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Nature and ecotourism in Latvia

Latvia is among the few countries left in the world where natural ecosystems, largely untouched by man, still thrive in half of its territory. It is a haven for the tourist who seeks to experience a land where nature and tradition have coexisted in harmony from time immemorial.

The country that we call Latvia today has long attracted foreigners - at first, invaders of all kinds and later travellers and adventure seekers. For example, since the 1830s the region surrounding the city of Sigulda has been called the "Switzerland of Vidzeme" by German travellers who compared the sandstone banks of the old Gauja River valley with those of the river Elba in Saxony.

Unfortunately, in the 20^th century Latvia suffered through two world wars, and from 1940 until 1991 it was occupied and isolated behind the Iron Curtain by the Soviet Union. As a result, Latvia has been relegated to a "blank spot" on modern European and world tourist maps. Today, this largely unknown land is waiting to be discovered, ready to be revealed as the colourful mosaic that is Latvia.

Nature diversity

Where else can one find greater diversity? In Latvia you will find primordial wilderness areas characteristic of Scandinavia, a rich cultural heritage comparable to Central Europe and a countryside of pastoral serenity.

Latvia is a land of diverse terrain where plains alternate with hillocks and river valleys. It is stately forests, broad mires and clear waters. It is meadows, fields, groves, gardens and parks. Together, these features form a unique mosaic that is the landscape of Latvia. It is a haven for the tourist, who loves nature, respects tradition and has an interest in the culture of the local inhabitants. It is a place for those who enjoy social interaction and value the sense of achievement that comes from an active approach to relaxation.

The green heart of Europe

If the territory of Latvia were magically transported to the heart of Western Europe, and the "blank spot" filled with its natural colours, what would be the result? We would see a territory resembling a nature preserve or national park, surrounded by the highly urbanised landscape of modern Europe. Few countries remain in the world where ecosystems are largely untouched by man, where forests, marshes, lakes and rivers have developed over the centuries at their own pace with minimal human interference and where pristine sandy beaches stretch for 200 km, unspoiled by resorts, restaurants or hordes of holidaymakers. Nowhere else in Europe will you find such a large population of the black stork and the lesser-spotted eagle. The density of these rare species is among the largest in Europe. Within 64,589 sq. km of territory, you will find hundreds of wolves and lynxes, 4,000 otters and 100,000 beavers. Two world wars and a brutal communist regime exacted a heavy price on human life throughout Latvia, leaving a present-day population density of 37 inhabits per 1 sq. km. But nature has thrived, filling the gap left by the horrors of war.

Between East and West, North and South

But Latvia remains where it is - on the east coast of the Baltic Sea, in a transitional climatic zone. The coastal climate of western Latvia modulates into the continental climate of eastern Latvia. It is a natural crossroads for people, flora and fauna. Latvia's geographic position alongside the Baltic Sea has fostered unique conditions where northern-southern and western-eastern vegetation can be found flourishing side by side. Of the 1,304 indigenous flowering plant and fern species in Latvia, several hundred grow on or near Latvia's borders. Similar patterns can be found in the animal kingdom. As a result, almost anywhere you look you will find plant and animal species characteristic of various geographic regions growing in one place. In Latvian forests you can find the typically "western" cross-leaved heath, as well as the "eastern" broad-leaved cinna, the "northern" flying squirrel and the "southern" fat (edible) dormouse.

Forests

Latvian forests are located in a mixed forest zone consisting of northern coniferous and southern deciduous trees. You will find a pine forest next to a linden tree forest and a diverse spectrum of other species throughout. Because of the unique climate and terrain, nearly one quarter of Latvia's forests grow on wetlands. Many plant and animal species that can survive only in constant habitats have found a home here. The existence of the wetland forests ensures a high standard of biological diversity. Several of Latvia's forests meet the criteria for a natural forest. Latvia's forests also afford a rich supply of berries, wild strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and loganberries. The berry-picking season lasts from late June until late September. It is also the time for gathering mushrooms. The most popular mushrooms are the edible boletus, orange cap boletus, chanterelles and rusulla. If in the 1930s Latvia was known for its butter and bacon exports, then today it is known for its export of chanterelles. Apart from clearly marked private lands, the wealth of Latvia's forests, berries, mushrooms and hazelnuts is accessible to anyone.

The seacoast

The sea and coastal zone, which stretches 497 kilometres along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, is an important part of the Latvian landscape. Sand dunes of up to 36 metres, sandy beaches, rivers and their estuaries, forests, marshes and lakes form a continuous ecosystem that has developed as a result of the interaction between the land and sea. During the 50-year Soviet occupation, most of the coast was a restricted area because it was considered a frontier zone; thus, commercial and recreational activity within this area was restricted. Today, this zone is still home to picturesque fishing villages that appear to have stepped out of a page in history. These villages were originally settled by the Livs, an ancient Finno-Ugric tribe that lived along the Baltic coast.

Coastal fishing traditions are an essential part of Latvian culture. A fishing expedition with local fisherman, including preparation of the catch, can be an unforgettable experience. The fragrance of smoked fish is the unmistakable calling card of a coastal fishing village.

