DiscoverEU meet-up Latvia

Latvia is one of Europe’s greenest nations (in Europe, forest covers an average of 33% of land, whereas in Latvia about half of the country is occupied by trees). The forestry industry has always been Latvia's export leader and forestry as well as wood processing industry has a long tradition in Latvia. Latvia is also proud of its wooden architecture, there are several thousand wooden buildings - from homesteads to family homes to establishments. Forest has a special place in Latvian culture - a spiritual place, where Latvians come to breathe in the fresh air, meditate or to pick berries & mushrooms (which is also a meditation of some sort as well as a deeply rooted tradition). Last but not least - locally harvested wood is made into different kind of produce using traditional techniques. 

To experience all this yourself we invite you to a full two-day adventure in the largest resort city in the Baltic States - Jurmala, which is known for its natural treasures – the mild climate, sea, healthy air and 19th/20th century wooden architecture heritage.

PROGRAMME

July 26th - start at 1PM (local time).

-Lunch in Riga, traditional Latvian food.

-Train ride to Jurmala.

-Stay at "Feeling cone".

Feeling Cone is an opportunity to enjoy the magic of the forest and at the same time comfort, as well as a wonderful view, spending the night in a "cone", or tent, which is fastened to a tree. The construction is durable and firmly attached to the wood.

-Evening activities, which include sunset rafting on Lielupe river, dinner and traditional sauna.

 

July 27th - start at 8-9 AM (local time).

-Breakfast and check-out from "Feeling cones".

-Meeting with local start-up "EO sups" (locally made wooden paddle-boards) owner/representative, product testing and paddle boarding.

-Jurmala open air museum visit.

The museum reveals a coastal fisherman's household from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. On this day the museum hosts an event "Thursday-Fish day", with opportunity to watch a fish smoking demonstration, get involved in the fish preparation process and taste hot smoked fish.

-Lunch in Jurmala.

-Bulduri Exhibition House visit (guided tour).

The wooden house was built in 1920 and embodies the essence of the best traditions of the construction in Jurmala. The two exhibition halls and an outdoor area are completely devoted to art, innovative and creative processes.

-A short architecture walking tour in Jurmala.

-Train ride to Riga and last dinner at Riga's most famous Folk club ALA cellar - a unique tavern in Riga's Old Town.

-Free time in Riga, stay at hostel in Riga centre.

 

July 28th

-Departure. (for those who are doing the whole Baltic meet-up and are registered for Estonian meet-up a bus from Riga will be organized. Departure to Pärnu at 8AM (local time)).

 

All expenses during the time of programme in Latvia (food, accommodation, transportation, activities) are covered. The meet-up is organized by Agency for International Programs for Youth in Latvia.

You can register separately for Latvia meet-up or the whole Baltic meet-up and visit Lithuania-Latvia-Estonia in one go!

Photo credits: Latvia Travel, EO SUP, Bulduri Exhibition hall, Jurmala Open air museum, AS Pasazieru vilciens, Planet of Hotels.

Registration form for DiscoverEU Latvia meet-up / July 2023