Green Railways Ainaži - Valmiera

Green Railways are cycling and hiking routes that follow former railway lines. These routes have been created by using former railway lines in Vidzeme and South Estonia, resulting in a shared cycling and pedestrian path of approximately 750 km. The route includes connecting sections like the “Tour de LatEst” cycling route and the Alūksne–Gulbene narrow-gauge railway “Bānītis.” The route is accessible for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and skiing in winter.

The Green Railways tourism route provides local residents with the opportunity to create and develop an especially interesting tourism offering rich in history and culture. The Green Railways project was created through the Estonia–Latvia cross-border cooperation program in partnership with the Vidzeme Tourism Association (VTA) and 25 municipalities and organizations in Vidzeme and South Estonia.

Route: Ainaži - Niedrāji - Pilkas bog

Route Length: ~22.8 km
Route Markings: Marked trail in nature
Route Type: Linear
Difficulty Level: Moderately difficult
Access: Trail can be covered by foot or bike
Parking: Accessible by bus or car at the start/finish point
Dangerous Areas: Be cautious when crossing the VIA Baltica highway!

The route section Ainaži – Niedrāji-Pilkas Bog Nature Trail follows the former Ainaži–Valmiera railway line through fields, along dirt roads, through forests, and across specially built bridges over streams. In Ainaži, the route runs along paved streets. In some places, dirt roads serve as connecting segments. The trail can be extended to Valmiera. The route and its connecting segments are marked in nature. Along the way, visitors can explore Ainaži North Pier, Ainaži Lighthouse, historic buildings in Ainaži, and the Ainaži Maritime School Museum. Further along the route, the Salaca Red Cliffs and the Niedrāji-Pilkas Bog Nature Trail await exploration.

Route Map: https://greenrailways.eu/ainazi-valmiera-greenway-map-univ-live