The name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Riga - the capital city with more than 800 years old history, with the popular holiday suburb of Jūrmala right by

Old town

Wander around the old town -- lots of beautiful buildings.

During Christmas season there is a small market which offers lots of festive fare.

The three brothers

The three brothers are the oldest dwelling houses in Riga.

The Occupation Museum

The Occupation Museum is a must for understanding Latvia's history. It is in gloomy box-like building that was previously a museum dedicated to Soviet heroes. In front of the building stands an occupation-era statue of the Riga Red (Soviet) Riflemen. There is a trolley bus circle in front of the statue.

The Art Nouveau architecture

The Art Nouveau architecture in Alberta and Elizabetes streets is the best place to see the creations of Art Nouveau architect Eisenstein, famous of his splendid style. Otherwise, Art Nouveau buildings can be seen all over centre of Riga.

Mežaparks

Mežaparks (English: Forest Park) is a pleasant park area on the outskirts of Riga. There are large, gorgeous residential houses once inhabited by Riga's pre-war elite during the summers. They were largely let go during Soviet times but many are now being refurbished, repainted, and brought back to their original glory. The Riga Zoo is also here, along with an attraction park.

The TV Tower

The TV Tower, a 368 metre high tower built of concrete standing on three legs. It has an observation deck at a height of 97 metres. The inexpensive tours feature a tour guide but don't depend on the guide speaking much English - our older guide was from a generation which learnt German as their western language, which made for an entertaining tour!

St. Peters Church

St. Peters Church has an elevator to the tower from where you can see all of Riga (service not available on Mondays).

The Central Market

The Central Market (Centrāltirgus) near the central train station is an excellent place to buy fresh produce, meat, dairy, and the occasional counterfeit goods, though these have been mostly eradicated. This striking building began life as an airship hangar in the 1930s.

Latvian Baltic Coast

Take the train that goes to Tukums until the stop called Majori and go to the Latvian Baltic Coast. In snowy days it's amazing!

Riga

Riga is full of different parks, many of them extremely picturesque. The central park along of city channel was created by German garden architect Kuphaldt.

Brīvdabas muzejs

Brīvdabas muzejs (English: Riga Ethnographic Open Air Museum) is located in Jugla, near a lake of the same name. Take bus N.1 or Tram 1, 3, 6 (but from the tram there is a 2 km walking distance). There are many traditional Latvian countryside houses collected in a forest/park and exhibitions inside them about the traditional things. The employees are often dressed in the traditional Latvian costumes, creating a nice atmosphere.

Maskavas forštate

Maskavas forštate (English: Moscow suburb) - district with old wooden houses.

Andrejsala

Andrejsala - an artists' island behind the passengers port is starting to emerge here.

Āgenskalns

Āgenskalns - historical part of Pārdaugava (Riga on the other side of Daugava). Take tram No. 2 (going through South Āgenskalns, get out at stops Āgenskalna tirgus (Agenskalns market), Pārslas iela, Ormaņu iela, or Kalnciema iela), or tram No. 4 or 5 (going through North Āgenskalns, get out at stop Nometņu iela).

Ķīpsala

Ķīpsala island with its Nordic dwelling architecture, solitude and delicious sights of Riga over river Daugava. The usual method of getting there is by crossing Vanšu bridge over Daugava.

Cesis - old town in the heart of Vidzeme, castle and deep river valleys.

Medieval Castle

May Park

Rigas street (shopping)

St. John’s Church

Holy Spring

Victory Monument

Square of Rose

Daugavpils - second biggest city in Latvia. Features many factories and other industries.

19th century architecture

19th century architecture in the center between the Daugava River and the railway station.

Daugavpils fortress

The unique Daugavpils fortress (biggest in Europe), which has withstood many many wars and remains virtually unchanged since its construction in the 19th century.

Historical center of the city

The historical center of the city consisted of 80 cultural-historical objects presents itself a specific monument of urban construction. One may be amazed by variety of architecture styles of the buildings, the red clay bricked facades of peculiar form recognized as Latgale baroque.

Church ensemble Jaunbūve

The church ensemble Jaunbūve, the Church Hill included churches of four confessions, contributes a lot to very special panorama of the city of Daugavpils.

