One of the most popular and family-friendly destinations for tourists – the Latvijas valsts meži nature park in Tērvete – welcomed more visitors last year than at any other point in the park's almost 70-year history. In 2025, 166.7 thousand nature lovers young and old set off into the sprawling fairy-tale world of the Tērvete nature park.
Lilita Kauste, senior customer service specialist at the LVM nature park in Tērvete, explains:
“We are delighted that our beloved tourist attraction is appreciated by one generation after another. Around 24% of our visitors last year said that they come to the park regularly, because they always feel welcome here and keep discovering new adventures. These visitors come to Tērvete at least once a year to dance Lutausis off his feet, to tame the sons of the Wind Mother and to meet the warm-hearted Gnome family. That gives us reason to believe that the park has not only recovered from the most devastating storms in its history over the past two years, but is vigorously continuing to grow and develop, offering a wide range of leisure opportunities for different audiences.”
Growth in visits from abroad
The LVM nature park in Tērvete has become one of Latvia's favourite weekend destinations, and it is held in high regard by tourists from other countries too. Last year, 46% of those walking the park's more than 35 km of trails came from abroad. The greatest interest in the leisure opportunities along the park's trails came from tourists from Latvia's nearest neighbour – visitors from Lithuania (77% of all foreign tourists). Compared with 2024, there was a noticeable increase in the number of guests from Estonia, Poland and Germany on the Tērvete forest trails.
Visitors' TOP 3
Last year, the park's visitors were most taken with the gnome town of Čiekuri, where more than 40 colourful miniature houses and winding streets are waiting to be explored; meeting the fairy-tale characters and climbing the tallest wooden observation tower in Latvia were also a source of delight. Young and old alike appreciate the chance to relax at an unhurried pace across a site of more than 400 ha.
Forest wisdom
Alongside the leisure and entertainment opportunities, environmental education has also grown in importance, as has the scale of the activities on offer. Last year, more than 6 thousand children and young people picked up forest wisdom under the guidance of knowledgeable specialists, taking part in forest expeditions, “Green Classroom” sessions and themed creative workshops and hikes on the environment. These educational events will continue this year as well.
Celebrations rich in tradition
Last year there was no shortage of themed events at the LVM nature park in Tērvete either. Everyday life in the forest was enriched throughout the year by 26 events. The best attended were the “Latvian Forest Days”, which drew almost 15.6 thousand visitors over two days, the Festival of Light – with 8 thousand visitors – and Walpurgis Night, which was attended by more than 5.8 thousand guests.
This year, too, there will be plenty of themed events on a grand scale. On 22 and 23 May, for example, the Baltic states' largest forest education festival, the “Latvian Forest Days”, will take place. This year the event's guiding theme is “Let's capture carbon together and store away oxygen”, with visitors invited to plant more than 10,000 larches on the park's grounds. Visitors will be able to take part in a variety of activities exploring the forestry sector, enjoy musical performances on stage and much more.
An active season all year round
There is something to do at the LVM nature park in Tērvete in any season and any weather. The visitors' favourite part of the nature park – the Gnome Forest – carries on with its own beautiful, tranquil life in winter as well, and awaits guests. Here there is a three-kilometre walking trail lined with illuminated outdoor objects and installations.
For those looking to enjoy winter fun, a sledging hill has been set up near the observation tower, so visitors are invited to bring their own sledges and make the most of winter in all its splendour. What is more, a 2.5 km amateur skiing track has been prepared in the park's free-access zone, next to the new information centre and the observation tower. It awaits anyone who wants to get moving and enjoy the winter!
See you on the enchanted forest trails!