Sanatoriums in Latvia. Tours to Latvia The capital and major cities of Latvia

Elegant Latvia adorns the Baltic coast with sophistication and attracts tourists with festivals in Jurmala and the historical and architectural sights of Riga. We must not forget about seaside resorts, national parks, eco-tourism, amber, delicious cuisine and interesting excursions. This beautiful place awaits visitors and is ready to receive everything with cordiality and openness.

General idea of ​​the country

Latvia is located in northern Europe. From the northwestern part it is washed by the Baltic Sea, and from the land it neighbors Russia, Lithuania, Estonia and Belarus. Latvia has a rich but extremely difficult history. The republic experienced ups and downs and was under the leadership of various rulers and states.

There is a separate discussion regarding repression and the Holocaust. Latvia first became independent in 1918, but some time later it became part of the USSR, where it remained until 1990. The modern country has been a member of the EU since 2004. The small country is a hub for Eastern European destinations and a tourist center in the east of the European Union.

Latvia is influenced by the maritime and continental climate zones. In July the air warms up to +16º, while in January the thermometer drops to -5º. Sometimes severe frosts occur. Due to the heavy rainfall, summer is not very comfortable for tourists; it is best to come to Latvia in late spring.

How to get to Latvia from different CIS countries

The state's largest international airport is located not far from Riga. There are regular direct flights here from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The average travel time is 2 hours. In addition, there are flights from Russia to Riga with transfers in Vilnius or Stockholm.

Every day an express train runs from Moscow and St. Petersburg to the capital of Latvia. The journey will take 17 hours. Russia is also connected to Latvia by bus. Buses depart from St. Petersburg and Moscow several times a day.

Residents of Ukraine from Kyiv and Lviv will be able to get to Riga by train or bus. There are also regular direct flights from Boryspil Airport to the center of Latvia. From Minsk and other large cities of Belarus there are daily bus and train flights to the Baltic state; air traffic is poorly developed.

Sea resorts of Latvia

Jurmala receives thousands of tourists all year round. The seaside resort is famous for its luxury hotels, sanatoriums, resort and rehabilitation centers, pine forests, healing air, mud baths and mineral waters. We must not forget about the clean snow-white and golden beaches, awarded the Blue Flag, and the various festivals that regularly take place in Jurmala.

The sandy beaches of Liepaja are also awarded the Blue Flag. In addition to seaside recreation, people come here for the country's largest Seaside Park, architectural and historical attractions. Near the city there is a large national park that offers eco-tourism services.

The popular tourist center of Latvia, Ventspils, is famous for the fact that its beaches were the first in the country to be awarded the Blue Flag. Beautiful Ventspils, in addition to its clean snow-white beach areas, is interesting for the Adventure Park of the same name, a water park and the Olympic Center.

Latvian and foreign youth love to relax in Bulduri and Majori, which are famous for their excellent beaches, all kinds of water activities, cozy cafes and restaurants.

National parks and ecotourism in Latvia

Gauja National Park is considered the largest and oldest in Latvia. The park is famous for its picturesque sandstone outcrops, cliffs, cliffs and caves. In addition, the Gauja National Park is interesting for its stone castles, churches, water and windmills, archaeological, architectural and historical monuments, a nature trail and a cable car. Tourists and Latvians in this park enjoy hiking, rowing, cycling and even skiing.

Kemeri National Park became famous thanks to the swamp of the same name, as well as mineral springs and deposits of healing mud. The local nature trails lead to lakes and the Forest House. Kemeri National Park also attracts with its Green Dune, Dunduru meadows and Kemeri resort.

The young Razna Nature Reserve is known for its beautiful landscapes, fortifications, lakes, forests, and natural diversity. On the territory there is one of the largest lakes in the country, Raznas, with a sandy beach. We also recommend visiting the region’s highest hill, Lielais Liepukalns, the top of which is famous for the ruins of the medieval Volkenberg Castle.

Slītere National Park is beautiful with its sea coast, broadleaf forests, nature trails, cycling routes, blue Slītere Mountains, and fishing villages. In the park, visit Cape Kolka, the Slītere Lighthouse, the Liv People's House and admire the collection of horns.

