Smiltene Lakes Loop: Hiking to Lake Niedrājs and Its Six Little Brothers

Latvia is known for being flat, but around Smiltene in Vidzeme it isn’t. East of town the land rolls through pine-covered hills, and small forest lakes lie between them. This 20 km loop links many of those lakes. The main goal is Lake Niedrājs and its “six little brothers”, a group of smaller lakes nearby. One of them, Lake Salainis, is shaped like the outline of Latvia.

I first walked this route during the European Week of Sport #BeActive hike in Smiltene. It’s a great self-guided day hike, though, and one I’d happily recommend any time of year.

Quick Facts

• Location: 57.43091, 25.92199
• Start/finish: Teperis sports and recreation complex, Dakteru iela 2A, Smiltene
• Parking: Free parking at the trailhead
• Public transport: It is possible to get to Smiltene by public transport.
• Distance: ~20 km (loop)
• Time: ~3 h 45 min of walking, plus breaks
• Difficulty (1–5): 2
• Total ascent: ~210–245 m
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate. There are no technical sections, only gentle ups and downs.
• Surface: Forest trails, gravel roads, town parks
• Best for: A full day out with a picnic and, in summer, a swim
• Dog friendly: Yes (on a leash)
• Family friendly: Yes, but not suitable for strollers

Getting to Smiltene

Smiltene is in northern Vidzeme, about a two-hour drive from Riga. Buses run from Riga as well; check current times on autoosta.lv. The hike starts and ends at the Teperis complex, which is close to the town centre and easy to find.

Hiking the Trail

Route Map and GPX

The Route

Lake Teperis and Kalnamuiža: The first kilometres are the easiest. The route leaves Teperis and follows the shore of Lake Teperis, which was created by damming the Abula River. It’s a popular local spot with beaches and paths along the water. From there the trail passes the Kalnamuiža area and heads out of town.

Into the Hilly Pine Forests: Soon the town gives way to forest. This is the part that makes the Smiltene area special. The trail rolls gently up and down through tall pines on soft, sandy paths and forest roads. None of the climbs are long, but you can feel them, and they keep the walk interesting. Small lakes start to appear between the trees.

Lake Niedrājs and Its Six Little Brothers: Lake Niedrājs is the highlight and the natural place for a long break. It has a large swimming area, and the smaller lakes around it are all within easy reach. Look out for Lake Salainis, whose shape resembles the outline of Latvia. It’s a fun detail to look for on the map before you go.

Back to Smiltene: The return leg loops back through more forest and past more lakes before reaching Smiltene and the Teperis complex.

Picnic Spots, Campfires and Swimming

This route has plenty of places to stop. There are many picnic spots along the lakes, and many of them have fire pits. The swimming areas have small wooden piers. In summer you can plan a swim halfway. In autumn you can light a fire, make tea and enjoy the quiet forest lakes.

Best Time to Go

• Summer: Best for swimming. Start early on hot days, because the pine forest can get warm.
• Autumn: My favourite season for this route. It’s cool, colourful and quiet. I walked it in late September at around 14 °C, and the weather was perfect.
• Spring: Fresh green forest and fewer people, but expect some muddy sections.
• Winter: Possible on snowy days, but it’s shorter and slower. Check the conditions first.

What to Bring

• Water and snacks, or a full picnic if you plan a long break at the lakes
• Swimwear and a small towel in summer
• Firewood matches and something to cook on the fire, if you plan to use a fire pit
• Comfortable hiking shoes. The trails are soft, but 20 km is still 20 km.
• Layers and a rain jacket, because the weather in Vidzeme changes quickly
• Mosquito repellent in summer
• Trekking poles. I personally recommend them. The rolling terrain adds up over 20 km, and poles make the ups and downs much easier on your knees.
• Offline map or GPX file for the route (link below)

Tips for the Hike

• Download the route before you go, because the loop follows several different forest paths.
• Plan extra time for breaks. The lakes are the best part of this hike, so don’t rush past them.
• Leave no trace at picnic spots and only use the fire pits that are already there.
• If you want a shorter walk, the Lake Teperis and town parks section on its own is a pleasant easy stroll.

Is This Hike Worth It?

This loop shows a side of Latvia that many visitors never see: hills, pine forests and clear lakes, all within an easy day hike from a small town. I discovered it at an organised event, but I’ll be back on my own, next time with swimwear and a picnic.