The small harbours that were neglected during the Soviet era are once again coming to life and await yachtsmen. By sailing from harbour to harbour, it is possible to traverse nearly half of Latvia.

Unique natural areas have survived in coastal lowlands, one of these being Pape Lake and its surrounding environment. It is a typical 1,200-ha coastal lake. Rare species of birds, such as the bearded tit, common and little bittern, the corncrake, the hen harrier, the little and spotted crake, nest in the lake and its surroundings. The lake and the nearby Nida mire are important stopovers for bean and white-fronted goose and curlews during migration. The lakeshore boasts one of the few bird-watching towers in Latvia. Every year millions of land-dwelling birds and thousands of migratory bats travel through the strip of dry land between Pape Lake and the Baltic Sea.

Mires

Compared to other European countries, mires take up a significant proportion of Latvia. 4.9% of Latvia's territory consists of open marshes. About 50% of the mires are largely undisturbed by human activity. Within this territory there are more than 20 protected plant species. At least 15 species of birds that in mires and marshlands, including the crane, golden plover, black grouse, whimbrel, merlin and peregrine. During periods of bird migration, the mires are important resting-places for cranes and geese. There are 10 protected insect species and a rare species of snail. Mires and marshes are also highly valued by berry pickers for the wide range of berries that grow there, including cranberries, cloudberries, cowberries and bilberries.

Teiči State Reserve. It covers an area of 19,337 ha and is the largest protected mire in the Baltic. A raised bog covers the larger part of the territory, but there are also 19 lakes, bog pools, mineral soil islands, fens, swamps, and natural meadows. The most intensive peat creation process in Latvia can be observed here. It also has the largest concentration of pre-migratory cranes in Latvia. An ancient Russian village of Russian Old Believers (people who hold to the Russian Orthodox, as well as old pagan, beliefs) still exists on one of the marsh islands. The mire can be entered only in the company of a guide.

Lakes and rivers

Latvia has over 12,500 rivers that stretch for 38,000 kilometres, as well as 2,256 lakes that are bigger than 1 ha, with a collective area of 1,000 sq. km. Eastern Latvia, where many of these lakes are found, is known as "the Land of the Blue Lakes". Nearly all inland waters are pollution-free and ideally suited for swimming and fishing. Although some of Latvia's rivers have had their courses straightened, most large- and medium-sized rivers retain their natural contours. As a result, their banks are home to such now rare European wildlife as otter, beaver and common kingfisher. Latvia is one of the few places in the Baltic Sea region where natural salmon spawning areas still remain. There are plenty of rivers suitable for canoeing and rafting.

Gauja National Park. The Gauja, Latvia's longest river, is extremely popular with tourists because none of its 452 kilometres has been changed from its original course. For 85 kilometres the Gauja flows through an old valley that is the heart of the Gauja National Park. Nowhere else in Latvia will you find so many steep banks, ravines, streams, sandstone and dolomite cliffs, and caves as in the old valley of the Gauja River with its tributaries. Like other national parks in the east of the Baltics, the Gauja National Park includes natural territories relatively untouched by man, as well as historic rural landscapes and important ancient monuments. The park also offers walking trails, observation points, rest areas, well-established camping facilities, car parks, cafes, various types of tourist cabins, information centres and the services of knowledgeable guides.

Rural farms

The soul of Latvia is revealed in the typical rural farmyard, where one lives in harmony with nature's laws and rhythms. It is a place where ancient traditions are respected and annual festivals are joyously celebrated. On Jāņi (Summer solstice) the traditional bonfire is lit in almost every farm. Līgotāji (the celebrants of the festival) who, during the day have gathered colourful Jāņu zāles (field flowers), head off in pairs to seek the legendary secret fern blossom that blooms only once a year on this night. The single-family farm is an integral part of the Latvian landscape. Many still look just as they did centuries ago. The Latvian landscape is also unimaginable without its stately old trees; oaks that are several hundred years old can be found in farmyards, as well as in the fields. Here as well, Latvia has become home to 9,000 - 10,000 pairs of white storks. Today, an increasing number of farmers are opening their farms to tourists. More than 140 farms offer bed-and-breakfast services and a variety of leisure activities.

Protected nature areas

Latvia has a long tradition of nature conservation. The first laws and regulations concerning the use of forests were passed as early as the 1500s and 1600s. In the 1800s an effort was made to reforest the Baltic coastal dunes and the Gulf of Riga. In the 1900s proposals for conservation areas were initiated. The first protected area in Latvia was in the Kurzeme region - Moricsala, an island in Usma Lake.

At present 8.5% of Latvian natural territories are protected by law. There are 4 state reserves, 3 national parks, 22 nature parks, 211 nature reserves, 6 protected landscape areas, and 1 biosphere reserve. Together, these places make up Latvia's natural heritage; they are ready to offer the keen ecotourist a wealth of experience.

© Text: Valdis Pilāts

© The Latvian Institute, 2004
This fact sheet can be freely printed from homepage of the Latvian Institute, distributed and cited, on condition that the Latvian Institute is acknowledged as the source. The Latvian Institute promotes knowledge about Latvia abroad. It produces publications, in several languages, on many aspects of Latvia.