Latvia is popular among mushroom and berry pickers. You can enjoy wild fauna in the Ligante Nature Reserve. Pape Natural Park and Lake Enguresi are unique in their flora and fauna.

The main entertainment in Latvia, how to spend time

First of all, Latvia is famous for its festivals. Every year an organ music event is held in Liepaja, international exhibitions of ice and sand sculptures are held in Jelgava, and competitions for young performers are held in Jurmala.

Riga is interesting for its modern cinemas, theatres, art galleries, entertainment clubs and exciting themed parties. From the capital of the republic, tourists bring home amber, ceramic and glass products, the legendary Riga balsam, and knitted clothes. It is noteworthy that in Riga shops and souvenir shops open only around lunchtime.

Gastronomic tours are often taken to the country, which consist of excursions, visits to shops, and restaurants. Shopping tours have a very acceptable pricing policy for foreigners and a refund of local taxes on the purchase of certain categories of products.

Attractions, where to go

Latvia attracts guests with its beautiful nature, architectural and cultural attractions, and art monuments. The resort of Jurmala captivates with its snow-white beaches with quartz sand, Jelgava with museums and beautiful churches, Liepaja with a drawbridge built according to the design of the brilliant Eiffel.

The large city of Daugavpils is famous for its historical center with ancient buildings and the fortress of the same name. The beautiful capital of Riga is famous for the Dome Cathedral with the world famous organ, the House of the Blackheads, the Riga TV Tower with an observation deck, and churches.

The oldest city of the Republic of Cesis is interesting for its Venden Castle. In Sigulda we recommend admiring the Turaida Castle, and in Ventspils - the Livonian Order. You cannot pass by the luxurious Rundāle Palace with its amazing landscaped park.

Latvia is considered a calm state with a high level of security. However, it doesn't hurt to take some simple precautions. Here you cannot smoke in public places, walk on the lawns, or walk at night without a reflector. It is better to store large sums of money, jewelry and documents in a hotel safe, and at night try not to walk near train stations or on the outskirts of the city.

The weather in Latvia is unstable; take an umbrella and warm clothes for your trip. Drinking alcoholic beverages in public places is permitted only in a paper bag. The capital's public transport consists of buses, trolleybuses, trams and minibuses. Car rental is possible if you have an international driver's license, a credit card and paid insurance.

Reviews from tourists about their trip to the country

Konstantin: I came to Latvia by train in May 2017. The capital Riga pleases with its cleanliness and friendly residents, but be careful in public places. We were pleased with the local roads, and the local drivers practically do not violate traffic rules. In the capital itself I enjoyed the cultural program - I visited all the famous museums, galleries, and admired the architecture.

Elena: We flew to Latvia with friends in 2016. In April it is warm and comfortable here. The country pleased us with its beautiful nature. Latvia is full of interesting sights and interesting places. My friends and I wandered around the local national parks; our favorite was the Guaisky Park - quite large, even in a few days you couldn’t cover the entire territory.

Latvia, with its capital Riga, is a young state, but already annually receives thousands of travelers from Eastern and Western Europe. Tourists come here for the sea, ski and balneological resorts, beautiful national reserves, historical monuments and museums.

Video review: resorts of Latvia

The charm of small towns Latvia is not only Riga - a modern, architecturally diverse metropolis with a rich history. Latvia is not only about green nature and magnificent landscapes. Latvia is also about small cities – each more interesting and exciting than the other.

Unique historical buildings, medieval castles, cozy small hotels and taverns - this and much more give the cities a special charm, for which tourists from all over the world visit them.

The pearl of Kurzeme – Kuldiga

The pearl of Kurzeme, Kuldiga, has always been considered the most beautiful Latvian town of all times. One of the oldest cities, a member of the Hanseatic League, the capital of the Duchy of Courland, a city thriving in the Middle Ages, the power of which ended at the beginning of the 18th century due to the Northern War and the subsequent plague. Then the city was restored again. Since Kuldiga was not damaged in either the First or Second World War, the city has preserved ancient buildings, its historical center is a wonderful place for a walk - a leisurely observer will pay attention to the decorations of the windows and doors of houses, as well as other places with wood carvings. Kuldiga is also called the Latvian Venice, because the Aleksupite flows right past the walls of buildings through the entire city.

