Latvia

A Baltic country for an exciting vacation and unusual activities.

The Republic of Latvia extends to about 64 000 square kilometers in central Europe. It borders with Estonia in the north, with Russia in the east, Belarus in the southeast, and with Lithuania in the south. In the West, in turn, it has access to the Baltic Sea. Latvia is mostly a lowland country in which the territory increases only in the east where the highest peak in the country – Gaizinkalns – is and which rises to 312 meters above sea level. It is interesting to mention that Latvia has about 3000 lakes, which are of glacial origin.

The country has about 2.5 million inhabitants, mostly Latvians, Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians. The largest and capital city – Riga – is situated at the mouth of the River Daugava to the Baltic Sea – in the southern part of Gulf of Riga. It is also the biggest city of the Baltic, and is a center of culture, finance, industry and the economy – both domestically and in the region.

Latvian cuisine is based on milk and dairy products, locally grown seasonal vegetables and fruits, various cereals, meat and fish. Here they like to eat vegetable soup of peas, potatoes and other vegetables. The population enjoys the steaks – especially pork, and in the menu you can often find a varied selection of desserts. Method of preparation and food selection is very similar to the countries in the region, and dishes are served with beer, wine and local alcoholic drink Black Balsam (Black Balsam), which is made of several types of Latvian plants.

5 memorable tourist attractions in Latvia:

1. Latvian culture

Explore the cultural and historical sights of Riga. Visit the old part of town which is under the protection of UNESCO, especially Riga castle and cathedral, gunpowder tower and the house of the Black-headed. If you’d like to explore the architecture of this area, traditional crafts and customs go to the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum near the capital.

2. The largest water park

Visit the city of Jurmala on the Baltic coast. Some say that this city has the longest sandy beach in northern Europe, so lying along the dunes and refreshing in the sea – is inevitable. In the city there is also the largest water park of Latvia – LIVU Akvaparks – with numerous pools, water slides and theme rides.

3. Castles of Latvia

Discover medieval castle Turaida, situated in the same name town in the province of Vidzeme. It was built at the beginning of 13th century in Gothic style, and there is a museum here today where you can witness the history of this area. Near the city – separated with the river Gauja, visit the castle and Sigulda, located in the same name picturesque town.

4. Night in prison

Tourists – surprisingly – frequently visit Karostas Cietums, or in direct translation a military port in Karostas, province of the Latvian city Liepaja along the Baltic coast. It is a complex that includes the remains of forts and fortresses, military installations, and constipation. If you visit the latter object, tourist professionals will treat you as prisoners, and the bravest can sleep through a night behind bars.

5. Latvian wildlife

Explore the stunning landscapes of this country in the largest national park in Latvia – Gauja. The park spreads at 917 square kilometers in the central northern part of the country, and is proud of sandstones from the geologic age of Devon, which in some places reach 90 meters in height. In the park forests of spruce and pine trees, lake Ungurs and fascinating species of fish and birds dominate.