Sport complex

Daugavpils may also be proud of its sport complex. Ice Hall and the open-air swimming pool, one of the biggest open-air swimming pools in the Baltic countries, are the real pride of the city.

With good reason the fortress, originally built as a fortification for the western border of the Russian Empire, can be considered the symbol of Daugavpils. The Classicism-style fortress was consecrated by the Russia’s tsar in 1833. In later years the tsarist, Latvian and Soviet Armies had been stationed there. At present the fortress is under the supervision of the local municipality and Real Estates Agency as a cultural and historical monument.

The Daugava protecting dam, which stretches 6 km along the river and at its highest points reaches 9 m, is another singular landmark of the city. It was built in 1841, and is still protecting the city from flood-waters. On accordance with the town-building plan, confirmed by the tsar in 1826.

Daugavpils present-day center and its street network started shaping in the early 19th century. The features of the styles peculiar to this historical period have been preserved in Riga street, the main street of the city center. A characteristic feature of buildings is Classicism-style red brick houses with ornamentation of various styles. The house at 8 Riga street, which now houses the Daugavpils Local Arts and History Museum, has preserved its original architecture almost unaltered. The house was built in the second half of the 19th century. It decoration of colorful glazed files is extremely original. All entrances to the house have small glass-covered open-work metal roofs. More than a hundred years ago a 3 ha large park was laid out in the center of the city. The park is called now Dubrovin’s Park as it was created with great assistance and support of Pavel Dubrovin, the first head of the city. It has been a rest place popular with the townspeople for years. Between Riga and Saules streets there is Vienības nams (Unity House), designed in plain architectonic forms: prisms and cubes. The many halls and rooms of this building house a theater, the city central library, several shops and cafes. All the principal cultural activities of the city take place here. At the beginning the 80-ties Riga street, in which several buildings of historical and architectonic value are situated, was one of the first cities in Latvia which was used by pedestrians only.

The most significant events in Daugavpils history are immortalized in various monuments and memorial places. The soldiers killed in Word War I are buried in Old Believers, Orthodox and Lutheran cemeteries. The Latvian army soldiers, killed in fights for freedom, are buried in the Lutheran cemetery. Their graves there as well as the Polish army soldier’ graves in Satiksmes iela testify to the events relating to history of the independent Latvian state. A 13 m tall reinforced concrete cross has been erected in Satiksmes iela to commemorate the events. A memorial stone to the citizens of Daugavpils, deported to Siberia in 1941 and 1945, is erected in Pumpura Park. The burial places of the Soviet and German soldiers in Dubrovin’s park, in the Garrison cemetery, in the Griva, Communal and Orthodox cemeteries as well as the graves of the victims of fascism in the Mežciems cemetery are memorial places to those who were killed in World War II.

Jurmala

The city is characterized by its wood architecture with gingerbread accents, cottage-style buildings, and resorts. Wood architecture is its most outstanding feature. Only Lielupe, Pumpuri, Melluži, Vaivari and Sloka have saved their wood train station buildings. Dzintari Concert Hall was built on the site of the once-famous Eidenburg amphitheater where the Eidenburg resort was opened in 1897. Now it is the most popular concert venue where international stars often perform.

The most notable recreation area was Horn Gardens Horn Gardens was home to the first movie showing in Jūrmala and the first Latvian symphonic music performance. Majori Hotel was built next to Horn Gardens. Another historical building in Jūrmala is Emīlija Rācene's Swimming Facility. It was built from 1911 to 1916 and was used as a medical institution. The sanatorium Marienbāde built in 1870 is located on the border of Dubulti and Majori was once an expansive health and rest centre, but has experienced several fires.

Jūrmala is also the home to Latvia's only riding therapy center, the National Rehabilation Center "Vaivari". Riding was popular pastime in Jūrmala during the late 19th century, and people rode through the streets as well as on the beach. Later, riding on the beach was prohibited. Jūrmala Ethnographic Open—Air Museum, houses examples of life as it once was in the fishing villages along the coast. Characteristic 19th century coastal fishing homestead includes the family home, barn, fish smoke house, sauna and other buildings. A rope—making workshop can be visited as well.

Liepaja - city of music on the Baltic sea coast, which is always windy. Latvians believe that the wind starts in the city and also well-known Latvian musicians come from there. There is very interesting former secret military town called Karosta, between a lake and the sea. One of the world`s largest pipe organs. Famous summer event Baltic Beach Party in July. Fantastic unspoilt, white, soft sandy beach.

