Riga’s historic centre has the world’s most significant concentration of Art Nouveau architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Latvia can also be explored through its historic towns, castle culture and natural landscapes. Architecture enthusiasts can compare Riga and Kuldīga; those who want to spend time outdoors will find very different scenery in the national parks and wetlands.
Riga: Art Nouveau and museums
The Latvian National Museum of History is housed in Riga Castle. The castle itself is a building of outstanding architectural value. The “Streaming Time” exhibition presents more than 1,500 historical objects alongside digital content. A guided tour of the castle includes 17 stops across all floors. The “Explorer’s Attic” is also part of the offering: this educational space is intended for families with children and for school students. Check the latest information about exhibitions and guided tours before your visit, as what is on offer may change.
The Latvian National Museum of Natural History is housed in a historic building classified as a state cultural monument. Where possible, the building has been adapted to the needs of people with functional limitations and visitors with strollers. The mineralogy exhibition features more than 400 minerals. “Birds of Latvia” displays 292 of the approximately 360 bird species found in Latvia; “Mammals of Latvia” presents 83 specimens representing 49 species. The exhibition “Plants and Fungi of Latvia” is devoted to the diversity of both groups. Exhibition content may change, so it is worth checking the latest visitor information in advance.
Historic townscapes and Rundāle Palace
In western Latvia, Kuldīga is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional urban settlement. Much of its historic street plan has survived. Its architecture includes traditional wooden buildings as well as styles shaped by outside influences. The rivers also shape the townscape: the confluence of the Venta and the smaller Alekšupīte influences the town’s layout and contributes to its scenic character.
The Golden Hall, White Hall and Grand Gallery at Rundāle Palace are open to the public. The French Garden and Rose Garden are also open to visitors. The palace museum presents exhibitions on applied arts, fine arts and history. Its cultural programme includes the Early Music Festival and classical music concerts. Check the latest access information and event dates before your trip.
National parks, wetlands and birdwatching
Latvia has four national parks. Gauja National Park is the country’s largest and oldest, covering more than 90,000 hectares. Its more than 500 cultural and historical monuments include hillforts, brick castles, churches, manor houses, and water and windmills. The park’s sandstone formations were created 350 to 370 million years ago—a geological timescale that broadens your view of the landscape beyond its visible structures.
Ķemeri National Park is a diverse wetland landscape. The Great Ķemeri Bog is one of the largest bogs of its kind in Latvia. Visitors can walk along a boardwalk through the bog at sunrise, and cycling is possible on the Green Dune cycling route. If you plan to visit the bog trail, it is advisable to check the latest opening hours and access information.
Lake Kanieris is a birdwatching destination and has an observation tower. Kanieris Hillfort can be reached via the Kanieris Hillfort Trail from the Antinciems–Caukciems road. The trail passes through a lowland bog. These nature destinations offer different things to observe: birds by the lake, a wetland landscape along the trail and a historic site at the hillfort.
Music traditions and Latvian cuisine
Latvia’s Song and Dance Celebration brings music and dance together with an important cultural heritage: the tradition was recognized by UNESCO in 2003 and added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. The nationwide celebrations last a week and take place every five years. They usually bring together more than 30,000 participants. As the exact dates vary from one edition to the next, check the dates for your planned travel year.
Another seasonal experience is Home Cafe Days, held annually between July and September. During the event, farms and country houses become restaurants for a weekend or for one or two days. Check the dates and participating locations for the relevant edition. Traditional Latvian dishes often feature potatoes, cabbage, rye bread and fish—ingredients that give the local cuisine its distinctive character.
Getting there and getting around
Latvia’s railway network connects Riga with Liepāja, Sigulda, Cēsis, Jelgava and Rēzekne. Routes and timetables may change, so check the operator’s latest information before travelling. Riga International Airport is about ten kilometres southwest of central Riga. It can be reached by public transport, taxi or car-sharing; these options may also change. When planning your accommodation, it helps to first choose the places and experiences you want to focus on during your trip.
More destinations
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