Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Estonia-Latvia

Date of latest update: 2025-12-10

Description

Description (EN):

The Coastal Hiking Trail and the Forest Trail are two popular cross-border hiking trails linking the Baltic states with the rest of Europe within the European long distance hiking path network. In Latvia and Estonia hikers' community is comparatively new and a growing one. Hiking in our countries is rather associated with young and fit people, while in Europe and Scandinavia this outdoor activity is much better accessible to a wide range of social groups and people in all stages of their life, including seniors, families with young children, and also people in wheelchairs. The project team addresses the challenge to make hiking a more accessible and socially inclusive activity for these groups. The project also addresses school-aged youth by offering solutions for planning and designing self-guided hikes. As well, a methodology will be developed to address and prepare for hiking the people facing language and cross-cultural barriers such as foreign students, war refugees, and others so that they can discover hiking as an accessible and great outdoor activity while staying in Estonia and Latvia. To reach the goals of accessibility and social inclusion, the project team will jointly develop and pilot a range of accessibility solutions for the mentioned social groups. Organisations representing them and experts will be involved to ensure that the accessibility solutions are relevant and useful. International experience will be gained from ERA, the European Rambler's Association. The accessibility solutions will be implemented by improving 16 sites on the Coastal Hiking Trail and the Forest Trail. These improvements together with relevant training for service providers, improvement of the Hikers' Friendly sign with accessibility criteria, and marketing focus on accessibility, will result in upgraded Coastal Hiking Trail and the Forest Trail as cross-border tourism products. The project team will share experience to help others uptake and adapt the solutions.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In the first reporting period, the project was successfully started and directed towards the implementation of the project objectives - to improve accessibility of the Baltic Hiking trails – the Coastal Hiking Trail and the Forest Trail – for different social groups by implementing accessibility and inclusive marketing solutions in the territory of both trails, in Latvia and Estonia. During the project kick-off meeting on 18.-19.09.2023., project partners presented the planned solutions and agreed on group work on common solutions to be developed cross-border. A hiking workshop and hike took place on November 7-8, 2023 in Latvia, with experience exchange from ERA and other 4 international experts about accessibility solutions for coastal areas with sand, dunes and other accessibility challenges. The event included a site visit - hike as an example for possible uptake of accessibility solutions. Representatives from the target groups participated in all activities. Target market from municipalities, NGOs, SMEs etc. participated. The local community was involved. During the period, 4 press releases were sent out. About the start of the project, Hiker-Friendly signs, events on 7.-8.11.2023. and the nomination from Lonely Planet for the best tourism product in sustainability category. Cooperation with different social groups has been started for the implementation of the planned accessibility solutions. Project partner second meeting was held in Tallinn on 28.-29.02.2024. All project partners participated. During the project partner second meeting, partners presented the progress on their planned solutions and their group work on common solutions to be developed. Work has been started on the guidelines with set of criteria (addressing the targeted social groups) for development of accessible hiking services. Accessibility service icons have been designed for the targeted social groups and will be added on the web. Development of special interest hikes types (Dream tour, Cultural experience, Nature delight, Family pleasure, Winter bliss, City hikes, Cycling, Canoeing, Easy hike), their definitions, their symbols, additional specializations - wheelchair accessible, tactile/audio trail, available online web cam. 4 additional hikers friendly sign categories have been created - friendly with mobility impairments, friendly for the visually impaired, friendly for seniors, friendly for families. Symbols are made for them. Work is underway on the criteria for awarding the 4 new signs, discussions on-going with partners for sub-symbols. Project goals and tasks of the project were introduced to 96 rural tourism entrepreneurs on February 13, at the LC seminar in Liepaja. A spring newsletter with info about the project was created and distributed in various ways. LC nature expert Juris Smalinskis spoke as part of the international exhibition "Balttour 2024", where he presented the stories of Coastal and Forest trails, as well as the project to improve accessibility of the Baltic Hiking trails. Asnāte Ziemele participated in the European Ramblers Association working group meeting from 22nd-25th February in Mandelieu, France. A hiking workshop and hike took place on November 7-8, 2023 in Latvia, it was reported in the first reporting period. A summary of the event was prepared and then sent by e-mail to all participants, as well as to other interested parties - https://www.celotajs.lv/lv/conf/AH71123. There is good progress towards improving the accessibility of the Baltic Hiking trails for different social groups by implementing accessibility and inclusive marketing solutions. Project partner third meeting was held in Parnu on 18.