Latvia

Latvia (Latvija in Latvian) is a 2 million people country in the northeast part of Europe. It belongs to the European Union (EU) and it's surrounded by Lithuania, Belarus, Russia and Estonia. The population is mostly Lutheran Christians although there are many Catholics and Orthodoxs too. The official language is Latvian but many people can understand and speak Russian because there's an important Russian minority. The official currency is the euro (€) and the main city, and capital city, of Latvia is Riga, with other important cities like Daugavpils or Liepāja.

What can I visit in Latvia?

Here you have a list of places in Latvia that are worth to be seen. Check them out and find out the ones you want to visit:

History

Baltic tribes in 1200 AD
The first inhabitants in current Latvia were established in the 10th millennium BC (the earliest tools found in Salaspils belonged to the Swiderian culture, dating back to that age) and the area was inhabited by ethnic groups, divided in Baltic (Curonians, Semigallians, Latgalians and Selonians) and Finno-Ugric (Livs, Vends) tribes. The territory of what's now Latvia used to be an important trade crossroad (with routes like the ones between the Varangians and Greeks) and part of the Amber Road (in fact, Latvian coastline was nicknamed Amberland, Dzintarzeme in Latvian). Between the 6th and 8th century Swedish tribes established a colony in Grobiņa and in the 10th century the regional tribes started to organise themselves. The most important one were Latgalian tribes, whose main principality was the principality of Jersika, and Livonian ones, living in both sides of the Gulf of Riga. In the 12th century German traders and Christian preachers who wanted to convert the local inhabitants into Christianism. The main promoter of 1195 Livonian Crusade were St. Meinhard and Berthold of Hannover.
Albert of Riga
This latter was substitued by Bishop Albert of Riga, founder of Riga in 1201 and the state of Terra Mariana or the Livonian Confederation. The state founded the Livonian Brothers of the Sword (Livonian Order) to conquer the pagan locals but didn't manage to join their territories with the Teutonic Order ones after their defeats in the battles of Saule and of Durbe. In the 13th century the main towns in the Livonian Confederation joined the Hanseatic League and in its end of the century it took place the Livonian Civil War (between the Bishop of Riga and the Livonian Order). In the following centuries the population locals retained their freedom but a Baltic German nobility was created, out of the Baltic German minority, and started to control the country land. By the 16th century the Reformation reached Latvia thanks to Andreas Knöpken in 1521, with almost all the country converting to Lutheranism in 1550s. The Livonian War (1558-1582) between Ivan teh Terrible of Russia and Poland, Lithuania, Denmark and Sweden meant the dissolution of the Livonian Confederation, with Riga being an Free Imperial City (under the Holy Roman Empire) and the rest of the territory was divided into the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia (Polish vassal) and the Duchy of Livonia (Lithuanian vassal), both part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The last master of the Livonian Order, Gotthard Kettler became the first Duke of Courland and Semigallia (soon afterwards also Livonia one) with capital in Jelgava.
Duchy of Courland and Semigallia
The Duchy reached the peak of development with Jacob Kettler, when the Duchy of Courland had a huge economical development and it settled colonies in St. Andrews island in Gambia river and in Tobago. Between 1626-1629, in the Polish-Swedish War, Sweden conquered what would be Swedish Livonia, with Riga and most of the territories of the former Duchy of Livonia, when the area got an important cultural development.Livonia was conquered by Peter the Great of Russia during the Great Northern War (1700–1721) and after the Third Partition (1795) all Latvia was controlled by the Russian Empire (but for when the Napoleon Bonaparte's Grande Armée got Latvia in 1812, restoring the Duchy of Courland). In the 19th century there were peasants emancipation in Courland, Livonia and Latgale and in the end of the century occured the Latvian National Awakening, increasing the use of Latvian, and the russification policy of czar Alexander III (which reduced the use of German and banned Latvian). As in the rest of Europe it also appeared an important leftist movement close to Marxism.
Monument to 1905 Revolution, in Riga
The 20th century began, like in other parts of the Russian Empire, with the 1905 Revolution, whose opposition in Latvia wasn't only with the czar but also with the Baltic German barons (7% of the population) with many exiles like future PM Kārlis Ulmanis, the poet Jānis Rainis and early Cheka leader Jēkabs Peterss. In WW1 many Latvians took place in the war as part of the Russian army taking part in the Russian invation of East Prussia, being counterattacked by Germany, conquering half of the country (till the Daugava river) till 1917 February and October Revolutions in the Russian Empire. Russia signed the treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany, ending its participation in the war, and Germany created the United Baltic Duchy. After WW1 the Soviet Union tried to invade Latvia, causing the Latvian War of Independence. Latvia became an independent country in 1920 and had Jānis Čakste, Gustavs Zemgals and Alberts Kviesis as PM till May 15 coup d'état, when Kārlis Ulmanis stablished a dictatorship where the pressfreedom and political parties were forbidden.
German tank in Aiviekste
In WW2 Latvia declared its neutrality but it was invaded by the neighbours, first the Soviet Union (thanks to Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, causing deportations to Siberia of political prisioners), then Nazi Germany (during Barbarossa Operation, causing 85,000 killings, specially between Jewish and Ghypsy population like in Rumbula massacre, where 25,000 people were murdered) and then again the Soviet Union. After the war more than 160,000 Latvians escaped from the Soviet Union, going to Sweden and Germany, and many people who stayed were deported because of their ideas.
Distribution of Russian speakers
Latvian and Russian languages were equally promoted by the state and in this period there was a very important Russian migration to work in Latvia, particularly to Riga, Jelgava, Daugavpils and Valmiera. Between the death of Stalin in 1953 and the reforms of Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s, Latvian society functioned as a Soviet society and the persecution of the religions continued. In 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Latvian SSR restored the independence in 1991 referendum. After this the country moved into capitalism economy and in 2004 it became part of the European Union and the NATO. In 2014 it changed its currency from Latvian lats to the euro.


