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Top 10 Attractions in Latvia

From big city sophistication to heartfelt country hospitality! Latvia has a warm welcome for every visitor – Discover ancient castles, wander through stunning valleys or laze on miles of beaches in this Baltic gem !

Riga

The largest and most exciting metropolis in the Baltics, Riga is inspiring!

Architecture from Gothic cathedrals to world-class Art Nouveau, buzzing cafes and bars and delicious dining from haute cuisine to local market produce are all yours for a price tag that will add to the pleasure. The biggest metropolis in the Baltics, Riga perfectly blends timeless tradition and cutting edge cool. Amazing architecture and history. A Nordic blonde with a fiery heart, there’s much more to Riga than meets the eye. In its 800 years of turbulent history, everyone from German knights to Swedish kings and Soviet commissars have left their footprints, and today Latvia’s capital is an exciting European metropolis at the crossroads of eastern and northern Europe.

Riga’s astonishing skyline tells the story, as the timeless Gothic spires in the Old Town mingle with the fantastic facades of one of the world’s richest collections of Art Nouveau on the grand boulevards.  Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobblestones and breathtaking river views, as well as Europe’s Wifi capital with almost 1,000 spots to get online for free.

Gauja National Park

The Gauja National Park is the perfect place to de-stress. Wander miles of stunning hiking trails, explore fascinating medieval castles or thrill to bungee jumping, bobsleighing and other adventurous activities.  It is the largest and oldest of the national parks in Latvia, characterized by great biological diversity, variety of landforms, natural springs, sandstone outcrops, picturesque views and unique natural, cultural and historical monuments. The Gauja National Park was established in 1973. It stretches over more than 90,000 hectares, protecting the most beautiful section of the Gauja Valley along the Gauja River between Valmiera and Murjani.

One day will not be enough to enjoy in full all the charms of the national park! Outcrops, cliffs and caves Magnificent sandstone outcrops, rocks, cliffs and caves are among the park’s major attractions. The reddish, yellow and grayish sandstones were formed 350-370 million years ago. There is a variety of caverns in the Gauja National Park – Gutmanala, the most spacious grotto in the Baltic states; Kalejala, which is the longest; the unique Liela Ellite; and also, Velnala in Sigulda, one of the most popular caverns.

The Erglu Cliffs, the Kuku Cliffs, the Licu-Langu Cliffs and the Sietiniezis Ridge sit on the banks of the Gauja River, and one can find outstanding cliffs of sedimentary rock composed of sandstone and dolomite – the Zvartes Rock, the Dzilnas Ridge, the Kaubju Ridge, the Ainavu Scarp – on the banks of the Amata River. Reddish sandstone cliffs – the Lustuzis Ridge and the Anfabrika Cliffs – can be admired on the banks of the Ligatne River in Lejasligatne. Cultural and historical monuments. There are over 500 cultural and historical monuments in the territory of the Gauja National Park – castle mounds, brick castles, churches, manor houses, watermills, windmills and other archaeological, architectural and art monuments. Scattered along the Gauja River, there are 19 ancient castle mounds, six Medieval castles and three towns – Straupe, Sigulda un Cesis.

Jurmala

Just 20 minutes’ drive from Riga, Jurmala (Jūrmala) is a seaside resort like no other. If you’re looking for fun, there’s vibrant life on the beach and in the unique spas, offering a tempting menu of mud packs and massages. But Jurmala is also a great place to get back to nature, strolling the miles of pine-fringed shore or admiring beautiful timber summer cottages. Nature adds to the enchantment with fresh air, swaying pine trees and an easy-going atmosphere guaranteed to bring your stress level down. And if you need a bit help relaxing, check into one of the resort’s legendary spas. Spoil yourself with a massage or beauty treatment, swim in the pool, sweat it out in the sauna, or partake of Jurmala’s famous medicinal mud baths or mineral water treatments.

Culture at the beach In addition to its natural assets, Jurmala also boasts top culture and entertainment events all year round. Music lovers flock to Dzintari Concert Hall, a magnificent heritage building drawing top symphony, opera, pop and jazz acts. There’s plenty of fun at the seaside as well. Mingle with the masses around the football pitches and beach bars, or stroll away to quitter patch where your only companions are the gulls and the waves. Top things to do Jurmala offers fascinating attractions for everyone from families to singles, and nature lovers to gourmets. Jomas street People-watch the diverse crowd on Jomas iela, Jurmala’s kilometre-long pedestrian boulevard, a strip of friendly bars, cafes and restaurants.

