2020

There is Enough Space in Forests: Autumn Rest in the Fresh Air

The safest and most desirable way to spend your free time is to take a walk in the woods. JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) invites you to head for an adventure in 1.6 million hectares of state forest territory, where you can take a walk along forest trails of various lengths and enjoy recreation in more than 300 other well-maintained tourist facilities, which are available to visitors free of charge. Nature walkers are also encouraged to visit tourist attractions, which are illuminated with lights of different colours during the dark autumn months.

When going to the forest, remember to observe the precautionary measures set in the country, as well as follow LVM's recommendations on information signs at sites.

“This year, people's interest in recreation in the forest has grown significantly; we are happy that more and more nature walkers appreciate and use the infrastructure facilities that we have created in all regions of Latvia. There is enough space in the forest for everyone – here you can enjoy recreation exploring new forest treasures, forest roads, trails, ravines, hills and plains. In order for your return to the forest to be pleasant you should always remember to take away anything that you bring along with you to the forest,” says Edmunds Linde, LVM Forestry Planning Manager.

LVM Nature Park in Tērvete welcomes its visitors with illuminated buildings, bridges and pine trees

Latvia’s State Forests Nature Park in Tērvete continues to work also during the emergency situation and invites both young and old nature friends to visit the park. At dusk, pine tops and wooden buildings in the park are illuminated. Not only is the wooden pedestrian bridge illuminated, but also the 39-metre-high lookout tower shines brightly. The cobbled streets of the dwarf town “Čiekure” and more than 40 colourful houses with low roofs and autumn flower arrangements are lit by small lanterns. Part of the Mother Forest Trail is also illuminated until 8.00 p.m. to create a road of lights to help visitors find their way to the exit from LVM Nature Park in Tērvete.

In the more than 60-year history of LVM Nature Park in Tērvete, the number of visitors has exceeded 150 000 for the third year in a row. The flow of visitors grows constantly year by year, which suggests that the offer of recreational opportunities is attracting and diverse. Currently, the Dwarf Forest is being expanded, log houses are being restored and new fences are being built in the Dwarf Village. For tourists, lovers of landscapes and walks in the landscaped area in an area of 400 ha, there are attractive thematic parts that supplement the scenic and quiet walking trails.

The thematic trails of LVM Pokaiņi Forest

There are 15 km of walking trails in Pokaiņi Forest, where everyone can choose their thematic walk: the Health Trail is made up of blocks of different tree species in the form of signs of strength, the Seasonal Gate Trail introduces Latvian seasonal festivities, whereas the Zodiac Circle invites you to get to know yourself. The most important thing is not to forget to take along a pair of comfortable shoes because the trail leads through a hilly terrain.

Situated on steep hills, deep valleys, forest stands of different composition and age, Pokaiņi Forest creates an unusually picturesque landscape. Here, gathered in groups, heaps, stone rivers and beads, Pokaiņi stone cairns can be found. Such a high concentration of stones of all sizes and shapes in one place gives an unusual impression, and it is the stones that give rise to the fact that this forest is full of extraordinary guesses and various assumptions.

Although public events do not take place in Pokaiņi Forest, the forest is open to visitors both day and night, and it works without holidays.

LVM Kalsnava Arboretum – therapy in nature

LVM Kalsnava Arboretum is coloured in bright and joyful shades, encouraging visitors to enjoy the play of autumn colours. It is an opportunity to indulge in a leisurely, peaceful and pleasant rest.

Conifers are still green in the arboretum, but what concerns deciduous trees and shrubs, this is a time when you can observe closely the shape, colour, variety of bark of trees and placement of their branches.

You can discover and indulge in new observations and discoveries in the forest every day; it is a place where to take a rest from the hustle and bustle of the city life. You just need to choose suitable clothing and a successful day in nature is guaranteed. LVM GEO will help you plan your walking route, finding well-maintained recreation areas, forest road boundaries and give other useful information for travellers.