“This publication has been produced with the financial support of the Latvia-Russia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the Vidzeme Tourism Association and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the Programme, the Programme member states Latvia and Russia, or the European Union.”

With the participation of the Minister of Transport, Tālis Linkaits, and the Chairman of the Viļaka Municipality Council, Sergejs Maksimovs, a crossroad sign for the Latvia-Russia CBC Programme 2014–2020 project “Greenways Riga – Pskov” was unveiled near the Mežvidi primary school.

“The vast cultural and historical heritage of the Latvian railway—historical railway lines that will no longer be used for railway purposes—can be transformed into tourism infrastructure. This will allow people to explore Latvia’s regions and contribute to the development of local tourism offers,” said the Minister of Transport during the unveiling of the cycling route signage.

During the opening event, the renovated premises at Pils Street 14 in Viļaka were also visited. These premises will house a bicycle restoration and powder coating workshop, as well as a bicycle rental service.

The Greenways Riga – Pskov (450 km) is a route based on the former railway lines Riga – Ērgļi and Ieriķi – Gulbene – Vecumi – Pytalovo (Abrene). Project partners in several municipalities are working to improve these former railway lines to make them accessible to interested parties, both hikers and cyclists.

Several works are planned for completion this summer on the Riga – Ērgļi and Ieriķi – Gulbene – Vecumi – Pytalovo sections, including the renovation of bridges, route marking, installation of information stands, and route promotion activities.

A comprehensive map of the route has already been created, and small maps of the specific sections are expected to be published soon and made available at Tourism Information Centers.

The Latvia-Russia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 is co-financed by the European Union, the Republic of Latvia, and the Russian Federation.

The Latvia-Russia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 provides financial support for joint cross-border development activities with the aim of improving the competitiveness of the regions by utilizing their potential and beneficial location at the crossroads between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The Programme website is www.latruscbc.eu.