20 Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in Latvia
1. Valmiera
It is the biggest town of the historical Vidzeme area that stands right north of the Gauja National Park. The town has subsisted since around 1200, but a series of wars and invasion have destructed nearly about every historical edifice, and what you find now are only remains of the town’s past fame. A wander through the historic Old Town will disclose the remains of a fort and medieval fortress along the verges of the river as well as the Old Pharmacy, the Little House of Valters and the Postal Service Horse Station, all three of which date back the 18th century. One may know more about the regional history and culture at the Valmiera Museum and recreational activities include hiking, boating, fishing, cycling, and experiencing an adventure through the Park of the Senses.
2. Tukums
The little town of Tukums is located amidst Riga and the Baltic Sea in the picture-perfect Kurzeme area of Latvia – a perfect destination for an amazing day-tour from Riga. Some of the rather exceptional activities you can take part in Tukums include traveling “Cinevilla,” an old cinema set-turned-visitor draw where you can get dressed up in different costumes and know about cinematography. A trip of Durbes Castle will teach you about Latvian history and culture and includes a tour to a ceramics workshop. At the Laci Bakery, you may find how Latvia’s beloved bread is prepared and attempt your hand and preparing a loaf yourself. For several outdoor activities, you can experience summer bobsleigh or varied types of winter sports at the Zviedru cepure Recreation center.
3. Tervete Nature Park
This Nature Park is a necessary inclusion to your Latvian tour if you are visiting with kids, and it is nearly as much amusement for grown-ups who love enjoying outdoor activities. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Latvia. The park is situated in a real deep jungle where several of the trees are more 300 years old – you can ascend up to the peak of the inspection-tower to get tremendous views of the jungle canopy. Kids will like discovering the Fairytale Forest, the Playground, and the Gnome Forest, where all the tiny houses are gnome-sized – ideal for kids – and there are some dressed fairytale characters and even a princess. There is a beautiful lake where you can rent boats for rowing or fishing and a Tree Top Walk for strong grown-ups. You can enjoy a picnic or have a snack at the nearby cafeteria.
4. Slitere National Park
You will see Slitere National Park in the northern Kurzeme area of Latvia along with the shoreline of the Baltic Sea. The park defends some unique natural surroundings including jungles, wetlands, bogs, and swamps, all of which draw a good number of birds and other wildlife. There are different ways of enjoying the park – you can put on your hiking boots and go along some trails – some are pleasant nature walks while other will need more attempt but will prize you with beautiful views from the top of the cliff. There are also excellent cycling trails that go through the park and along the shoreline from a fishing village to the next. Off coast sailing is famous, and there are different heritage edifices to appreciate including the Slitere Lighthouse, the Boat Cemetery at Sturisi, and the Liv Peoples House.
5. Sigulda
The beautiful little town of Sigulda is situated only an hour’s drive from Riga in a region of phenomenal natural charm. A swift panoramic ride in the aerial cable car will rush you out of the valley and across the Gauja River to find three historic forts, including Sigulda Castle, Turaida Castle, and the Krumulda Medieval Castle remains. Historians are in for a prize, as the region around Sigulda has plenty of historic manor houses, majestic villas, churches, and other old edifices to appreciate. The charm of the nearby landscape indicate nature enthusiasts to get out and be lively – you can enjoy hiking or rent a bicycle, scooter, or even a boat to discover the landscape, while adventurer can attempt Bungee Jumping, zip-lining, and hurdle courses at two adventure parks.
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6. Salaspils
The city of Salaspils is situated on the verge of the Daugava River nearly twelve miles from Riga and is infamous for the World War II Nazi Concentration Camp that was founded there. Now you can travel the Salaspils Memorial Ensemble, which was established on the spot of the concentration camp where many thousand were murdered – it is a solemn monument and serves its motive to remind us that we should never overlook man’s atrocity towards his fellow men. You can pass some time exploring the National Botanical Garden, which is the home of the huge collection of flora from the Baltic areas. Cyclists can enjoy both the town and the nearby area along dome bike trails including the beloved Dole Island Bike Route.
