Visit Latvia

TOP 12 REASONS TO VISIT LATVIA

Latvia is a captivating destination that offers a blend of rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant culture. Visitors are drawn to its picturesque medieval towns, including Riga’s charming Old Town, which boasts an impressive collection of Art Nouveau architecture. Latvia’s pristine Baltic coastline and lush forests are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, cycling, and water sports opportunities. Whether you’re interested in exploring heritage-rich cities or enjoying the serenity of unspoiled nature, Latvia has something to offer every type of traveler.

1. Travel Hassle – Free and Enjoy
2. Sail, Surf, and Soak – Latvian Coastline Awaits!
3. Feel the Natural Beauty of Latvia
4. Rediscover the Joy of Being Together with Family
5. Taste the Past, Embrace the Future with Latvian Cuisine
6. Unleash your inner adventurist in Latvia
7. Soothe Your Soul and clear your mind in Latvia’ SPA
8. Step into Latvia’s Architectural Wonderland: Past, Present, and Beyond
9. Immerse Yourself in Latvia’s Museums and Art Galleries
10. Escape into the Royal Past
11. Embrace Exceptional Stays in Latvia
12. Stay Wired Anywhere in Latvia

1. Travel Hassle-Free and Enjoy

• Riga International Airport stands as a pivotal gateway in the Baltic region, facilitating seamless access from various European destinations. It has direct flights to over 80 destinations in 30 countries. There are some connections also with the smaller Liepaja International Airport and Ventspils International Airport.
• For those who have a passion for cruise ships, Riga’s Passengers Port resides right in the heart of Riga, a mere 15-minute stroll from the charming Riga Old Town.
• Travel with ease across the country by car or on the bus. Connect to other Baltic countries of Lithuania and Estonia for more captivating emotions.

2. Sail, Surf, and Soak – Latvian Coastline Awaits!

Latvia’s 500 km coastline along the Baltic Sea offers pristine beaches in Jurmala, Liepoja or Ventspils, the beloved seaside resorts towns, and abundant opportunities for water travel, SPA relaxation and adventure.

• Jurmala, only 20 km away from Riga, is full of beautiful beaches and activities like swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. Pamper your body in numerous SPA hotels in Jurmala right on the Baltic seaside. All year around, enjoy the joys of water amusement in the biggest waterpark in the Baltics – Jurmala Livu Akvaparks.
• Liepaja is a windsurfing haven with strong winds, and it also boasts sandy beaches and a rich maritime history.
• Ventspils – visit family friendly city with wonderful Ostas Street Promenade, various museums (Open Seaside Museum, Ventspils Creative Center), Water Amusement Park, Ventspils Adventure Park, ect.
• Kolkasrags (Cape Kolka) – the most pronounced horn on the shores of Latvia is just an hour drive from Ventspils. Witness the 2 seas bang each other with waves (The Baltic sea and the Gulf of Riga), enjoy strong winds for kite-surfing, hiking trails in pine forests, climb a lookout tower and enjoy local smoked fish.

3. Feel the Natural Beauty of Latvia

Latvia invites you to get up close and personal with nature, while visiting the country all-year around. Explore remote places where nature is just outside your door. Latvia is rich in stunning National Parks.

• Spend the night in a cozy glamping tent or underground cave at Tērvete Nature Park while enjoying adventure park and hiking trails.
• Latvia’s natural allure extends to Gauja National Park (with Sigulda and Turaida Castles, Aerodium vertical wind tunnel, Sigulda Luge and Bobsleigh Track, etc.).
• Kemeri National Park offers bog hiking, cycling, birdwatching, etc. Visit Kemeri Resort for mineral waters and therapeutic mud baths.

4. Rediscover the Joy of Being Together with Family

Traveling is the best way to spend time with your family and to strengthen your relationship. Discover the joys Latvia has to offer and share smiles with your beloved ones.

• Explore the breathtaking national parks, hiking, cycling where you can see wild animals up close (Gauja National Park, Kemeri National Park, Pape Nature Park, Dviete Floodplains, Lake Engure Nature Park, etc.).
• Visit Latvian Zoos and Farms for close encounters with unseen animals in everyday life (Riga Zoo, Kekava Mini Zoo, Safari Park More, Ligatne Nature Trails, Exotic animal park in Dundaga and many others).
• Spend a whole day of adventures in Tervete Nature Park with its wooden sculptures, winding pathways, bridges and plankways. Take a hike or a train ride through a wonderland filled with gnome homes, fairytale creatures.
• Latvia offers a wide range of water amusement parks (Jurmala Livu Akvaparks, Ventspils Water Adventure Park ) and adventure parks (Park Tarzans in Sigulda, Valguma World, Amusement Park “Avārijas Brigāde”, etc.).
• Venture into the unknown and the unusual (Vejini Underground Lakes – the only sandstone cave of such type in the Baltics, Jaunstuci Marmot Farm, Laima Chocolate Museum, Baron Munchhausen Museum, ect.).

5. Taste the Past, Embrace the Future with Latvian Cuisine

Latvian cuisine, deeply rooted in nature, offers a unique blend of flavors and traditions. Embark on a tasty journey from traditional to home restaurants, from contemporary to upscale,  fine-dining places. 