Beaches

Beaches What attracts tourists the most is probably the whitest and softest sandy beach. One part of it receives the Blue Flag every summer. It is a special indicator, showing that the beach is really good and safe to swim at etc. A very good thing about Liepaja beach is that it is rarely too crowded. And in the evening, night or early morning, or in winter season, you can sometimes find your self all alone in a magnificent beach, stretching as far as you can see. This is all about Vecliepaja and Dienvidrietumi beach, which are located in the central and southwestern part of the city. There are, however, other beaches in the northern part of the city, which is a very interesting place to visit (see Karosta - the former secret soviet military town). The central beach is the place where Latvia’s biggest music festival occurs every summer - the Baltic Beach Party.

Seaside Park

Seaside Park, located in the center of the city, nearby the beach, is the most beautiful park of Liepaja. It has many different tree species, three stadiums, a concert-garden, a bowling center, minigolf, and in summer - summer cafeterias and many cultural events. You might also find some fountains there, and if you are lucky, you will see a squirrel running up the tree.

Amber clock

Amber clock, which is actually a sundial-shaped design object, is located on the PROMENADE, and it is created of thousands of pieces of amber, donated by anyone who wanted to do so. The sundial shows time every hour on the hour, by a special light performance. The performance can be seen much better, when it is dark outside.

Craftman's House

Craftman's House Here you can see the longest amber necklace in the World (123 meters (403 ft), weight - almost 20 kg (44 lb)). You can also watch weavers working a creating beautiful tablecloths, skirts etc. Usually closed on weekends.

The Saint Trinity Cathedral

The Saint Trinity Cathedral - has 55 m (180 ft) high tower, which is a perfect sightseeing place for tourists. It also has a huge church organ, made of more than 7000 pipes, and it was the biggest organ in the World till 1912. It is now the biggest in Latvia and still one of the biggest and most beautiful in Europe.

Saint Anne's Church

Saint Anne's Church - it is built of red brick and is the oldest of Liepaja`s churches. The organ it there is third biggest of Latvia.

St. Joseph's Cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral - the biggest catholic church in Liepaja. Built of yellow brick, has many small towers. There is a ship model in the church, which was believed to bring good luck for fishermen.

St. Meynard's Church

St. Meynard's Church - is very different from all the others, because it is just some years old. It was a gift from Vatican. It was the Vatican’s pavilion at the exposition EXPO2000 in Hannover, Germany. The church is not located in the city center.

Open air markets

They is always something special for western tourists, but part of daily life for local people. There are many markets throughout the city, but the two most important and largest are Peter’s market (Petertirgus) and Anne’s market (Annas tirgus). Petertirgus is located in the city center. It has big indoor and outdoor sections. In both you can find food and non-food items. There is a fish market in the basement of the indoor market building. Some craftworks can be bought outside, such as amber bracelets etc. This is the best place to buy local, ecologically clean fruit and vegetables, and July strawberry time! Everything is relatively cheap. Annas tirgus is located one tram stop closer to the center than the bus/railway station, in Jaunliepaja. It is smaller, but has a big flea market section, where you can find many things from the Soviet era.

Liepaja Lake

Liepaja is surrounded by water. There are the Baltic Sea coast, two big lakes, some smaller ones, four channels in the city. The city, especially the southern part (Vecliepāja) is almost an island. Liepaja Lakeis fifth largest lake of Latvia. It is lagoona-type, meaning it was part of the sea in ancient days. It is not deep, and has a relatively narrow (up to 3.5 km {2.2 mi}) and long (about 15 km {9.3 mi}) shape. Liepaja city is on the north-western coast of the lake. If you go to Ezerkrasts (Lakeside), you can see the best lake views from Tise iela (Tise street). On one side are apartment buildings, and on the other - a meadow, and behind it - the lake. The lake together with surrounding meadows is a nature protection area, mostly because of some rare plants growing there and many species of birds that live or come across this place regularly. Swimming in the lake is not as nice as in the sea (but warmer), because the bottom is sometimes swampy. There is, however, a special place for swimming at the very end of Vainodes street. There is an interesting, yet very dirty and untouristic place called Zirgu sala. It is the biggest isle in the lake and is very close to city center, where it is connected by bridge. From the island, an approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) long jetty, accessible even by car (a very bad road though) built of metallurgical factory oven burned metallic stones, goes into the lake, providing nice views. It is sometimes called Golodova dambis or Zirgu salas dambis, but does not appear in any travel guides.