A special romance of the city is also created by the ancient brick bridge over the Venta, which is one of the longest brick bridges in Europe (164 m) and claims a place on the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites, and directly in front of the bridge there is the widest waterfall in Europe - the waterfall on Venta rapids (about 250 m wide and 1.75 m high), where in the spring you can watch fish jumping to spawn.

The picturesque towns of Kandava and Sabile

Not so large, but no less picturesque and beautiful cities are Kandava and Sabile, located on the banks of the Abava River, on the road from Riga to Kuldiga. The ancient valley of Abava with its banks, numerous natural monuments, ancient settlements and picturesque landscapes in itself deserves special attention, as does Kandava located on its banks. On Talsu and Sabiles streets, as well as on Loka Street, buildings characteristic only of Kandava have been preserved - houses with closed courtyards, driveways, the noteworthy Kandava Knight's Castle, the mighty Powder Tower, and from the Curonian settlement there is a magnificent view of the ancient Abava valley and the oldest stone bridge in Latvia, connecting the banks of this river.

In a small area in Sabile, many cultural and historical monuments are concentrated; the historical center of Sabile is an urban monument of the 15th–19th centuries. Sabile is also proud of the most remote vineyard in the north, inscribed in the Guinness Book of Records, and the Pedvali open-air art museum.

City on Nine Hills

The picturesque surroundings attract every guest and resident to another town in Kurzeme - Talsi. It is located on nine hills, surrounded by two lakes. The historical center of Talsi has changed little since the 19th century; narrow cobbled streets can still be found in the city; the buildings here are distinguished by buildings with gable roofs that are characteristic only of Talsi. And the landscapes of the North Kurzeme Upland located in the vicinity of Talsi with wild forests, steep mountains and deep valleys have been declared a natural park. In many places at the foot of the hills there are ski trails, and near the Jankalnu house there is a folklore trail. Not far from Sabile you can see an impressive, by Latvian standards, waterfall on the rapids of Abava, which always attracts water tourists.

City on a peninsula

In Zemgale, be sure to visit Bauska - an ancient city formed on a peninsula at the confluence of the Musa and Memele rivers. The castle of the Livonian Order is hidden there - the thickness of the walls of Bauska Castle reached 3 meters, there were five towers, some of which have survived. The old town of Bauska is a fascinating object to explore, and not far from the city lies the majestic Mezotne Palace - the most striking monument of classical architecture in Latvia, as well as Rundāle Palace - a pearl of rococo and baroque throughout the Baltics.

The towns of Subate and Ilukste, located in the north-eastern part of Zemgale, have a completely different aura. Subate stands on the shores of two lakes; the historical center of the city is a monument of urban planning of national importance. And Ilukste is especially interesting for its surroundings, where the fascinating nature reserve Pilskalnes Siguldiņa with many hiking trails was founded.

Bright Sigulda

Of course, the town most visited by tourists is Sigulda. Its beauty has been famous for several centuries, when Sigulda, called Vidzeme Switzerland, became
travelers flock from all over the world. The main value of the city is Gauja with its ancient valley and many natural, historical and cultural monuments. The picturesque river valley is beautiful in all seasons, sandstone outcrops and caves in them, ancient fortifications and stone knight's castles, of which Turaida Castle deserves a special mention, a winter sports center with the Sigulda luge and bobsleigh track and many ski slopes - this is just part of the picturesque Sigulda , located in the Gauja National Park.

Ancient Cesis

On the banks of the Gauja there is another place worth seeing - Cesis. This is one of the oldest cities in Latvia, a former member of the Hanseatic League, with a powerful castle of the Livonian Order, many unique objects to explore. Cesis Castle was once the strongest fortress in the Baltics, and a walk through the old town of Cesis and the castle park is a real dessert for romantics and connoisseurs of antiquity. Žagarkalns awaits winter sports lovers. Interestingly, in the nearby town of Cirulishi, a Holy Spring flows from one rock, the water of which has healing properties.

