Small seaside country in Baltic Northern Europe, Latvia might not meet the heaviest masses of tourists found on earth, but it is hospitable towards those who come here in search of the historical charm and affordable shopping opportunities of its fascinating cities or the northern sun on the wide sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea coast of Latvia. In addition to this, Latvia offers lovely green countryside landscapes from rolling hills to marshlands and pine forests.
Beach resorts. Latvia is also home to lovely beach resorts such as Liepaja, which is best known for its soft sandy beaches, pine forests, and gardens, making thousands of sun lovers fill the streets of this seaside city every summer. Besides Liepaja Latvia has also other popular beach resorts to offer. Jurmala, which is located in close surroundings of Riga, is the choice of the local rich and famous who like to spend a day or two in one of the many excellent spas of the area. Introducing wooden houses and traditional fishing villages, Jurmala is also a good choice for those who want to explore Latvian cultural heritage. Kayaking and biking in Latvia are popular during the summer, while there are also possibilities for cross-country and downhill skiing in Latvia during the winter months.
How to get there. Located in Northern Europe by the Baltic Sea, Latvia is an easily reached destination with frequent flights available from many European destinations, and with regular ferries to Latvia from Germany, Sweden, and Estonia.
Attractions of Latvia from the historical capital to lovely countryside
Varied, small and still largely undiscovered, Latvia offers some fascinating attractions to be explored. The main attraction of the country is its capital, Riga. This charming large city is most of all a historical treasure, dating back to more than 800 years and hosting many architectural sights such as Jugend-style buildings and city parts cherishing traditional wooden architecture. Riga is also equipped with first class cultural and shopping facilities. If you want to explore Latvia outside its capital, you will find some interesting places such as Sigulda, 50 km northeast of Riga. This lovely small town offers not only photogenic castles to be explored, but also some of the best Latvian landscapes and natural sights, which have gained Sigulda nickname “Switzerland of Latvia”. In addition to Sigulda, the historical town of Cesis and the popular Gauja National Park close to both these towns offer yet more attractions in Latvia.Beach resorts. Latvia is also home to lovely beach resorts such as Liepaja, which is best known for its soft sandy beaches, pine forests, and gardens, making thousands of sun lovers fill the streets of this seaside city every summer. Besides Liepaja Latvia has also other popular beach resorts to offer. Jurmala, which is located in close surroundings of Riga, is the choice of the local rich and famous who like to spend a day or two in one of the many excellent spas of the area. Introducing wooden houses and traditional fishing villages, Jurmala is also a good choice for those who want to explore Latvian cultural heritage. Kayaking and biking in Latvia are popular during the summer, while there are also possibilities for cross-country and downhill skiing in Latvia during the winter months.
A quite safe country with developing tourism industry
Climate in Latvia is characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Summertime (June-August) average monthly high temperatures in Latvia are generally around 20-25 degrees Celsius, but winters (December-March) with their close to zero temperatures are remarkably colder and snowy. Overall, the best time to visit Latvia is during the summer, but if you bring warm clothes, especially Riga is worth a visit anytime.How to get there. Located in Northern Europe by the Baltic Sea, Latvia is an easily reached destination with frequent flights available from many European destinations, and with regular ferries to Latvia from Germany, Sweden, and Estonia.
Photo: Maurice, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
International trains and buses are available especially to Riga. Latvia has good road connections making this small country accessible from the neighboring countries. There are good bus and train networks available for moving inside the country, in addition to which also renting a car, and for the sportive people, biking, are good ways of travelling around in Latvia.
Tourism in Latvia. Although Latvia is not one of the traditional European tourism destinations, it has been a popular seaside destination during the Soviet times. Accommodation and entertainment facilities, as well as tourism information services of the country have improved a lot during the last decades and today, especially Riga is quite well equipped for meeting the needs of the increasing number of international visitors coming to Latvia. Once considered as an unsafe place, Latvia is today a quite safe destination that is suitable also for families. However, if you travel to Riga, be aware of pickpockets and robberies, and elsewhere watch out for the traffic.
From Russian rule to independence: History of Latvia in brief
Inhabited in the 8th -12th centuries by Eastern Baltic tribes known as the Latgalians, Latvia has gone through a long and winding road towards independence. Previously under German, Swedish, Lithuanian and Polish rule, Latvia became a Russian territory in the late 1700s. Becoming independent in 1920, Latvia was conquered by Soviet Union in the World War II. This small country regained its independence in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. Today, Latvia enjoys independent days as a European Union member, and hosts a 30% Russian minority. The recent economic crisis has hit Latvia hard, but this might just make the country more attractive by tourism point of view.hint See also these nearby destinations: Riga, Jurmala