-19.06.2024. All project partners participated. During the project partner third meeting on 18.-19.06.2024., partners presented the progress on their planned solutions and their group work on common solutions to be developed. The first site improvement and piloting the accessibility solution No. 1 (wheelchair accessibility) on Pärnu beach was finalized. Piloting event was held on June 19th, 2024. The opening of the beach for people with special needs took place on June 30. Prior to the opening, a short guided hike was organized for representatives of the target group. Progress on all other accessibility solutions is continued. On May 11, we organized an event regarding the creation of the Coastal and Forest Trail volunteer movement, involving local society on national level. Project goals and tasks were introduced in Nature Tourism Conference on 12.03.2024 in Tartu, in Nature tourism strategy day on 09.04.2024 in Aegviidu. On March 14 regional seminar “What is an inclusive and accessible tourism" took place in Ādaži. The audio guide is being produced by LC for part of the Forest Trail section #92 "Snēpele-Kuldīga" in consultation with partners and is planned to be tested and piloted next period. Active work is underway with the development of the special interest hikes for social inclusion of the targeted social groups activity, where all project partners are involved. The final works are being done to complete the criteria for awarding the new accessibility HF signs. Continuous updates to the project webpage - https://baltictrails.eu. Work on the development of the printed map has begun. Ongoing cooperation with the European Ramblers Association. We have prepared 144 all kinds of surface water-based paint markers as promotional items together with printed map (will be printed next period). The project progress and its results are promoted on the existing the social networks of both trails. There is good progress towards improving the accessibility of the Baltic Hiking trails for different social groups by implementing accessibility and inclusive marketing solutions. Project partner fourth meeting was held in Cēsis, Latvia on 24.-25.09.2024. All project partners participated, except Setomaa, who was missing the responsible person at that time. During the meeting, partners presented the progress on their planned solutions and their group work on common solutions to be developed. Partners also checked the solution for Vidzeme meeting children's needs and interest in hiking. The audio guide (accessibility solution No. 2 (impaired vision)) has been produced by LC for part of the Forest Trail section #92 "Snēpele-Kuldīga". Piloting of the audio guide took place on 24.08.2024. The solution was commonly developed with KPR, Haademeste, Setomaa partners, which all also participated in the piloting in Kuldiga. The MS accessibility solution no. 5 has been developed in close collaboration with the target group and experts. The guidelines were revised and are available in two languages—Latvian and English. For accessibility solution no. 6 they have developed guidelines after the piloting hike. Continued work on the guidelines with set of criteria (addressing the targeted social groups) for development of accessible hiking services. The manual for the guides developed by ERTO is almost ready, draft version of the manual in Estonian is currently available. Special interest hikes types (Dream tour, Cultural experience, Nature delight, Family pleasure, Winter bliss, City hikes, Cycling, Canoeing, Easy hike), their definitions, their symbols, additional specializations - wheelchair accessible, for visually impaired can be found on the baltictrails.eu webpage in LV, EE, EN. Continuous updates to the project webpage - https://baltictrails.eu. The project progress and its results are promoted on the existing the social networks of both trails. During the project partner fifth meeting on 18.-19.02.2025 (in Kadrina Manor guesthouse, village of Kadrina, Tartu County, Peipsimaa, Estonia), partners presented the progress on their planned solutions and their group work on common solutions to be developed. https://www.celotajs.lv/en/news/item/view/1390 During the meeting LP presented the plan for 2 cameras to be installed. JS confirmed the changes that LP1 will take over from PP3 PR the activity of installation of web cameras. The changed have been inserted in JEMS. The 2 cameras will be installed on the Coastal Hiking #15 “Saunags-Kolka”/#16 “Kolka-Ģipka” and the Forest Trail #7 “Cēsis-Caunītes”/#8 “Caunītes-Valmiera” trail sections. LP has purchased one camera and is testing it outdoors. This solution was presented and discussed at the 5th partners' meeting. It is planned to install both cameras in the next reporting period. On 27.11.2024 a dissemination/nation seminar for SME´s took place, organized by ERTO. The project activities were discussed, the innovations of the "Hiker-Friendly" label and the guide manual were introduced. There were a total of 107 participants at the event. KPR was in close contact with Service dog Association "Teodors", accessibility solutions LTD "Exceed" and Organization of People with Disabilities and Their Friends "Apeirons" working on the development and implementation of regional seminars. Which took place 21.11.2024 in Liepāja and 10.12.2024 in Sabile. Each event had 23 participants. On December 4, after the invitation of the Association of Disabled Persons and Their Friends “Apeirons”, LP representative Juris Smaļinskis participated and spoke at an event organized by the Latvian Ombudsman’s Office at the National Library of Latvia. Juris talked about his experience with the creation of the Forest Trail