Latvia Travel & Culture Guide

Introduction to Latvia

Latvia, a Baltic nation in Northern Europe, is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast. With a total area of 64,559 km², Latvia boasts a diverse landscape of forests, lakes, and a 504 km sandy coastline along the Baltic Sea.

The country's capital and largest city, Riga, is renowned for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, featuring an impressive collection of Art Nouveau architecture. Latvia's rich history is reflected in its numerous castles, museums, and cultural landmarks, such as the Rundāle Palace and Turaida Castle.

Latvia's natural beauty is exemplified by its national parks, including Gauja National Park, which offers hiking trails, medieval castles, and adventure activities. The country's terrain is predominantly flat, with about 98% of its land lying below 200 metres in elevation. Latvia is home to over 12,000 rivers and 3,000 small lakes, with forests covering approximately 52% of its territory.

Latvian cuisine is characterised by its use of local agricultural products, with rye bread, dairy, and pork featuring prominently in many dishes. The country has a temperate maritime climate, influenced by its proximity to the Baltic Sea. Latvia's cultural heritage is preserved in its folk traditions, music, and crafts, which visitors can experience at various museums and cultural events throughout the country.

Attractions

Riga ※

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural delights. This vibrant city, with over 600,000 inhabitants, boasts a stunning Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring medieval buildings, Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Visitors can marvel at the iconic Freedom Monument, a symbol of Latvia's quest for independence, and explore the breathtaking Art Nouveau district, particularly along Alberta Street. The city also offers a rich cultural experience with the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, as well as numerous museums and galleries. For a taste of local life, the bustling Riga Central Market is a must-visit, offering a mix of traditional and international cuisine. With its blend of history, art, and entertainment, Riga is an exciting destination for any traveller.

Kuldīga ※

Kuldīga, often referred to as the 'Venice of Latvia', is a charming town in the Courland region, renowned for its picturesque old town and natural wonders. The town's historic centre, with its wooden buildings dating back to the 13th century, is bisected by the Alekšupīte River, creating a unique and romantic atmosphere. Visitors can marvel at the Venta Waterfall, the widest in Europe, and explore the Riežupes Sand Caves, Latvia's longest cave system. The town also boasts a rich cultural heritage, including the 17th-century Old Town Hall and St Catherine's Church, while the Kuldīga Bridge offers stunning views of the Venta River. With its blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, Kuldīga is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil and culturally enriching experience.

Rundāle Palace

Rundāle Palace, situated in the picturesque Zemgale Plains of southern Latvia, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Designed by the renowned Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the palace was built in two phases between 1736 and 1740, and then from 1764 to 1768, as a summer residence for Duke Ernst Johann Biron of Courland. The palace boasts exquisite interiors, including the Golden Hall, White Hall, and Great Gallery, which showcase intricate stucco work and paintings by notable artists. The surrounding French-style garden, with its ornamental parterres, fountain, and Green Theatre, is equally impressive and has won the European Garden Award. Visitors can explore the palace's rich history, admire its architectural splendour, and enjoy cultural events such as the Early Music Festival and classical concerts held within its grounds.

Jelgava Palace

Jelgava Palace, situated in Latvia, is the largest Baroque-style palace in the Baltic states, designed by the renowned Russian court architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Originally built as a residence for the Dukes of Courland in the 18th century, it replaced a 14th-century castle of the Livonian Order. The palace boasts an impressive 674 windows, 615 doors, 669 rooms, and 25 chimneys. Notably, it houses the burial vault of the Dukes of Courland, featuring 21 sarcophagi and nine wooden coffins. Today, the palace serves as the home of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies and offers a museum showcasing its rich history. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience by tasting a specially crafted hot chocolate while learning about the palace's fascinating past. Despite lacking some of Rastrelli's typical flair, the palace remains a significant architectural monument in Latvia.

