Are you constantly looking for the next great travel destination? Something underrated and under-the-radar, a place that will satisfy nature lovers, culture buffs and urban explorers, and, of course, a place that is breathtakingly beautiful?
From great lighthouses and wooden towers to quiet beaches and impossibly gorgeous panoramas, Latvia captivates and inspires, placing it as one of Europe’s best areas for outdoor exploration.
Yet, not many people have Latvia on their travel list.
And that’s fine.
But after reading these 7 reasons, I think you’ll be persuaded otherwise.
In this post, we share 8 reasons that make Latvia a fantastic travel destination
Last summer we devoted two weeks to travelling around our home country – we loved exploring the history and the landscapes of Latvia and we loved getting closer to its heritage and folklore. Latvia is more than just a place where we once lived
While there are hundreds of reasons to explore Latvia, these seven will serve as a perfect introduction to the unspoiled beauty of Latvia. You can see them all on one epic road trip or experience them as they change through the seasons. Either way, you will fall in love with this country
#1. Pretty cobbled streets of Riga
Riga is the capital city of Latvia with a beautiful old town that’s decorated with flowers during the summer and lays under a blanket of snow during the winter months.
Gifted with incredible Art Nouveau architecture and pointy church towers, Riga takes a big part in Latvia’s tourism. Riga’s Old Town – the historical centre of the city – and central areas are reasonably compact.
Riga has a number of fantastic attractions to keep travellers busy during their stay in the Latvian capital. While you can definitely see the main tourist attractions in 1 or 2 days in Riga, spending 3 days in Riga will allow you to make the most of everything that the Latvian capital has to offer.
Some of the places worth visiting in Riga:
House of Blackheads | Originally built in 1334 for the Brotherhood of Blackheads and completely restored lately after being bombed in WWII, the magnificent facade of House of Blackheads combines architectural and artistic values of different styles and different centuries.
Riga Castle is an important feature of Old Town Riga. A museum and the residence of the president of Latvia, it stands out for its prime location and interesting combination of architectural details.
Saint Peter’s Church | The best views of Riga are from the top of the 800-year-old St. Peters Church, located at Reformacijas laukums. From Riga’s tallest church, you can see a view of Old Town, the modern part of the city, Riga Bay and the Daugava River.
Read More: 25+ Things To Know Before Traveling To Beautiful Latvia For The First Time
#2. Beautiful coastal scenery
As in the case of many destinations these days, travel to Latvia is mostly associated with its gorgeous capital city Riga. Yet, look behind the scenes and you will discover something surprising such as vast and secluded white sand beaches which remain pristine and not overdeveloped.
Latvia is well endowed with sandy beaches as they follow its entire shoreline. Here you’ve got more than 500 kilometres of untamed coastline shaped by fishing villages selling smoked fish, towering sand dunes and pine trees gently swaying in the wind.
The beaches get busy during hot summer days especially the ones near Riga and in other bigger cities like Liepaja and Ventspils, but, most of the beaches in Latvia are tranquil and secluded.
Keep in mind that you will have to cross beautiful lush pine forests to get to the beach in Latvia most of the time. In many places, the pines reach impressive sizes and are close to 200 years old.
If you end up exploring the coast, don’t forget to stop by one of its many fishermen’s villages. The most popular ones close to Riga are Lapmezciems, Ragaciems, and Klapkalnciems on the western coast of the Gulf of Riga. Sauklrasti, Tuja, and Salacgriva towns and many smaller villages on the eastern coast of the Gulf are popular places for locals.
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#3. Bogs and moorlands
One of the most unusual things to do in Latvia – albeit beautiful and rewarding – is to visit one of its bogs. Bogs are a big part of Latvia’s identity in the same way that mountains are for Switzerland and beaches are for Spain. Latvia’s bogs are unique ecological territories that visitors can learn from and enjoy.
Many have wooden footpaths and watchtowers through the bog so you can see the bog without disturbing the squishy ground underfoot or sinking in yourself.
About an hour’s drive outside Rīga brings you to the Kemeri National Park near the coastal town of Jūrmala. Here you’ll find a wild wetland forest, shallow coastal lakes, dunes and the Great Kemeri Bog. The park is home to many rare and endangered species like wolves, lynxes, otters, black storks, sea eagles and many migrating birds.
In addition to animals, a huge diversity of unique plants like orchids, mosses, lichens, and carnivorous flycatchers also grow protected in this place.
If you are a bird-watcher, you would love Kemeri National Park, because Latvia is on the spring and autumn migration route of many bird species. You can spot many rare bird species on the beaches in Latvia.
Read More: 8 Things We Never Thought We’d Miss About Our Home Country Latvia
#4. Ancient Latvian Castles
Latvia’s castles and manor houses are some of its most treasured attractions. Seeing them is one of the best things you can do in Latvia as many of them serve as historical landmarks and each of them is unique in its style, architecture and cultural history.
Most Latvian castles were built in the Middle ages and while many of them have debilitated over time, a good few of them are still standing and open to visitors.
Cesvaine Palace | Cesvaine Palace is another rare historical monument of Latvia. The palace was built during the period of 1890 to 1897 and is an outstanding example of eclecticism combined with Gothic, Art Nouveau and Romanesque styles. The Cesvaine Castle Park is home to about 70 different species of trees and shrubs
Turaida Castle | located in Gauja National Park is part of the Turaida Museum Reserve. This castle was built in 1214 for the Albert of Riga. Earlier there used to be a wooden castle where the Liv Leader of Turaida used to reside. The wooden castle was deconstructed to build the stone castle of Turaida.
