Riga
Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia at the mouth of the Daugava River, is the soul of the Latvian nation and culture. It captivates visitors with its well-preserved Old Town, where the medieval facades of houses reveal a rich and varied history. With a population of 736,000, Riga is the largest city in the Baltics and the third largest on the Baltic Sea.
Golden roosters, demonic masks, and romantic parks—Riga, the historic Hanseatic city by the sea, has many faces: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town with its brick Gothic churches and Hanseatic warehouses, the center with opulent Art Nouveau buildings, and a wealth of green spaces inviting leisurely strolls.
Riga is also an exciting cultural metropolis with excellent museums, a renowned music scene, and outstanding theaters. Outside the center, highlights include the Brothers' Cemetery, the garden city of Mezaparks, the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, the Motor Museum, and the Salaspils Memorial. Behind the train station, you'll find the large Riga Central Market and the historically interesting Moscow District with its old wooden houses.
Jūrmala
Welcome to Jūrmala, the enchanting seaside resort along the Baltic coast of Latvia! Jūrmala is a gem along the Latvian shoreline and a popular destination that delights visitors with its unique blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. The resort stretches about 33 kilometers along the Baltic coast and consists of several picturesque districts. The long, fine sandy beach is undoubtedly one of Jūrmala's main attractions, where visitors can spend relaxing days by the sea, bask in the sun, and swim in the refreshing waves of the Baltic.
Jūrmala is characterized by its distinctive architecture, which includes a mix of Art Nouveau wooden houses and elegant villas from the early 20th century. A walk down Jomas iela, the main street of Jūrmala, offers not only the chance to admire the unique architecture but also to discover local art galleries, souvenir shops, and cozy cafés. Whether you seek relaxation, culture, or adventure, Jūrmala has something to offer for everyone.
Kemeri National Park
Kemeri National Park, located near Jūrmala, is a unique nature reserve encompassing a variety of ecosystems, including bogs, wetlands, forests, and lakes. A highlight is the hiking trail in the Great Ķemeri Bog, traversed by an elevated wooden walkway. Here, visitors can take a hike and experience the fascinating bog landscape with its colorful plants, small pine trees, and dark lakes. The national park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, serving as an important stopover for migratory birds. In the wetlands, you can observe a variety of bird species, including cranes, ducks, stilts, and more.
Rundale Palace
Rundale Palace is an impressive residence in southern Latvia, a true jewel for history and architecture enthusiasts. This magnificent palace complex is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a treasure in the Latvian landscape. Designed in the 18th century by the renowned architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also created the famous Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Rundale Palace features an opulent façade adorned with intricate details, majestic columned halls, splendid rooms, and masterfully designed gardens.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the interior of the palace and immerse themselves in the glamorous world of the past. The lavishly decorated rooms provide insight into the royal life of the 18th century. From the ornate mirror halls to the elegant chambers, each room tells its own story. The French gardens are just as impressive as the palace itself, with blooming flower beds, well-kept avenues, and artistically designed fountains creating a romantic atmosphere.
Latvian Open-Air Museum
The Latvian Open-Air Museum in Riga is one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in the Baltics. Located on the banks of Lake Jugla, just a 30-minute drive from Riga’s city center, the museum spans an impressive 87 hectares and showcases over 100 carefully preserved buildings. From farmhouses and barns to mills and churches, each structure tells the story of various regions of Latvia and is furnished with authentic furniture, tools, and household items.
This vibrant window into the past allows visitors to experience the traditional Latvian way of life and architecture up close. For history and culture lovers, the Latvian Open-Air Museum in Riga is an essential destination that offers a profound connection to the country’s rich culture and history.
Riga Motor Museum
At the Riga Motor Museum, visitors can explore the largest and most diverse collection of historic vehicles in the Baltics. The exhibition is designed as a captivating interactive narrative about unique vehicles, remarkable personalities, and significant events in automotive history, enhanced by modern multimedia technologies.
With numerous interactive elements, the museum offers an informative yet entertaining experience, especially for younger visitors. The museum's collection spans three floors, covering over 4,000 square meters and showcasing more than 100 unique cars, motorcycles, bicycles, as well as an impressive selection of utility and military vehicles. Be inspired by the stunning collection of racing and record-setting cars.
The Riga Motor Museum promises an exciting excursion into the world of automobiles and is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates history, technology, and fascinating vehicles.
