Latvia

Quick Facts

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Capital

Riga

Population

2,345,000

Government

Parliamentary Democracy

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox)

Languages

Latvian, Russian

Calling Code

+371

Nationality

Latvian

Local name

Latvija

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Introduction

Riga - the house of Blackheads

© All Rights Reserved sabrinakam

A child of the collapse of the USSR in the early 90s, Latvia is unique among its Soviet-siblings for the large proportion of Russians in its population (estimated around 30%). This state of affairs creates an undercurrent of tension in Latvia, as the country struggles to emerge into the world market; it is worsened by a strong trend of emigration by Latvians.

It is not surprising, then, that Latvian tourism has been relatively slow to pick up. Latvia does not boast breathtaking scenery; the charm of Latvia is more subtle than that. It is at Riga, the bustling capital dotted with architectural delights and the chilling World War II ghetto. It is at Sigulda, where medieval castles are set against the lovely Gauja valley. And it is at Kuldiga, a town rich with historic interest and blessed with a waterfall: true, the waterfall may only be 2 meters high, but it measures a remarkably disproportionate width of 275 meters.

Brief History

Geography

Latvia shares international borders with Lithuania, Estonia, Russia and Belarus.

Regions

• Kurzeme (Courland) lies in the west
• Zemgale (Semigallia) is in the centre
• Vidzeme (Middle land), also known as Livland is in the north
• Latgale (Latgallia) lies in the east

Cities

• Riga
• Daugavpils
• Liepaya
• Ventspils
• Jelgava

Sights and Activities

Freedom Monument

Riga Freedom Monument

© All Rights Reserved okidoki

The Freedom Monument was built in Riga to praise the soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence from 1918 to 1920. It replaced a statute of the Russian Emperor Peter the Great. Originally unveiled in 1935 this 42 m (138 ft) high monument has inspired countless Latvians. When the Soviet Union annexed Latvia after World War II the Soviets planned to demolish the statute but never did it. It remained a symbol for independence throughout the communist period, and in 1987 Latvians gathered around the monument to grieve the horrible things the soviets had done. This started the independence movement, which led to independence 3 years later. The Freedom Monument is now popular tourist spot in Latvia.

Saint Peter's Church

Saint Peter's Church is a very tall church located in Riga. First built in 1209 it was enlarged in the 15th century. The large tower that dominates the church was not completed until 1746 and was restored in 1973. The tower was even stuck by lightening 6 times and collapsed twice. One collapse was in 1666 and the other was in 1721. Today the church is one of the most famous churches in all of Latvia.

Beaches

Go to the beaches along the coast especially near Liepaja. These beaches are some of the most beautiful in all of the Baltic Sea and the white sand is awe inspiring. Other parts of the coastline offer remote areas that few visitors go to and some weird things left over from the Soviet era. Latvia's largest music festival, the Baltic beach party, is held every year on the central beach of Liepaja and this beach party can really rock!

Other Sights of Activities

• Latvian National Museum of Art - Located in Riga this art museum has more than 52,000 pieces of art. This art reflects the professional development of art in the Baltic area form the middle 18th century up till the present.
• Karostas Cietums - Have the true Soviet prison experience with a live prison show or maybe even a night in this old Soviet prison near Liepaja.
• Cesis Castle - Explore this amazing ruined castle in the Vidzeme region.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting there

Plane

Air Baltic is the national airline of Latvia and its hub is at Riga International Airport (RIX). It has flights to most countries in Europe. Other airlines, among others, serving Riga are KLM to Amsterdam, Lufthansa to Frankfurt and LOT to Warsaw.
Lowcost airline easyJet has budget flights to and from Berlin. Ryanair has more flights operating to several cities in Ireland and the United Kingdom as well as Stockholm and Milan.

By Train

There are trains to and from Vilnius in Lithuania and also to Moscow in Russia.

By Car

By Bus

Eurolines has buses to and from Vilnius and Tallinn in Estonia.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

Air Baltic flies between the capital Riga and Liepaya and Ventspils.

By Train

Latvian Railway has services which mostly originate and terminate in Riga. Destinations include all major cities like Ventspils and Liepaya, among others.

By Car

Main roads are generally in a good condition and you can either bring your own car or rent one (with driver is possible as well) from many international and local firms at airports or bigger cities and hotels. Some secondary roads might be in a slightly worse shape but still ok most of the times. Traffic drives on the right and you need a national driver's licence (EU citizens) or international permit (others).

By Bus

There are a number of buscompanies travelling between Riga and many major cities and regional towns on at least a daily basis. Getting to some places further away takes a while, buses are slow.

By Boat

There are no passenger services of any use for travellers, but you can rent boats for getting around some rivers and lakes if you want.

Red Tape

If you are a European Union (EU) citizen, you may enter without any restriction as per your EU citizenship rights. If you are not an EU citizen, you will need to obtain a Schengen Visa. This visa is valid for any country in the Schengen zone.

Money

The official currency of Latvia is Latvian Lat (LVL). One lat is equal to one hundred santimes. For exchange rates it is a good idea to visit http://www.bank.lv (the official web site of national bank). Money can be easily changed in every single branch of bank, those can be found in most of towns. Cash machines are widely available all around the country and major credit/debit cards are accepted by most of the shops and hotels. The prices are generally all the same in every region, though Riga can be a little more expensive, although it is the best place for shopping. Budget travelers and backpackers may find Latvia to be a little expensive as the prices are hopping and it is not the cheapest corner of Europe any more.

Work

Study

Language

The official language of the Republic of Latvia is Latvian. Travelers who speak English or Russian wont have any communication problems as most of Latvians speak those two languages as well. English is spoken by most of young people but the older persons with the soviet education are fluent in Russian and you can try out your German skills as well. Latvian language is not a Slavic language so do not relay on knowing any of them if its not Russian. Try to learn a few words in Latvian and this will be appreciated.

Hello - Sveiks
Thank You - Paldies
Please - Ludzu
Cheers - Prieka

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

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