in the City Canal, culminating in a sunset finish on the Daugava River. Let’s enjoy the parks of Riga from a different perspective, observe what the Riga beavers are up to, and wave to the residents of Riga from beneath the bridges!

Price: 25 EUR/person
Minimum charge for a private tour: 175 EUR
Included: SUP and safety equipment, guide, photos from the event

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/supfit-sup-sunset-ride-city-canal

SUP and Kayak night ride in the swamp

Embark on a spooky and magical SUP and Kayak night ride in the swamp with headlamps, a must-have experience for thrill-seekers. Paddling through the swamp and watching the fog slowly dissipate into implacable darkness is a surreal experience. After dark, “crazy things” happen in the swamp, so muster your courage and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. To reach the paddling point, you will begin with a 2km walk along the swamp with torches, taking you through the peat quarries on the edge of the Great Ķemeru moor. Along the way, you’ll witness fascinating landscapes with dark swamp lakes, beaver houses and dead trees.

Price: 45 EUR/person.

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/boards-you-sup-kayak-night-ride-in-swamp

The activity is part of the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Target Market Acquisition in the United Kingdom (CB0100030),” which is implemented with the support of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund through the Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027.

© Latvijas Dabas tūrisma asociācija 2024 Nature tourism Pieslēgties