Visiting Latvia, you will forever remember the elegant capital of the country, architectural objects of the past, resort areas of the Baltic Sea and the special atmosphere that reigns in every city. If you decide to stay in Riga, then the question of what to see will be resolved automatically, since very interesting sights are scattered in almost all districts. In addition, there are many picturesque places in Latvia where locals enjoy their vacation.
Holiday season in Latvia
Tourists come to the country all year round. The climatic features of the country are such that in any season you will find entertainment to your liking. Those who prefer sightseeing tourism should plan a trip for spring or autumn. During this period, the weather will delight you with a comfortable air temperature and the absence of exhausting heat. Also, in autumn and spring, wellness programs are popular, offered by the best sanatorium complexes in the country.
In summer, beach lovers strive to get to Latvia. The flow of visitors begins to stay in mid-May, and at the end of September, the beaches are gradually emptying. The developed level of infrastructure, the ability to choose a hotel of any price category and the clear sea are the main criteria for making a vacation on the Baltic coast comfortable.
TOP 15 interesting places in Latvia
The Dome Cathedral
It is a key attraction and hallmark of Riga. The history of the cathedral goes back to 1211, when the construction of the main building began under the leadership of Bishop Albert Buxgewden. In the external appearance of the building, tendencies of the Romanesque and Gothic styles are clearly traced. Subsequently, the cathedral was reconstructed several times, which led to a mixture of different architectural trends. Today, everyone who wants to see the oldest organ in the world and the collection of exhibits housed in spacious halls come to the Dome Cathedral.
Gauja National Park
It is considered the largest in Riga and is included in the list of specially protected natural objects in Latvia. On a vast area of 920 square kilometers, there are picturesque meadows and forests. The coastline of the Gauja River is framed by high cliffs formed by the most ancient sandstone rocks. Every visitor will find something to their liking in the park: walking in the woods, exploring caves and castles, horseback riding, as well as hiking long distances, involving living in the wild.
Daugavpils fortress
The small Latvian town of Daugavpils boasts the only bastion fortress in the world that has survived almost unchanged from the time of its construction. This famous architectural monument has been nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO heritage list.
The purpose of the construction of the fortress in 1810 was the desire of Alexander I to strengthen the western borders of the country. Later, the building was partially damaged during the war with the French. Within 20 years, the complex has been completely restored and today pleases visitors with its grandeur.
Rundale Palace
The attraction is located near the village of Pilsrundale and is particularly splendid. For several years the palace was the main residence of the dukes of Courland. The construction project was developed by the famous architect F. B. Rastrelli, whose favorite style was the Baroque. Therefore, the palace amazes with its luxury and outwardly resembles Peterhof.
The interior of the palace was thought out in detail and includes:
- chic tapestries;
- old paintings;
- statues;
- antique furniture.
Visitors to the palace spend hours walking around the palace, after which they rest in the parks located near the central gate.
Jurmala beaches
There are 26 kilometers of white beaches along the coast of the Gulf of Riga. Everyone who comes to Latvia during the high season strives to get here. Local authorities have made every effort to ensure that tourists feel comfortable and enjoy swimming.
The beaches are equipped with everything you need and meet the international level of security. In the immediate vicinity of all the beaches there are hotels of different price categories, numerous restaurants and cafes serving national cuisine.
Venta waterfall
This natural site is very unusual in its structure. The width of the waterfall reaches 280 meters in some places, and its height does not exceed 2 meters. Despite its small size, the inhabitants of Kuldiga consider the waterfall one of the symbols of Latvia.
During spawning, those who want to see an amazing sight, namely the "flying fish", flock to the reservoir. This effect is achieved when schools of fish jump out of the water to overcome steep rapids. Fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at catching carp, carp, pike and crucian carp.
St. Peter's Church
The cult landmark is a visiting card of the Latvian capital and rightfully occupies a worthy place among the best Gothic architectural monuments with baroque elements. The construction of the church dates back to 1209, when ordinary townspeople raised enough funds to build the shrine.
