National Tourist Information Latvia

Traveladvisor in Latvia: Are you going on a vacation you can get lots of free and professional help, traveladvice and information from the National Tourism Organisation.

Discover the country and the cities getting the most out of your vacation with the professional help from the people who knows their country and their culture the best.

Latvia Tourism Authority

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Travel to Latvia

Latvia is one of Europe’s beautiful Baltic nations with a proud cultural tradition and gorgeous landscapes. Sandy beaches share space with seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Latvia, an example of the fusion of rich heritage and scenic surroundings. Riga, the capital, is a spectacular city and has been named European Capital of Culture for 2014. Traditional music and food play a large part in keeping Latvia’s culture thriving, so there’s plenty to enjoy and immerse yourself in.

No matter where you go on your Latvia vacation, you’ll be welcomed by charming cities, lush landscapes, and friendly locals. Daugavpils, a city on the Daugava River surrounded by lakes, is a major east Latvian cultural center. Riga, the nation’s foremost city, is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, in addition to its central role in Latvian arts. Jelgava, another river city, has amazingly well-preserved historical buildings all throughout town and great for those who want to delve into Latvian culture. The beach town of Jurmala is a popular destination for vacationers and locals alike, with plenty of water activities to suit all ages.

Latvia’s natural scenery is stunning. Most of the countryside is full of alternating forest and farmland, with plenty of lakes and rivers contributing to the lush landscape. Hundreds of miles of pristine seashore bordered by pine forests makes the Latvian coast unique, as you can enjoy developed beach areas complete with all the amenities or opt for a private experience.

Much of this striking land is protected in national parks. Guaja National Park, the oldest and largest, is known for its peculiar sandstone formations, caves, and over 500 historical monuments, including castles, churches, and more. Kemeri National Park houses natural mineral springs, which are used extensively in spas and resorts in nearby towns.

Latvian culture is incredibly rich and proud, closely linked historically with its neighbor Estonia. Latvia was ruled by foreign powers for nearly 800 years of the last millennium, but thanks to traditions of song and dance, its people have held on to a unique national identity. A great way to experience Latvia’s heritage is by attending the Latvian Song and Dance Festival, held every five years since 1873. This massive event sees tens of thousands of performers join together in a massive display of folklore and cultural pride.

More than just breathtaking beaches and cultural cities, Latvia has a passion for sports. Like many Northern European nations, Latvia’s most popular sport is ice hockey. Many great players in international leagues hail from this Baltic state, and the games are as intense for players as it is for fans. Basketball is also very popular, as are soccer, bobsledding, and other sports.

Riga, the proud capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site so named for its impressive Art Nouveau architecture, in addition to the multitude of styles that have been imprinted on the cityscape since 1201. The Dome Cathedral, one of the city’s most popular attractions, is a stunning sight. The structure is over 600 years old, and serves as the seat of the Latvian archbishop. The House of the Blackheads is another popular site. Originally built in 1334, it served as a social hall for merchants and other groups. Though it was bombed during WWII, it was fantastically rebuilt to preserve its place in Latvia’s cultural heritage.