Latvia

Latvia Highlights

Latvia, a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage. Riga, the capital, offers landmarks like the historic Old Town, the iconic Riga Cathedral, and the unique Art Nouveau district. Beyond the capital, explore the stunning landscapes of the Gauja National Park, the beautiful beaches of Jurmala, or the historic city of Cēsis. Don`t miss the impressive Rundāle Palace, the unique Turaida Museum Reserve, or the charming Latvian ethnographic open-air museum. Latvian cuisine, known for dishes like rye bread, smoked fish, and a variety of unique dairy products, is flavorful and hearty. Whether you`re exploring a historic city, hiking in a beautiful park, or enjoying a Baltic beach, Latvia offers a captivating and enriching travel experience.

Top 10 Attractions

Art Nouveau Riga

Riga is known for its extensive Art Nouveau architecture. Alberta Iela and Elizabetes Iela are two streets with some of the best examples. Many buildings are adorned with intricate facades featuring mythical creatures, floral motifs, and grand human... more

Riga is known for its extensive Art Nouveau architecture. Alberta Iela and Elizabetes Iela are two streets with some of the best examples. Many buildings are adorned with intricate facades featuring mythical creatures, floral motifs, and grand human figures.

Cape Kolka

Where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga, Cape Kolka offers some of Latvia`s most stunning coastal scenery. The beach and surrounding pine forests are a haven for birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. more

Where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga, Cape Kolka offers some of Latvia`s most stunning coastal scenery. The beach and surrounding pine forests are a haven for birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

Cēsis Medieval Castle

This well-preserved 13th-century castle offers a journey back in time. Visitors can explore the western tower, the castle ruins, and the castle park. A special treat is the candle-lit tour of the dark castle chambers. more

This well-preserved 13th-century castle offers a journey back in time. Visitors can explore the western tower, the castle ruins, and the castle park. A special treat is the candle-lit tour of the dark castle chambers.

Freedom Monument

Standing tall in Riga`s city centre, the Freedom Monument is an iconic symbol of Latvia`s independence and sovereignty. The monument is adorned with 56 different sculptures that depict Latvia`s culture, history, and love for freedom. more

Standing tall in Riga`s city centre, the Freedom Monument is an iconic symbol of Latvia`s independence and sovereignty. The monument is adorned with 56 different sculptures that depict Latvia`s culture, history, and love for freedom.

Gauja National Park

Known as the "Switzerland of Latvia," Gauja National Park is the country`s largest and oldest national park. Its stunning natural landscapes include deep river valleys, sandstone cliffs, and diverse wildlife, making it perfect for hiking, boating, an... more

Known as the "Switzerland of Latvia," Gauja National Park is the country`s largest and oldest national park. Its stunning natural landscapes include deep river valleys, sandstone cliffs, and diverse wildlife, making it perfect for hiking, boating, and bird-watching.

House of the Blackheads

This architecturally stunning building in Riga`s old town was originally a guild for unmarried merchants in the 14th century. Today, it serves as a museum and concert venue and is one of the city`s most photographed buildings. more

This architecturally stunning building in Riga`s old town was originally a guild for unmarried merchants in the 14th century. Today, it serves as a museum and concert venue and is one of the city`s most photographed buildings.

Jurmala Beach

Jurmala, the largest resort city in the Baltic States, is well-known for its natural treasures–the mild climate, sea, healthy air, curative mud, and mineral water. The white-sand beach is popular in summer, while the town offers spas, restaurants, an... more

Jurmala, the largest resort city in the Baltic States, is well-known for its natural treasures–the mild climate, sea, healthy air, curative mud, and mineral water. The white-sand beach is popular in summer, while the town offers spas, restaurants, and concerts all year round.

Kemeri National Park

Known for its mineral springs, mudflats, and lakes, Kemeri National Park is a haven for various bird species. The park also features a 3.4-kilometre-long boardwalk through its picturesque bog landscape. more

Known for its mineral springs, mudflats, and lakes, Kemeri National Park is a haven for various bird species. The park also features a 3.4-kilometre-long boardwalk through its picturesque bog landscape.

Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

One of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe, this museum offers a glimpse into Latvian rural life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over 100 historical buildings from all over the country have been relocated here, including farmhouses, win... more

One of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe, this museum offers a glimpse into Latvian rural life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over 100 historical buildings from all over the country have been relocated here, including farmhouses, windmills, and a wooden church.

