LATVIA

Capital: Riga
Form of Government: Republic
Area: 64,589 km2
Religion: Christinanity 80%
Phone number: +371
Language: Latvia
Time difference: 0
Population: 2,070,371 (2021)
Currency: Euro (Eur)

There are several flights from Helsinki to Latvia every day. The route is operated by Finnish airlines, e.g. Finnair and Finncomm Airlines and Latvia Air from Latvia. Air Baltic has flights to Rige from Tampere, Turku, Oulu and Lappeenranta. Finnair also has flights from Helsinki to Ridge.

There are ferry services connecting Latvia to its neighboring countries. For example, ferries run between Riga and Stockholm, Sweden. This route can be a scenic way to travel, especially during the warmer months.

Buses are a popular and efficient way to reach Latvia, with numerous companies such as Lux Express and Ecolines offering routes from cities across Europe, including direct connections from Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. Buses tend to be modern and comfortable, providing an economical alternative to air travel.Latvia shares borders with Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and Lithuania to the south. The country has a good network of roads, and driving from these neighboring countries is quite straightforward.

Embassy of Finland, Rige Address: Court 4, 15180 – Tel. +371 6103 200 – Website: www.finland.lva

Latvia: Travel bulletin from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs: The security situation is stable. Pocket thefts are common. Comprehensive travel insurance is required. Read more

Riga, Latvia. Riga Cityscape In Sunny Summer Day. Famous Landmark - Riga Dome Cathedral

Riga (Capital)

Latvia’s capital Riga is the pearl among the Baltic cities and radiates Hanseatic history. It is situated on the shore of the Riga Bay and the estuary of the Daugava, and it has appr. 640,000 residents. Riga was the European Capital of Culture in 2014 and it also has been announced the European Capital of Free WiFi for over 2,000 free wireless Internet access points. The Vibrant atmosphere is easy to sense everywhere in Riga.

Vecrīga (Latvian: Old Riga) is the historical center of Riga, Latvia, located on the east side of Daugava River.

Vecrīga (Old City Riga) (UNESCO 1997)

Location: Central District, Riga, Latvia

This historical heart of Riga, located on the east bank of Daugava River, is a beautiful site for promenades and for feeling that “old atmosphere”. Notable attractions include the Riga Cathedral and the Gothic St. Peter’s Church.

Jurmala is a famous international Baltic resort in Latvia

Jurmala Beach

Since the Soviet regime, Jūrmala has been known as a luxury-class beach resort.

The city has approx. 56,000 residents and it is located between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe River. The area offers a visitor an about 33 kilometers long beach belt with white quartz sands and beautiful views towards the Baltic Sea. For a visitor looking for a chance to hike and raise their adrenaline level, the Ķemeri National Park offers its services. This is the pearl of the Baltic coast and suitable for many kinds of activities.

RIGA, LATVIA - MARCH 16, 2019: Riga Central market pavilion, people buying food - Former zeppelin hangars - Rigas Centraltirgus

Central Market (Centraltirgus)

Address: Nēģu iela 7, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Riga Central Market is Europe’s largest market and bazaar in Riga, Latvia. It is one of the most notable structures from the 20th century in Latvia and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list together with Old Riga in 1998. It was planned in 1922 and built from 1924 to 1930.

Liepāja

This port town has a population of appr. 75,000 and it is known as “The city where the wind is born”, because of the constant sea breeze. It houses several music festivals and is culturally rich. Notable attractions are the Blue Flag level sand beach, the Karosta neighborhood with Czar-era mansions, and the Seaside Park.

tourist boats Autumn park in the center of Riga, Latvia Canal that flows through Bastion park autumn background with colored leaves (Bastejkalns)..

Bastejkalns Park

Address: Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

This peaceful park located on the hill was formed in the 19th century after the disassembly of city bastions. On one side of Bastejkalns is the Liberty Monument, while on the other the Blaumanis sculpture. Dividing the Old Town from the Central District with the Freedom Monument in the middle, Bastejkalns itself is divided by the winding Pilsetas Canal with its lovely bridges.

Mark Rothko Art Center

Address: Mihaila iela 3, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia

This multi-functional institute has been constructed to preserve the memory of American-Latvian painter Mark Rothko and his artwork. The exhibition consists of Rothko’s works, reproductions, a digital exposition of his life, a video hall, the Rothko Silent Room, and works from other Latvian and European artists. The facility also offers residences for artists.

Cat House

Address: Meistaru iela 10/12, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

This Art Nouveau house was built in 1909 and it is famous for its angry-looking cat statues on the turret rooftops. Legend tells that the owner of the house wanted the cats to be placed with their tails turned towards the House of The Great Guild nearby because the guild refused to accept his membership. It was later ordered that the cats should be turned to face the guild house.

Cēsis Castle

Address: Pils laukums 11, Cēsis, Cēsu pilsēta, LV-4101, Latvia

As an ancient fortress belonging to the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, this castle is one of the most remarkable sites of Baltic history. It is situated in the beautiful countryside of the Vidzeme region, where its construction began in 1209. It consists of the Cēsis History Museum and Cēsu Alus, Latvia’s oldest brewery in its granary. The Cēsis Castle park was laid out in 1812 and has the romantic characteristic of that time, with its winding footpaths, exotic plants, and the water of the pond reflecting the castle ruins. One of the towers is open for tourists nowadays.

River Gauja in autumn next to Sigulda, Latvia. Photo taken on from a drone

Gauja National Park

Occupying a territory of 1 745 hectares, this magnificent nature resort protects the valley of the Gauda river. One-third of all Latvian natural preserves and more than 500 cultural and historical monuments can be found here. Among the attractions are e.g. the vertical wind tunnel Aerodium, the Gūtmans Cave, and Ligatne nature trails. A visitor can easily hike, cycle and spend time in overnight accommodations. A must-hike for an outdoorsy person.

More information about Latvia

Sigulda

Sigulda is where nature lives in the town, and is an integral part of it. The forest-covered valley of the River Gauja hides away many exciting, myth-enshrouded culture, history, and nature legends, as well as unique active leisure adventures.

Jurmala

Jurmala is a beautiful town located between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe River. It has appr. 55,000 residents. It is the most popular beach resort town in Latvia and attracts thousands of tourists from Baltic states, Finland, Scandinavia, and Russia to pamper themselves in beaches and luxurious spa treatments. It is the only city in Latvia that has a Healthy City status. Jurmala has unique wooden architecture and 4000 historic buildings, giving the city a peculiar and calm atmosphere.

Daugavpils

The green city of Daugavpils is situated in northeastern Latvia and is the second-largest city in the country. This beautiful city is located on the banks of the Daugava River, the city’s name means ”Castle of Daugava”. It has appr. 96,000 residents. Daugavpils is famous for its 19th-century red-brick architecture, which is sometimes called Latgale baroque. Its historical center is well-known for its brick facades and peculiar street network.