The Forest Trail is a long-distance hiking trail in the Baltic States, part of the E11 route. It traverses the lush forests and national parks of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The journey begins near the Polish-Lithuanian border close to the town of Lazdijai, passes through Latvia and its capital, Riga, and culminates in Tallinn, Estonia. However, you can choose to start or end at any point along the trail.
Spanning approximately 2,141 kilometers, the entire hike takes around 102-114 days to complete. The trail is segmented into stages roughly 20 kilometers long, each with options for accommodation and transportation. The path varies, featuring forest roads and trails, country roads, edges of asphalted roads, and even sandy or rocky beaches.
Throughout the journey, hikers will encounter a variety of landscapes. In Lithuania, the trail passes through the Nemunas Valley and the Samogitian Highlands. Latvia offers scenic views of the Rietumkursa Upland, the ancient valleys of Abava and Gauja, and the Veclaicene protected landscape area. Estonia showcases the Pius ancient valley and the scenic northern coast.
Key highlights include:
– Lithuania: Dzūkija and Žemaitija National Parks, Nemunas Loop Regional Park, and Kaunas.
– Latvia: Kuldiga, Abava River Valley Nature Park, Kemeri National Park, and Gauja National Park.
– Estonia: Lahemaa National Park, Alutaguse National Park, Suur Munamägi (the highest peak in the Baltic States at 318 meters above sea level), and Lake Peipus (the fourth largest lake in Europe).
Each day on the Forest Trail comes with detailed descriptions including start and end points, maps, downloadable GPX route files, expected walking distance, and road surface conditions. The guide also highlights notable sights, landscapes, and natural landmarks with photos to ensure you don’t miss any stunning views. Information on where to find food, water, snacks, and overnight accommodations is also provided. Additionally, the descriptions and maps point out sections that are suitable for shorter walks.
To sum up, the Forest Trail spans about 2,141 kilometers of scenic views and natural beauty across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. It’s an international segment of the European long-distance hiking route E11. So, why not take the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and explore the beauty of the Baltic forests?