Latvia is a country of remarkable regional flavours, landscapes and local stories, many of which are found beyond the best-known visitor destinations. Now, a new gastronomy tourism network is bringing these elements together in Northern Vidzeme. “Ziemeļzemes kods” is a new gastronomy tourism network inviting visitors to discover this part of Latvia through its food, people and experiences. It brings together local artisan producers, farms, food and hospitality businesses, cultural heritage sites and nature destinations across the region.
“Ziemeļzemes kods” offers travellers the freedom to experience Northern Vidzeme in the way that suits them best. Visitors can follow one of ten themed routes or create their own itinerary by combining individual stops. Along the way, they can meet local producers, taste and purchase regional products, join tastings and workshops, discover cultural and natural attractions, and spend time with the people behind the places they visit.
Many of the farms and producers welcome groups, while individual visits and product purchases can also be arranged in advance.
“Northern Vidzeme is home to many enterprising people who create outstanding products and care for places with a very special atmosphere. Yet they often work independently, each in their own part of the region. This project gives us an opportunity to connect these people, places and stories into one travel experience.
This is more than just a guide. It is an invitation to discover Northern Vidzeme at an unhurried pace and to meet the people whose work shapes the region’s story of food and flavour. Everyone can explore it in the way that suits them best: by following one of the suggested routes or creating their own journey from the places that interest them most.
We want people not simply to arrive, but to take their time discovering Northern Vidzeme: to stop, talk, taste and return again and again,” says Ineta Andersone, Project Manager of “Ziemeļzemes kods”.
Local people at the heart of the experience
One of the network’s greatest strengths is the diversity of its partners. “Ziemeļzemes kods” brings together small family farms and artisan producers, established food and beverage producers, chocolatiers, fruit and berry growers, food businesses, historic manor houses and other destinations that collectively tell the story of Northern Vidzeme through its flavours.
Every stop is different, yet they all have something in common: the people whose work and hospitality create genuine, personal experiences for visitors.
“We do not see one another as competitors. We complement each other by using local products, recommending other businesses to our guests and working together to tell the story of Northern Vidzeme through its flavours. When someone visits us, I am delighted if they also stop at a neighbouring farm, visit a cultural site and discover more of our beautiful region.
I believe this kind of cooperation has great long-term potential. It strengthens local businesses while also encouraging a more sustainable way of travelling, where the aim is not to tick off as many attractions as possible, but to genuinely get to know the region and the people who live and work here,” says Maija Zvirbule, owner of the organic cattle farm “Stores”.
Ten routes through Northern Vidzeme
The network features ten themed routes across Northern Vidzeme, taking travellers from historic manor houses and sites connected to Livonian history to the landscapes of the Gauja and Salaca rivers, Latvia’s borderlands, local farms and producers, and nature destinations.
The routes are designed as inspiration rather than rigid itineraries. Travellers can follow an entire route or create their own journey by combining individual stops according to their interests.
“When developing the routes, we wanted to create a travel experience that encourages people to slow down and discover the many different sides of Northern Vidzeme. Each route has been designed so that it can comfortably be completed by car in one day, while still leaving enough time to stop, take a walk, discover cultural and historical sites, and meet local farmers and producers.
We deliberately looked for synergies between gastronomy, nature and cultural tourism, so that travellers can not only taste local products but also discover the people, landscapes and stories that shape the character of Northern Vidzeme,” adds Toms Treimanis, Head of the Valmiera Municipality Tourism Board.
The cloudberry: a symbol of Northern Vidzeme
The cloudberry has been chosen as the symbol of “Ziemeļzemes kods”. This rare northern berry grows in places where nature has retained its distinctive character.
It has become a metaphor for Northern Vidzeme itself, representing a close connection to nature, value, resilience and a touch of mystery.
About “Ziemeļzemes kods”
It is a gastronomy tourism network in Northern Vidzeme, Latvia, connecting local food and drink producers, farms, hospitality businesses, cultural heritage sites and nature experiences. The network offers ten themed routes as well as individual stops that can be combined into customised itineraries for independent travellers and groups.
Media and tourism industry enquiries: Ineta Andersone, Project Manager, “Ziemeļzemes kods”, +371 29999675, [email protected], www.ziemelzemeskods.lv
