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….
Introduction Szczyrk is one of those places that quietly proves the Beskids don’t need to compete with the Tatras to be worth a trip. Just south of Bielsko-Biała, this small mountain city sits at the foot of Skrzyczne, the highest peak of the Silesian Beskids — and while Zakopane pulls in the crowds chasing the…
This time we head to one of Poland’s hidden gems – Szczyrk, located not far from Zakopane. The mountains here are lower, but in return it’s far quieter, with fewer tourists and the chance to enjoy nature and wonderful views in peace. The Szczyrk Loop is a way to enjoy an easy walk through the…
Sigulda is arguably the most famous hiking destination in Latvia, and for good reason. While I love getting lost in the wilder, more remote ravines, sometimes a classic route is exactly what you need to recharge. This trail is a beautiful blend of Sigulda’s most iconic natural landmarks and its rich medieval history — an…
Čepkeliai is not the kind of place you stumble across. It takes a deliberate effort to get there — a drive through pine forest on a gravel road to the edge of southern Lithuania, close to the Belarusian border. But that remoteness is part of what makes it special. The educational trail here is only…
Druskininkai is one of Lithuania’s most beloved spa towns — a place where pine forest, river bends, and the scent of mineral springs have drawn visitors for well over a century. This easy 9.5 km loop follows the banks of the Nemunas River, Lithuania’s longest river, along a well-maintained paved path that is equally suited…
The Red Cliffs are one of those places I didn’t expect much from — a 2 km trail sounded almost too short to bother with. But the cliffs themselves are genuinely striking, the Rūcamavots spring is one of the most charming natural spots I’ve come across near Cēsis, and the open-air art exhibition in the…
The Dunika Bog boardwalk is one of the longest bog boardwalk trails in Europe, stretching for about 5 km in one direction. Because the trail is linear, the usual route is to hike it out and back, making the total distance around 10 km. The bog itself — known locally as Tīrspurvs — is estimated…
Purezers Trail is one of Latvia’s hidden natural gems. This scenic circular trail leads visitors around Purezers Lake, offering beautiful views of both the lake and the surrounding bog landscape. The trail is 3.5 km long and can be completed in a little over an hour. However, this is a place where the goal is…
The Lielie Kangari Bog Trail is one of the closest bog trails to Riga, offering a perfect escape to experience Latvia’s natural beauty. Right next to the trail, you’ll find a 33-metre-high observation tower — the second tallest metal tower in Latvia — providing sweeping views of the bog, Kangari Lake, and the surrounding forests….