Here I will tell you what kind of cultural heritage, rural, and nature tourism destinations we experienced in Tukums. More precisely, I will write about my experiences on Tuesday which was the most rewarding day for me.
We travelled to Latvia on Monday, and on Tuesday we drove from Riga to the Tukums region. There, for me and our classmates, our teachers in cooperation with Tukums tourist info services had planned activities for us. The destinations we visited were cultural heritage, rural and nature tourism destinations. During the experience vacation, our task was also to observe and prepare a “quality check” for the companies visited. That was to help us in our project to develop experiences in the Tukums area.
Ķemeri National Park – Meža māja & Ķemeri Water Tower
On Tuesday morning, we headed from the centre of Riga towards the airport. There we rented two vans from a car rental company for a two-day trip to the Tukums area. First, we drove to Ķemeri National Park, which is located about 45 minutes by car from Riga. We didn’t have a chance to visit nature itself, but the information and education center “Meža māja”. A manager of Ķemeri National Park gave us a presentation about the national park. We learned about their activities and values, and we also had the opportunity to ask questions.
The visit was interesting: I learned how much impact national parks in Latvia have on the country’s nature and sustainability. Their responsibility is also to transfer information to decision-makers, entrepreneurs and citizens in the region, especially young people and children. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to walk along the nature trails, which are surrounded by diverse nature.
From the forest house, we drove to the Ķemeri Water Tower. There we got to learn facts about Latvian history, we also climbed high up to the tower. The tower was impressive, the height brought excitement and the views were amazing.
Recreation center “Valguma Pasaule” – Barefoot Trail & Hotel
From Ķemeri, we headed towards the Recreation Center “Valguma Pasaule“, where we drove in about 20 minutes. There we were welcomed by staff and a pre-prepared lunch. We ate a lot. Latvian meatball soup, stuffed sandwiches, “pigs in blankets”, Latvian rye bread and coffee with Swiss rolls for dessert… Lunch was really tasty and filling, after which we had a good mood and energy to continue our adventure. The owner of the place told us about the company’s history, activities and values. She showed us around the hotel, which was located next to a beautiful pond and forest.
After the tour, we headed out, towards the barefoot trail, which is the main activity of the place. I was looking forward to walking barefoot, and I was not disappointed with what I experienced. We walked barefoot through the forest along various obstacles made of natural materials. We walked on rocks, in mud, through a labyrinth and even through a small stream in the water.
After the barefoot trail, we were able to enjoy a warm “flower petal” foot bath and tea. The “spa moment” in the middle of the forest highlighted the experience. The whole experience was calming and meditative, good for both: mind and body. I would love to experience either the same or something similar again!
Pinumu Pasaule – Handmade Willow Work & Accommodations
After a relaxing barefoot walk, we started driving through the forest towards the next destination. On the way, we got lost a couple of times. First, the navigator guided us to the middle of the forest. After turning the car on a narrow gravel road, we realized that we were driving in the right direction all along. However, we continued without finding our destination and arrived at a small village museum. That wasn’t our final destination but there we stopped to find out the final address. Diana, our lovely Latvian lecturer, made a phone call, and we got to continue our journey. In the end, even this was part of our experience from the perspective of rural tourism and made it special. Finally, we happily found our destination.
Our destination was a cute farm located in the countryside. Friendly staff and the place’s cute dogs and other animals welcomed us. We got to know the Pinumu Pasaule, a handmade willow work, company and its operations. We saw the willow plant, used to make baskets and other works, growing in nature. Our group also learned how the willow is processed step by step during the making process. Although the company only occupies a small physical space, it operates extensively in Latvia. They get orders also from all over the world, especially from Japan.
In addition to the willow work business, the farm also offers accommodation for tourists. We got to tour around the yard. We saw the high-quality guesthouse accommodations and the farm’s animals, from rabbits to ostriches. The place was wonderful! There were many animals, beautiful colourful flowers and a small pond next to the house for fishing or ice swimming. In the end, we had to say goodbye to the furry friends and the rest of the crew. Then we continued our journey towards the centre of the municipality of Tukums.
Rewarding Day
After a long day, my mind was still energized by the enjoyment and enthusiasm and also by the relaxing and pleasant activities experienced during the day. In the evening, we checked into Hotel Tukums and together we found a lovely little place for dinner very close by. There we ate well and shared thoughts about the day, after which we went to sleep and gathered energy for the next day full of experiences.
