Whether it is your yearly vacation, your honeymoon, or you simply want to clear your mind before the start of a new school year, whatever the reason for your travel to Latvia, there are some places you should definitely not miss.
15. Rundale Palace
Latvia has many stunning palaces, and Rundale Palace is undoubtedly one of the most surprising. The Baroque structure was built for the Dukes of Courland in the 18th century. The palace was worked on by sculptors and painters from Germany and Italy, and the expensive details are now a feature. The majority of the rooms are still furnished in a period-appropriate manner and are open for tours. You may visit a fully restored duchess suite, see Gilt Hall, and stroll around the Great Gallery. The Rundale Palace Museum is also on-site and well worth a visit.
14. Fairy Tale forest
Latvia looks after children and families by providing wonderful opportunities for them to visit the country and have a nice stay. Tervete Nature Park has a Fairy Tale Forest, a Forest of Gnomes, and a playground for children to enjoy. A Gnome Grandma at Liepaja’s Gnome Village ‘Ledini’ welcomes you to the Gnome workshop and shows you the adventurous tracks and ropes strung from trees.
13. Sigulda
The medieval village of Sigulda is located in the Gauja River Valley, less than an hour’s drive from Riga. Sigulda is known as the “Switzerland of Latvia” because of its lovely environment, but it also has some magnificent architecture that is worth investigating. The 19th-century Krimulda Manor is surrounded by beautiful grounds and gardens and is open to the public. There are also ruined castles in Sigulda, such as Krimulda Castle and the Sigulda Medieval Castle Ruins. While the historic Sigulda Castle, which goes back to the 12th century, is now in ruins, the Sigulda New Castle, which sits next door, is in excellent condition.
12. Bauska
The Knights of the Livonian Order were the first to fortify the little islets washed over by the tree-fringed waterways at the start of the Lielupe River.
Then came the dukes of Courland and the Russian imperial tsars, who built a new stronghold here, which now commands the town’s center with its strange whitish walls and red-tiled roofs.
Aside from its rich and militaristic history, Bauska has a charming backwater aspect, with river ways running through the center of town, surrounded by ad hoc allotments and farmlands, bridged by precarious suspension bridges, and one pretty market square buzzing with local life.
11. Aglona Basilica
The Aglona Basilica, which was completed at the end of the 17th century, was destroyed by fire in 1699. From 1768 to 1780, the wooden church was rebuilt in stone-masonry. The interiors were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. An outstanding collection of sculptures, paintings, and artistic artifacts, including the icon of ‘Our Miraculous Lady of Aglona,’ has been preserved. This church is one of the world’s most visited sacred locations. Built in 1901 and refurbished in 1990, the St. Nicholas Maritime Cathedral in Liepaja boasts stunning architecture with bulbous cupolas.
10. Saulkrasti
Saulkrasti, Latvia’s lesser-known summer getaway, faces the well-traveled seaside strips of Jurmala across the waters of the Riga Gulf.
It is quieter and more laid-back than its sun-kissed counterpart on the other side of the bay, with miles of winding cycle paths and beautiful ivory sands at the resort town of Pabazi (Saulkrasti, like Jurmala, is actually a collection of several towns and villages along the coast), and gorgeous clifftop walking trails through seaside forests.
The 18-meter-high White Dune rises here on the banks of the River Incupe, providing excellent sunset views and picnic areas in the shade of swaying linden and fir trees.
9. Mezaparks
Mezaparks might be a fantastic day trip away from the city’s hustle and bustle. This location is supposed to be ideal for strolling in the autumn. You are free to stroll about and enjoy the natural splendor. Even children can sit here and closely observe nature. The setting is serene and uncomplicated. Large trees surround the entire region. Many people consider it to be the ideal area to jog.
8. Ludza
Okay, so Ludza is said to be Latvia’s oldest town, but we’re sure some would disagree!
It was initially recognized as a town in the 10th century, and you may view the remnants of the epic Ludza Castle here. After exploring the town’s cobblestone streets, visit the Ludza History Museum and the town’s proud Ludza Orthodox Church.
7. Kemeri National Park
A national park. A magnificent bogland area can be reached in about 40 minutes by driving (or an hour by train if you want). Many people come to see the famed Great Bog and its boardwalk.
Except in Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, you won’t find such well-preserved raised bog environments anywhere else in Europe.
6. Kuldīga
When it comes to charm and beauty, few Latvian attractions can compete with Kuldiga. This attractive town, long admired by painters and poets, is regarded as the “Venice of Latvia” because of the river that runs alongside many of its buildings, which are mostly old wooden dwellings.
Kuldiga, located in the Kurzeme area, is also home to the Venta Rapid, Europe’s widest waterfall, as well as a historic red brick bridge built in 1874.
There are flowers everywhere, with baskets proudly hung on doors, windows, and paths.
There are also several cozy restaurants, wine bars, and coffee shops in town where guests can relax and soak up the ambiance.
5. Daugavpils
Daugavpils is one of Latvia’s top cities for art lovers. It is well-known for its Mark Rothko Art Center, which displays some of Rothko’s works and narrates the story of his childhood in Daugavpils and Latvia before fleeing to the United States. It is also very focused on ceramic arts. Daugavpils also boasts a former military fortress across from the arts center, a historic neighborhood, and several galleries. Its Lead Shots Museum is an eccentric and one-of-a-kind attraction that retains the old method of creating lead shots.
4. Cesis
Cesis, which is located in the core district of Vidzeme, will transport you to the medieval age. The medieval castle ruins, cobblestone streets, and gorgeous park all contribute to the town’s distinctive fairytale-like ambiance.
Cesis Castle is made up of two castles. Latvian knights built the first one in 1214. Wenden Castle is the name of this castle. The second castle is a castle-like 18th-century manor residence. This mansion was once home to the families of German counts.
3. Jurkalne
Jurkalne’s Steep Coast is breathtaking. Jurkalne is about a two-and-a-half-hour journey from Riga. However, it is well worth visiting or stopping by if you are traveling along Latvia’s western seacoast.
Jurkalne itself is a tiny settlement. There are only some guesthouses to stay there. However, you may easily find lodging and excellent dining options in Ventspils, a port city to the north, or in Pavilosta, a fishing village to the south of Jurkalne.
2. Sabile
Sabile, a 13th-century settlement, is located in the Abava Valle, just west of Riga.
The world’s most northerly open-air vineyard may be found here, and the best time to come is in July during the annual wine festival.
Oh, and if you have time, you should go to the open-air museum at Pedale Manor. Throughout the year, it shows modern art and offers cultural events, so keep an eye on what’s going on. There are various archaeological sites across the Abava Valley that are worth exploring.
1. The House of Blackheads
The House of Blackheads is a major symbol of the Latvian capital, as well as a Latvian landmark. It hosts cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and excursions on a regular basis. In addition, due to the repair of the Riga Castle, the mansion has temporarily been the residence of the Latvian president.
The origins of the House of Blackheads can be traced back to 1334. Since its inception, various Riga society meetings and activities have taken place here. The structure was rented to the Blackheads Society before the end of the 15th century, after which it was named.
Top 15 Places to visit in Latvia on a MAP
Are you excited to visit Latvia? Hurry! And book your travel now to see this wonderful land!
Do you have any other favorite places to visit in this beautiful Latvia? Leave your comment below, and we’ll surely include it on the list.
