Green Railways are multi-day cycling and walking routes in Latvia, developed along former railway lines.
The routes follow sections of the former Riga–Tallinn railway line (Skulte–Limbaži–Mazsalaca) and the narrow-gauge railway line Ainaži–Puikule–Valmiera, offering travellers an opportunity to explore Latvia’s small towns, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage.
The Green Railways network runs through the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve and Piejūra Nature Park, providing a scenic and peaceful environment for sustainable travel. Several sections of Green Railways are part of the Council of Europe Cultural Routes, such as Via Hansa, Santiago de Compostela, and the Iron Curtain Trail. https://www.coe.int/en/web/cultural-routes/by-theme
In 2019, Latvian Green Railways received the European Greenways Association (EGWA) Award, recognising the project as one of Europe’s outstanding greenway initiatives.
Green Railways are suitable for cycling, hiking, horse riding, and cross-country skiing in winter. The routes mainly follow gravel and forest roads, are clearly signposted, and feature no steep ascents or descents. They are flat, safe, and of moderate difficulty, making them accessible to a wide range of travellers, including families.
Info: vidzeme.com and greenrailways.lv