Within the framework of the “Greenways Riga–Viļaka” project, seminars were organized to highlight best practice examples and inspire entrepreneurs to develop services in the vicinity of the route.
On June 14, municipal representatives, owners of former stations along the Riga–Ērgļi railway line, and entrepreneurs gathered at the Ķeipene Cinema Station in Ogre Municipality. They shared their experiences in greenway development and station restoration, while also outlining future development trends. Several station owners noted that an increasing number of visitors are interested in greenways, creating a need for high-quality services nearby. A particularly promising initiative is the plan by the new owners of Suntaži Station to transform the former station building into a design hotel.
Mercedes Muñoz, Director of the European Greenways Association, also gave a presentation, highly praising the work accomplished and encouraging entrepreneurs to actively seize the opportunities offered by greenways.
At the end of the day, participants explored the offers of the Ķeipene Cinema Station and visited the former Ērgļi Station, managed by Māris Olte.
The following day, June 15, at the Gulbene Railway Station, entrepreneurs located near the former Ieriķi–Gulbene–Sita railway line shared their experiences and future development plans, including the provision of bicycle rental services. Plans were outlined for the development of the former Kubuļi Station territory, as well as the diversification of tourism offers in Gulbene Municipality and the “Land of Bānītis” (Bānīša Zeme).
The event included a visit to the Gulbene station and depot, where participants had the chance to try out handcars (drezīnas) and rail bikes. A welcome new development is the planned electric vehicle charging station near the Gulbene depot. To conclude, participants visited the renovated rest area and Pededze Bridge, as well as the Alūksne Station, where an informal meeting with the leadership of Alūksne Municipality took place.
Presentations from the seminars:
- Z/S Priedītes, Zane Magone
- Latvia Greenways Achievements and results of project, final activities and future plans.
- Best practice examples from the European Greenways Association: Mercedes Muñoz Zamora, European Greenways Association, Director
- Tourism potential of Greenways in Vidzeme, Agita Līviņa
- Greenways in Valmiera Municipality, Toms Treimanis
- Greenways in Limbaži Municipality, Ilze Millere
- Gulbene-Alūksne Bānītis, Andris Biedriņš.
- Škladi entertainment and recreation park, Inta Rozīte
- SIA “ALIREM” bicycle rental, Liene Neilande
- Greenways in Ogre Municipality, Elīna Baltiņa
The training seminars were organized within the framework of the “Greenways Riga–Viļaka” project, with financial support from the European Union.
This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. 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 European Union.