Latvian National Museum of Art

Located in Riga, the Latvian National Museum of Art boasts an extensive collection of national art from the mid-18th century to the present day. The museum`s restored 19th-century building itself is a work of art, combining historic architectural ele... more

Located in Riga, the Latvian National Museum of Art boasts an extensive collection of national art from the mid-18th century to the present day. The museum`s restored 19th-century building itself is a work of art, combining historic architectural elements with modern design.

Latvian National Opera

The Latvian National Opera House in Riga is a neo-classical building from the 19th century. Hosting performances of opera and ballet, it also boasts beautiful gardens perfect for a pre-show stroll. more

The Latvian National Opera House in Riga is a neo-classical building from the 19th century. Hosting performances of opera and ballet, it also boasts beautiful gardens perfect for a pre-show stroll.

Latvian War Museum

Located in Riga, this museum offers an in-depth look at Latvia`s military history, from ancient times to the modern day. Highlights include exhibits on the Latvian War of Independence and World War II. more

Located in Riga, this museum offers an in-depth look at Latvia`s military history, from ancient times to the modern day. Highlights include exhibits on the Latvian War of Independence and World War II.

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

This museum in Riga provides a detailed account of Latvia`s history during the 20th century, when the country was occupied by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. It`s an essential visit for anyone wanting to understand Latvia`s past. more

This museum in Riga provides a detailed account of Latvia`s history during the 20th century, when the country was occupied by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. It`s an essential visit for anyone wanting to understand Latvia`s past.

Riga Cathedral

Founded in 1211, Riga Cathedral is the largest medieval church in the Baltic states. The cathedral is renowned for its large organ, intricate stained glass windows, and the blend of architectural styles reflecting its long history. more

Founded in 1211, Riga Cathedral is the largest medieval church in the Baltic states. The cathedral is renowned for its large organ, intricate stained glass windows, and the blend of architectural styles reflecting its long history.

Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum

This open-air museum provides a chilling reminder of the Holocaust`s impact in Latvia. It features a map of the Riga Ghetto, a timeline of the Holocaust events in Latvia, and personal stories of victims. more

This open-air museum provides a chilling reminder of the Holocaust`s impact in Latvia. It features a map of the Riga Ghetto, a timeline of the Holocaust events in Latvia, and personal stories of victims.

Riga Motor Museum

Car enthusiasts will love the Riga Motor Museum, home to a vast collection of vintage cars, including the infamous Rolls-Royce of Soviet leader Brezhnev and Hitler`s armoured Mercedes-Benz. more

Car enthusiasts will love the Riga Motor Museum, home to a vast collection of vintage cars, including the infamous Rolls-Royce of Soviet leader Brezhnev and Hitler`s armoured Mercedes-Benz.

Rundāle Palace

Rundāle Palace, often referred to as the Versailles of Latvia, is an 18th-century Baroque palace located in the southern part of the country. Designed by the Russian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the palace`s remarkable architecture, beautiful gard... more

Rundāle Palace, often referred to as the Versailles of Latvia, is an 18th-century Baroque palace located in the southern part of the country. Designed by the Russian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the palace`s remarkable architecture, beautiful gardens, and an extensive collection of period furniture make it a must-visit.

Sigulda

Often called the `Switzerland of Vidzeme`, Sigulda is famous for its sandstone cliffs, scenic views, and historic landmarks. This town is particularly beautiful in the fall and is the main place to go for winter sports in Latvia. more

Often called the `Switzerland of Vidzeme`, Sigulda is famous for its sandstone cliffs, scenic views, and historic landmarks. This town is particularly beautiful in the fall and is the main place to go for winter sports in Latvia.

St. Peter’s Church, Riga

This Lutheran church in Riga offers stunning panoramic views from its tower. The original building dates back to 1209, and it has undergone various architectural changes and restorations after multiple fires and war damage. more

This Lutheran church in Riga offers stunning panoramic views from its tower. The original building dates back to 1209, and it has undergone various architectural changes and restorations after multiple fires and war damage.

Turaida Castle

This medieval castle, located in Gauja National Park, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The castle museum tells the story of the region`s history over 1,000 years. The grounds also include a beautiful sculpture park dedicated to... more

This medieval castle, located in Gauja National Park, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The castle museum tells the story of the region`s history over 1,000 years. The grounds also include a beautiful sculpture park dedicated to Latvian folklore.

More