The Forest Trail

Thanks to the cross-border project “The Forest Trail” implemented in the framework of the Central Baltic programme, a long-distance hiking trail has been designated. The trail connecting the Latvian and Estonian capitals is part of the Baltic Sea crossing route (from the Polish border to the Gulf of Finland), which is embedded in the European (E11) hiking trail network. The northern section of the trail (Riga-Tallinn) passes through two national parks and several nature reserves. The trail extending over 1 000 km, has been divided into 50 sections suitable for one- or two-day hikes (20 km).

Thanks to the cooperation, the cross-border hiking trail has features a standardised hiking signage, which is complemented by a shared hiking book, a website and a phone app.[1] The website maintains a common news feed, which reports on important events on the trail (e.g. hunting), but also provides detailed information on the description of the trail (how to start, what the signs mean) and a single database of accommodation along the trail. A single network and trademark has been created for all the establishments along the trail and for those who wish to stay in the area, thus unifying the system of facilities for nature lovers. In addition, joint publications and educational material help to familiarise people with the landscape covered by the route and the activities linked to it (e.g. forestry). The most relevant information is accessible in form of an online map.

[1] Link: https://database.centralbaltic.eu/project/98