Luxurious Rezekne

The cultural and historical flavor of Latgale can be enjoyed in the city of Rezekne, called its heart, and its picturesque surroundings, distinguished by beautiful Catholic churches; the oldest city in Latvia - Ludza, which stands on several hills, on the shores of three lakes, and here the ruins of the majestic order castle are still preserved, and in the historical center of the city, after several devastating fires, wooden buildings of the 19th century with closed courtyards have survived; and also in Kraslava - one of the most beautiful places on the steep banks of the Daugava.

The city is home to 900 thousand inhabitants. Magnificent architecture - from medieval to modern,
Sights of Riga - Old Town (Vecriga), Dome Square, buildings of the Small and Large Guilds.

Churches and cathedrals:

• Dome Cathedral(Dome Square) (Domus Dei - House of God) built in 1211, the interior dates from the 17th century. The cathedral contains many artistic treasures, but undoubtedly the greatest of them is the magnificent organ, made in 1884 by craftsmen of the German company Walker and Co. in Ludwigsburg. Its height is 25 m, width - 11 m, depth - 10 m. Ancient paintings, amazing wood carvings and the creations of stone carvers multiply the cultural significance of the cathedral. Church services and organ music concerts are regularly held here.
• Cathedral of St. Jacob, built in 1226 outside the city wall. The church has retained its Gothic spire. In the 18th century, during another major restoration, craftsmen found the remains of a man walled up in the wall.
• Reformed Church, built in 1733 Each
• Sunday services are held here, at the same time you can examine it from the inside.
• alt="Nativity Cathedral" border="1" height="120" hspace="5" src="http://image2..jpg" vspace="5" width="150" />Православный Рождественский кафедральный собор. !} During Soviet times it was used as a Planetarium.
• Church of St. Peter. Built in the 13th century. At one time, its tower was the tallest wooden structure in Europe. The current height of the tower is 123.25 m. The marvelous view of the city opens from the observation deck of the tower, where you can take the elevator. Behind the church, a statue of Roland by August Volz awaits better times. A copper plaque in the floor immediately behind the entrance announces that this is the center of Riga.
• Church of St. John. Consecrated in 1234 as the Church of John the Baptist. There is a barred window in the wall outside. According to legend, two monks were walled up here, and parishioners served them food and drink through this very window.
• Riga Castle. Originally, there was a castle of the Livonian Order built here in the 1330s. During clashes between knights and residents of Riga, the castle was destroyed. The current castle was completed in 1515 and is a striking example of medieval architecture. Nowadays it is the residence of the President of Latvia. The Latvian Historical Museum is also located here, founded in 1869 as the Museum of the Scientific Commission of the Riga Latvian Society and since 1920, already under the auspices of the government of the Republic of Latvia, transferred to the Riga Castle.

  Museums:

• Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts;
• Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. The oldest museum in Latvia, founded in 1773;
• Museum of the 50-year occupation of Latvia;
• Latvian Museum of Photography;
• Pharmaceutical Museum;
• automobile museum;
• Memorial apartment-museum of J. Rosenthals and R. Blaumanis;
• Ethnographic Open Air Museum - located 11 km. from the center of Riga in a pine forest on the shore of a picturesque lake. Yugla. The most characteristic buildings (the oldest - 17th century) from all ethnographic regions of Latvia are concentrated here.

  Riga has many entertainment centers - nightclubs, casinos, discos, and you won't be bored here. And in 2001 Riga turns 800 years old! The whole city will be filled with events dedicated to the anniversary. The main celebrations will take place from August 17 to 19.

  South of Riga stands the magnificent Rundāle Palace, the summer residence of the Duke of Courland, built by the architect Rastrelli.

  Beautiful Latvian resorts with a mild climate and clean pine air:

• Baldone, located near Riga - a balneological and mud resort with a picturesque park;
• Liepaja- seaside mud and climatic resort;
• Jurmala, stretching along the sandy coast of the Gulf of Riga for 33 km. There is also a museum-dacha of the poet Jan Rainis;
• A popular resort is located on the picturesque banks of the Gauja River Sigulda. Caves, dense forest, ruins of medieval castles create the unique identity of this place.

