Valmiera Municipality Tourism Department kicks off 2025 by participating in international tourism exhibitions in Finland and Estonia to invite travelers to choose Valmiera as their destination for 2025 and to discover why Valmiera is a must-visit destination. Special focus will be on local tourism entrepreneurs and their offering of unforgettable tourism experiences.
From January 16 to 19, Valmiera Region will be featured at tourism exhibition “MATKA Nordic Travel Fair” in Helsinki, Finland. This event is the largest tourism trade fair in Northern Europe, bringing together nearly 1,000 travel organizers, tourism organizations, 1,050 media representatives, digital content creators, and approximately 50,000 visitors from over 70 countries. At the exhibition Valmiera will highlight its treasures as a part of the Gauja National Park and as a stop on the “Via Hanseatica” tourism route.
According to a 2023 study, Finnish travelers in Latvia and Gauja National Park are particularly interested in architecture, art, culture, gastronomy, and nature. The largest national park in the Baltics, Gauja National Park, is a place where grand castles, restaurants, historic old towns, and recreational spots coexist with legends of the past and rich natural diversity. Every year the number of Finnish tourists in Gauja National Park region increases, placing them among the top four most frequent visitor groups.
From January 31 to February 2, Valmiera Municipality Tourism Department, together with “Valmiermuiža Brewery”, Guest Room “Sudrabkalni” and “Valmiermuiža Stables” will create a memorable presence at the Estonian tourism exhibition “Tourest” in Tallinn. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste drinks from “Valmiermuiža Brewery,” admire and even try on handmade crowns created by Judīte Bukša and even hop into a saddle for a horseback experience. The exhibition will also feature information on new tourism attractions and major events in Valmiera Region for 2025.
“Tourest” typically gathers over 400 travel organizers, tourism organizations and around 20,000 visitors from more than 20 countries. Estonian travelers favor Valmiera for its active leisure opportunities, excellent cuisine, cultural and historical heritage and shopping experiences.
At the exhibitions in Helsinki and Tallinn visitors will be able to explore the tourism guide “Travel in Valmiera Region,” brochures “Excursion Routes in Valmiera Region” and “Hanseatic City Valmiera” and other tourism materials in English and Estonian. Visitors will also have the chance to align their 2025 travel plans with one of Valmiera’s major events, highlighted on postcards showcasing the most iconic views of the Valmiera region.
Information prepared by:
Vineta Pūce
Valmiera Municipality Tourism Department
International Tourism Specialist
Phone: +371 26332213