Karosta

A former secret Soviet military town. If you are in Liepaja, you must go to Karosta. It is the northern part of the city, about 10 km (6 mi) from the center. Karosta translates as War Port (or Navy Harbor) from Latvian. It used to be a secret military town for Russian empire, and later also for the Soviets. Latvia became independent, and some years after that, in 1994, the Soviet militarists had to leave Karosta. The population dropped dramatically from 25000 to 6000, leaving many empty houses behind. Then Karosta experienced something like a war without guns. Many houses where turned into ruins. Everything was taken away. Brick by brick, many historic, beautiful buildings disappeared forever. Now, Karosta has a population of 7000 and a dream of renaissance, which has already started. It is now a popular tourist destination and also home for international artist’s center, called K2. Many places of Karosta still look like after a war. Some places remind the abandoned towns of Chernobyl nuclear disaster area.

Beach

There is a beach in Karosta. There you will find some pebbles and the sand might not be that soft as in the previous beach. But Karosta is definitely a must see, if you visit Liepaja! Karosta translates as War Port from Latvian. It used to be a secret military town for Russian empire, and later also for the Soviets. On the seashore of Karosta you can also see a Breakwater, the longest one of Liepaja`s breakwaters, stretching 1.8 km into the sea, and you can go on it by car till approximately half of its length. Just be careful of waves in windy weather. And wind is famous in Liepaja. A Latvian expression says "the city where wind was born". And as any Latvian would tell, it's Liepaja. On the shore you can also see two fortresses. This is a wild beach with steep coasts, unlike the central beach with dunes.

Eight fortresses

Eight fortresses all around the city, but the most scenic and interesting ones are these two on the shores of Karosta. The one closer to breakwater (you can even see a small part of it from the breakwater), is Tuvejie Forti (Nearby Fortress), and it was blasted up shortly after being built. The other one, further to the north, is Ziemelu forti (Northern Fortress). It is not blasted up, so it has much more underground labyrinths and tunnels to explore, but it is not as scenic and dramatic from the outside as the first one. Nearby the Northern fortress you can see nature-friendly energy being made by a huge wind power generator, which can be seen from far in the distance.

Orthodox cathedral

Orthodox cathedral in the central part of Karosta. It is surrounded by Soviet-style apartment buildings, making it very surreal and contrasting. It was used as a cinema and a gym for soldiers during the soviet occupation years. Now the St. Nicholas maritime cathedral is a church again and the sound of its bells can be heard from afar.

Submarine Accumulator Fence and Hangar

Submarine Accumulator Fence and Hangar are the remains of a submarine base that was once here. There are also former dormitories, beautiful red brick buildings. All are abandoned and partially demolished.

Horse Arena

Horse Arena (MANEZA) is a roofless building, which was once used for soldiers` training to ride horses, as well as for official celebrations for up to 4000 people who could fit there. These days the building is not used, except for one nice event, when Liepaja symphony orchestra made an open-air concert here.

Twinned town of Chernobyl

Twinned town of Chernobyl are empty Soviet style apartment buildings, left in 1994. Some are already destroyed, some 10 are still there. Many older houses are empty as well.

Karosta Prison

Karosta Prison It was a real military prison till 1997 and is now for tourists, where they are treated like real prisoners, and, if they are brave enough, can even stay overnight

Castle

Castle is unfortunately in bad condition.

Temporary Art Gallery

Temporary Art Gallery - modern, a bit weird, but always original and interesting exhibitions at Atmodas bulvaris 6. gallery k.Maksla. Ask for bicycle rental here, too.

Other things

Other things - Water supply tower, Karosta cemetery with soviet style monuments, Karosta park, many forests and Beberlini Lake - a nice place to have a barbecue party in summer. There is camping, too.

The Liepaja Museum

The Liepaja Museum; 16, Kurmajas Avenue

Liepaja During Occupational Regimes

Ligatne

Līgatne nature reservation contains bear, lynx, Moose|elk, European bison, roe deer and red deer, as well as many species of birds.

