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Forest Welcomes You Also in Winter

This winter is surprising us with its diversity. It has it all - from white snowdrifts that cover the world with a soft blanket, to foggy, misty mornings. The new Mother Nature (Mammadaba) magazine encourages everyone: "Meet yourself in the forest".

What wonderful works of art have been created in nature! Paintings, sculptures, pieces of music and many more. Pianist Vestards Šimkus also searches for his inspiration in the forest. Read about the musician’s favourite landscapes and rituals in nature.

Should swans be fed in winter? When is it safe to walk on ice? In this edition read how to forecast weather conditions from various nature signs. Observe nature carefully and check if these signs are true.

To improve your health and spend time outdoors, choose shorter, but no less picturesque winter hiking trails. The coast of Kurzeme is perfectly suited for such hiking trips, since there are a number of beautiful and well-equipped hiking trails. The White Dune of Plieņciems, which is the largest dune made by wind in Latvia, the stony coastline of Kaltene, the White Dune of Roja and many other wonders of nature - you just have to choose the one for you!

If you want to explore the history of the forest, head to Jaunmokas Palace, which once was a hunting castle of the remarkable Mayor of Riga George Armitstead. Today it not only hosts a wonderful exhibition about the history of the palace, but also is home to the forest museum. Here experienced guides and interactive screens help visitors to learn about the forest of Latvia, as well as its history and development over the centuries. If you want to find out how a forest is born, head to LVM Vijciems Cone Drying Facility, where you can still see the process of cone drying, which has not changed since the foundation of the Cone Drying Facility back in 1895.

Undoubtedly, trees and shrubs are among the most characteristic elements of the Latvian landscape. A great way to discover these species is to visit dendrological parks. There you will encounter plants that have travelled here from both near and far places. Skrīveri Arboretum Park is among the best-known parks of this type; but we definitely recommend you to also visit the Bauņi Manor Park, which is part of North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.

Winter is no longer a season that does not allow you to have fun outdoors. Follow the old saying "There are no unsuitable weather conditions, there is only unsuitable clothing!", dress warmly and head for breath-taking adventures!