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Latvia

  • © B SCHMIDa collection / age fotostock

    Riga, Latvia

Latvia in pictures - Riga

  • Riga

    It is surprising, but of the three Baltic capitals, Riga offers the least dynamic and colourful image. It is generally perceived as a continental country despite its location on the sea, or almost, and as an industrial city, emerging from the Soviet era to develop business and to create a country with a high standard of living, elegant avenues, etc. These ideas are fading away, but the city must, nevertheless, not be judged by the sad and impersonal image of its airport. Located between a river, an estuary, the countryside and gardens, Riga reveals itself to be a place of unique "urban fabric", classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its old district is neither surrounded by walls like in Tallinn, nor is it as large as the capital city of Vilnius, however, it does contain an impressive array of squares, churches and small streets from a bygone era. Its Gothic buildings of brick and stucco façades recall those of Flanders and Northern Germany. During the Middle Ages, the city gained in prosperity and became a city of merchants and influential guilds. At the turn of the 20th century Riga became "the Paris of the Baltic": a crossroads for artists and artisans, where arts and the Art Nouveau of the time, inspired and developed buildings, streets and neighbourhoods to such an extent that today in Riga, a third of the constructions are of an Art Nouveau style. Beautiful and lively, the Latvian capital is a place to visit both in the winter and the summer, for the seasonal cold and Christmas lights in the winter and the beaches in the summer. The beach resort town of Jurmala, for example, among the dunes, the lagoons and the wooden houses, is absolutely splendid, it is the "Latvian Saint-Tropez" just 15 and a half miles from Riga. For some, it resembles the Californian town of Carmel, while for others it might be compared to the "pogosts" (wooden houses) of Karelia, or a child's toy house. For all, it is a stunning place which is worth visiting.
    Discover Riga
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In brief +

Weekly budget
unconfirmed
Flight budget
£180
Flight duration
5h 
Time difference
+1h / +1h
Visa
No
Vaccinations
No
Currency
Lats
Language(s)
latvian

Latvia :

map Latvia

Destination overview

Quick geography lesson: Latvia is between Estonia (in the north) and Lithuania (in the south). Its capital is Riga and it has been a member of the European Union since May 2004. It is highly industrialised, which is considered a danger to the environment, but Latvians don't procrastinate; the protection of their natural heritage is happening right now, so in a few years from now the changes should be visible. Before then though, don't miss out on a trip to Riga; we bet that when you see this city, you'll want to visit the whole country!

pros

  •  A visit to the town of Jurmala is a must!
  •  Riga, the capital, which is not very well known.
  •  The unspoilt Baltic coast.

cons

  •  Efforts need to be made to make the country more attractive to tourists.
  •  The quality of hotels and restaurants varies.

Latvia Travel guide

Our Editorial team's advice

Latvia is a fertile territory with abundant water; unfortunately its seas and rivers are so polluted and dirty that swimming is forbidden - the gulf of Riga and the river Daugava are highly affected. However, you can enjoy the Latvian countryside throughout the year, with all its 'nature-worshipping' festivals. During every solstice and equinox, the country renews ties with its ancestral roots: the winter solstice (Ziemassvetki) coincides with Christians' Christmas; the autumn equinox, favourable for ritualistic offerings, occurs around All Saints' Day and the spring equinox (Liela Diena) is an occasion to climb on huge swings. The most important of all these celebrations is summer solstice; where, on Midsummer's Day, huge crowds go to the forest and take part in never-ending feasts around the fire.

Latvia : Reasons to go

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Latvia in pictures

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  • Riga, Latvia
  • Gauja national park : Gauja National Park - Latvia
  • Jurmala seaside resort : The seaside resort town of Jurmala - Latvia
  • Jurmala seaside resort :  - Latvia
  • Jurmala seaside resort :  - Latvia
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Latvia in pictures

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    Weather Latvia

    • Riga 15°C | 26°C 4 day weather forecast 26°C 24°C 22°C 17°C
    • Ventspils 13°C | 22°C 4 day weather forecast 22°C 21°C 20°C 14°C
    • Liepaja 14°C | 25°C 4 day weather forecast 25°C 18°C 18°C 11°C

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    Open doors in the Baltic States

    Open doors in the Baltic States

    The three Baltic states invite you to discover their homes, classified buildings, their neighbourhoods and their preserved architecture. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania... Three opportunities to discover the homes of our European neighbours. In the town and the countryside. Always with a forest, a lake or a shore not far away. ...

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