Cross-Border Water Tourism Project ‘WaterTour’ Nears Completion Between Latvia and Lithuania

The large-scale cross-border project ‘WaterTour’, aimed at connecting Latvia’s Zemgale region and Lithuania’s Aukštaitija region into a unified water tourism route, is nearing its conclusion.

Under the project, 12 water tourism sites have been upgraded in both countries. These include modern mobile pontoon systems, comfortable boat docks, and rest areas along rivers and lakes. To enhance safety, unified information signs and safety markers have been installed at 12 water stretches, helping paddlers navigate and identify hazardous spots.

The new infrastructure is already giving a boost to local economies. On the Latvian side, in Aizkraukle and Jēkabpils municipalities, the improved coastal areas have spurred the emergence of new pop-up cafes and water equipment rental points.

One of the key outcomes is the creation of a joint water tourism map, which compiles information on 24 rivers and 84 routes. The map provides data on route difficulty, boat rentals, and safety tips, simplifying trip planning for both experienced paddlers and beginners.

Aizkraukle municipality focused on three rivers – the Daugava, Mēmele, and Susēja – where the potential for boating was studied and enhanced. New routes have been added to the website ‘Upes Oga’. Meanwhile, Jēkabpils municipality developed a Water and Coastal Tourism Strategy, which for the first time defines the Daugava section as a unified entity, encouraging cooperation.

On the Lithuanian side, a new ferry for pedestrians and cyclists has been opened at Labanoras Regional Park across Lake Aiseta, promoting eco-friendly tourism.

The project is co-financed by the European Union’s Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania Programme.