Kemeri National Park

Kemeri National Park, situated in Latvia, is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of flora and fauna. Established in 1997, it is the third-largest national park in Latvia, covering an area of 38,165 hectares. The park is renowned for its diverse wetlands, including moss bogs, fens, and transitional bogs, with the Great Kemeri Bog being one of the largest in Latvia. Visitors can explore the park's serene landscapes via nature trails, such as the Slokas Lake walking trail and the Great Kemeri Bog boardwalk. Kemeri is also a significant site for birdwatching, particularly at Lake Kanieris, which attracts over 190 species of birds during migration periods. Additionally, the park's unique sulphur springs and therapeutic mud have made it a popular destination for health and wellness since the 18th century.

Liepāja

Liepāja, Latvia's third-largest city, is a coastal gem located on the Baltic Sea. With a population of approximately 70,000, it boasts a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Known as the "City where the wind is born" due to its constant sea breeze, Liepāja is also famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant music scene, including the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra. Liepāja comprises two main areas of interest: the city centre and Karosta, a former secret military town. Notable attractions include the Karosta Prison, now a museum and hotel, the Liepāja Naval Port, and the Great Amber Concert Hall. The city's Seaside Park offers a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, while the Liepāja Museum provides insights into the local culture and history.

Gauja National Park

Gauja National Park, Latvia's first and largest national park, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Established in 1973, it spans over 917 square kilometres along the Gauja River valley, featuring stunning Devonian sandstone cliffs, caves, and picturesque landscapes. The park is home to a rich biodiversity with over 900 plant species, 149 bird species, and 48 mammal species. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, and exploring numerous cultural and historical monuments, including castles, churches, and manors. With its well-developed tourism infrastructure, Gauja National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.

Inside Gauja National Park

Cēsis

Cēsis, situated in the picturesque Vidzeme region of Latvia, is a charming medieval town steeped in history and natural beauty. The town's crowning jewel is the Cēsis Medieval Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in Latvia, offering a glimpse into the region's rich past. Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets of the old town, admiring the well-preserved medieval architecture and visiting landmarks such as St. John's Church and the Rauna Gate. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including nature trails and boat trips along the Gauja River. Cēsis also hosts cultural events, such as concerts at the Cēsis Vidzeme Concert Hall, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and scenic landscapes.

Sigulda Castle

Sigulda Castle, situated in the picturesque Gauja valley of Latvia, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich medieval history. The original castle was constructed by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in the early 13th century, serving as a strategic stronghold and later becoming part of the Teutonic Order. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of this ancient fortress, which include remnants of its once formidable walls and towers. Nearby, the New Castle of Sigulda, built in the late 19th century in a neo-Gothic style, provides a striking contrast with its elegant architecture and stunning views of the Gauja River valley. This area is also renowned for its cultural events and workshops, making Sigulda an ideal destination for those interested in history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Turaida Castle

Turaida Castle, situated in the picturesque Gauja National Park near Sigulda, Latvia, is a stunning example of medieval architecture. Constructed in 1214 during the Livonian Crusade, the castle was initially built for the Archbishop of Riga and served as a strategic stronghold for centuries. Over the years, it underwent significant transformations, including the addition of defensive structures such as towers and walls. After falling into disrepair following a fire in 1776, the castle was extensively restored in the 20th century. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved site, climb the main tower for breathtaking views of the Gauja River valley, and immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of the region through the Turaida Museum Reserve. The reserve offers a comprehensive insight into the castle's past, along with other historical and artistic attractions, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in medieval history and natural beauty.

Gutmanis Cave

Gutmanis Cave, situated by the Gauja River in Latvia's Gauja National Park, is the largest cave in the Baltic region. This natural wonder, formed over 10,000 years ago, boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 12 metres wide and 10 metres high. The cave is renowned for its historical significance, featuring inscriptions from the 17th century, including coats of arms and names of barons, which were once carved by local craftsmen for visiting nobility. Gutmanis Cave is steeped in legend, notably the tragic tale of the Rose of Turaida, a story of doomed love that echoes the themes of Romeo and Juliet. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks around the cave, taking in the stunning red sandstone cliffs and vibrant autumn foliage, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in history, nature, and romance.