Latvia

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Latvia, a small Eastern European country, is nestled along the coasts of the Baltic Sea and the serene Gulf of Riga between Lithuania, Belarius, Russia, and Estonia. It joined NATO and the European Union in 2004. Over the last several years, the environment of Latvia has improved. Because of its location in Eastern Europe and along the Baltic Sea, it is truly at the “cross-roads” of Eastern European culture.

Visitors to Latvia, known for its amber, can see everything from windmills to ancient castles, palaces, and manor houses. Outdoor adventurers can take hot air balloon rides over the flat, boggy landscape or the scenic river valleys. Hunting and fishing are available in Latvia as well as a focus on nature tourism. While enjoying the out of doors in Latvia, do not miss Sigulda, often called the “Switzerland of Latvia” with medieval castles, caves, spas, golf, winter sports resorts, and a national park, Gauja National Park. For visitors, who are interested in the Latvian culture, there are interactive shows and excursions.

Getting to Latvia is fairly easy. Tourists can fly Air Baltic to Riga or arrive by bus. In Riga, there is an international bus station with many international connections. Auto-tourists can drive to Latvia from the European Union countries; however, cars have to be checked at the border to ensure that they are in good repair. For seafaring travelers, taking a ship to Latvia is the historic and authentic way to travel. The harbors and ports of Latvia have historic importance. The great Latvian port cities are Liepaja, Riga, and Ventspils. Within the country, tourists can travel by automobile, train, or bus.

Lodging is easy to find in Latvia where there are hotels and resorts, for every price range conveniently located near tourist attractions and country guest houses. For the outdoor lovers, who want to experience the beautiful landscapes of this picturesque nation, there are campsites near fire sites and drinking water. Near the seaside resort town of Jurmala, visitors can find a hotel within walking distance to the beach.

Riga is a bustling capital city on the coast with an old town that has its founding roots dating back to 1201. It has romantic winding cobbled streets and many old churches and museums. Many visit Riga to see the Jugendstil architecture and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Because of its street musicians and quaint mix of old and new, some visitors to Riga call it “funky.”

Surprisingly, Riga, Latvia is an exciting city at 2:00 AM., especially, Old Town, where club-goers meander on the cobbled streets. Although Latvia remains the poorest in the European Union, Riga, its capital is very upscale, high-end, and cosmopolitan with lots of entrepreneurs, galleries, and shopping. Visitors to Riga notice that arts are an important component of the city, especially, the Opera House. Its “cityscape” has a variety of architecture that depicts its place history place in trade. There are Dutch Renaissance houses next to the blocked and boxy Soviet-era buildings and eastern churches with onion domes. During the day, the cobbled streets of Old Town host the market stalls of farmers and craftspeople featuring amber, linen, knitwear, and beeswax. Lodging in Riga varies from boutique hotels to suites in a mansion.

Travel suggestions:

Latvia coupled with Estonia can be included on an extended Scandinavian holiday.
Because Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are neighbors, exploring the Baltic countries is an interesting way to vacation.

Always bring a passport.

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