Canal Side Strolls: Finding Your Rhythm
May 14, 2026
A guide to the best gentle walking routes along Riga's Daugava River canal, with rest spots, accessible features, and timing for a comfortable pace.
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Andris Sietins
Senior Leisure Travel Consultant
reclaimsleep SIA
Designing accessible outdoor experiences for retirees across the Baltic region since 2010
Experience & Impact
By the Numbers
14
Years of professional experience in senior leisure tourism and accessible outdoor planning
40+
Senior centers and retirement communities consulted across Latvia and the Baltic region
3
Major accessible walking trail networks developed for older adults in Latvia
100+
Gentle walking routes mapped and documented along Riga's canal and Old Town
About Andris
A Career Built on Accessibility and Heritage
From Tour Guide to Specialist
Andris started in 2010 as a heritage tour guide leading walks through Riga's Old Town. That's when he noticed something important — older adults were missing out on the city's best parts because routes weren't designed with their needs in mind. Not because they didn't want to explore. Because nobody'd made it easy for them.
Education & Transition
He completed his degree in Tourism Management at Riga Technical University in 2012. But the real education came from working directly with retirees, observing which routes felt manageable, where people needed to rest, and which architectural views were worth a slightly longer walk. That practical knowledge shaped everything he does now.
Building Better Pathways
For the past decade, Andris has worked with retirement communities and local government to identify accessible pathways along the Daugava River canal and throughout Riga's historic center. He doesn't just recommend routes — he walks them himself, times them, notes where benches are placed, checks street conditions. His work helped develop three major accessible trail networks that over 5,000 seniors use regularly.
Recognition & Teaching
The Latvian Tourism Development Agency recognized his contributions to accessible outdoor design. Today, he trains tour operators across the Baltic on senior-friendly route planning. He's written guidelines adopted by multiple municipalities. But he'll tell you the best part isn't the recognition — it's when someone tells him they actually enjoyed a walk they thought they'd have to give up.
What Drives Him
Andris believes older adults shouldn't have to choose between experiencing their city's beauty and managing their physical comfort. He combines his passion for Riga's architectural heritage with practical understanding of accessibility requirements. Every route he designs, every consultation he gives, comes from this same principle — make it possible for seniors to explore without unnecessary strain.
Specialization
Areas of Expertise
Specific knowledge and skills developed over 14 years working with older adults and Riga's heritage landscape
Accessible Route Planning
Senior Mobility Assessment
Riga Old Town Heritage
Canal-Side Trail Development
Rest Stop Infrastructure
Retirement Community Consultation
Gentle Walking Programs
Accessibility Audits
Tour Operator Training
Municipal Path Design
Seasonal Route Adaptation
Group Outing Organization
Background
Education & Recognition
Tourism Management Degree
Riga Technical University, 2012. Foundation in tourism planning, heritage management, and visitor experience design.
Agency Recognition
Latvian Tourism Development Agency recognition for contributions to accessible outdoor design and senior-friendly tourism development.
Published Guidelines
Author of accessible route design guidelines adopted by multiple Latvian municipalities and used by tourism boards across the Baltic.
Industry Trainer
Regular instructor for tour operator training programs focused on senior-friendly route planning and accessibility best practices.
Featured Writing
Recent Articles & Guides
Practical advice for planning gentle walks and exploring Riga at a comfortable pace
Wandering Old Town Without the Rush
May 11, 2026
Explore Riga's historic Old Town at your own pace with quiet routes that skip the crowds and highlight architectural details worth discovering.
Read ArticleResting Spots Worth Finding
May 7, 2026
A practical directory of benches, cafes, and rest areas throughout Riga where you can pause comfortably during your walks and enjoy the surroundings.
Read ArticleWalking With Friends: Tips for Group Outings
May 4, 2026
How to organize group walks that work for different fitness levels and ensure everyone enjoys the experience without feeling rushed or left behind.
Read ArticleGet in Touch
Connect With Andris
Have questions about accessible walking routes, group outings, or consulting services? We'd like to hear from you.