The highlight of the project was the high spire, which to this day rises above Riga and has long been considered one of the highest in Europe. Over the centuries, the church has been reconstructed more than once, as it experienced various historical events. Now the temple is active, and those who wish can take the elevator to the observation deck and admire the surrounding views.
House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads
The central part of Riga is decorated with an incredibly beautiful building, built in 1334. Two large-scale buildings made of white and red bricks harmoniously fit into the architectural appearance of the city. In the 15th - 18th centuries, the house was inhabited by representatives of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, which consisted of local nobility, wealthy merchants and merchants. The organization directed the social life of Latvia and exerted a significant influence on the government. After a major reconstruction, the building continues to delight not only citizens, but also visitors with its original facade.
Aglona Basilica
Thousands of Catholics annually flock to the village of Aglona to visit the pilgrimage center located in the basilica. The beginning of construction dates back to 1699, when monks of the Dominican order arrived in the village, invited by local landowners. Initially, the church building was wooden, after which a monastery and other buildings in the Baroque style appeared next to it. The basilica stands out among others for its spire, which rises to 123 meters. On the day of the Ascension of the Virgin, believers gather near the temple to listen to organ music and a choir.
Kemeri park
The national park is located on the territory of Jurmala, Zemgala and Vidzema. In a vast area of 380 square kilometers, you can see lakes, forests, river valleys, continental dunes and a beach. The park is known for its swampy terrain, so special paths have been laid for tourists to travel more conveniently.
Separately, it should be noted that there are several sanatoriums in the park offering various forms of treatment using mud and mineral springs. In such resorts, it is very popular to take courses of rehabilitation and recovery after long-term illnesses.
Mitava Palace
Another masterpiece by FB Rastrelli is located in Jelgava, formerly called Mitava. The construction of the baroque building began in 1738, after which the dynasty of the dukes of Courland lived in the palace for decades. The initiator of the construction of the landmark was Count P. Biron, who received representatives of the authorities within the walls of the palace.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the main building was plundered and all the valuables that had been accumulating over the years were taken out of the halls. Before the Great Patriotic War, the premises of the palace were given over to the university, which still exists today.
Freedom Monument
The architectural appearance of the central part of Riga is complemented by a monument erected with folk funds. The 42-meter-high monument is made in the form of a woman holding three five-pointed stars connected at the bases.
The monument is the personification of freedom, and the stars symbolize the cultural and historical regions of Latvia.
The construction of the landmark was completed in 1935 and this event was dedicated to the fighters for the country's independence. The complete composition of the sculpture includes statues and bas-reliefs standing at the foot, reflecting various events in the life of Latvia.
Karosta Museum
The town of Liepaja is famous among tourists thanks to a very unusual museum. Until 1997, there was a prison in the main building of the museum, famous for its harsh conditions of detention and severity. After 1997, the city authorities decided to give the building as a museum.
The concept of leadership differs significantly from this kind of organization. Tours are thematic, which means that the staff act as strict guards. Inspection of the museum is carried out in a playful way and includes an acquaintance with all the premises of the former prison.
Ethnographical museum
The museum is considered unique, as it was created on a natural territory of 85 hectares near a picturesque place on the coast of Lake Jugla. According to experts, this open-type museum complex is the largest in Europe and the most visited.
Visitors walk for hours along the cozy streets, inspecting the numerous buildings for various purposes, which were erected in the period from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The interior of each building is thought out to the smallest detail in order to preserve the cultural and ethnographic heritage of the small peoples of Latvia.
Bauska castle
The massive structure can be seen at the confluence of the Latvian rivers Memele and Musa. The fortress was built by order of the Master of the Livonian Order in 1450. The main function of the castle was to protect the city walls from Lithuanian invaders.
Year after year, people of high state officials became the owners of the building, and this fact inevitably affected the appearance of the building. Today you can only get to the castle with a guide. Once in the ancient fortress, you will get a lot of positive emotions after acquaintance with the luxurious interior decoration and an informative excursion.
