Have Your Own Experience and Tell Your Own Stories
When in 2004 Latvia joined the European Union we did not know much about it in general. These days, major and budget airlines frequently fly to the Baltic State, and tourists return back to the UK with fantastic stories about a friendly little country, unspoiled by mass tourism, with the most stunning countryside and an authentic cultural life.
Flights will usually take you to Riga, the capital. This is of course the epicentre of Latvian economy, politics, and culture, and like a lot of its Eastern European counterparts it is a fabulous mixture of an old city and a young, dynamic population. The UNESCO-protected historic centre is a charming contrast to the very Art Nouveau New Town. Sights include the castle, dating from the 14th century and now housing the Latvian History Museum, the 13th century cathedral, and Saint Peter’s Church. A little bit of an insider tip is the Occupation Museum, telling the horrific story of Latvia during WWII.
For Those Who Like Outdoor Activities
After thoroughly exploring Riga you should hit the road in your hired car and let yourself get overwhelmed by the green countryside. Rolling hills, clean lakes, and dense forests make up a huge playground for outdoor fans. A particularly satisfying experience is canoeing on the Gauja River or the Daugava River, but there are plenty of outdoor sports available, and mountain bikes and trekking maps are obtainable from park rangers as well as tourist agencies and shops in almost every town.
The north-eastern province of Vizdeme is particularly suitable for canoe tours, though horses and bikes are available for those who prefer firm ground under their feet. Take your car rental on a journey past the state road along the shore of the Baltic Sea which is truly scenic and this will take you past the Igate and Bīriņi castles as well as the medieval town of Limbaži.
Religious Sites
Turning south you will get to Latgale Province where you can blend in with the locals who make up a third of the overall Latvian population. While here you should visit Aglona, a village roughly 40 km (24 miles) northeast of Daugavpils, famous for the Catholic Basilica which attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Also go to Lake Lubas, at 70 km² (50 mi²) the biggest Latvian lake.
Just Like a Fairy Tale: Visit Castles and Mystical Forests
In Zemgale, the region along the Lithuanian border, visit Bauska on the E67 highway, south of Riga. Bauska features the famous Rundāles pils, a baroque castle proudly nicknamed the Baltic Versailles.
Kurzeme in the far west is quite the natural paradise, including mystical forests, castle ruins, and enormous sand dunes. Yet there are cultural sights to be seen, like the ancient town of Kuldīga, a typical romantic, little Baltic town, once the cultural and administrational center of the Courland Duchy.
Ventspil on the Baltic Sea is much more modern and also bigger, and offers – after a long round trip of rural solitude – a welcome change in nightlife.
