This autumn, Smiltene will become one of the locations hosting the main “#BEACTIVE Hike” of the European Week of Sport. On 26 September, everyone – families with children, groups of friends, colleagues, young people, seniors and individual hiking enthusiasts – is invited to head outdoors, get active and discover Smiltene and its surroundings from a different perspective.
At the meeting of the Smiltene Municipality Council on 23 July 2026, councillors decided to enter into a cooperation agreement with the Latvian Sports Federations Council to jointly organise the European Week of Sport 2026 event “#BEACTIVE Hike 2026” in Smiltene. The event is organised by the Smiltene Municipality Sports Administration in cooperation with the Latvian Sports Federations Council.
Teperis Stadium has been chosen as the event hub in Smiltene, from where participants will set off on routes of different lengths. In total, there will be four distances to choose from – short, medium and long daytime hikes, as well as a special twilight hike.
The start for the long-distance hike is scheduled between 11:00 and 12:00, the medium-distance hike between 12:00 and 13:00, and the short-distance hike between 13:00 and 14:00. Participants in the twilight hike will set off between 19:00 and 20:00. A flashlight is mandatory for the twilight hike.
The routes will lead through a variety of landscapes, giving participants the opportunity to discover both natural and cultural heritage sites. Walking will not be the only adventure – the organisers promise that participants can also look forward to surprises, performances and various activities along the routes. The exact routes and distances for the Smiltene hike will be announced closer to the event.
Participants will be able to register for the hike either individually or as a team. Advance registration will be open from 2 to 24 September, but it will also be possible to register at the event on the day. Participation in the “#BEACTIVE Hike” is free of charge.
For many years, the “#BEACTIVE” movement has brought people together across Europe with a simple yet meaningful goal – to encourage everyone to be more active not only during the European Week of Sport, but also in everyday life, helping to build active and healthy lifestyle habits.