Latvia isn't a big country, but it has plenty of its different ethnografic regions, each one which special features and characteristics (based on cultural differences of ordinary people living there and not on political history or administrative divisions). In the following map you can see them:

  •              Courland (Kurzeme).
  •              Latgale (Latgale).
  •              Selonia (Sēlija), usually considered part of Semigallia.
  •              Semigallia (Zemgale), sometimes considered part of Courland.
  •               Vidzeme (Vidzeme).

 

Unforgettable experiences 

This places and experiences are a must if you want to discover and understand Latvia. This is my top 10:
Riga
  1. Riga: largest Latvian and Baltic city and capital of the country, Riga is the main attraction of the country and there are many things for sightseeing. It's historical importance, it's religious mixture and specially the Art Nouveau architecture give this city many things to explore and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Getting lost in the city center and enjoying the contrast between architectural styles, visiting its museums and parks or its gastronomy and night life makes it deserve its position in the ranking.
  2. Gauja National Park: the largest Latvian National Park is an incredible experience by the river Gauja: history, nature and closeness to Riga. Sigulda, Cēsis, Valmiera and the area surrounding them are full of castle and manors from the Livonian Order times to the 20th century. But close to those towns there are also natural monuments such as cliffs, caves or impressing rocks.
    Beach in Jūrmala

  3. Jūrmala: the spa town of Jūrmala is a great place to have a day trip from Riga. Since the 19th century it has been the seaside resort where wealthy people from Riga came on holidays. Inherited from those times there's not only the spa tradition but also beautiful streets and and museums. It's wide beach is very well preserved.
  4. Kuldīga: this town, even though it's not very visited, is one of the most beautiful places in Latvias. It has beautiful buildings, temples and, as almost every important Latvian town, ruins of a former Livonian Order castle. But probably the most impressing point in Kuldīga are Ventas rapid, the widest waterfall in whole Europe (surprising finding them in a very flat country like Latvia).
    Rundāle Palace

  5. Rundāle Palace and Bauska: Rundāle Palace is the most spectacular palace in whole Latvia, built in the 18th century for Ernst Johann von Biron, and whose gardens are awesome as well. It's one of the most touristic points in the country. Meanwhile the near town of Bauska has a complex of two castle and beautiful town hall, perfect to be visited before or after the visit to the palace.
  6. Liepāja: the main Latvian port and 3rd most populated city has many things to do. The wind (its nickname is city where wind was born) and the sea hits Art-Nouveau architecture all over Liepāja in contrast with the former Russian naval base in the north of the city, Karosta. Liepāja has one of the greatest urban beaches in Latvia. 
    Slītere National Park
  7. Slītere National Park: the smallest National Park in Latvia and one of the oldest in the Baltic countries has many things to offer despite its size. First there are beautiful beaches and forest and then it's located in the Livonian Coast, home of the Livs or Livonians (an ethnic minority which lived in Courland and Vidzeme), whose culture is trying to escape from disappearance. The most beautiful villages are Kolka and Košrags.
  8. Ventspils: this dinamic city isn't what it seems, just an industrial center. There are many things to sightseeing like a castle, museums, a beach (one of the best in Latvia for water sports) and even a telescope from Soviet times.
    Daugavpils
  9. Daugavpils: it's the 2nd largest city in Latvia, an industrial center and it's population is mostly ethnic Russians. Despite that Daugavpils has discovered its potential and now is the most important center in the EU for Russian studies and a modern city. Moreover it's a point of peaceful religious conhabition as it can be seen in Church Hill.
  10. Ķemeri National Park: on the outskirts of Jūrmala there's this National Park with several lakes and lagoons. It's a great experience exploring its swamps, forests and trails to get in touch with nature.

