Latvia is a wonderful Baltic country that has a lot to offer. When it comes to trips around Europe, it is probably not the first and frequent choice for tourists, because there are also countries with higher temperatures to choose from. However, Latvia fascinates with beautiful national parks, wonderful monuments that cannot be seen anywhere else, and at the same time offers beautiful landscapes, rich history and unique culture. There are also miles of wide, empty, sandy beaches on the Baltic Sea.
1. Old City Riga
The Old Town Riga is the oldest part of capital city, it is a city center, as well as a favorite place for recreation and entertainment for tourists. In 1997, the historical center of Riga was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Check out must-see sights: Old City Riga (Vecriga), Riga Central Market, Churches & Cathedrals, House of the Blackheads, Latvian National Museum of Art, Monuments & Statues.
2. Gauja National Park
The valley of Gauja river and its many tributaries represent one of the most outstanding elements in the terrain of Latvia. It is one of the deepest and most impressive river valleys in the Baltic States. Here we find impressive sandstone cliffs from the Devonian era which cannot be found anywhere else in the region. The area has been populated since ancient times, as can be seen in the many castle hills and medieval castles and estates. This is the largest and oldest national park in Latvia. Wander miles of stunning hiking trails, explore fascinating medieval castles or thrill to bungee jumping, bobsleighing and other adventurous activities.
3. Jurmala
Jurmala is a resort consisting of several small settlements. Just behind the dunes you will find beautiful housing estates with wooden architecture with gingerbread accents. The bay on which the town is located is famous for its warm and shallow water. The beach, over 30 kilometers long, is perfect not only for sunbathing, but also for active recreation. You can not only rent bikes or play volleyball here, but also try kite- or windsurfing, and take advantage of the offers of numerous SPA centers located here. Or just go for a walk and admire the beautiful landscape in National Park Kemeri.
4. Rundale Palace and Museum
In the Latvian countryside sits an 18th-century Baroque-style architectural gem with magnificent French gardens. Rundale Palace (Rundales Pils in Latvian) has been dubbed the Versailles of Latvia, which should give you an idea of what you can expect to find here. If you love architecture or are looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, Rundale Palace is a must-see destination in Latvia.
5. Castle in Cesis
The main tourist attraction of the city are the ruins of a medieval fortified castle. The stronghold was built at the beginning of the 13th century on the site of the former wooden Wendów fortified stronghold founded by the Order of the Livonian Knights. The new brick castle was built on a square plan with sides of 60 meters. Numerous expansions and modernizations of the stronghold lasted until the beginning of the 16th century. Currently, it houses the Historical Museum of Cesis.
