Latvia may be small, but it is remarkably diverse – not only in its natural landscapes but also in its cultural and historical traditions. Each region – Kurzeme, Zemgale, Vidzeme, Latgale, and Sēlija – tells its own story, and one of the best ways to discover them is by setting out on foot along forest paths, coastal trails, and scenic hill routes. Below you will find suggestions for hiking routes of varying difficulty in each region, along with a glimpse into their local history and cultural character.

Kurzeme – Coastal Strength and Livonian Heritage
Route: Kolka – Mazirbe (Livonian Coast, approx. 19 km)

This route passes through one of the most ethnically and historically unique areas in Latvia – the Livonian Coast, where traces of the Livonians (a Finno-Ugric people) still remain in language, architecture, and place names. The hike follows the edge of Slītere National Park, where rare coastal dunes, boreal forests, and dramatic sea cliffs create an exceptional landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass through the quiet fishing villages of Mazirbe, Košrags, and Pitrags – places where remnants of an ancient coastal way of life still survive: the historic Livonian school, old cemeteries, and the distinctive boat graveyard – a place where retired fishing boats were traditionally laid to rest as a mark of respect for the sea and the labor of ancestors.

Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging (long distance, but flat terrain)

Zemgale – Pride of the Plains and the Strength of the Ancient Semigallians
Route: Tērvete – Pokaiņi Forest (approx. 12 km, can be split into sections)

Zemgale is often called Latvia’s “breadbasket” – a region of open plains and deep historical roots. It was once home to the Semigallians, fierce defenders against German crusaders in the 13th century. Tērvete Nature Park is not only a fairytale forest featuring literary characters by Anna Brigadere, but also the site of a reconstructed ancient hillfort. From Tērvete, you can continue on to the Pokaiņi Forest – a mysterious place filled with stone formations that inspire both scientific theories and mythical tales about special energies.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate (depending on distance)

Vidzeme – Rolling Landscapes and National Romanticism
Route: Sigulda – Līgatne (approx. 25 km, can be shortened)

Vidzeme is the heartland of Latvia’s national awakening in the 19th century. It is rich in cultural heritage, epic folklore, castles, cliffs, and forest trails. This route takes you through Gauja National Park – the country’s oldest and largest – and past key landmarks such as the ruins of Sigulda Castle, Turaida Museum Reserve, Zvārte Rock, and Gutmanis Cave. Each of these sites is steeped in stories of freedom, myth, and identity. Here, nature and Latvian cultural roots come together in a powerful harmony.

Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging (depending on section and terrain)

Latgale – The Land of Blue Lakes
Route: Rāzna Lake Loop (15–25 km, flexible segments)

One of the most beloved hikes in Latgale is the route around Rāzna Lake – the largest lake in Latvia by area. This trail leads through Rāzna National Park, with rolling hills, ancient forests, and mythic vistas. Nearby lies Lielais Liepu Kalns, one of the highest points in Latgale, offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you can stop in small villages with wooden churches, ceramic workshops, and warm, welcoming locals – many of whom are happy to share stories or show their handmade pottery. In Latgale, you’ll not only experience nature, but also the living tradition of the Latgalian language and culture.

Difficulty level: Moderate (suitable for a day or weekend trip)

Sēlija – A Landscape Shaped by the Daugava River’s Stories
Route: Sēlpils – Daugava Riverside (10–15 km)

Sēlpils is an ancient and historically significant site on the Daugava River, once home to a powerful Livonian Order castle. Today, its ruins remain visible – silent witnesses to the region’s strategic and cultural importance over centuries. Along this route, you’ll encounter historical manor sites, hillforts, and villages where small-scale farming, storytelling, and local identity are still very much alive. The Daugava here is more than a river – it is a cultural axis around which life has flowed for generations. Sēlija is a region of strong local communities, layered history, and a quiet balance between people and landscape. Walking here allows you to experience that harmony firsthand.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate (depending on chosen route)

In Conclusion: Discovering Latvia Step by Step

Hiking in Latvia is not just about physical movement or being in nature. It’s about the small discoveries that help you understand what this country truly is – not only on the map, but in spirit. Walking through forests, along the sea, or beside the Daugava River, you become part of the landscape – not merely an observer, but a quiet participant.

A hike here is more than just a path to a destination. It’s a chance to pause, to reconnect with yourself, to notice the land around you, to meet a stranger who smiles in another language, and to feel how the country you’ve come to starts to feel more like your own.

It doesn’t matter if you walk alone or with a friend, whether you have hiking boots or just comfortable shoes – the most important thing is to begin. Latvia is made for discovering, one step at a time.

Services of the Integration and Inclusion Agency are provided by the Society Integration Foundation within the framework of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund’s project (Agreement No. PMIF/13.1./2022/1/01). The funding has been allocated by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (75%) and Latvian State budget (25%).