Planning your holidays

These are some possible routes you may do in Latvia so visit parts of it or discover it all. Latvia's main sightseeing points can be visited in 5 days but to explore parts of all the country, smart journey could last 7 days. If you want to get deeper into Latvia, 10 days can be enough for it.

    a) 5 days tour

  This short journey in Latvia should start and finish in Riga. Here you could stay 2 days enjoying its history and Art-Nouveau architecture. For the 3rd day it can be a great choice visiting the best National Park in Latvia, Gauja National Park, to enjoy both spectacular landscapes and impressing castles in Sigulda, Cēsis and Valmiera. The following day in the morning you can go to Bauska, to visit this relaxed town and nearby palaces like Rundāle Palace, and in the afternoon and evening reaching Jūrmala, enjoying its atmosphere and maybe trying an spa. The fith and last day can be enjoyed in the morning going to Jelgava and later exploring and hiking Ķemeri National Park, to be back to Riga at night.

   b) 7 days tour

  This journey in Latvia should also start and finish in Riga. In Riga you could stay 2 days, enjoying its history and Art-Nouveau architecture. For the 3rd day it would be great to visit Gauja National Park, to enjoy its amazing landscapes and historic heritage and in the 4th day you can go to Bauska, to visit this relaxed town and nearby palaces like Rundāle Palace, and in the afternoon and evening reaching Jūrmala, enjoying its atmosphere and maybe trying an spa, going back to sleep to Riga. The 5th day could consist in reaching and visiting the main Latvian harbour city, Liepāja, while the 6th day can be spent in one of the pearls of Kurzeme, Kuldīga. Ventspils is perfect for the 7th day, going back to Riga at night.

   c) 10 days tour

   This journey in Latvia should also start and finish in Riga, but without doing all in a hurry. In Riga you could stay 2 days, enjoying its history and Art-Nouveau architecture. For the 3rd day it would be great to visit Gauja National Park, to enjoy its amazing landscapes and historic heritage and in the 4th day you can go to Bauska, to visit this relaxed town and nearby palaces like Rundāle Palace, and in the afternoon and evening reaching Jūrmala, enjoying its atmosphere and maybe trying an spa, going back to sleep to Riga. The following day, 5th one, could consist in going to Rēzekne (and the close town of Ludza), getting in the heart of Latgale region, and the 6th exploring the unknown city of Daugavpils and its Russian culture. The 7th day could consist in reaching and visiting the main Latvian harbour city, Liepāja, while the 8th day can be spent in one of the pearls of Kurzeme, Kuldīga. Ventspils is perfect for the 9th day and to finish the route, in the 10th day, Slītere National Park can provide a great cultural journey back on time and discover Livonian culture, going back to Riga at night.
 

How can I arrive and move within Latvia?

  Latvia is well communicated with neightbouring countries such as Lithuania and Estonia, mainly via Riga. Riga is connected with most of the important destinations in the Baltic countries and in the rest of Europe. The best mean of transport to move in the country are buses large cities and smaller destinations (but for some cases in which using the train can be a good idea).
  • Train map of Latvia
    Plane: there are international flights to Riga International Airport (the most important one in Latvia) from many European cities. There are fewer flights to Liepāja International Airport, mostly coming from Riga. Most of the flights are from low cost companies.
  • Boat: there are passenger/car ferries to Liepāja, Ventspils and Riga from countries like Sweden and Germany (slow and expensive).
  • Train: Latvia's railway system isn't too good, only recommended to be used in case of moving around Riga. The railway system connects Riga with places like Jūrmala, Sigulda, Cēsis, Valmiera, Jelgava, Daugavpils, Rēzekne and even Liepāja. It isn't currently connected to neighbouring Lithuania (although it's said that it will change with Rail Baltica) and with Estonia it's neccesary to change of train in Valga. There are also trains to other international destinations like Minsk, St. Petersbourg or Moscow. 
  • Bus: this is the cheapest way to move in Latvia (also the best way to arrive to smaller destinations) and the best idea to go to another Baltic country. There are frequent buses from Riga to all the main cities and towns of the country and there are also connections among them (although less frequent). There are buses that connect Riga with places such as Pärnu, Tartu, Tallinn, Vilnius, Kaunas, Warsaw, Kaliningrad, Minsk, St. Petersburg or Moscow.
  • Car: this is almost always the most comfortable way of moving for the lack of timetables to follow. It's required to have a green card (International Insurance Card). Most of the roads in Latvia are in fairly good conditions and driving in the country is easy. 