  Jurmala- a seaside resort on the shores of the Gulf of Riga, 25 km from Riga. The pine aroma combined with sea air and wonderful landscapes make every corner of the Jurmala coast from Lielupe to Jaunkemeri attractive. Jurmala has numerous sanatoriums, hotels, campsites; the Dzintari concert hall and the tennis center in Lielupe and many other places for entertainment and relaxation.

  Sigulda- a medieval city and a picturesque corner of Latvia. Turaida Castle, which served as a fortress for the ancient Livs, has been preserved here. Gauja National Park: forested cliffs of white and red sandstone and dolomite cliffs up to 20 m high add unique beauty to its ancient shores. The highest is the Randatu cliff. Its 25-meter height offers stunning views. In Sigulda, next to the ruins of a medieval fortress, modern hotels and restaurants are comfortably located.

  Cesis- a town with cobbled streets and wooden houses, located 38 km. from Sigulda. The ancient town of Cesis has preserved the ruins of the ancient Livonian castle. Nowadays, in the castle of Livonian times in Cesis, a costumed theatrical performance is organized: guests are greeted by knights in armor, torches are lit, ancient music is played, dances are performed, and a real medieval meal is offered (in those days they did without cutlery). The outskirts of the city are one of the most picturesque places in Latvia.

  Another medieval monument - Kuldiga, located on the banks of the Venta River. Kuldiga - the heart of Kurzeme - was first mentioned in historical documents in 1242. The architecture of the Old Town reflects the features of many centuries - buildings in the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque styles, burgher and merchant residential buildings. The decoration of the city is the Venta Rumba waterfall - the largest in Latvia (110 m wide and 1.5 m high).
  Interesting excursions in Kurzeme:
  - excursion along the valley of the Abava and Venta rivers (Kurzemskaya);
  - inspection of the ancient Jaunmokas castle (1901), built to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Riga;
  - sightseeing in Kandava and Sabile.

  Unique archaeological and historical monuments in Araishi(the most valuable are the remains of the Latgalian settlement of the 9th-10th centuries on the island of Lake Araishi).

  Place Sabile- the northernmost point in the world where grapes are grown. Enthusiasts are ready to restore winemaking traditions, if only to attract tourists.

  Daugavpils- the second largest city in Latvia. Here you can see mainly architectural monuments of the 19th century - ensembles of a former fortress with fortifications.

  In the city Aluksne There is a wonderful park (XVIII-XIX centuries), the ruins of a 14th century castle, and the suburban landscapes are also magnificent.

  Beautiful Latgale, a land of many peoples whose culture has contributed to the appearance of the region: Latgalians, Russians, Belarusians, Poles, Lithuanians. This is the center of Catholicism in Latvia, as evidenced by numerous churches and basilicas. The Pope celebrated Mass in the Aglona Basilica in 1993. The ruins of once majestic castles remind us of the Northern Crusades. Many lakes, picturesque hills.

  Not far from the city Kraslava there is Sauleskalns hill - 211 m above sea level. From its top, a wonderful panorama of the blue-green kingdom of water and forest opens up; from here, in clear weather, 26 lakes are visible. And children in Latgale are offered to see ceramics workshops and even try to make something themselves on a pottery wheel.

  Traditional applied art of Latvia- weaving, metal, amber and wood processing, knitting and embroidery, Latvian ceramics are famous.

  The most popular and widely celebrated holiday in Latvia is Jan's day- June 23. If you are a beer lover and come to Latvia on Jan’s Day, you will love Latvia as much as beer! In any case, you will get an unforgettable experience! Folk song festivals are regularly held in Riga, starting with a colorful procession of participants in national costumes.

  Active recreation. Farms and farms, manors, cottages and campsites, tourist camps in Latvian national parks, among forests, on the banks of numerous rivers attract nature lovers, hiking, horse riding, fishing and other outdoor activities.