Līvu akvaparks The whole family will love the dozen slides and other crazy rides at Līvu akvaparks, the biggest water park in the Baltics.
Open Air Museum Discover Jurmala’s fishing heritage at the Open-Air Museum and take a stroll through a unique ecosystem of pines at dunes at the nearby Ragakapa Nature Park. Kemeri National Park Enjoy abundant birds, animals and plants, sulphur springs, walking trails and unique architectural sites like the grand Sanatorium at unique Kemeri National Park.

Kuldiga

Drift back to a gentler age in Kuldiga (Kuldīga), an ideal destination for a romantic weekend or family vacation. This beautiful town offers a mixture of Baroque splendour and soulful timber houses, Europe’s widest waterfall and enchanting restaurants and guesthouses to ensure a magical stay. Architecture and waterfalls Nicknamed “the Venice of the North,” Kuldiga is an endearing blend of flowing water and historic buildings on the candidate list for UNESCO world heritage listing.

Having enjoyed its heyday in the 17th century as part of the Duchy of Kurzeme, the centre of Kuldiga hosts magnificent Baroque structures like the Town Hall. Just a little way away, bask in atmospheric cobblestone streets lined with restored timber houses, babbling streams and green parks. And down by the Venta River, take in the breath-taking sight of the Ventas rumba, Europe’s widest waterfall, and the handsome 19th century brick bridge. Kuldiga also offers unique cultural attractions. The town is richly sprinkled with public art, particularly by gifted local artist Līvija Rezevska, possibly the only woman in the world to create an entire sculpture Park.

Kuldiga’s synagogue has been sensitively renovated to serve as a library and concert Hall, together with displays commemorating the local Jewish community.

Rundale Palace and Museum

Nicknamed the Baltic Versailles, Rundale Palace (Rundāles pils) will transport you to an age of splendour. Designed by Francesco Rastrelli, the architect who also created St. Petersburg’s Hermitage, Rundale is a superbly restored Baroque and Rococo masterpiece packed with art treasures and surrounded by a delightful

The representation rooms in the eastern wing of the palace – the Gilt Hall, the White Hall, and the Great Gallery – are open to the public. The central block accommodates the Duke’s suite with reception parlours and private rooms, and the eastern block – a fully restored suite of Duchess’s rooms.

Museum The Rundāle Palace Museum works as a centre for research into Latvia’s history, through creating collections, arranging exhibitions and producing publications. The exhibition halls display applied art, fine art and historical expositions; the palace hosts the Early Music Festival and recitals of classical music.

The regular French style park with its rose garden, the Green Theatre, ornamental parterres and the fountain, are open for the public. In summers, the park becomes the venue for the Garden Festival. A Baroque palace cannot be imagined without the French garden, an elaborate architectural framework devised of green plantings that should manifest the triumph of art over nature. The park spreads out to the south of the palace, and Bartolomeo Rastrelli designed it together with the palace building. An artificial canal runs around the park, encircling also the palace and the stables. Although Rundāle’s formal garden is but 10 ha large, Rastrelli has managed to fill it with an intricate maze of allées, cross paths, pergolas and bosquets.

Rose garden The bosquets feature an impressive, almost one hectare large, rose garden that spreads on both sides of the parterres. The garden reflects the history of cultivating roses in Europe from the early 18th century till these days.

Green amphitheatre A “green amphitheatre” has been set up in one of the bosquets, following Rastrelli’s original design and the still remaining relief shapes.  The venue was launched on 11 July 2004 with the performance of Georg Friedrich Händel’s opera, Rinaldo.Fountains In front of the palace, Rastrelli’s design envisaged three fountains which did not work in the 18th century; instead of them there were water basins. The central pool is enclosed by four ornamental parterres, reconstructed after Rastrelli’s design, and consisting of surfaces covered with chips of brick and white marble, and lawn, all edged in trimmed boxwood hedging.

Turaida Museum Reserve

Latvia is a land of ancient traditions, and the best place to experience them is the Turaida Museum Reserve near Sigulda. Explore the medieval castle and its intriguing museum, connect with Latvia’s musical heritage on Folk Song Hill and take in sweeping views of the lovely Gauja River Valley.

Cesis

Cesis (Cēsis) is a town with an intriguing mixture of hipness and history. Savour the timeless ambience of the old town, get into medieval life at the ancient castle, enjoy cute cafes and soak up diverse artistic and musical events.

