Travel

Latvia

Latvia is a small country on the Baltic Sea with ancient history and traditions. There are many interesting tourist sights which will attract everyone. If you want to enjoy nature - there is not only the serene Gulf of Riga and the open Baltic Sea, but also nature parks, fast rivers and lakes with  beautiful forests on the shores.Those who are interested in history will be fascinated by the medieval castles and culture of the ancient Latvians. If you are interested not only in entertainment but also in gaining new knowledge and information you are welcome to visit Old Riga, where you will find not only fabulous architectural monuments but also various night clubs and pubs.

Latvia Accommodation
When planning your trip to Latvia, be sure to make inquiries about places to stay at during your visit.  While in Latvia, stay in one of the numerous hotels.  Choose one that suits your needs, as there are various types of hotels, starting with the luxurious upscale hotels to those providing more modest accomodations.  Many of them are located near the city center or major tourist sites.  For example, if you are planning to visit the Latvian seaside resort town of Jurmala, you can stay in a hotel situated a few minutes walk from the beach.  Young and active people will enjoy staying at a camping site or even in a tent.
If you are planning to stay in the countryside, think about renting a room in a guesthouse, where you will not only have a good rest but will also enjoy the homey atmosphere that the host creates for you.  If you decide to spend a night in a tent, there are tent sites, campfire sites, and fresh drinking water at your disposal.  Your vehicle will be safe and this excellent recreation will revitalize you for the following day and for new adventures.

Cycling Routes in Latvia
Latvia is ideal for cycling. Outside its capital Riga, the roads are relatively empty and fresh unpolluted air fills the lungs. Country lanes wind through forests, small hills, picturesque villages and towns, and past the occasional castle or church. There’s also the small matter of 500 km of coastline.
When cycling in Latvia one should observe the general traffic regulations and bicycles must be equipped with all the necessary safety equipment such as reflectors and lights for travel in the dark.
Cycling routes are not always marked, so use of a suitable map is strongly recommended.

Things to Do in Latvia
Pedvale Open Air Art Museum, Sabile
Opened in 1991, this state historical monument comprises 100 hectares of meadows, ravines, forests and rivers where artists express themselves using a range of media. Artists are encouraged to draw their inspiration from the natural environment and use local resources to create their paintings, sculptures, installations and performances.
The Dome Cathedral, Riga
Built in 1212 with a blend of gothic, baroque and renaissance styles, the cathedral holds frequent music concerts that showcase its world-famous organ.
Jurmala Beach
Spanning 19 miles along the gulf of Riga, this sunny resort has been a fashionable retreat since the 18th century. The unspoilt beach is backed by lush forest and the mineral-rich mud and spring water make it a popular choice among spa tourists.
Aglona Basilica
Latvia’s most important pilgrimage site, this Roman Catholic shrine dates from 1699. One of its ten altars guards an icon of the Virgin Mary which is believed to have saved Aglona from the plague in 1708.
Tervete Nature Park
This award-winning park boasts picturesque landscapes, ancient memorials, wood sculptures and children’s playgrounds. Cycling, boating, fishing, horse riding and bird-watching are all popular activities among visitors.

Latvian Food
Cuisine is an important part of every nation’s culture - and Latvians have a particularly healthy appetite for both life and food. Over the centuries Latvian cooking has been influenced to greater or lesser extents by various other national cuisines but since ancient times, the typical Latvian menu has contained things like rye bread, porridge, vegetables (particularly root vegetables), pork, chicken, fish, wild game and dairy products.
Due to the climate and the demands of outdoor life the foods have tended to be substantial and filling. Various foodstuffs including meat, fish and cheeses are smoked to help preservation and enhance flavour.
At seasonal festivals see specific traditional meals being prepared. Many of the more famous dishes even carry certain mythological meanings. For example, so-called ‘grey pies’ are served as part of the Christmas meal. Their circular form represents the circle of life. Round, yellow caraway cheeses prepared for Midsummer celebrations represent the sun and fertility.

Shopping in Latvia
Latvia is a rather expensive country and the level of prices could be compared with Scandinavian countries. Daily necessities like food and some services are still relatively inexpensive by Western standards.Credit cards have been introduced for just a few years; however, many of stores and retailers do now accept credit cards. Small shops and kiosks accept cash only. The majority of shops are open from 9-10 a/m till 6-7 p/m on weekdays and till 5 p/m on Saturdays.  Recommendable are the popular market places where you can buy fresh products (vegetables, fruit, mushrooms, berries and dairy products, flowers) from the countryside.