Exploring the Baltic Sea’s underwater reefs at GeoDay 2026
On 31 October 2026, the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LHEI) will take part in GeoDay at Šlītere Lighthouse in Slītere National Park, western Latvia. This free, family-friendly event will explore how glaciers shaped the region’s landscapes and introduce visitors to the underwater reefs of the Baltic Sea.
Held under the theme “Following the Glacier’s Footsteps: From the Ice Age to the Present”, GeoDay will bring together geologists and nature researchers for talks, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
LHEI researcher Ieva Bārda will introduce the Baltic Sea’s underwater reefs and the methods used to study them. Video footage will reveal features hidden beneath the sea’s surface and offer an insight into researchers’ work at sea.
The venue provides a direct connection to the region’s geological past. Šlītere Lighthouse stands at the edge of the Slītere Blue Hills escarpment, once washed by the waters of the ancient Baltic Ice Lake. Visitors will be able to climb the lighthouse for a view of the surrounding landscape.
From Baltic reefs to Icelandic glaciers
The programme will explore glacial processes through a range of activities:
- Geologist Dr Sandijs Mešķis will explain how glaciers form, move and leave traces in the landscape.
- LHEI researcher Ieva Bārda will discuss the Baltic Sea’s underwater reefs and their exploration.
- Dr Kristaps Lamsters will take visitors on a virtual reality expedition to Iceland’s glaciers, with views of a glacier tunnel and its surface.
- Geologist Kristaps Rendinieks will introduce an educational glacier model developed through the Geosites project.
- Latvia’s Nature Conservation Agency will host its mobile nature classroom, alongside dry ice demonstrations and creative workshops.
- In a conversation moderated by comedian Kalvis Troska, Sandijs Mešķis and Kristaps Lamsters will share experiences and unexpected moments from glacier expeditions.
GeoDay is organised for the second year by Kurzeme Planning Region in cooperation with LHEI and Latvia’s Nature Conservation Agency through the Geosites project. It aims to encourage interest in geology and help people explore the natural heritage of Kurzeme, Latvia’s western region. The first event, held in 2025 in the Nīca area, attracted more than 130 visitors and focused on dune formation and Pūsēnu Hill, Latvia’s Geological Site of the Year 2025.
About Geosites
Geosites (project No. LL-00244) is a cross-border project supporting the protection of geological features in Latvia and Lithuania. It is funded through the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027.
LHEI leads the project in partnership with the Žemaitija National Park Directorate in Lithuania and Kurzeme Planning Region in Latvia.
The partners are studying and mapping underwater geological features in the Baltic Sea and Lake Plateliai in Lithuania. They are also identifying and classifying geological sites on land in Kurzeme and Žemaitija, western Lithuania. The findings will inform geological heritage conservation, site management and public education.
Learn more about the Geosites project.
Visiting GeoDay
Date: 31 October 2026
Venue: Šlītere Lighthouse, Slītere National Park, western Latvia
Admission: Free, including all activities
Warm tea and snacks will be available. Activities will take place in tents, so visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and bring a reusable insulated cup.
