The Forest Trail is a long distance hiking route, part of E11, in the Baltic States that leads through the most forested lands and national parks of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The route starts from the Polish - Lithuanian border near the town of Lazdijai, leads through Latvia, turning into Riga, and finishes in Tallinn, Estonia.
Name in Latvia: Mežtaka
Name in Lithuania: Miško takas
Name in Estonia: Metsa matkarada
Length: ~2100 km, 98-112 days
- in Lithuania – 751 km, 35-38 days
- in Latvia – 625 km, 28-36 days
- in Estonia – 720 km, 35-38 days
The route is divided into ~ 20 km long stages with accommodation and transport options.
Road surface: forest roads and trails, country roads, edges of asphalted roads, sandy or rocky beaches.
Highest points and valleys: Nemunas Valley and Samogitian (Žemaitija) Highlands in Lithuania, Rietumkursa upland, ancient valley of Abava and Gauja, Veclaicene protected landscape area in Latvia, Pius ancient valley and northern coast in Estonia.
Highlights:
In Lithuania: Dzūkija and Žemaitija National Parks, Nemunas Loop Regional Park, Kaunas.
In Latvia: Kuldiga, Abava River Valley Nature Park, Kemeri National Park, Gauja National Park.
In Estonia - Lahemaa National Park, Alutaguse National Park, Suur Munamägi - the highest peak of the Baltic States (318 m above sea level), Lake Peipus - the fourth largest lake in Europe.
Development of Forest trail in Kurzeme and Lithuania
It is currently under development. Trail marking is planned in summer 2021.
Trail in the route Riga-Tallinn is not marked yet!
The Baltic Forest Trail is still being developed. Trail marking in Latvia is completed, but in Estonia it is planned in 2020.
Changes in the 11th section of the Forest Trail
Please be informed that due to the reconstruction of forest roads, there are changes in this section of the Forest Trail (see the attached map). The section marked in red is closed until 11.10.2021. Please select alternate routes (marked in green) for the hikes.
This project is part-financed by the European Union and European Regional Development Fund Central Baltic Programme.
This website reflects the views of the author. The managing authority of the programme is not liable for how this information may be used.
