15 Best Things to See in Latvia

Despite its abundance of attractions and activities, Latvia is still one of Eastern Europe’s least travelled regions. However, this is beginning to change. With a pagan past and a later conversion to Christianity than many of its neighbours, Latvia still retains a vibrant folk culture that is reflected in the country’s architecture, customs, and holidays. Visit one of the many open-air museums peppered across the area to learn more about the history of this fascinating culture, or spend some time reconnecting with nature in one of Latvia’s famed parks, reserves, or rivers. Latvia provides you with the ability to embrace modernity in locations like Riga, its lively capital city, with an eye on the future and a foot stuck firmly in the past, in addition to letting you get out and about in the magnificent landscapes that encompass the area. The finest activities in Latvia are listed below:

Watch a show at the Latvian National Opera

Both the Latvian National Opera and the Latvian National Ballet company are housed at the formidable Latvian National Opera. As a result, you may enjoy a variety of performances here, including opera and ballet showcases, traditional Latvian folk tales, and plays and performances specifically for children. There are 200 performances here during a season, so no matter when you go, you’ll find something to like. The neo-classical structure, which was constructed in 1863 and can hold more than 1,200 spectators, is in and of itself a work of art. Over the years, it has also undergone restoration.

Stroll along the Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk

If you want to get out and explore the wetlands in this area, head to the Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk, which is located inside Kemeri National Park. The boardwalk is the perfect place to stroll over the Great Kemeri Bog securely while seeing the mosses, pine trees, clear lakes, and wild herb plants that grow there. Enthusiastic bird watchers will also be in for a treat because there are many different species to be found here, such as wood sandpipers, beautiful cranes, tree pipits, and white wagtails. The best times to take shots of the bog are when the sun is rising or setting, so if at all possible, try to visit in the morning or evening.

Fly through the air at the Aerodium

If you’ve ever wished you could fly, now is your big opportunity thanks to the Aerodium in Sigulda, which houses the region’s first vertical wind tunnel. You will be hoisted up and left to hover in the tunnel by the force of the wind tunnel’s air blowing through its funnels. Depending on how daring you feel, the ride can last anywhere between 2 and 6 minutes. Once in the air, you can flip and somersault.

Learn some history at the Turaida Museum Reserve

The Turaida Museum Reserve is renowned for its enormous complex that is packed with historical and archaeological artefacts, as well as for having some of Latvia’s most breathtaking natural settings. The Turaida Stone Castle, the Rose Turaida Memorial, and the endearingly titled Folk Song Garden are among the area’s oldest structures, all of which date back to the 11th century. There are several places of interest in this area, such as Turaida Manor’s structures, which will take you through the 300-year history of the structure, and the Rose of Turaida Memorial, which honours a young woman who gave her life in antiquity and is now regarded as a symbol of love and fidelity.

Explore the Seaside Open Air Museum in Ventspils

The Seaside Open Air Museum in Ventspils can not be missed if you enjoy all things nautical. The museum, which is devoted to boating and fishing, has an astonishing 24,000 artefacts on view in both indoor and outdoor spaces. In the outdoor area, which spans 4 hectares, you may learn about traditional fishermen’s huts that date back to the 18th century as well as the ancient fishing methods used in the Kurzeme region. There are also farmhouses with barns, smokehouses, and windmills, as well as local artisans like a weaver and a blacksmith showcasing their incredible, age-old trades.

Go inside Ligatne Bunker

The Ligatne Bunker, which lies in the town of Ligatne, was first constructed as a location for the Latvian Communist Party to use in the case of a nuclear assault. Currently, the bunker is open to the public, and you can see the original artefacts that were originally stored there for emergencies like supplies and gas masks. A popular tourist destination in Latvia, the bunker is currently where you may eat a traditional Latvian supper from the time, featuring soup, stewed fruit, and rye bread.

Explore Bauska Castle

Bauska Castle is located on a plot of ground where the Mus and Memele rivers meet and flow into the Lielupe. The castle is divided into two sections, one of which is the Livonian Order Castle, which was built in the fifteenth century and is now in ruins. The second is the Dukes of Courland’s previous residence, which dates back to the 16th century. Canons and ancient weapons are displayed in the castle’s signature galleries, together with royal apparel and jewellery.

Brave the Naval Port Prison

The Naval Port Prison in Karosta, which was constructed in 1900 to accommodate military detainees, is the only former military prison in Europe that is now accessible to the general public. Since the final inmates were released in 1997, visitors can now tour the cells, solitary confinement areas, and a special museum part that takes them through several historical eras, including World War II and the Soviet Regime. There are also events you can attend if you’re feeling very daring, like the “Extreme Night” show, where you can actually spend the night in a prison cell and eat in the cafeteria.

Visit Old Sigulda Castle

The renowned Livonian Brothers of the Sword, who were noted for being a group of self-styled “warrior monks,” constructed Old Sigulda Castle in the 13th century. It was also the first stone fortress constructed outside of Riga, and it was created to stave off an enemy onslaught from the Gauja River. Visitors can now climb up into the North Tower and the Main Gate Tower of the castle, which have been lovingly repaired throughout the years, for fantastic views of the surroundings. Traditional archery demonstrations are frequently held here in the summer.

Go out on Razna Lake

The second-largest lake in the nation, Razna Lake, is found in Razna National Park. Since there are sandy beaches all around the lake, it is frequently known as the Latgale Sea. Due to the profusion of indigenous species, the waterways here are a popular location for fishing, and if you visit during the winter, you may even try your hand at fishing under the ice.

Walk down Jauniela

One of Latvia’s most picturesque streets is reported to be Jauniela. This street is cobbled with buildings of various colours and is constructed like many others in the nation. Numerous buildings include Art Nouveau decorations, and the street is well-known for the profusion of vibrant flowers that spill out of window boxes. You will pass interesting museums, cafes, and stores as you go.

Go for a walk at Town Hall Square

Riga’s Town Hall Square has long served as the city’s commercial hub and has been painstakingly maintained. The House of the Blackheads, the Latvian Occupation Museum, and the Baroque Clock Tower, which is a component of the actual Town Hall, are only a few of the most well-known structures in the area that are located on the plaza. Check out the Christmas tree in the square, which is a yearly tradition if you’re in town during the winter.

Visit Cesis Castle

The castle was built in the 13th century, 800 years after the town of Cesis was founded. Today, you may visit the castle to learn about its illustrious past and ascend all the way to its tower using nothing but a lantern as a light source. Additionally, the ominous castle dungeon hosts a variety of theatrical productions with actors dressed in period attire, depending on the time of year you visit.

Discover Old Town Riga

The Old Town section of Riga sits on the beautiful Daugava River and you can wander the old cobblestoned streets here and imagine that you are back in medieval Latvia. There are several museums, cafes, and fine cathedrals scattered around the ancient section of the city. A few places to keep an eye out for in particular are the 13th-century Riga Dome Cathedral, Riga Castle, and Saint Peter’s Church.

Follow the Tirumnieku Marsh Trail

Bogs and marshes make up about 5% of Latvia and are home to magnificent ecosystems that are sure to delight nature lovers. One such location is the Tirumnieku Marsh Trail in Latgale, where you may see fascinating plants like sundews and wild cranberries. The marsh also connects to the larger Tirumnieku Lake, where you can go swimming if you’d want to during the summer.