What can I eat and drink in Latvia?

Skalandrausis
Latvian food has Baltic influences (maybe it isn't so wide like other Baltic countries ones) and their meals are usually based in potatoes, mushrooms, cabbage, rye, smoked fish and pork. Sklandrausis (sweet pie filled with potatoe and carrot and seasoned with caraway) is the national dish. One of the most common dishes in Latvian cuisine are soups like beet soup, cabbage soup kļockas (potatoe dumplings soup), grūšļis (potatoe porridge) or lestes (hardened loaves, turnips and milk soup); and cereal soups, such as pūtelis (barley, rye and oats soup), sutnis jeb sutņa putra (barley, wheat and rye soup) or ķiļķenzuppa. The most important legumes are peas and beans which are used, for example, for grūslis (boiled potatoes and peas with roasted hemp) and pinka (boiled peas with hemp). Talking about regional food in Lithuania, the regions with more food personality is Courland, precisely the regions with more Liv influence with dishes like razākakū (salty pie with pork or fish), previously mentioned sklandrausis (sūrkak in Livonian) and smoked fish. The most common bread is rupjmaize (dark rye bread), saldskābmaize (German mischbrot) and slokārtnis too.

Rujmaize
Some other typical dishes are šauts (dished made of beet leaves and milk) and curd cheese. Fish are very important in the diet of a seaside country like Latvia. Some of the dishes with fish are cietžāvētas plekstes (dried flounder), salted sprats, salted salmon and cepti nēģi želejā (fried lamprey in jelly). Meat is also important in Latvian cuisine, specially pork, and some of the main dishes are kopķēzis jeb spudiņš (baked pork intestines with potatoes and bean porridge), karbonāde (baked back of the pig), kotletes (meatballs), putraimu desa (Latvian black pudding).
Riga Black Balsam
In desserts the most popular one is rupjamizes kārtojums (similar to British trifle) but there are also others like biezpien maizîtes (cheese cake), kîsêlis (fruit sauce), kviešu klimpas ar melleņu ķīseli (dumplings with blueberry jam), kliņģeris (Latvian version of the Scandinavian kringle), lingonberry jam, oatmeal jelly. Other popular desserts and pastries are gingerbreads, curd snacks. Fruits of the forest (mainly blueberries and blackberries) are extremely popular as well.
Talking about drinking, the most famous Latvian drink is the beer (alus) throughout all the country, being the most popular one Užavas (from Ventspils). There are many other kind of stronger spirits like Riga Black Balsam (black liquor with secret recipe, considered the national drink)or kvass (rye bread beverage).
 
Learn some Latvian

 Latvian is the oficial language of Latvia and is currently spoken by 1.75 million people aprox. Latvian language is related to Lithuanian, but visitors who speak Russian won't have problems of communication because it's still widely spoken (specially in Latgale). Moreover Latvian use is still growing all over the country. In Latgale it's also spoken Latgalian, a dialect of Latvian/language with a huge Latvian influence that is spoken by 200,000 people. In the northwestern part of the country Livonian (language related to Estonian and Finnish) used to be spoken and locals are trying to revive the language, that nowadays has 250 speakers aprox.
These are some basic words in Latvian:

Latvian
English
Latvian
English
Labdien
Hello
Lūdzu
Please
Labvakar
Good evening
Paldies
Thanks
Kā tev iet?
How are you?
Jā
Yes
Uz redzēšanos!
Goodbye!
Nē
No
Piedodiet
Sorry
Es nerunāju latviešu valodā
I don’t speak Latvian 

Useful links

 In case you want to look for more information about Latvia (https://www.latvia.travel/en) or its cities, towns and places, here there's a list with some pages to get it:

 
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