The municipal company “Rīgas meži”, together with Riga City Council, offers a digital map mdps.rigasmezi.lv for planning walking routes in the forests of Riga. The map provides information about forest areas, including rides and footpaths.

Nature walks are vital at a time when the majority of Latvia’s population is working from home and spending time indoors. To ensure that people walk in natural forests rather than crowding popular nature trails, “Rīgas meži” is offering a digital tool with information for route planning. By opening the page mdps.rigasmezi.lv, you can view different layers showing forest areas with rides and footpaths, as well as warnings regarding ongoing or planned logging.

The map was originally created for the operational needs of “Rīgas meži”. The digital map has been adapted for the company’s geographic information system, which allows for the distribution of information on areas suitable for recreation.

You can breathe in the fresh air in the pine forests that grow all around Riga. If you wish to relax in a forest area without crowds, we invite you to go for walks in one of the 60,000 hectares of forest owned and maintained by “Rīgas meži”, located within a radius of approximately 50 km around Riga. First, explore where to go using the digital map at mdps.rigasmezi.lv. “Rīgas meži” provides information on areas that are suitable for forest recreation and can be accessed by car, public transport, or bicycle.

Nature walks combined with breathing exercises are particularly important at this time, when viruses and germs can spread from every sneeze. Scientists have discovered that forest air contains 90% less dust than the city’s asphalt jungle, and it is rich in healthy substances emitted by various tree species. Walking in the forest eases depression and burnout syndrome, strengthens immunity, and protects against chronic diseases and heart attacks.

Please bear in mind that driven hunts may take place in the forest on weekends. You can tell by the number of cars on the road, the sound of shots, and the calls of beaters. It is therefore best to wear bright clothing when heading into the forest and to wait until the hunters have moved on to the next compartment.

We encourage you to bring a rubbish bag and follow the request of foresters and nature conservationists: “Whatever you bring into nature, take it away with you!” We remind you that cutting down Christmas trees in Riga’s forests is prohibited.

The company invites you to share your experiences from walks in the forests of Riga on social media using the hashtag #ejmeza. Among all authors of photos, videos, and posts submitted, the company will use a computer programme to draw names and award one of the Riga eco-tourism guides as a prize.