Sightseeing

Latvia has hundreds of interesting things to see, and unfortunately it would not be possible to see them all during one, or even ten trips. It is no wonder that travellers often get confused, and are unable to choose between various options. That is why we have selected here the most popular and well-known things to see. These are places we recommend everyone should visit - because it is exactly these places that have the widest selection of excursions and will give you the richest impressions about our countrys local colour and flavour. The more detailed information about these important places will allow you to independently plan your trip and be sure that you will visit the best of Latvias destinations. Whether you are interested in museums, medieval castles or nature reserves - you will find all of these in this section. No matter which region of Latvia you choose to visit, they all have places you definitely must see to ensure that your trip has been really fulfilling.
 

Riga Old Town
Established in 1201, the old centre of Riga was encircled by fortifications until the mid 19th century. Here are the oldest buildings in Rīga: the Dome Cathedral, St. Peters Church, St. Johns Church, St. Jacobs Church, the Three Brothers houses, and Riga Castle, which also houses the Latvian History Museum and the Foreign Art Museum. The centerpiece of Ratslaukums Square is the reconstructed Blackheads House, which was destroyed in World War II and is now owned by Rīga Council.

Rīga - Jugendstil Metropolis
Rigas Jugendstil buildings amaze everyone both in their quantity and their high quality of workmanship. Although Alberta and Elizabetes Streets are particularly well-known for Jugendstil architecture, these beautiful buildings can be seen in all parts of the city that were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Latvian Open-Air Museum
The Latvian Open-Air Museum, established in 1924, is one of the oldest open-air museums in Europe. Walk through traditional farmsteads, fishermens dwellings, and craft workshops from all corners of Latvia. In addition, the museum has two wooden churches, a tavern, windmill, and other rural buildings. There are craft fairs and organ and folk music concerts in the museum during the summer. 18 master craftsmen and artisans work at the museum: weavers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, basket makers, potters, bee-keepers and others. www.muzejs.lv

Jūrmala Beach
A stunning 33 km long sandy beach provides many recreational options all year round. In summer it is possible to go windsurfing, play beach volley-ball and football, then in winter walking and cross-country skiing along the beach are both very healthy.
Jurmala beach is perfectly suitable for children since the coastline is shallow. Hundred year-old pine trees grow on the coastal dunes, creating wonderful clean air. Behind the beach are many spa hotels, guest houses, campsites, Jurmala Open-air museum, Dzintari concert hall and Livu Aquapark, the largest water amusment park in Northern Europe.www.jurmala.lv
 

Wooden Architecture of Jūrmala
The list of Jurmalas architectural gems contains more than 4,000 buildings which showcase its typically elegant wooden building style. Most of the wooden cottages were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and have been restored. The material used may be constant, but a wide range of approaches were taken with examples of classicism, historicism, Art Nouveau, national romanticism and functionalism.www.jurmala.lv

Ķemeri National Park
Ķemeri National Park was established in 1997 and includes Ķemeri Marsh, Kaņieris Lake, the Slocene river valley, Zaļais Marsh sulphur springs, ancient dunes, and Valgums Lake. The park offers hiking trails and marked cycle routes, as well as bird and animal watching. www.kemeri.gov.lv

Church of the Holy Trinity in Liepāja
Organ music concerts are held in this church, which was built in the mid 18th century and boasts resplendent Rococo wood carvings. The organ was the largest in the world from 1885-1912. From the 55m high tower there is a beautiful panoramic view over the city and the Baltic Sea. www.liepaja.lv/turisms

Liepāja Military Port
This neighborhood of Liepāja became the home of the Russian navy at the end of the 19th century. In addition to the many military buildings, the garrison's Orthodox Cathedral (1900-1903), prison, and defensive fortress system are preserved to the present day. Tourists can experience a day in the life of a prisoner at the Military Port Prison and wander in the underground labyrinths of the Northern Fort by torchlight. Bicycle routes and rentals are also available. www.karostascietums.lv

Irbene Radio Astronomy Centre
The two parabolic radio telescopes in this former Soviet facility serve various research programmes in Latvia. One of the telescopes (32 m in diameter) is the largest in northern Europe and the eighth largest in the world. http://virac.venta.lv
 

Kolkasrags 
Kolkasrags is the northernmost point of Kurzeme and the place where the waters of the Baltic Sea collide with those of the Gulf of Riga. A lighthouse built in 1884 stands just beyond the 6 km long shoal. Kolkasrags is in Slītere National Park, where one can view characteristically Latvian forests and marshes, badger sets, beaver dams, and rare bird species. www.ziemelkurzeme.lv

Ventspils Blue Flag Beach
The Ventspils municipal beach was the first in Latvia to receive Blue Flag beach status in 1999. The beach offers swimming, sunbathing and sports, as well as playgrounds for children. Sections of the beach have been reserved for surfers and naturists. A water park, the Piejūras campsite, Piejūras open-air museum and the Children’s Town are nearby. www.ventspils.lv

Ventspils Livonian Order Castle
Originally built in 1290, the castle has been renovated over the last decade, and now houses the Ventspils Museum. The museum's digital exhibition on the castle, town, and harbour is considered the most modern in the Baltics. www.ventspilsmuzejs.lv
 

Kuldīga Old Town, Ventas Rumba Waterfall, and Kuldīga Old Bridge
Kuldiga Old Town is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The town also boasts the widest waterfall in the Baltics on the River Venta - 2 m high and 249 m wide. The waterfall can be viewed up close or from the old brick bridge that dates to 1874 and is one of the longest bridges of its type in Europe (166 m). www.kuldiga.lv
 

Riežupe Sand Caves
The maze of caves at Riežupe (460 m) is the longest in Latvia. These are natural caves that were artificially enlarged in the 19th century to obtain white sand for glassmaking. Guided candlelight tours are available. T. +371 29243311, +371 63322259

Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum
This museum stretches for 150 hectares along the scenic banks of the Abava river. Here one can see sculptures by the founder of the museum, Ojārs Feldbergs, as well as works of art by other artists, which were created during the Pedvāle International Art Symposium. The museum has received a UNESCO Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes. www.pedvale.lv
 

Roja Ancient Fishing Village
The fishing boat ‘Lasis’ takes tourists as far as Estonia’s Roņu Island, while smaller fishing boats give rides on the River Roja. Here one can also feast on freshly caught fish. www.roja.lv

Jaunmoku Castle
This is the hunting lodge of former Riga mayor, George Armistead, designed by architect Wilhelm Bockslaff and built in 1901. The castle houses an exhibition about Latvian forestry and hunting. www.jaunmokupils.lv

Jaunpils Castle
This castle, built by the Livonian Order in 1301, is located on the picturesque banks of a lake. In addition to the castle and its museum, visitors may visit the 16th century church and watermill in Jaunpils. www.jaunpilspils.lv

Durbe Castle
Located in Tukums, it was recontructed by architect J Berlics in the classical style during 1820. Part of the interior decoration dates from the 19th century and tells the story of the lord’s wife while one of the outbuildings shows the life of peasants during the same period.
www.tukumamuzejs.lv
 

Šlokenbeka Manor
A formerly fortified manor complex built in the 15th century. It houses the Latvian Road Museum containing exhibits about road construction and various means of transportation.
www.tukums.lv/turisms