On Sunday, 19 April, the hiking event “Rauna’s White Peace and Green Cheese” took place in Rauna, organised by the Smiltene Municipality Tourism Information Centre as part of the hiking series “Smiltene Municipality – A Place to Discover 2026”, inviting participants to explore the surroundings of Rauna at a leisurely pace, along with its nature, people, and stories.

The hiking event brought together more than 270 participants from both nearby and more distant regions of Latvia. The routes began at the Rauna Castle Ruins, where participants were welcomed with an engaging presentation by historian and Rauna local Edgars Plētiens, highlighting the site’s cultural and historical significance. From there, everyone could choose the route best suited to them. The “Rauna Small Loop”, covering 5 kilometres, was ideal for a peaceful walk, while the “Rauna Big Loop”, stretching 17 kilometres, offered a longer and more challenging hike. Participants could set off individually using an audio guide or join groups led by local residents of Rauna, where stories and personal experience became an important part of the route.

The hike offered a chance to experience Rauna’s unique character. It is a place where the calmness of nature intertwines with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The ancient castle ruins and the stories shared by local residents revealed Rauna as a place where time seems to flow differently.

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed springtime scenery, exercise in the fresh air, and the joy of being together. The hiking routes led through several local farms, where participants received a warm welcome and had the opportunity both to taste local products and to learn about the daily lives of the hosts. At the farm “Mežnoras”, visitors enjoyed a wine tasting and learned about the farm’s story, while at the equestrian sports club “Baižkalna Stables” they had the chance to take a closer look at the horses.

Participants were invited by “Leilas gardumi” to enjoy treats and a warm lunch. And so that they would have something delicious to prepare at home after the hike, they were also encouraged to stop by the family business SIA “Siera ražotne”. There, the owner introduced visitors to the company’s work and the production process behind its products. Hike participants had the opportunity both to taste and purchase the factory’s products.

Guests were also welcomed in a spring-like atmosphere by the plant nurseries “Ziedugravas” and “Raunas stādi”, where they could take a look inside the greenhouses, choose plants for their gardens, and enjoy the splendour of blooming spring flowers. Meanwhile, the owners of “Collection Garden in Rauna” spoke about their hobby and invited visitors to return in summer, when the garden would be in full bloom and all of its plants could be explored, including the garden’s greatest pride – 70 different varieties of mock orange.

More photos in GALLERY.

All stages of the hiking series are organised in close cooperation with local residents, entrepreneurs, and municipal institutions. The next hiking event will take place on 24 May in Trapene Parish. We encourage everyone to mark the date in their calendars already and join another wonderful adventure through Smiltene Municipality.

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Article written by Līga Ozoliņa, Tourism coordinator Līga Ozoliņa (tourism entrepreneurship)

Photos by Jānis Ūdris