Long distance cross-border hiking trail “The Forest Trail” (Forest Trail)

56% of the territory of the Vidzeme planning region is occupied by forests. The abundant natural capital is the competitive advantage of the Vidzeme region and an important resource for the development of active and recreational tourism. To use this resource and promote the recognition of the region as an active nature tourism destination, the Cross-Border Hiking Route “Forest Trail” project has been implemented. By implementing the project activities, the natural tourism infrastructure in the region was improved and tourists were attracted, thus supporting local tourism entrepreneurs and improving the economic competitiveness of the region. By inviting people to go hiking, physical activities and a healthy lifestyle are also encouraged. The ~1050 km long route leads from Riga to Tallinn through the Gauja National Park, the protected landscape areas of Northern Gauja and Veclaicene, the Seti land in Estonia, along Lake Peipus and the coast of the Northern Estonian Sea.