• To experience this culinary heritage, savor traditional Latvian rye bread and a variety of bread-based dishes, from grilled bread with garlic to sweet bread soup, smoked fish and meats, blood sausages, potato pancakes, or comforting classics like frikadelu zupa (meatball soup) or sorrel soup. 
• Experience an impromptu homestead or farm restaurants where one can try local food made from local ingredients and connect to local people.
• Venture into the realms of fine-dining restaurants in Riga, Cesis, Ligatne, etc. that elevate Latvian cuisine concept to a higher level.

6. Unleash your inner adventurist in Latvia

• Hiking, cycling, bog-shoeing and forest foraging in Latvian National Parks (Gauja National Park, Kemeri National Park, etc.)
• Green Railways in Latvia (the routes that are established using the former railway lines). They can be used by cyclists, hikers, horse riding, and skiing during the wintertime or even hopping on a narrow gauge train ride.
• Bobsleigh fun rides through the year in professionally operating track in Sigulda;
• Flying like a bird in the Aerodium vertical wind tunnel in Sigulda;
• Windsurfing, board surfing on the Baltic seaside or wakeboarding, kayaking on Latvian lakes and rivers.
• Paragliding, bungee jumping, jumping with a rope for your fly and fall thrills.
• Snowmobile rides, cross-country skiing in national parks in winter.

7. Soothe Your Soul and clear your mind in Latvia’ SPA

Unlike Lithuania and Estonia, Latvia offers SPA hotels right on the Baltic Sea seaside. You can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and indulge in SPA treatments right on the seaside.

• Visitors can find SPA hotels in seaside resorts like Jurmala, Liepaja, and Ventspils, where natural mineral springs and modern facilities combine for a tranquil coastal retreat, providing both relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Latvia’s rich natural resources are used for SPA treatments such as mineral water, healing mud, bromine salt, honey, flowers, fresh berries, peppermint, and amber, making it a sensory delight.

8. Step into Latvia’s Architectural Wonderland: Past, Present, and Beyond

• Step back into the medieval era with the formidable Cesis, Bauska, Kuldiga, and Sigulda Castles, their weathered stones whispering tales of chivalry and intrigue.
• The Baroque splendor of Rundale and Jelgava Palaces is a testament to opulence and grandeur.
• Riga, the capital, flaunts its unique character with an array of Art Nouveau gems, where ornate facades and intricate details evoke the charm of a bygone era.
• And as you venture into modern times, the likes of the National Library of Latvia and the Liepaja Great Amber Concert Hall stun with their innovative designs, reflecting the contemporary spirit of Latvia.

9. Immerse Yourself in Latvia’s Museums and Art Galleries 

Visit Latvia rich in cultural heritage and artistic expression.

• Explore the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Zuzeum Art Center for art spanning centuries and contemporary exhibits.
• Discover automotive history at the Riga Motor Museum. Being the biggest museum of its kind in the Baltics, it hosts more than 100 unique vehicles and a modern exposition.
• Step back in time at the Riga Art Nouveau Centre that will guide you through the rich Art Nouveau history of Riga.
• Learn about industrial history at the Daugavpils Lead Shot Factory. Experience traditional dairy delights at the Dairy Museum and Milk Manor – Berghof.
• In the world of galleries, the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre showcases the work of Mark Rothko. Art Platz in Riga offers contemporary art, and the Art Gallery Riga features a diverse range of exhibitions.

10. Escape into the Royal Past

Latvia proudly showcases a wealth of over 100 meticulously preserved and beautifully restored manors, palaces, and castles.

• Journey back in time at castles like Dobele, Turaida, and Cesis, where you’ll find well-curated museums that vividly bring the past to life. For an extravagant taste of the Baroque era, Rundale Palace and Jelgava Palace offer an unparalleled experience.
• Embrace the historical ambiance and architecture, staying in one of Latvia’s many meticulously preserved manors, such as Milk Manor Berghof, Luznava Manor, Virka Manor, and numerous others. Beyond comfortable accommodations, these manors also offer opportunities to partake in educational programs or embark on captivating historic adventures.

11. Embrace Exceptional Stays in Latvia

Latvia has it all! If you are looking for a unique place to spend the night, come to Latvia.

• There are numerous private,cozy boutique and family owned hotels.
• Stay in cottages in trees nearby Cesis, 5-6 meters above the ground.
• Glamping in Tervete reservoir (5 treehouses and 6 underground houses) or in Rauna Region.
• Barrel houses on the Baltic Sea seaside with spectacular sunrise and sunset.
• Floating cottages in Pavilosta on Saka River.
• Stays in art centers, like Daugavpils Rothko Center.

12. Stay Wired Anywhere in Latvia

Latvia boasts  reliable and fast internet connectivity, making it a haven for leisure and business travelers. With a robust Wi-Fi infrastructure and widespread access to high-speed internet, Latvia ensures seamless information reachability. For remote workers, the country’s exceptional connectivity is a game-changer, allowing them to work abroad with ease, maintaining productivity and communication regardless of their location.

Useful Links

• Information about flights and other ways to travel to Latvia – How to get to Latvia
• Organisation responsible for Latvia’s tourism promotion – Latvia Travel
• Visas and travel regulations – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
• Useful information of air connectivity – Riga Airport