Medieval magic With over 800 years of history, Cesis is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Baltics. Fanning out from the square surrounding legendary St. John’s Church, the narrow streets of the Old Town have preserved their centuries-old layout and entice visitors with creative shops and cosy cafes.

Cesis Medieval Castle and its surrounding park is a superb place to enjoy nature and history, as well as pop, folk and classical concerts in summer. The castle offers a fascinating historical exhibition, a workshop making traditional Latvian jewellery as well as archery and other medieval activities. And after dark, don’t miss a chance to see the castle on a spine-tingling torchlight tour.

Cultural hub Cesis has a talent for complementing its ancient heritage with cutting edge creative events. The new Cesis Concert Hall is the musical centre of the Vidzeme region, and the adjacent Insignia gallery offers exhibitions by Latvian and foreign artists. The annual Cesis Art Festival is a month-long feast of theatre, cinema, music, visual arts and performance events held at locations throughout the town.

Liepaja

Known as the “city where the wind is born,” Liepaja (Liepāja) is a port with uncommon attractions. Architecture from Art Nouveau pearls to historic churches, the Soviet brutalist Karosta military port district, a magnificent beach and rich musical traditions are yours to savour.  Set on Latvia’s ruggedly beautiful west coast, Liepaja (Liepāja) is a proud port city with an artistic soul.

With its pristine Blue Flag beach, market stalls offering fresh local fish and the local specialty cod dish Liepājas menciņi on every menu, Liepaja is a place with the sea running through its veins. And its affectionate nickname “the city where the wind is born” reflects a town with a strong individualistic streak. This is reflected in its architecture, ranging from elegant timber houses to Art Nouveau masterpieces and grand old warehouses turned into luxury hotels.

Latgale

Latgale is an off-the-beaten-track gem that deeply rewards visitors. From a museum to legendary artist Mark Rothko to awe inspiring Aglona Basilica, Latvia’s eastern region is packed with surprises. Stunning lakes, fascinating traditions, timeless handicrafts and heartfelt hospitality will make this a place you will never forget.

Nature Latgale is often called the “Land of Blue Lakes”. In the area between Aglona, Krāslava and Ezernieki, the largest number of lakes in Latvia are congregated. Several of the lakes are interconnected, and boaters have grown to like the route from Lake Drīdža to Lake Jazinkas during which you will cross a total of five lakes.

Culture In Latgale, the dialect of the eastern part of Latvia is still commonly used, which is based on the old Latgalian language and which has its own alphabet.The characteristics of the local culture are also evident in the architectural monuments – cathedrals, churches, public buildings, city building groups, as well as farmsteads and cultural landscapes. Manor houses and parks that were built and laid out in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, wall paintings in Krāslava, Preiļi and Kameņeca, manor houses with servants’ buildings, horse stables and barns – all of these can still be found here.

The old Daugavpils (Dinaburga) Fortress is now home to the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre – a multifunctional temporary arts centre.Rēzekne proudly houses one of the busiest concert halls in the Baltics – the Latgale “Gors” Embassy and the ‘Zeimuļs’ Creative Services Centre, which is considered to be a brave combination of old and modern architecture. The Daugava old valley “Daugavas loki” nature park extends from Krāslava to Daugavpils, and tourist and nature trails have been created along the steep, picturesque banks that lead visitors around and over old Latvian castle mounds.

Ventspils

The port of Ventspils is a town with the sea in its veins, as well as being a delightful destination for the whole family. Enjoy street sculpture, let the kids run wild in the city’s fun parks, discover the interactive medieval castle or relax on the Blue Flag beach.

Art and industry Founded over 700 years ago, Ventspils is one of Latvia’s oldest ports, and the smell of the sea and the wind blowing through your hair are constant reminders of the maritime heritage. But as its superbly restored, interactive and visitor-friendly medieval castle shows, this is a city very much in tune with today. Thanks to money from oil transit and a visionary city government, Ventspils has progressed in leaps and bounds over the years. Along with excellent roads and a budding tech industry, the city has also invested heavily in art, making this an industrial town with a refined soul. The riverside promenade is rich in interesting monuments, and the city is sprinkled with reminders of the Cow Parades, in which artists imaginatively decorate bovine figures. Some are auctioned for charity but over two dozen remain to bring colour and joy to the streets.

Children’s paradise Ventspils is a busy and hardworking port, but there are also tons of things for kids to enjoy. Ventspils Adventure Park is a world of amazing rides and slides, while the Children’s Village has over 40 fun activities plus trampolines and bikes for rent.

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