On June 11 and 12 of this year, within the framework of project no. LL-00011 “WaterWays”, an experience exchange visit of Lithuanian tourism entrepreneurs and municipality representatives was organized in Kurzeme. These two days were filled with diverse activities in Dienvidkurzeme, Kuldiga, Ventspils and Talsi municipalities. We have some many things to show and so much to be proud of!
On the first day, we visited the company “Sofijas laivas” – a family business that offers canoe and other boat rentals in Kurzeme, as well as party rooms and overnight accommodations. More information https://www.sofijaslaivas.lv/.
After that, we went to Grobiņa, where we met with representatives of the Dienvidkurzeme Municipality Tourism Center to learn more about the region’s tourism offer and development plans. More information about tourism in Dienvidkurzeme municipality: https://www.dienvidkurzeme.travel/home/.
At the end of the first day in Kuldīga, we participated in the exciting Alekšupīte expedition “Stream-to-Stream”, which gave us the opportunity to enjoy the charm of the old town of Kuldīga, meandering along the rocky bed and exploring ancient houses from an unusual point of view. More about the expedition: visitkuldiga.com/aktivitate/citi-piedzivojumi/aleksupites-ekspedicija-pa-straumi-pret-straumi/?lang=en.
The morning of the second day of the visit began in Usma, where we met with the managers of Usma SPA hotel & camping – it is a family hotel by Lake Usma, which welcomes guests all year round, and in summer also offers camping services. More about the hotel: https://www.usma.lv/en/.
We also visited Usma Lake Yacht Club – the only inland water yacht harbor in Latvia, which boasts 52 registered yachts and 134 members from various regions of Latvia. Information: https://usmasjahtklubs.lv/.
After that, we met with the owner of the “Vesels veseluma” guest house, who presented the history of the village of Usma and her company, as well as the challenges faced by the owners of tourist accommodation. More about offers: https://www.facebook.com/veselsveseluma.usma/about.
We also visited the tourism and recreation complex “Bukdangas”, which is located on the shore of Lake Usma and offers a wide range of accommodation options, as well as active recreation opportunities with rowing boats, catamarans and SUP boards. We had a great opportunity to go on a trip around part of the islands of Lake Usma with motorboats, getting to know such a unique natural wealth of the lake. More about Bukdangas: https://www.bukdangas.lv/.
As part of the visit, we also met with representatives of the association “Usmaskrasts”, which is actively engaged in the restoration and protection of fish resources of Lake Usma, business promotion, including the systematic organization and development of tourism, fishing, as well as creating the recognition and good image of Lake Usma. You can learn more about the association’s activities at: https://www.usmasezers.lv/en/.
Next, we visited Lake sauna Ogle, which is a floating sauna where you can stay overnight and fully enjoy merging with nature. On the platform there is a sauna room with a large window so that guests can observe natural processes, a living room with a bed and everything necessary for a comfortable stay. More information: https://www.oglesauna.lv/.
At the end of the visit, we met with Gundega Skudriņa and viewed the ‘‘Untamed nights” created by her team – Floating Island and Nature Gallery – this is an adventure for those who are looking for the presence of nature, are ready for new sensations and experiences. More information https://www.nepieradinatasnaktsmitnes.lv/untamed-nights.html.
This experience exchange visit was extremely valuable for both us and our Lithuanian partners. It provided an opportunity to discover the rich offerings and tourism potential of the Kurzeme region, while also fostering collaboration and exchange of experiences between the two countries.
We thank all the entrepreneurs for their responsiveness and kind reception!
The project WaterWays, or “Development of the Water Route Network in Latvia and Lithuania by Expanding the Cross-Border Tourism Product www.riverways.eu” (LL-00011), is being implemented with the support of the Interreg Latvia – Lithuania Programme!
Official project website: https://latlit.eu/theprojects/waterways/
Information prepared by:
Viktorija Reine
Project Manager of the Kurzeme Planning Region
Phone: +371 28232978
Email: viktorija.reine@kurzemesregions.lv
