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LVM Nature Park in Tērvete
The LVM Nature Park in Tērvete is one of the most popular tourist destinations and family-friendly places in Latvia. The park’s origins date back to 1958, when forester Miķelis Kļaviņš (1907–1973) created the first nature trails in what was then an overgrown forest.
Since 2000, the park has been managed by Latvian State Forests (LVM). Today, the park covers more than 1,200 hectares and features a network of 35 km of trails connecting its thematic areas. Crossing numerous bridges, boardwalks, and stairs over the ancient valley of the Tērvete River, visitors enter a fairytale world inspired by writer Anna Brigadere.
The park consists of three main areas: Sprīdītis’ World, Kurbads’ Land, and Glamping.
Sprīdītis’ World
Sprīdītis’ World includes the Gnome Forest, Fairy Tale Forest, Hedgehog Garden, and the Old Pine Park. Nearby, among Latvia’s oldest pines, visitors can meet the lively explorer Sprīdītis, who playfully teases the giant Lutausis.
Writer Anna Brigadere herself established the first walking paths here in 1922, when she received the nearby home “Sprīdīši” to mark her 25-year literary career. The scenic landscapes along the Tērvete River and the rich cultural heritage inspired her imagination. Today, her fairytale characters beautifully complement the forest environment.
Gnome Forest
The Gnome Forest is a magical world that sparks imagination and invites visitors into a fairytale. The hardworking and kind gnome family lives here, teaching forest wisdom and inviting guests to join creative workshops.
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The area also features a Gnome Village with miniature houses and themed homesteads. At its center lies the colorful gnome town Čiekure, made up of more than 40 wooden houses.
At the edge of the Gnome Forest stands the impressive 39-meter-high Tērvete wooden observation tower, offering breathtaking views over the forests and plains of Zemgale.
Fairy Tale Forest
This part of the park is filled with stories and legends, featuring wooden sculptures of characters from Anna Brigadere’s plays. They are placed within the realms of the Forest King, Forest Mother, and the Witch of the Pine Forest.
Visitors can sit in the King’s tower, swing on the witch’s broom, greet spiders, bats, and owls, and become part of this magical world. Along the Forest Mother’s trail, over two kilometers long, educational displays reveal the secrets of the forest.
More than 50 wooden sculptures can be found here, with the oldest — the Forest King — installed in 1972.
Hedgehog Garden
The Hedgehog Garden is the oldest and most scenic part of the park, surrounded by the ancient valley of the Tērvete River. The first trails were created here in 1958.
This sunny area represents the childhood world of Annele, the young version of Anna Brigadere. Three wooden sculptures of berry-picking girls — Annele and her friends — can be seen here.
The paths are built on multiple levels, each offering different views. From the viewing platform, visitors can see the Tērvete hillfort and the ruins of the Livonian Order castle.
Old Pine Park
The Old Pine Park is a unique area covering about 20 hectares, featuring exceptionally tall and mature pine trees. Many of them are nearly 300 years old, with dense undergrowth of hazel and other shrubs.
This is the oldest pine forest in Latvia, with no equivalent in the Baltic region. It holds significant scientific and aesthetic value, offering peaceful walking trails among majestic ancient trees.
Kurbads’ Land
Named after the hero of Latvian folklore, this area offers a true sense of adventure for those who have outgrown Sprīdītis’ World.
It includes:
- Tarzan and rope parks with obstacle courses
- A 3 km cycling track with jumps, turns, and bridges
From spring to autumn, visitors can explore the Butterfly House, home to butterflies from Asia, South America, and Africa, as well as birds, fish, and turtles.
Glamping
Located by the Tērvete reservoir and surrounded by pine forest, the park’s glamping area is available year-round.
Visitors can stay in:
- Cozy treehouses
- Unique underground houses
Perfect for romantic getaways or family holidays.
The area also offers:
- Fishing platforms
- Boat and water equipment rental
- A 10-meter birdwatching tower
- Camping facilities for caravans, trailers, and tents
Visit the LVM Nature Park in Tērvete website for more information!