section #92 "Snēpele-Kuldīga" GPS supported audio guide accessibility solution. After that, he participated in discussions and answered questions. The event was free of charge, and was attended by the project’s target groups Interest groups including NGOs, as well as all other interested parties. VPR signed the contract on site improvement on the Forest Trail sections Nr. 8 and Nr. 10 on on 18.02.2025. Potential uptake of solutions is being discussed with - RTU International Student Council and RTU Design Factory, NGO Piedzīvojuma Gars - Solution No. 6 (adaptation for Foreigners and Cross-Cultural Social Groups) - Riga Student Council, NGO Piedzīvojumu Gars - Solution No 5 (self-guided hikes for school-aged youth). MS in cooperation with project partners has developed the practical hints for hikers on how to use the online solutions (weather stations, web cameras, and platforms etc.) for planning a safe hike. During the period, ERTO in cooperation with project partners, completed work on the handbook for guides (which includes separate chapters on accessibility for different target groups). The first video on how a guide should work with people with intellectual disabilities was also produced to accompany the manual. https://youtu.be/Xvz2-c3b0l0?si=zR5e1SVAXQyeZVkF. The A2.4 map is currently being printed and delivery is scheduled for next period - April. Activity in all social networks of both trails. Ongoing cooperation with the European Ramblers Association. Continuous planning of the project final international conference in May 2025 with participation of ERA. The event location is planned in Apšuciems, Kurzeme region, Latvia. Near the Activity 3.3 accessibility solution developed by KPR. It will be multiple day event (21-24 May is planned) - 2 working groups with ERA participation, visiting also the developed accessibility solutions, opening site in Apšuciems for KPR partner, conference and a public hike will take place on the last day. A pilot hike for people with intellectual disabilities, on a section of the coastal hiking trail (Pärnu-Värati-Kastna-Pärnu) was organized on 05.12.2024. The hike was guided by Liina Käär and participated by 13 residents of Hoolekandeteenused AS, by 2 activity supervisors, by 2 ERTO representatives and guide Tuuli Merimaa. On May 22nd, the sixth meeting of the "Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups" project partners took place in Villa Anna, Apšuciems, Latvia. Project partners shared their activities since the previous meeting in February, as well as the tasks to be carried out in the future, the responsibilities and involvement of each project partner were discussed. https://www.celotajs.lv/lv/news/item/view/1418 Continued work on the guidelines with set of criteria (addressing the targeted social groups) for development of accessible hiking services. The guidelines/practical hints for hikers on how to use the online solutions (weather stations, web cameras, and platforms etc.) for planning a safe hike have been developed. Continuous updates to the project webpage - https://baltictrails.eu. All activities regarding the printed maps have been completed, except for the distribution of the printed maps, which is ongoing. During this period, all project partners received the printed maps. The map was printed in the planned 20,000 copies. Development of short promotional video reels. On May 23-24, the project final conference (ca 60 participants) and public hike (more than 100 participants) were successfully held in Apšuciems. The events brought together a wide range of participants - hiking and nature tourism professionals from LV, Estonia, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal, Austria, France and other countries. The conference focused on environmental accessibility on hiking routes, the development of volunteer movement and inclusive tourism offer. It was also attended by representatives of the European Hiking Federation (previously ERA). LV is represented in the federation by the “Lauku ceļotājs”. The head of LC, Asnāte Ziemele, serves on the board of the European Hiking Federation, strengthening cooperation and representing the interests of the Baltic States in the development of long hiking trails. On May 23rd, the PP2 KPR opened environmental accessibility infrastructure on Apšuciems beach (A3.3), which is now accessible to people with mobility impairments. Two specially designed beach wheelchairs were made available. The accessibility solution contains the 2 beach wheelchairs, life jackets, a wooden pathway at the beach to adapt the trail surface, a changing cabin and a sun deck. Later in the day, a special event took place that was also the first “aqua walking” or water walking lesson in the Baltic Sea led by Sophie Chipon and Patricia Neuville – a popular form of active rehabilitation in Europe with great potential for development in Latvia as well. On May 24, the hike from Apšuciems to Engure gathered more than 100 participants. There was an active and friendly atmosphere, the participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with Jūrtaka, volunteer initiatives and receive their Jūrtaka and Mežtaka hiking maps (A2.4) and a symbolic pin (A2.8). Development of project promotional items. During the reporting period, PP3 VPR improved the accessibility on both of their planned specialized (adaptations for families with children) 2 Forest Trail loops. LP1 LC has finished the activity of installation of web cameras. The accessibility solution of KPR for Apšuciems and Klapkalnciems beaches, as outlined in the project plan, has been fully implemented during the current reporting period. During the 6th RP, PP5 RPR finalized the improved site 6 - outdoor wheelchairs available for users at Carnikava.

