- Where is the city of Jurmala
- History of Jurmala
- How to get to Jurmala
- Districts of Jurmala
- What to do in Jurmala
There are not many cities in Latvia where you can comfortably relax while enjoying beach tourism. One of the most worthy places among the Baltic coast is Jurmala, which in translation from the Latvian language means "seaside". In different periods of Russian history, both representatives of the authorities and bohemians and ordinary tourists rested in the resort areas of Jurmala. Therefore, almost every Russian knows where Jurmala is.
Where is the city of Jurmala
The pearl of the Baltics is located 25 kilometers from the capital of Latvia and stretches along the coastline along the Gulf of Riga for 33 kilometers. If you look at the city from above, you can see that outwardly it looks like a narrow strip located between the Baltic Sea and the water area of the Lielupe River.
Initially, Jurmala included several small villages, which later gradually merged into a common territory, where a unique resort of national importance was created. Currently, the most popular recreation areas are Dzintari, Bulduri, Jaunkemeri, Dubulti, Jomas and Majori.
Despite the fact that the population of Jurmala has significantly decreased in recent years and is about 56,000 inhabitants, local authorities are making every effort to develop all the necessary in the tourism sector. For this purpose, large sums of money are invested annually in the construction of new sanatoriums, hotels and entertainment zones.
Due to the favorable climatic conditions and the combination of coniferous forests, the sea and cultural attractions on the same territory, Jurama attracts a significant number of tourists not only from Russia, but also from other countries.
History of Jurmala
According to archaeological finds in the area of the city, the territory of modern Jurmala began to settle down as early as 2400-1900 BC, after which the first settlement appeared in the Priedain lowland. The locals were mainly engaged in fishing, hunting and farming. In the period from the 13th to the 16th centuries, some of the lands of Jurmala were part of the Livonian Order, and in 1520 most of the city passed into the jurisdiction of the Duchy of Courland.
The starting point for the formation of Jurmala as a resort zone was 1783, when the city began to belong to the Vidzeme province, which at that time belonged to the Russian Empire. In a short time, the Sloka district, located in Jurmala, has become a truly favorite resting place for wealthy merchants, generals, generals and other representatives of the nobility. For several decades, most of the coastal land in the district was sold out and fashionable estates were erected on their territory. Separately, it should be noted that the fashion for beach tourism penetrated the Russian Empire thanks to the Europeans.
At the end of the 19th century, a railway connection was established between Riga, Moscow, St. Petersburg and Jurmala, which allowed the city administration to significantly increase the flow of visitors. In the same period, the mass construction of sanatoriums began, which became popular among poets, musicians, writers and artists.
At the beginning of the XX century, Jurmala flourished and actively developed in territorial, cultural and tourist relations. Since the settlement consisted mainly of separate districts, in 1959 it was decided to unite all the quarters of Jurmala with the Baltic coast. Thus began a modern milestone in the history of the famous resort.
How to get to Jurmala
Having decided on a trip to Jurmala, a tourist carefully thinks out his route to Riga, since it is from this city that it is easiest to get to the leading resort areas. You can get to Riga: by plane; by bus; by train; by private car.
Flying is considered ideal, but an expensive option. There are many direct flights every day from the capital of Russia to Riga, which will take you to your destination in 2-2, 5 hours, which is very convenient.
Having chosen a train as a means of transportation, you should first purchase a ticket for "Latvijas Express", which regularly runs between Moscow and Riga. The cost of the trip varies depending on the class of the carriage and the time of year. Thus, in summer, tickets become much more expensive, which is explained by the opening of the beach season in Latvia.
As for the bus, this method is more suitable for those who like long journeys. Travel time will take from 10 to 12 hours with occasional stops. Quite comfortable buses, equipped with everything necessary for a full trip, go to Riga.
People who prefer to get to their vacation spot on their own are better off going to Jurmala by their own car through the territory of the Republic of Belarus. The only drawback of this method is the long border crossing procedure, which can certainly take a lot of your time. Arriving in Riga, you can easily get to Jurmala using local buses, taxis or trains.
Districts of Jurmala
Tourists who know where Jurmala is located can easily organize an exciting trip for themselves and freely navigate around the city. Among the most famous are the following:
- Lielupe is the very first seaside station along the coast. The district ends at the place where the river of the same name flows into the Gulf of Riga. The area contains cozy marinas and harbors, a yacht club, the Jurmala open-air museum, where you can get acquainted in detail with ancient buildings and the traditional way of fishing settlements. Also worth a visit is the amazing natural complex Ragakapa, which offers tourists walks in the fresh air surrounded by three hundred year old pine trees. Couples are recommended to go to the aqua park, which has a lot of entertainment for every taste.
- At the beginning of Jurmala there is an equally popular Priedaine district, which differs from other tourist areas by its location far from the sea coast. In XX, Priedaine was a dacha village where wealthy citizens preferred to settle. Currently, in the area you can see such an attraction as the White Dune, the length of which is about 800 meters, and the height varies from 15 to 18 meters. White Dune is the pride of Latvia, as it is a key natural heritage site of the country.
- Bulduri district, named after Johann Buldrink, who settled here in a luxurious manor in the 15th century. The area became famous for the fact that, as a rule, wealthy Germans lived on its territory, who had a significant impact on the local architecture. Fans of educational tourism should visit the former Edinburgh and Bulduri dendrological parks, the famous Juras Perle restaurant, the Jurmala theater, and also do not forget to go on an excursion to the Lutheran church, created according to the project of Hilbig.
- The western part of Jurmala is occupied by the Kemeri region, where the main sanatoriums and balneo-mud resort are concentrated. Currently, in the territory of emeri you can find several active and inactive sanatoriums, as well as a national park. The leadership of Jurmala is implementing a project, thanks to which health institutions will be fully restored in Kemeri by 2018 and unique zones for treatment using healing mud and mineral waters will be created.
What to do in Jurmala
Jurmala is a unique city that combines not only beach and health tourism, but also educational. After a long rest on the seashore, tourists go to see the local sights. In Jurmala, there is the famous Lutheran Church of St. John, St. Anne and other architectural structures of different eras. Separately, it is worth noting the holiday complex of Kristaps and Augusta Morberg, built entirely of wood at the beginning of the 19th century. The original building is an example of wooden architecture due to the strict adherence to construction technologies.
History lovers are invited to exciting excursions to the city museums, the local history museum of the Holy Trinity Tower and the Jelgava Museum of History and Art. Expositions dedicated to the cultural heritage of Latvia are periodically exhibited in large halls.
If you come to Jurmala with children, then you should go to the water park and enjoy the rides that meet all international security requirements. The second must-see place for visiting with children is the emeri National Park, where you will be offered to get acquainted with the diverse world of flora and fauna of Latvia.
In the evening, the famous Dzintari concert hall opens its doors, where famous singers perform and thematic festivals are held. After the concerts, tourists like to stroll along the cozy streets and taste delicious Latvian cuisine in restaurants.
A trip to Jurmala will be a real discovery for you, since this city has everything for a good rest for people of different incomes and age categories.
