Four new environmental objects have been created in Kurzeme, offering an engaging experience not only for tourists and nature trail enthusiasts but also ensuring accessibility for visually impaired visitors. We invite everyone to explore Kurzeme’s nature trails and discover these new installations!

As part of the Access Routes project, work on developing tactile environmental solutions began in the summer of 2024 in several locations across Kurzeme: Ciecere Nature Trail in Saldus, Mālkalns in Tukums, Usma, Grobiņa, and the Būšnieki Lake Trail in Ventspils. The initiative aims to improve accessibility at tourism destinations for all visitors.

Special attention was given to the development of innovative tactile solutions that help interpret and enhance the understanding of the surrounding environment, including its wildlife and plants, for visually impaired visitors. Solutions were developed in collaboration with accessibility experts from NGO Apeirons, project partners, and tactile solution designers, each contributing their own vision. The main developers were Socintegra, Amberfarm Ltd., and PinkOrange Ltd.. As a result, the following new tactile objects have been installed in Kurzeme:

Usma, Elkrags Nature Trail: A tactile model of Usma Lake and an ensemble of eight fish species that inhabit the lake. Visitors can touch and explore each fish, as well as learn about the legendary Moricsala Island. The tactile fish and lake model are placed on the wooden boardwalk directly facing Moricsala!

Būšnieki Lake Trail, Ventspils: A tactile ensemble of eight bird species found around the lake. Visitors can not only touch the birds but also listen to their calls by scanning a QR code. The tactile bird installation is located near the trail, opposite the Deer Park, close to the newly built beach area.

Mālkalns, Tukums: Two information stands featuring tactile elements—a representation of Mālkalns Garden Meadow flowers and a garden plan with a network of pathways. The stands also include an audio narration. They can be found in Mālkalns, behind the monument to Tukums’ liberators, near the Tukuma Piens production facility.

Ciecere Nature Trail, Saldus: Tactile reproductions of paintings by J. Rozentāls—In the Garden of Saldus, The Forester, and The Faun Family. These artworks are displayed in three different locations along the Ciecere Nature Trail.

In the Garden of Saldus, depicting apple tree planting behind the artist’s workshop, is located near the Avotu Street bridge, in the trail section by the children’s playground.

The Forester, illustrating scenes from the Saldus market, is placed along the paved section of the trail by the Ciecere River, where the pedestrian path leads to the parking lot.

The Faun Family, featuring mythical characters, is set in the paved area of Kalnsēta Park’s nature trail, near the disabled parking spot and seating area. This path leads to the waterfall, open-air stage, and charming bridges.

Coming soon, with the support of the Access Routes project, another tactile stand will be created in Grobiņa, featuring a 3D model of the Grobiņa Medieval Castle and its surroundings. It will be available for viewing at the Grobiņa Tourist Information Point in Dzērve Square, opposite the medieval castle ruins.

We invite everyone to explore Kurzeme’s nature trails and these new tactile installations!

The project activities are implemented with the support of the Interreg Estonia-Latvia Program 2021-2027.

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