7. Riga
Latvia’s capital town of Riga is a modern European town where old and new embraces and cheerfully co-exists. It is one of the best tourist destinations in Latvia. In spite of your curiosities, you will see some point of view of Riga to explore – the history, architecture, art, and culture, or plenty of green spaces where you can return to nature. To enjoy the atmosphere of Riga you can commence your exploration in the Old Town, the historic spot of the town where medieval and Art Nouveau architectural styles will enchant architecture lovers, while culture enthusiasts can travel the opera, enjoy the Latvia Philharmonic Orchestra, or satisfy their eyes on the art collections of different galleries. Key attractions of your tour to Riga will include Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, and St. Peter’s Church. Additionally, there are 40 museums to satisfy the most avid museum fans.
8. Rezekne
The town of Rezekne sits on the Rezekne River Valley in eastern Latvia, at what has always been a critically important location at the crossroads between Riga, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Warsaw. The town was founded as early in the 9th century, and there are many historic locations and edifice to find. Probably the most amazing location is the Rezekne Castle Mound and Ruins (the castle was necessarily destructed by attacking Swedes in the 1600s) from which you will have comprehensive views over the town. There are also some historic churches to travel, including the Green Synagogue – a timbered edifice that has survived since 1845. The Art House and the Latgale Culture and History Museum also deserve a tour.
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9. Ligatne
The tiny town of Ligatne was founded along the verge of the Gauja River (today portion of the Gauja National Park) in the 19th century where it became a significant paper milling city. The city’s heritage of being the sole paper supplier in Latvia is too accountable for its prime visitors’ attraction, the Historical Center of Ligatne Paper Mill Village. You can travel the working mill and find the historic cottages where the genuine mill workers used to live before setting off to find the Secret Soviet Bunker, which was totally fitted to defend high-ranking Soviet official during a nuclear strike. For an interrupt from history, you can attempt hiking along different trails in the Gauja National Park or enjoy a resting boat ride on the river.
10. Liepaja
Once a significant seaport for Russian Czars and Commissars, the throbbing Latvian port town of Liepaja is filled with history and encompassed by a wonderful shoreline – a good blend for visitors. Liepaja Seaside Park and Blue Flag Beach brag about a five-mile expansion of powder-white beach where you can bathe, sunbathe, join an outdoor concert on the beach, play tennis or volleyball, and buy fresher-than-fresh fish from native sellers. In the town you can see the captivating Liepaja Naval Port (Karosta), which was once only for militaries; now you can discover a maze of subterranean tunnels, watch the prison, or plainly go for a stroll or cycle along the breakwater course. There are plenty of wonderful edifices to find so make sure you have sufficient time to make the most of your tour. Undoubtedly it is one of the best tourist destinations in Latvia.
11. Aluksne
The city and area of Aluksne are situated in the north-eastern corner of Latvia near the boundary with Russia and Estonia. The area has an affluent historical heritage for tourists to enjoy as well as different types of outdoor activities. History and architecture lovers can travel the old (1342) stone castle on Castle Island, the Old Lakeshore Palace (1794) as well as the Aluksne New Palace, which dates back to 1864. Additionally, there are some other wonderfully maintained palaces and stately abodes as well as museums to include to your tour. Hikers can select from different amazing lakeside trails, and the lake provides with numerous types of boating in summer, while in winter the characteristic shift to cross-country skiing.
12. Bauska
The historic city of Bauska is situated in southern Latvia in a fascinating low-lying region familiar for its long expansion of primitive jungles, numerous rivers, and some nature reserves. Besides the wealth of outdoor fascination, the city also has some historic edifices you can travel, including the Baroque and Rococo-style Rundale Palace, the 15th-century Bauska Castle, and different other stately abodes. At the Bauska Museum, you can know about the early history of the town or take a guided trip around the historic Old Town. At the Motor Museum, you can see instances of vintage transports in a recently reconditioned Soviet Era barn. After a bustling day of exploring, you can taste regional specialties on a Gourmet Food Tour.
13. Cesis
The city of Cesis dates back to 1206 and has always been familiar with the importance it has put on arts, education, and culture. Additionally, traveling a range of truly excellent museums, art galleries, and historic edifices, you can also explore wonderful outdoor amusements and a resonant and welcoming ambiance. Those who like history and culture will be attracted to the beautiful ancient Cesis Medieval Castle and the historic Old Town where you can appreciate plenty of instances of fantastic masonry and old timbered villas. The city is dotted with outdoor statues and artworks by native artists are on exhibit at the Insignia Art Gallery. For an interrupt from art and culture, you can go hiking or biking along some panoramic trails or experience canoeing and paddling on one of the rivers.
