Latvia is a small country on the Baltic Sea with the ancient history and traditions. There are many interesting tourist sights which will attract everyone. If you want to enjoy nature - there is not only the serene Gulf of Riga and the open Baltic Sea, but also nature parks, fast rivers and lakes with the beautiful forests on the shores. Those who are interested in history will be fascinated by the medieval castles and culture of the ancient Latvians. If you are interested not only in entertainment but also gaining new knowledge and information you are welcome to visit Old Riga, where you will find not only fabulous architectural monuments but also various night clubs and pubs. There are many beautiful churches in Latvia - both ancient and modern. There is a wide range of health rehabilitation and active recreation possibilities. And of course, don’t forget to make the inquiries about the events that are going to take place during your stay in Latvia. There is the possibility for you to enjoy the traditional Latvian celebrations, different cultural events and entertaining programs throughout the year.
Latvia is the country where you can enjoy your trip - come with the tourist group or have a nice time together with your family. You can have a variety of choices from taking a number of exciting tours to spending several weeks in the guesthouse near the river or lake, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. This web page will help you to get to know Latvia and it will help you to choose the best pastime to suit your mood and make the most of your trip to Latvia.
Latvia’s diverse cultural heritage comprises not only archeological evidences and sacral edifices constructed at different historical periods, military and historic monuments, but also numerous masterpieces created by painters, musicians, writers and scientists.
A major part of the cultural heritage is composed of different types of cultural monuments, cultural and historic landscapes and specific territories (ancient burial places, churchyards, parks, places of historical importance), as well as separate graveyards, building complexes, separate buildings and construction sites, works of art, equipment and tools of historical, scientific, artistic or other cultural value, the preserve of which is the interest of the Republic of Latvia, as well as of international organizations.
Against the background of the European cultural heritage Latvia stands out with its farmsteads, esthetically attractive countryside and historical coastal landscapes, plethora of trees in the cities and in the countryside, as well as it abounds in Romanticism, Jugend style and prewar Modernism style buildings. Furthermore, in comparison to the economically developed European countries, the initial substance role of architectural objects in Latvia is greater. Origins of the peculiar Latvian architectural character can be traced in the diverse ancient culture and heritage. The biggest Latvian towns are cultural and trade centres.
Latvian cultural heritage comprises 3364 architectural monuments, 2495 archeological monuments, 2414 art monuments, 44 territorial and town monuments, as well as 111 historic monuments. They constitute Latvian architectural, archeological (including underwater), monumental, sacral and applied arts, scientific and technical heritage
The list of cultural monuments of state importance comprises: 1248 architectural monuments, 1481 archeological monuments, 2243 art monument, 39 territorial and town monuments and 109 historical monuments. It also lists 474 castle mounds, 1233 ancient burial places, 76 medieval castles or castle ruins, 136 manor houses, 134 Lutheran churches, 48 Catholic churches, 33 Orthodox churches and places of residence of 29 public figures. World Culture and Nature Heritage list comprises the Historic Centre of Riga and its buffer zone.
The biggest part of the cultural heritage monuments is composed of the tourist sights, which contribute to our own understanding of our native land and its history better, as well as give an idea of Latvia to the foreign tourists.
Latvian towns offer a very diverse bouquet of holiday opportunities – starting with museums and ending with recreational parks. Every Latvian town is unusual and different from others – investigate this offer! In this section information is available on a number of towns. You will be able to spend a day on an interesting excursion, visit museums and art galleries, as well as open air arts objects. If you are interested in culture, here is information available on theatres and concert halls and their offers. And, of course, after a long and busy day you will wish to relax – find out everything about entertainment opportunities in each town!
Remember, the larger Latvian cities offer the most varied holiday opportunities for every taste. This section will be indispensable in planning your stay in Latvian towns and will ensure that you will not pass by an interesting art gallery and not miss out on breathtaking entertainment opportunities.
The Latvian countryside is suitable for active recreation of every taste. In this section you will learn of the various opportunities for active recreation. Do you wish to try horseback riding? Perhaps you are interested in water sports – boat trips on calm lakes or fast flowing rivers? And what can be better than long walks in Latvian forests and meadows, where the beauty of nature will charm even the most hardened city dweller. Now, if you wish to cover longer distances, choose to go by bicycle. And, of course, a lot of opportunities are open for people who enjoy the extreme sports – in Latvia you can take part in those both summer and winter.
Choose the type of active recreation that most peals to you, set aside time for it, and you will return to your work-a-day world re-energized!
The winter in Latvia is unforgettably beautiful – at the same time cold and yet gentle, it means glittering snow and exhilarating active recreation. Every winter the population of Latvia waits for the snow and then heads for the hills to ski or snowboard. And even those who are not interested in active sports are not indifferent to long walks through the snowy fairy tale forests of Latvia. When the lakes and rivers freeze over, they are visited by ice fishermen. You, too, can feel the magic of the Latvian winter by choosing one of the many opportunities offered in this section.
Find the type of holiday you will enjoy and plan your trip. You need not be sad because your vacation falls in winter, not summer – Latvia is a country where winter is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year.
The Baltic Sea is poetically called the Amber-Sea. This is so because along the coast you can find amber that is washed out by the sea. Amber is the resin of the “amber pine” trees. The term "amber pine" refers to the coniferous trees from which resin was extruded; then it hardened with time, and Baltic amber was created. Amber pines were growing in Tertiary forests. Amber inclusions testify to the variety of ancient species of plants and animals – 37 species of pine trees have been found there, 100 species of dicotyledonous. Also there are many worms, spiders, beetles, bees, butterflies and other insects that have been found in the amber.
You may have an impression that Latvia is as if embraced by the Baltic Sea – 500 km out of 1800 km of the Latvian border is coastline.
Jurmala, a resort town with 150-year-old resort traditions, occupies approximately one-tenth part of the Latvian coastline. Jurmala is the place where the city dweller who has got tired of life can become the Nature’s Child again. The fresh breeze from the sea will bring you the gulp of freedom and make you dizzy with the smell of pines; you will have a pleasurable time in looking at the blue waves of the sea and your feet will rest in the soft golden sand…
My mother was born in Riga in 1937. Her parents owned a bakery and were very high on the social status. They also owned an apartment complex. A few years ago my uncle somehow got the deed to those apartments. Against the wishes of my grandmother. He and my aunt have visited Riga many times.
My grandmother had said It is a beautiful country. Go and see the churches and the land. But do not see where your parents lived as it is a total difference from the way we live now. They left in 1943 and lived in refugee camps in Germany until May of 1950 when they came to the US.
My father was born and raised in Liepaja, my grandfather was a Methodist minister and also worked in the railroad yards. They also owned a grocery store. They also left in 1943 and lived in Refugee camps throughout Germany. My father came to the United States in 1948.
I will get to Latvia someday. I want to see where they lived.
I am hoping to get to Latvia someday also. My grandfather's family came from Mittau, which is now called Jelgava, I believe. The Jews were all kicked out of that town in the 1800's and that when I believe the family moved to England. They probably picked England, because that was the furthest they could go on the next ship out.
Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers
-
Centrum Deck
-
Cruise Places
-
Europe
-
Latvia
#
Latvia
#
Linear Mode