Project outputs: 7 accessibility solutions developed jointly by project partners and social group experts, finalised after piloting and promoted for uptake.(EN)
Estonian and Latvian project partner organisations cooperating.(EN)
Piloting the accessibility solution No.1 (wheelchair accessibility)(EN)
Piloting the accessibility solution No.2 (impaired vision) (EN)
Piloting the accessibility solution No.3 (web cam solutions for seniors, families) (EN)
Piloting the accessibility solution No. 4 (adaptations for families with children)(EN)
Piloting the accessibility solution No 5 Self-guided hiking skills for school youth) (EN)
Piloting the accessibility solution No. 6. (adaptation for foreign language and cross-cultural social groups)(EN)
Piloting the accessibility solution No. 7 (guided hikes for groups of disabled people)(EN)

Thematic information

Health and social services Social inclusion and equal opportunities

Priority: (VI-A_EE-Lv_4) More accessible and sustainable cross-border tourism experience

Priority specific objective: RSO4.6. Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 165 Protection, development and promotion of public tourism assets and tourism services

Partners (10)

Lead Partner: Latvijas Lauku tūrisma asociācija "Lauku ceļotājs"

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950238094

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 40008005627

Department: n/a

Address: n/a, LV-5020 Ķegums, Latvia

Department address: Kalnciema, LV-1046 Riga, Latvia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.celotajs.lv

Total budget: EUR 316 026.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 252 820.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 63 205.20

MTÜ Peipsimaa Turism

Name: MTÜ Peipsimaa Turism

Department: n/a

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 80330728

Address: Metsakivi , 60306 Peipsiääre, Estonia

Department address: Estonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.visitpeipsi.com

Total budget: EUR 105 070.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 84 056.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 014.00

Setomaa vallavalitsus

Name: Setomaa vallavalitsus

Department: n/a

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 75025041

Address: Pikk, 64001 Värska, Setomaa municipality, Võru county, Estonia

Department address: Estonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://setomaa.kovtp.ee

Total budget: EUR 83 365.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 66 692.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 673.00

Häädemeeste Vallavalitsus

Name: Häädemeeste Vallavalitsus

Department: Municipality Government

Partner’s ID if not PIC: Reg. nr 77000269

Address: Pargi tee, 86502 Uulu, Estonia

Department address: Estonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://haademeestevald.kovtp.ee/

Total budget: EUR 41 455.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 33 164.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 8 291.00

Pärnu Lahe Rotary Klubi

Name: Pärnu Lahe Rotary Klubi

Department: n/a

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 80611048

Address: Mere pst , 80012 Pärnu, Estonia

Department address: Estonia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://www.inforegister.ee/en/80611048-PARNU-LAHE-ROTARY-KLUBI-MTU

Total budget: EUR 31 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 24 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 200.00

Contractors:

Name: United Capital OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 11373684
Name: Riverman Invest OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10585303
Name: Miil OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10435963
Name: I. A. Ehitusteenus OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 12661557
Name: MTÜ Pärnu Lahe Rotary Klubi
VAT registration or tax identification number: 80611048
Name: Milo Haldus OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 75014965
Name: Luhse ja Tuhal OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10336965
Name: Tallinna Linnavalitsus
VAT registration or tax identification number: 75014920
Name: Milo-Haldus OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 16935879
Name: Pärnu linn
VAT registration or tax identification number: 75000064
Name: Stenver Ehitus OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 14070174
Name: Nordflex OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 11937785
Name: Meriferm Ehitus OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 14510288
Name: Katuseabi OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 11218914
Name: Reismar OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 14034652
Name: Ossbuilt OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10241489
Name: Tartu Ehitus AS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10243382
Name: ABC Modul OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 14560197
Name: UpHut OÜ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 16248512

MTÜ Eesti Maaturism

Name: MTÜ Eesti Maaturism

Department: n/a

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 80122220

Address: Vilmsi, 10115 Tallinn, Estonia

Department address: Estonia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.maaturism.ee

