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Sport & Activities
Hiking: With approximately ten per cent of its area below sea level, Latvia is characterised by wetlands, rivers and forests. Its highest point, in the Vidzeme Uplands, is only 1020ft (311m). The largely unspoilt landscape offers good opportunities for outdoor activities. In summer, hikers can take to the trails in the national parks and protected areas. Gauja National Park, located 32km (20 miles) north of Riga between Sigulda and Valmiera, is the country’s biggest. Covering an area of nearly 94km (58 miles) around the River Gauja, it features caves, rocks and dense woods. Wildlife includes elk, deer, brown bears and wolves. There are special nature trails to introduce walkers to the plants and animals. Kemeri National Park is also rich in flora and fauna. Other hiking trails include the Amber Trail along the western coast of Courland.
Birdwatching: Latvia’s wetlands and traditionally cultivated farmland attract significant populations of interesting and rare birds. The country’s many meadows and pastures are a prime habitat for the corncrake, now rare in other parts of Europe. White storks are common in agricultural areas near wetlands. Northern European birds such as red-throated and black-throated divers and Slavonian grebes breed in the open water. Reed marshes harbour bitterns and marsh harriers, while ospreys and the large white-tailed eagle can be seen by lakes and rivers. The forests contain a variety of birds including hazelhens, black storks, pygmy owls and three-toed woodpeckers. Local operators can arrange birdwatching trips. For more information, contact the Latvian Ornithological Society, Kalnciema iela 27, Riga 1046 (tel: 722 1580; fax: 760 3100; e-mail: putni@parks.lv; website: http://home.delfi.lv/putni).
Watersports: These are widely practised on the rivers and lakes and on the coast. The River Gauja is a popular location for boating, with facilities available for accommodation and mooring. Canoeing is very popular on the Gauja, Salaca and Abava rivers and in the Latgale lakes region. Along the coast, there are yacht harbours. Freshwater and sea fishing are very popular. Catches include perch, pike, salmon, eel and herring.
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