Our journey to Latvia - The story behind Kletterling®

Our Journey to Nature-Connected Latvia - In the Footsteps of Our Climbers

A Land Full of Forests and Craftsmanship

In the northeast of Europe lies the fascinating Latvia, a land whose area consists of 56% forest. The Baltic states are known for their untouched nature, their national parks, and their skilled craftsmen. Wood, especially Baltic birch, plays a central role. Wood products from the Baltics are exported worldwide.

In northeastern Latvia, we found an unassuming workshop with eight dedicated workers who lovingly and by hand create high-quality climbing toys for children from Baltic birch. Behind this workshop stand a hardworking Latvian and his daughter, who have planned every product down to the smallest detail and carefully selected all materials used.

The People Behind Our Climbers

So that you know exactly where your new climbing toy comes from, we traveled to Latvia and want to introduce you to the people who make your climber a handcrafted and fairly produced favorite piece of your child.

Latvia surprised us with white beaches, lush meadows and fields, but above all with its vast green forests. More than half of the country’s area is forested, making wood, especially Baltic birch, an important branch of the economy. Even more important to us, however, were the friendships and inspiring colleagues we found in Latvia who produce our climbers 100% sustainably and fairly from Baltic birch plywood.

It all began with a small family workshop. Inspired by his children and grandchildren, Ainars came up with the idea to make climbing toys. With care and creativity, he transforms Baltic birch into beautiful natural products. Every edge is hand-sanded, every screw rounded. No risks are taken for children; everything is thought through and implemented down to the last detail. Countless prototypes were needed until the current product for sale was created.

Before a climber goes into its packaging, every inch is checked multiple times for splinters or unevenness. We had not realized before how much handwork goes into these products.

In the office, we met Krista and Kãrlis, a young couple who manage customer contact, company presence, and orders up to shipping. They stack, pack, and label every package and ensure it sets off safely on its journey.

Fair Production and Safety - Why We Tell You This Story

On our journey, we were able to answer all our questions and now want to pass this knowledge on to you. We have convinced ourselves that durable, handcrafted natural products are made here that meet all quality and safety standards. In the heart of Latvia, our cooperation helps a small family business grow with its workers – a company that offers fair working conditions and good pay. This is exactly what we stand for as well.

We want to make visible the great work and the wonderful people who work daily on our climbers. That is why we stand for absolute manufacturer transparency and maximum safety for children. We ask precisely so that you also know what kind of product you receive from us.

We hope that you will enjoy our climbers as much as we do.