Stompaku bogs are a unique territory with both natural resources and cultural and historical heritage. During World War II, partisan settlements were established in Stompaku mire, which were one of the largest in the Baltics, while in the Great mire we will go, nature is still wild with swampy and dark lakes, and it is not for nothing that national partisans were difficult to surround. We plan at least a 4-5 hour hike and 8 kilometers.
Waterproof shoes (rubber boots) are definitely needed to keep your feet from getting wet before the swamp. If necessary, we can rent rubber boots. And as always – guides will help you discover the secrets of the swamp and the bog-shoes will allow you to get to where it would otherwise be difficult or even impossible. This will also be a great opportunity to collect cranberries, which are now especially delicious.
The hike is intended for active participants who like long hikes and challenges, so they must be in good physical shape and the recommended age of participants is 12-55 years. Age does not matter if you are experienced in hiking.
Description of the hike:
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty level: easy-medium (for experienced hikers), medium-difficult (for beginners)
- Length of distance: through the bog with bog shoes ~ 6.5 km, in total ~ 8 km
- Meeting place and time: at 12:00 in the parking lot near Bērzkalne stage
- Closing time: around 17:00
- Participation fee for the hike: 20 EUR; 10 EUR (7-17 years). Sign up for the newsletter and receive a 10% discount.
- Bring: snacks and drinking water
- Wear: hiking shoes or rubber boots
- Costs include:
- Preparation of the hiking route
- Delivery and rental of bog shoes
- Many years of experience, knowledge and support of guides
Getting there
By car: click on the link to open the coordinates of the destination in the navigation application, if using waze or google maps, or using coordinates 57.103194, 27.347167
What to see nearby?
Stompaku bogs are located 15 minutes drive from Balvi, while 240 km (3.5 hours) from Riga must be measured, therefore we recommend combining the trip with visiting other sights: Stompaku bog partisan trail, Stiglava nature trail, Egļava forestry museum, Numerna wall observation tower and nature trail, the center of the smallest parish in Latvia – Kuprava, which resembles a ghost town.
What it looks like in a bog:
* By participating in the hike, you agree to the publication of photos on the social networks of purvubrideji.lv.
* The hiking regulations can be found here.
* The route leads through protected nature areas
