On Saturday, 26 September 2026, Smiltene truly came alive as several thousand people from across Latvia gathered to enjoy the natural beauty of the town and its surroundings together. Smiltene Municipality would like to thank every participant and everyone involved in organising the hike!

The hike offered four routes, leading participants through Smiltene’s hilly forests, around its picturesque lakes, through the autumnal park, the historic Kalnamuiža complex and other scenic spots. Despite the autumn rain, people of all generations took to the trails – the oldest participant was 77 years old, while the youngest was not even two months old.

As participants crossed the finish line, tiredness was mixed with a sense of achievement and joy from the experiences along the way. Participants praised not only Smiltene’s opportunities for active recreation and its beautiful scenery, but also the organisation of the event, especially the route planning and clear trail markings.

An event of this scale would not be possible without a strong, united team and the generous support of our partners.

Smiltene Municipality would like to thank Matīss Mežulis, Head of the Sports Department, who not only successfully organised the event but was also the driving force behind bringing it to Smiltene. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Rūta Brakovska, Tourism Coordinator at the Business and Tourism Department, and her family, who developed the hiking routes and made sure that every participant could enjoy them to the fullest.

More than 100 volunteers helped set up and organise the event areas – your contribution was invaluable, thank you! We are grateful to everyone who helped manage traffic and pedestrian flow, registered participants, tended the bonfires, served hot tea and carried out many other essential tasks.
A special role was taken on by several dozen volunteers who brought the characters of the Twilight Hike “Mysterious Dens” to life. Their creative and engaging performances brought smiles even to the most serious hikers.

The hike would not have been possible without financial and material support. The event was coordinated and financially supported by the Latvian Sports Federations Council, while several major partners also contributed – the “top!” retail chain,AS “Smiltenes piens”,ZS “Ķelmēni”, SIA “Dimdiņi” and SIA “Skrīveru saldumi”. These companies provided gifts for every participant in the hike.

A generous prize pool for the draws and competitions was provided by SIA “AmberFarm”, SIA “Siera ražotne”, SIA “Kokrade”, the“Līvens”electric vehicle, the café-bistro “Trīs pipari un kūkas”, SIA “Very Berry”,SIA “Vairumnieks”, SIA “Eugesta”, the Smiltene Tourism Information Centre,the Smiltene Municipality Museumand the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre.
To help hikers warm up with hot and healthy drinks, products were provided bySIA “Kalnagrīvas” and SIA “AmberFarm”, while cups were supplied by SIA “Tim-T”.

Participants were warmed up and energised before the start by fitness trainer Ilze Lāce, Kangoo Jumps performers led by Agnese Bogdānova, dance studio “Kristāls” and the band “Pusnakts Brigāde”. Activities along the routes were provided by the State Fire and Rescue Service, Aigars Lauzis, creator of “BeTriton”, and the “Abuls” cidery. Technical support for the event was provided by SIA “S Visual” and SIA “ITS Tehnoloģijas”, while Mārcis Brakovskis was responsible for the sound.

It is important to refuel both before and after physical activity, so participants were treated by “Trīs pipari un kūkas”, “JZ BURGERS”, Aiga Eglīte with popcorn and candy floss, and “DODO mini pankūkas”.Everyone also had the opportunity to purchase a keepsake from the event, choosing from products made by Evita Ūdre’s brand “Evitas darināts”, SIA “AmberFarm” and the social enterprise “Visi Var”.

The hike was captured by photographers Baiba Zariņa and Agnis Melderis, and videographer Jānis Ūdris. Thank you!

“Once again, this proves that for great things and major events to happen, the most important ingredients are a strong team and supportive people all around. By ‘team’, this time I mean everyone involved in planning, preparing and delivering the hike – supporters, staff and volunteers alike – who gave their time, energy and resources so that here in Smiltene, once again, everyone could say: we make it happen in Smiltene!” says M. Mežulis with satisfaction.

Nature is one of Smiltene Municipality’s greatest assets – a place to recharge, find harmony and enjoy the pleasure of being active throughout the year. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to welcome so many outdoor enthusiasts from near and far and to let them experience what we ourselves are so proud of. Smiltene Municipality makes it happen!

Photos by Baiba Zariņa from the #BeActive hike in Smiltene

Photos by Agnis Melderis from the #BeActive hike in Smiltene

 

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Written by: Madara Mūrniece-Krūmiņa, Communications and Marketing Specialist