To mark the European Week of Sport, the large-scale #BEACTIVE Hike will take place in Smiltene and the surrounding area on 26 September 2026, starting at 11:00. This year’s central theme is “Get up and get a friend moving!”. The event centre will be located at the stadium of the multifunctional sports and recreation complex “Teperis”.

This autumn, everyone is invited to head outdoors and discover the hilly landscapes of Smiltene and its surroundings, as well as its parks and lakes steeped in legends, along four different routes.

• At 11:00, the “top!” long-distance route (28 km) will set off – a comprehensive and challenging route for more experienced hikers. The route combines town parks, hilly forests, forest lakes, springs and sites of cultural and historical interest. Participants can also look forward to an informative and tasty visit to the “Abula sidrs” cidery. Before setting off, fitness trainer Ilze Lāce will lead a warm-up, while the starting signal will be given by Latvian Olympian and BMX rider Veronika Monika Stūriška.
• At 12:00, the “Smiltenes Piens” medium-distance route (18 km) will set off – a route rich in the mystique of the forest and scenic natural landscapes, leading away from the town and deeper into the hilly pine forests of Smiltene and its surroundings towards Lake Niedrājs and its “six little brothers”, including Lake Salainis, whose shape resembles the outline of Latvia. The start of this route will feature a Kangoo Jumps performance (a rebounding workout on special spring boots) by Agnese Bogdānova and her studio.
• At 13:00, the “Ķelmēni” short-distance route (8 km) will set off – a scenic route suitable for families with children, seniors and anyone looking for a more leisurely walk. The route will lead along Lake Teperis and the trails by the River Abuls, through the town’s parks and the Kalnamuiža complex. Before the start, participants will be able to enjoy performances by the “Kristāls” dance studio.
• At 19:00, the Twilight Route “Mysterious Dens” (8 km) will set off – a special evening hike for the whole family. As dusk falls, the route along Lake Teperis, the trails by the River Abuls and through the town’s parks will transform into a world full of discoveries. Along the way, participants will encounter the dens of Latvia’s wild animals and their inhabitants. In the Old Park, they will be able to meet fairy-tale and mythical characters, while domestic animals will await them in the Kalnamuiža area. Participants will also have the chance to peek inside the recreated animal dens and meet their inhabitants. The evening hike will begin with a performance by the Smiltene band “Pusnakts brigāde”.

Along the routes, there will be several campfire spots where participants can warm up and enjoy hot tea and apple juice provided by local supporters. At the main swimming area by Lake Niedrājs, representatives of the Smiltene unit of the State Fire and Rescue Service will provide information and demonstrations on safety in and around the water.

The event is organised by the Smiltene Municipality Sports Department in cooperation with the Latvian Sports Federations Council.

The #BEACTIVE Hike in Smiltene and its surroundings has been made possible thanks to the event’s cooperation partners and supporters: the main route sponsors – the “top!” supermarket chain, AS “Smiltenes Piens” and ZS “Ķelmēni” – as well as other supporters: SIA “Very Berry”, SIA “Amberfarm”, SIA “Siera ražotne”, the organic farm “Kalnagrīvas”, SIA “Abula sidrs”, SIA “Eugesta”, SIA “Kokrade”, SIA “ITS Tehnoloģijas”, SIA “S Visual” and the “Līvens” electric vehicle.

Participation in the hike is free of charge! Route start times and registration are available on the #BEACTIVE website.

For information about accommodation, dining and places to visit in Smiltene Municipality, visit our tourism website.

Choose your route, bring your family and friends, and plan an active European Week of Sport weekend with us in Smiltene! Smiltene Municipality makes it happen!

The event “European Week of Sport 2026: #BEACTIVE Hike in Smiltene” is a great opportunity to increase your company’s visibility and demonstrate social responsibility by supporting an active lifestyle. If you would also like to support the event, showcase your company, offer product tastings or get involved as a volunteer, please contact Matīss Mežulis, Head of the Sports Department, by phone at +371 29128932 or by email at [email protected].

 

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Written by: Marita Mūze, Head of the Communications Department of Smiltene Municipality