Theathered Ferry across the Gauja River (closed in winter).

Līgatne village, with peculiar 19th century wooden architecture.

Līgatne paper mill, in operation since 1816.

Seda

Seda itself is a monument of Stalinist architecture. It's a perfect place for people seeking Soviet nostalgia.

Sigulda - popular town with many interesting castles and historic places. Most popular attraction outside Riga for foreign tourists.

Turaida castle

Turaida castle is about 4km outside of Sigulda and a major sight. It's been rebuilt in the Soviet area and now houses exhibition space and a small café. It also has fabulous views over the valley and the river.

Gutmanis cave

Gutmanis cave lies half-way between Sigulda and Turaida castle and has a little creek flowing from it. A legend states that the water in the creek emenates from Gutmanis' tears, and drinking it is supposed to be healthy and boosting one's lifespan. Try it at your own risk, or just watch people stopping by to fill entire bottles.

Krimulda Palace and Ruins

Krimulda Palace and Ruins are located about 800 m further from Gutmanis Cave up the Serpentine road. The Cable car take tourists to Sigulda side every half hour.

Sigulda New Castle

Sigulda New Castle built in the end of 19th century. Restaurant and city council is located in castle.

Sigulda Medieval Castle Ruins

Sigulda Medieval Castle Ruins located next to the Sigulda New castle. Built in 1207 by the Order of the Brethren of the Sword. Opena air stage is located in ruins nowadays.

Walking-stick Square

Walking-stick Square opened in 2007. Walking-stick is a symbol of Sigulda town. Locals has made walking-stick since 19th century to help tourists walk up and down the Primeval valley of the Gauja River.

Tukums

Castle Tower of Tukums

Durbe Manor house

Jaunmokas Palace Museum

Jaunpils Museum

Pastarins Museum

Slokenbeka Manor

Tukums Museum

Valka

Valka Local History Museum

64 Rīgas Street, the former building of Vidzeme teacher's seminary.

St. Catherine’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Valka

Viewing Tower - 17 Rīgas Street, the tower serves also as a viewing tower of town.

Culture Park with an Open-Air Stage and the Sculpture “The Kokle Player”

The Pedele river runs between the stage and the audience.

Eastern Orthodox Christian Church

14 Ausekla Street, completed in 2005.

The building of former Valka railway station

4 Poruka Street, beautiful red brick building, now almost in ruins.

Former military bunkers of USSR army

23 Talavas Street, the 3 bunkers are full of legends and in a bad condition at the moment. There is a detail design under development to make a photo, video and music club in there.

The War Cemetery Memorial

A monumental piece of landscape architecture dedicated to the Soviet soldiers killed in the Second World War. The granite wall of the memorial has 414 names inscribed. The memorial is situated between Lugaži Cemetery with an access path starting from Rīgas Street.

Ventspils - hosts one of busiest ports in Europe. It is possible to observe incoming ships.

Cow sculptures

Old Town

Port

Livonian Order Castle

Livonian Order Castle, Jāņa iela 17, Ventspils, LV 3601. The Livonian Order Castle is one of the oldest medieval fortresses that has survived to this day. In 1290 the castle was first chronicled and this date is now considered to be the year of Ventspils’ foundation. In 1995 there was begun extensive archaelogical research and renovation of the castle. Renovating the castle, there were retained both niches of the 14th century and wall paintings of the 15th century, door openings of the 17th century and prision doors of the 19th century. Now outwardly the Castle has obtained its 19th century look.

Seaside Open Air Museum

Seaside Open Air Museum, Riņķa iela 2, Ventspils, LV 3601. The Seaside Open Air Museum was founded in 1954 to preserve the heritage of the seaside fishing village. Today it is the only open air museum dedicated to fishing in Latvia. It features fishermen’s homesteads, barns, wind mills (from the Užava parish), smokehouses, curing cabins, net sheds and other samples of native building and household artefacts. In an area of 4 ha, you will find an extensive sea boat collection and the largest anchor collection in the Baltics with more than one hundred exhibits dating from the 17th century to present day. At the Seaside Park you can enjoy the Enkuru taka (Anchor trail) which is formed of the biggest anchors.