Total budget: EUR 222 198.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 177 758.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 44 439.60

Rīgas plānošanas reģions

Name: Rīgas plānošanas reģions

Department: Projects Management Department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 930847503

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90002222018 (no VAT payer)

Address: Z. A. Meierovica Boulev, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia

Department address: Latvia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.rpr.gov.lv

Total budget: EUR 126 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 101 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 25 300.00

Contractors:

Name: SIA Latvia Tours
VAT registration or tax identification number: 40103042144
Name: SIA KANINS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 40003018907

Biedrība “Movement Spontaneous”

Name: Biedrība “Movement Spontaneous”

Department: n/a

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 50008264431

Address: Kipsalas street, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia

Department address: Latvia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.letshike.co

Total budget: EUR 52 640.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 42 112.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 10 528.00

Vidzemes plānošanas reģions

Name: Vidzemes plānošanas reģions

Department: n/a

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 986260596

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90002180246

Address: Bērzaines street, LV 4101 Cēsis, Latvia

Department address: Latvia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.vidzeme.lv

Total budget: EUR 126 880.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 101 504.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 25 376.00

Kurzemes plānošanas reģions

Name: Kurzemes plānošanas reģions

Department: Project unit

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950641614

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90002183562

Address: Avotu, LV-3801 Saldus, Latvia

Department address: Valguma, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.kurzemesregions.lv

Total budget: EUR 139 893.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 111 914.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 978.60

Contractors:

Name: SIA MP Agency
VAT registration or tax identification number: 40103669784
Name: SIA Jāņa sēta
VAT registration or tax identification number: 40003426448
Name: "Apeirons"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 40008018477

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

NGO Peipsimaa Tourism

Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Partners and Projects info

Setomaa Municipality Government

Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Partners and Projects info

Häädemeeste Municipality

Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Partners and Projects info

Pärnu Bay Rotary Club

Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Partners and Projects info

NGO Estonian Rural Tourism

Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Partners and Projects info

Rgas Plnoanas reions.

Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Partners and Projects info

Movement Spontaneous

Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Partners and Projects info

Vidzeme Planning Region

Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Partners and Projects info

Kurzeme Planning Region

Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Partners and Projects info

Latvian Country Tourism Association "Lauku celotajs"

Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Project acronym: Accessible Hiking Trails

Project ID: EE-LV00013

Project start date: 2023-07-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Interreg Est-Lat project "Coastal Hiking Route along the Baltic Sea Coastline in Latvia and Estonia" (EN) | The project established the Coastal Hiking Route - the 1st long distance cross-border hiking trail in Estonia and Latvia. The project was completed in 2020. Since then, the Coastal Hiking Trail has become very popular. It is a live and vibrating tourism product with hikers' community sharing their hiking experiences in social networks, local stakeholders showing the sense of ownership, and the stakeholder network responsive to further cooperation initiatives. The project actually draw public attention in Latvia and Estonia to hiking as a healthy and democratic outdoor activity, and contributed greatly to popularity of hiking. The project also put the Coastal Hiking Trail on the European hikers' map as part of the route E9 of the European network of long distance hiking paths.
The present project will use the success and popularity of the Coastal Hiking Trail, the network and contacts, the and accumulated experience in cross-border cooperation to improve the trail with accessibility solutions for different social groups. (EN), Interreg Central Baltic "Long distance cross- border hiking trail "The Forest Trail"" (EN) | The project established another successful long distance hiking trail in Latvia and Estonia. The project was completed in 2021. The Forest Trail has become a part of the route E11 of the European network of long distance hiking paths, and it has been featured on the Lonely Planet travel guide in March 2021. The project developed a Hikers' Friendly sign marking the service providers specialised for hiking tourists and now operating in all three Baltic countries.
The synergy is similar as with the previously described project - the Forest Trail will be improved with accessibility solutions based on the previous achievements, experience and stakeholder network. Specialised accessibility criteria for different social groups will be added to the Hikers' Friendly sign. (EN), Interreg Lat-Lit "Development of Forest trail In Latvia and Lithuania and expanding the Baltic Coastal Hiking route in Lithuania" (EN) | The project extended both cross-border trails over another border to link with Lithuania. The Baltic cross-border scale is extremely important for the integrity and marketing as a tourism product. This is because both, geographically and physically, all natural preconditions exist for the trails to continue along full length of the Baltic sea coastline and in Forest areas in all 3 Baltic countries. Moreover, for international tourism industry, the three Baltic countries are regarded as a common destination, especially from far markets.
The present project will gain experience in hiking accessibility improvement for different social groups, and will prepare for eventual uptake, under future projects, in the Baltic Sea region. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 245 027.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 996 021.60

