Latvia sits on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea and together with its sister countries, Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, they are appropriately known as the Baltic Republics. While Lithuania has the largest population overall, the Latvian city of Riga is the most populated capital city of the Baltics. Riga is also, debatably, the most interesting city to visit.
The first Christmas tree was decorated in Latvia – in 1510
After centuries of Swedish, Polish and Russian dominance, and a rule mainly executed by the Baltic German aristocracy, the Republic of Latvia was established on 18 November 1918 when it broke away from the Russian Empire and declared independence in the aftermath of the First World War. At the outset of World War II, Latvia was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union, an occupation which lasted for over 45 years.
On 21 August 1991 Latvia restored its de facto independence.
on Latvian Independence Day, 1943
While Latvians and Livonians are the indigenous people of Latvia with Latvians in the majority, Russians constitute a quarter of the population.
Come along as we first explore the interesting capital of Riga, and then take the train east to visit Sigulda and Turaida. We continue further east to Cēsis and its imposing old castle. Afterwards, we return to Riga and then head south towards the Lithuanian border to explore the town of Bauska with its old castle as well as the Rundale Palace to the west.
Latvian is one of the oldest European languages
Latvia has enough attractions to keep the average traveller occupied for a few weeks. We hope next time to explore more of the Gauja National Park, the Baltic Sea towns of Ventspils and Liepaja as well as nearby Kuldiga. Also worth a visit will be Jurmala on the southern shores of the Gulf of Riga with its wide beaches, and Latgale to the southeast of Riga. There is a lot to see in this small country.
Riga – the Capital
While Riga is not a large city (population: 627,500) it is packed with enough interesting sights to keep the average traveller busy for a few days.
A good start to sizing up Riga is to take an eagle’s view of the city. On the viewing platform around the St. Peter’s Church spire it is possible to walk 360 degrees around the tower. From here the panoramic view over the Old Town is priceless!
Back at street level, head over to the labyrinth of cobbled streets in the Old Town. This live open-air museum has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A few buildings here can trace their history back to the 13th century.
At the centre of town is Dome Square, the largest square in Riga’s Old Town where public events are often held. Comprising seven streets, it showcases several monuments dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Don’t miss Alberta Street, the Art Nouveau epicentre of Riga.
Other must-visit places are The Freedom Monument, The Three Brothers (oldest stone residential buildings in the city), Riga Castle, Nativity Cathedral, and the Latvian National Opera House.
The Nativity of Christ Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Riga. It has withstood the Soviet-era as a planetarium and even as a restaurant. Fortunately, it once again has become a sacred building where Orthodox church services take place on a regular basis. It has one of the biggest pipe organs in Europe with 6,768 pipes.
Sigulda and Turaida
The train from Riga takes just over an hour (€2.10) to reach the small town of Sigulda, some 50 kilometres (31 miles) to the northeast. There are many reasons to visit this little settlement. For centuries, painters, poets and lovers have found inspiration here amidst the lovely landscapes in and around town.
Overlooking the Gauja River that flows through the Gauja National Park, Sigulda’s forested valleys are steeped in myths and legends. Seasons are very distinct here so any time of the year is a great time to visit. In autumn, the leaves turn into a blazing golden, flaming red and deep orange. In winter, it becomes a winter-wonderland, while in spring the valleys burst into green foliage and flowers of the fores
New Castle, Sigulda Luteranu Baznica, Sigulda
The area is also one of Latvia’s top destinations for adventure activities. Come here for bungee jumping, hiking, biking, swimming, bob-sleighing, and even festivals. Sigulda hosts the Summer Solstice Ceremony, the Sigulda Opera Festival, and other folk festivals.
Among the other attractions are Sigulda’s Medieval Castle and New Castle, churches, several caves, and a cable car.
Six kilometres (3.7 miles) to the north across the river valley lies the Turaida Castle with its expansive grounds right on the edge of the river valley.
Cēsis Town & Castle
The train from Sigulda to Cēsis takes just over half an hour to travel 37 kilometres (23 miles) at a ticket fare of just €1.98. Cēsis is best known for its medieval castle, its green hills and landscaped gardens. The Old Town is criss-crossed by cobbled streets with a picturesque old house around every corner. The historic Cēsis easily wins the prize as Latvia’s quaintest little town
Its history goes back over eight centuries to 1214. The old Cēsis Castle still attests to its unruly pagans and the fierce battles fought at the castle. The first serious damage to the castle was during the Livonian War (1558–1583) when it was besieged by the army of Ivan the Terrible, the Grand Prince of Moscow and first Tsar of Russia. During the siege in 1577, approximately 300 people committed a mass suicide inside the castle by blowing themselves up with gunpowder.
The vast grounds of the Cēsis Castle Park and lake are beautiful, in particular during autumn.
The historic St. John’s Church in the Old Town was built at the beginning of the 13th century during the Christianization of the Baltics. It is the largest medieval basilica outside Riga. Other attractions include the Monument of Victory, the Old Man of Time statue, and the building containing the oldest brewery in Northern Europe.
Bauska and Rundale
Located almost 70 kilometres (43 miles) south of Riga, the town of Bauska sits at the confluence of the shallow rivers Musa and Mēmele where they form the Lielupe River. The border with Lithuania is just 16 kilometres (10 miles) south of town.
Bauska has an interesting history that is intertwined with important personalities from the Russian Empire. Around town are several mansions of former aristocratic families. The surrounding lush landscapes still hold memories of the great battles fought here during the 16th and 19th centuries.
Travellers visit Bauska for its two main attractions: the Bauska Castle and the nearby Rundale Palace.
The oldest part of the Bauska Castle was built in the middle of the 15th century during the reign of the Livonian Order to control the trade route between Lithuania and Latvia’s capital, Riga. Its interesting museum opened in 1990.
Rundale Palace, located 11 kilometres (7 miles) in Pilsrundāle to the west of Bauska Castle, was built between 1736 and 1768. The interior decorations were created by German and Italian painters.
Bauska’s Local History & Art Museum and the blue-domed St. George’s Church are both worth visiting.
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Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.