Discover the “BirdLife International” and “Natura 2000” nature sites in Vidzeme!

Day One: Lubāna Wetland

This area is included in the international BirdLife International list of Important Bird Areas. In the Lubāna Wetland Nature Reserve, it is possible to observe 224 bird species, around 70 of which are rare and protected. Lake Lubāns and the surrounding fishponds are among the most important resting and feeding sites for migrating waterbirds in Latvia, as well as nesting grounds for 29 bird species of special European conservation concern – including the Lesser Spotted Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Osprey, Whooper Swan, Corncrake, and Great Snipe.

• Transfer to Madona Municipality

• Lunch break

• Check-in at a 3* hotel

• Evening birdwatching along the Lubāna Wetland nature trails

• Dinner

Day Two: Morning Birdwatching in the Lubāna Wetland

• Early morning walk along the Lubāna Wetland nature trails

• Picnic breakfast

• Return to the hotel, free time

• Visit to Cesvaine Castle

• Lunch break (not included in the price)

• SPA visit at the hotel, optional (not included in the price)

• Dinner

Day Three: Teiči Nature Reserve

Teiči Bog is one of the largest untouched raised bogs in the Baltics. The Teiči Nature Reserve plays a vital role in:

– conserving rare and bog-specific bird species;

– serving as a feeding and resting site for migrating waterbirds;

– protecting wetland plant species and habitats;

– ensuring the survival of numerous invertebrate species.

It has been recognized as an EU Important Bird Area in Latvia since 1994, a Ramsar wetland of international importance, and a Natura 2000 site. A total of 209 bird species have been recorded in the reserve, of which 172 are nesting or potentially nesting species, while 37 species are observed during migration or wintering. The reserve is home to 74 bird species listed as specially protected and included in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive.

• Breakfast

• Check-out from the hotel

• Birdwatching in the Teiči Bog

• Lunch break in Jēkabpils, visit to Krustpils Castle

• Afternoon coffee and homemade ice cream tasting

• Return trip home