Latvia: An Overview

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Latvia is a Baltic nation in Northern Europe with a population of approximately 1.9 million people. It covers about 64,589 square kilometers (24,938 square miles), making it slightly larger than West Virginia. Latvia features a diverse landscape, including:

• Over 12,000 rivers
• Nearly 3,000 lakes
• 500 kilometers (310 miles) of sandy coastline along the Baltic Sea
• About half of the country covered by forests

Key Destinations

Riga

The capital city showcases impressive Art Nouveau architecture, the largest collection in Europe. Highlights include:

• A UNESCO-listed Old Town
• The Central Market, housed in converted zeppelin hangars
• Vibrant cultural institutions like the Latvian National Opera

Jurmala

This popular seaside resort town is known for:

• A 33 km stretch of white sandy beaches
• Wooden architecture
• Spa traditions

Gauja National Park

Latvia’s largest and oldest national park offers:

• Medieval castles like Turaida and Sigulda
• Sandstone cliffs and caves
• Outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and winter sports

Kuld?ga

A charming small town featuring:

• Europe’s widest waterfall, Ventas Rumba
• A well-preserved medieval center
• A distinctive red-brick bridge

Rund?le Palace

This impressive baroque palace was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also designed St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace.

What Latvia Is Famous For

Latvia is renowned for its:

• Rich singing traditions and massive Song and Dance Festivals (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage)
• Amber crafts
• Black balsam liqueur
• Distinctive folk costumes
• Midsummer L?go celebrations
• High-quality rye bread

The country has strong traditions in choir music, textile arts, and sustainable forestry practices.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Latvia depends on your interests:

Summer (June-August)

• Most popular season with pleasant temperatures (20-25?C / 68-77?F)
• Long daylight hours (up to 18 hours)
• Numerous festivals, including Midsummer (J??i) celebrations in June
• Coastal areas come alive, though this is peak tourist season

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)

• Mild temperatures with fewer tourists
• Spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn offers colorful foliage and mushroom hunting season

Winter (December-February)

• Cold temperatures (-5 to 0?C / 23-32?F) with possible snow, especially inland
• Christmas markets in Riga are charming
• Winter sports are available at places like Sigulda

My Latvia Blog Posts

• 
  Is Riga Expensive? Here’s All You Need to Know
  If you have been thinking of visiting Riga but wondering if it’s expensive then read on to check out my experience and costs when visiting. (The short answer is I found it good value!) Is Riga Expensive to Visit? Having visited Riga 3 times in the space of around 10 years now I can say… Read More »Is Riga Expensive? Here’s All You Need to Know
• How to Get to Riga from the UK – By Air, Train or Bus
  Are you thinking of going to Riga? Wondering how to get to Riga from the UK? Here are the details of how to get there from the UK either by flying, going by train or by bus. Recommended Reading How to Get to Riga from the UK – Direct Flights It is easy to reach… Read More »How to Get to Riga from the UK – By Air, Train or Bus
• 
  Is Riga Safe? Find The Details Here
  Thinking of visiting Riga and wondering if it’s safe. Well check out all you need to know, plus my experience of visiting with a group and as a solo female traveller, and on a trip myself. Recommended Reading Is Riga Safe? – Riga and London Compared Riga overall is a safe city to visit, particularly… Read More »Is Riga Safe? Find The Details Here
• 
  My Review of the Radisson Blu Riga Inc What’s Nearby
  Riga, Latvia Radisson Blu Riga – What I Loved Wonderful views over the park. Great location in the city centre. Public transport on the doorstep. Lots of places to eat all around. Great food in the hotel. Spa looked amazing. Radisson Blu Riga Professional Traveller Review I stayed at this hotel when on a group… Read More »My Review of the Radisson Blu Riga Inc What’s Nearby
• Bellvue Park Hotel Riga – Review of My Stay
  Riga, Latvia What I Loved About This Hotel Being on the edge of a park was great. The tram and bus connections meant we could easily travel into the old town, or walk if we preferred. Bellvue Park Hotel Riga Professional Traveller Review This hotel was great value for our visit in March. ?75 for… Read More »Bellvue Park Hotel Riga – Review of My Stay
• 
  Is Riga Worth Visiting? – Yes Absolutely and Here’s Why
  I’m lucky enough to have visited Riga a couple of times. The first time I visited I was taking a group on a tour through the Baltic States. We stayed for 2 nights in Riga. I was able to explore the city and knew it wouldn’t be too long before I was back. I went… Read More »Is Riga Worth Visiting? – Yes Absolutely and Here’s Why
• Where to Stay in Riga – My Handpicked Hotel Selection
  Wondering where to stay in Riga? There are lots of great hotels to choose from – in the old town, across the river or outside of the city centre itself. Check out this guide and find your perfect stay from these hotels in Riga. Wondering Where to Stay in Riga? Where to Stay Riga Airport… Read More »Where to Stay in Riga – My Handpicked Hotel Selection
• 
  What To Do in Riga – My Top 4 Favourite Experiences
  Planning on visiting Riga? You should – it’s amazing! Read on for some ideas of things to do in Riga, including a couple of free and a couple of paid options. There are also a couple of restaurant recommendations too. Riga public transport is great value so keep reading to find out how to use… Read More »What To Do in Riga – My Top 4 Favourite Experiences
• 
  Riga City Break Review – All You Need to Plan Your Visit
  Riga is a fantastic place to visit. It’s easy to get to, affordable and has lots of attractions. There is everything from great museums to interesting architecture and the largest food market in Europe. A Riga weekend break is achievable and affordable with great flight connections from the UK but it’s also a good spot… Read More »Riga City Break Review – All You Need to Plan Your Visit

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