#BeActive pārgājiens Smiltenē – daudzveidīgi maršruti un aizraujošs krēslas piedzīvojums

Marking European Sports Week, on 26 September 2026 from 11.00 in Smiltene and its surroundings, the large-scale #BeActive hike will take place, whose central theme this year is “Get up and get a friend up!”. The centre of the event will be at the stadium of the multifunctional sports and recreation complex “Teperis”.

This autumn everyone is invited to go out into nature and get to know the hilly terrain of Smiltene and its surroundings, the parks and the lakes shrouded in legends in four different distances.

At 11.00 the start “top!” for the long distance (28 km) – a comprehensive and challenging route for more seasoned walkers. The route combines city parks, hilly forests, forest lakes, springs and cultural-historical sites. An educational and tasty visit to the “Abula sidrs” cidery is planned. Before setting off, participants will be warmed up by fitness trainer Ilze Lāce, while the starting shot will be fired by our Olympian, BMX athlete Veronika Monika Stūriška.

At 12.00 the start “Smiltenes Piens” for the medium distance (18 km) – a route rich in forest mystique and scenic natural views, which will lead further away from the city and deeper into the hilly pine forests of Smiltene and its surroundings to Niedrājs Lake and its “six little brothers”, including Salainis, whose shape resembles the outline of Latvia. This distance will be introduced by a “Kangoo jump” performance with Agnese Bogdānova and her studio.

At 13.00 the start “Ķelmēni” for the short distance (8 km) – a scenic route suitable for families with children, seniors and anyone who wants a more leisurely walk. It will lead along Teperis Lake, the trails of the Abula River, through city parks and the Kalnamuiža complex. Before the start of the distance, performances by the dance studio “Kristāls” can be watched.

At 19.00 the start of the twilight distance "Noslēpumainās migas" (8 km) – a special evening hike for the whole family. As dusk falls, the route along Teperis Lake, the trails of the Abula River and the city parks will turn into a world full of discoveries. Along the way, participants will be awaited by the dens of Latvian forest animals and their hosts. In the old park it will be possible to meet fairy-tale and mythical characters, while in the Kalnamuiža area – domestic animals. Participants will be able to look into the improvised animal dens and meet their hosts. The evening hike will be warmed up by the Smiltene group “Pusnakts brigāde”.

There will be several places with campfires along the distances, where you can warm up and enjoy hot tea and apple juice provided by local supporters with their products. At the large swimming spot of Niedrājs Lake, representatives of the Smiltene post of the State Fire and Rescue Service will take care of safety on and near the water with talks and demonstrations.

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

The #BeActive hike in Smiltene and its surroundings has been created thanks to cooperation partners and supporters: major friends of the distances – the store chain “top!”, AS “Smiltenes Piens”, ZS “Ķelmēni” –, as well as other supporters SIA "Very Berry", SIA “Amberfarm”, SIA “Siera ražotne”, organic farm “Kalnagrīvas”, SIA “Abula sidrs”, SIA “Eugesta”, SIA “Kokrade”, SIA “ITS Tehnoloģijas”, SIA "S Visual", electric car “Līvens”.

Participation in the hike is free of charge! Distance start times and registration on the BeActive website.

For accommodation, catering and sightseeing places in Smiltene Municipality, visit our tourism website.

Choose your distance, invite your family and friends along and plan an active European Sports Week weekend with us in Smiltene! Smiltene Municipality makes it happen!

The event "European Sports Week 2026: #BeActive Hike in Smiltene" is an excellent opportunity to promote company recognition and demonstrate social responsibility by supporting an active lifestyle. If you also want to provide support, present your company, provide product tastings or get involved as a volunteer, contact the head of the Sports Administration Matīss Mežulis, phone 371 29128932, e-mail matiss.mezulis@smiltenesnovads.lv.