14. Courland
( Kurzeme in Latvian) is an area of Latvia situated along the moderately inhabited western shoreline of the country – an unexplored jewel for all nature enthusiasts. The attractive 20-mt sea-cliffs along the Jurkalne shoreline are beloved with camping lovers and provide perfect conditions for para-gliding, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. Inland, the 100-mt broad Venta Waterfalls is the spot to advance to in autumn and spring to find hundreds of salmon attempting to jump up the falls. Bird watching is fantastic all along the shoreline, especially at the time of migration. Families will explore Ventspils Adventure Park, which provides different hurdle courses, a water park in summer, and chances for skiing and snowboarding in winter.
15. Daugavpils
It is the second biggest town in Latvia, situated along the verges of the Daugava River in the southeast of the country. One of the city’s key visitors’ draws is the renowned Daugavpils Fortress, which stays one of Europe’s most perfect protective castles dating back to the early 19th century. You can pass several hours discovering this historical fort, which is established in the Empire style, with the exclusion of the Gothic Nikolas Gate and Water Tower. The Arsenal edifice of the fortress now shelters the Mark Rothko Art Center, which features Latvian and international artists. History enthusiasts should also travel Church Hill, which is abode to four amusing churches. The town provides some parks and gardens, museums and the Latgale Zoo.
16. Dobele
This is a town (as well as a municipality) that sits along the verge of the Berze River nearly 50 miles from Riga. The serene city of about 11,000 populations is basically well-known for its quarterly anniversaries and for its very beautiful gardens, specifically the Peteris Upitis Garden and Museum that exhibits over 200 hybrid species of scented lilacs. History enthusiasts can travel the Semigallian Castle Mounds, which are more than 1,000 years old – guided trips of the semi-rebuilt remains are available, and you will find a lovely view of the town from the tower. There are numerous amusing museums to see, including the Piksas Farm and Lici Antiquities Collection where you can find many vine farm equipment.
17. Gauja National Park
Latvia’s first national park os situated in the 60-mile long old Gauja River Valley, which was constructed out of the earth by shrinking Ice-Age glaciers. The National Park is abode to a broad variety of animal and plant species, and people arrive from all over the country to relish coming back to nature. You can trek or mountain bike along different trails – maps and other information can be gained at the Visitor’s Centers at Sigulda, along with the Ligatne Nature Trails and at Zvarte Rock. You can also enjoy kayaking or rafting along the river, and the park provides guided trips and nature stroll.
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18. Jekabpils
Located along the verge of the Daugava River, the town of Jekabpils was founded in the 17th century and is, therefore, an amazing town for all history and architecture lovers. One of the ancient edifices you can travel is the Krustpils Castle, which was first enlisted in 1217 and is Latvia’s most ancient medieval castle. Now the castle is abode to the Jekabpils History Museum – you can travel at your own pace utilizing an English audio guide. After visiting the castle you can go to the Seliite Garden, which is an open-air portion of the history museum that exhibits ancient farm edifices set in a beautiful garden. There are some old churches in different architectural styles and many historic edifices to be appreciated. Most of the draws can effortlessly be entered on foot.
19. Jelgava
The historic town of Jelgava is situated only 25 miles from Riga in one of the most picture-perfect portions of the country. The city dates back to 1578, making it one of the most ancient towns in Latvia, and there are many historic and cultural draws to be explored. The key historic highlights to add to your list of places to explore are the Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower (which has a museum and inspection deck), the Jelgava History and Art Museum, as well as the Jelgava Palace Museum. For an interruption from history and culture you can try some outdoor activities –visit the town and its vicinity along a number of cycling paths, go hiking in the Lielupe Flood meadows (which provide wonderful bird seeing and the opportunity to watch true wild horses), or take to the air on a hot air balloon journey.
20. Jurmala
For more than 200 years, the wonderful beach resort of Jurmala has been drawing natives (and an increasing number of international tourists) who come to relax and ease up along the long extension of pine-fringed beach on the Bay of Riga. You can take a sunbath on the long beach, enjoy the ride of your life at the Livu Aquapark, travel an open-air museum, or enjoy the sulfur springs, wildlife, and hiking trails in the Kemeri National Park. Music enthusiasts can enjoy a programme at the Dzintari Concert Hall and everyone will love walking along the Jonas Street pedestrian boulevard where you can eat and drink, shop, and see people. After a bustling day on the beach, you can go to one of the many spas for a magnificent pampering session.
Wonderful list and loving travel