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 996 021.60. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I3.8 - Improved site 10 - North Camp, Setomaa - EUR 17 500.00 - country: Eesti (EE), town: Setomaa municipality, street: on the shore of Lake Õrsava, Värska township, Eesti (EE00), Lõuna-Eesti (EE008)
I3.1 - Improved sites 1 and 2 - hiking loops, Vidzeme - EUR 10 800.00 - country: Latvija (LV), street: Valmiera municipality, Latvija (LV00), Vidzeme (LV008)
I3.3 - Improved site 5 - wheelchairs, Apšuciems - EUR 12 679.50 - country: Latvija (LV), street: Apšuciems-Klapkalnciems, Tukums municipality, Latvija (LV00), Kurzeme (LV003)
I3.4 - Improved site 6 - wheelchairs, Carnikava - EUR 19 000.00 - country: Latvija (LV), street: Carnikava, Ādaži county municipality, Latvija (LV00), Pierīga (LV007)
I3.5 - Improved site 7 - impaired vision solution Jūrmala - EUR 7 000.00 - country: Latvija (LV), town: Jūrmala, street: , Latvija (LV00), Pierīga (LV007)
I3.6 - Improved site 8 - vision solution, Häädemeeste - EUR 17 000.00 - country: Eesti (EE), town: Häädemeeste municipality, street: , Eesti (EE00), Lääne-Eesti (EE004)
I3.7 - Improved site 9 - wheelchairs, Pärnu - EUR 30 000.00 - country: Eesti (EE), town: Pärnu, Eesti (EE00), Lääne-Eesti (EE004)

Deliverables:

Upgraded Coastal Hiking Trail and Forest Trail
Improved site 1 - the Forest Trail section #8.
Improved site 2 - the Forest Trail section #10.
Improved site 3 - the Coastal Hiking Trail section #15/#16.
Improved site 4 - the Forest Trail section #7/#8.
Improved site 5 - the Coastal Hiking Trail section #20.
Improved site 6 - the Coastal Hiking Trail Section #25.
Improved site 7 - Coastal Hiking Trail #21/Forest Trail #100
Improved site 8 - the Coastal Hiking Trail #31.
Improved site 9 - the Coastal Trail section #34.
Improved site 10 - the Forest Trail section #20.
Improved site 11 - Forest Trail section #92, Kurzeme region on both trails.
Improved site 12 - Forest Trail section #28
Improved site 13 - Forest Trail section #28/29
Improved site 14 - Forest Trail section #25
Improved site 15 - Forest Trail section #24
Improved site 16 - Forest Trail section #21/22

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion The project contributes to the EUSBSR objective Connect the Region and sub-objective Connecting people in the region. The project is implemented in cooperation between partner organisations. Each of the partner organisations reach out to general public as part of their regular communication practices. By highlighting the hiking accessibility topic, the project activities will connect people in Latvia and Estonia to address challenges and implement solutions that are relevant for both countries and for the Coastal Hiking Trail and the Forest Trail as cross-border hiking tourism products. It is expected that the hiking accessibility issue will receive more attention in the society, and will trigger cross-border experience exchange and new initiatives both, on hikers' as well as service providers' side.
The connection of project partners started with the project preparation where all partners contributed with their ideas for accessibility solutions and aligned the common approach. Project activities are structured to involve all partners in the process - not only implementation of accessibility solutions, but also active exchange, participation in stakeholder involvement activities ad reaching the social groups, as well as common development of marketing means and activities. The project partners will distribute the information on the contribution to the EUSBSR wherever possible to extend their contacts and maximise the projects’ results.
It is aimed that the project outputs will be up-taken by organisations outside project partnership.
In the light of the above, the project will support the achievement of EUSBR Action Plan - Connect the Region, and the sub-objectives Connecting people in the region and Improved global competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Latvija (LV), Valmiera municipality and Limbažu municipality,
Eesti (EE), Peipsimaa region
, n/a

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO116) Jointly developed solutions: 4.0
(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 10.0
(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects : 4.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Estonia-Latvia

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-08-15

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

53 / 53 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

240 / 240 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails' accessibility improvement for different social groups

Description

Thematic information

Partners (10)

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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