Cesis Castle | is one of Latvia’s most famous castles, with an entire calendar of events surrounding it and the town by the same name. The castle was built some 800 years ago, during the 13th century and the town of Cesis budded around this castle soon after. The castle has a high tower which you can climb up to get an exquisite view of the Cesis Old Town.
Rundales Castle | is one of the two major baroque castles, which was built for the Duke of Courland. Located in the southern part of Latvia, in the midst of the beautiful Zemgale Plains, Rundales Castle showcases magnificent Baroque and Rococo architecture.
Bauska Castle | is located amongst a very picturesque landscape. The castle stands on a spit of land where two rivers, Musa and Melemele converge into Lielupe. There are two sections in this castle. One is the old castle of the Livonian Order built during the 15th century and a newer part built during the 16th century, served as the residence of the Dukes of Courland.
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#5. Europe’s Widest Waterfall
The Venta Rapid is the widest waterfall in Europe, spanning a width of 650-820 feet (200-250 meters) depending on the season. However, if you’re picturing something along the lines of Niagara Falls or Iguazu Falls you will be very surprised.
The height of the waterfall is only about 6 feet (less than 2 meters). Visitors can enjoy walking along the width of the waterfall and even bathing in it. In spring and autumn, when spawning fish migrate upstream, you can watch from the banks as flying fish try to jump over the rapid.
This waterfall is located in Kuldiga town. Or rather – Kuldiga town is located at this waterfall because ships had to disembark at this natural barrage and due to this here appeared a settlement.
To enjoy the site of the waterfall. there are, in fact, two ways to do so. First is the historical brick bridge and the second one is a walking path that takes you along the river bank.
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#6. Latvian Cities and Towns
From Liepaja to Vetspils on Latvia’s windy west coast to the perfectly preserved wonder of Kuldiga, the world-class beach resort of Jurmala, and the rarely visited delights of Latgale, Latvia is so much more than a nature lover’s dream of forest, beach, and wildlife.
As well as the incredible Latvian capital, there are dozens of gorgeous towns and cities, too – some of which you might never have heard of – deserving of a visit.
Whether you go independently by car, book a local guide, or take public transportation, due to Latvia’s size, its cities and towns are easy to get to and explore.
You may be wondering what Latvian cities to include in your travel itinerary. So, here are a few you could start with:
Kuldíga | if you go towards the Baltic sea, you will eventually come upon Kuldiga, which is known throughout the country for its beautiful architecture. In it, you’ll find the Old Town, built up to join the Kuldiga Castle in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is also known for the widest natural rapids in Europe the Ventas Rumba – where fishermen used to catch salmon by throwing themselves up in the air.
Kandava | First mentioned in writing in 1230, Kandava is a city where it’s easy to feel the history of the place as you meander around the old centre. While the fort that it was built around has now been reduced to ruins, there is a tower that remains from the 14th century. The Old Town Square and adjoining Promenade, where you can easily find comfortable cafes and craftsmen selling their wares, are the best places to go to feel the spirit of the city.
Cesis | A town in central Latvia not to be missed is Cesis. Originally planned and built in the 13th century, Cesis is full of important Latvian history and fascinating historical sites. The Cesis Castle, which has had many owners over the centuries, is now the site of the Cesis History Museum. You can also visit the castle park, a relaxing place to wander around and enjoy the outdoors.
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#7. Latvian Food
Food plays an integral role in our lives and rightfully so: the food we eat is intricately intertwined with our culture. You can learn a lot about a particular culture by exploring its food. In fact, it may be difficult to fully define a culture without a nod to its cuisine.
Rife with wholesome dishes, organic vegetables, and breathtakingly fresh seafood, Latvian food is one of the Baltic’s best-kept secrets. Given that Food is often used as a means of retaining their cultural identity, anyone visiting Latvia should try it in order to eat like a local.
Potatoes pancakes | They are made with a combination of grated potatoes, eggs, and flour, seasoned only with salt and pepper. Fried until golden brown, kartupeļu pankūkas are traditionally served with sour cream and lingonberry sauce.
Grey peas | Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi is the national dish of Latvia. This type of stew is made with local grey peas (similar to chickpeas), fried onions, and diced speck. The dish was invented when locals used their supplies of dried and preserved food
Sorrel soup | is a traditional Latvian sorrel soup. It is made with beef stock, chopped sorrel leaves, pearl barley, onions, potatoes, and lemon juice.
Rupjmaize is a traditional Latvian bread consisting of whole-grain rye, baked in a hearth oven and shaped into an elongated loaf. It has a unique flavour that is both sour and sweet.
Buckwheat | griķi is the Latvian name for the pseudocereal known as buckwheat. One of the staple ingredients of traditional Latvian cuisine, griķi is also the name of this simple dish consisting of buckwheat groats that have been cooked in water with butter and salt before being enjoyed on their own or as an accompaniment to various Latvian specialities.
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#8 Great Outdoors
A large proportion of Latvia’s landscape is covered in forest, and about 20% of that land (plus a number of marine areas) is protected.
Latvia is home to four national parks, seven protected marine zones, 24 micro reserves, 40+ nature parks and over 500 nature reserves and nature monuments combined! This means that it is one of the greenest and most well-looked-after countries in Europe and that it has a regular spot at or near the top of the Environmental Performance Index.
In addition to green spaces, Latvia is a watery wonderland that is thought to have as many as 12,000 rivers, 3,000 small lakes and a number of beautiful waterfalls. This means that there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, be that kayaking, canoeing or even swimming. It makes Latvia an excellent destination for hiking and exploring nature, and there’s nothing more peaceful than taking a walk around a lake!
As such, Latvia is a bucket list must for those who love the great outdoors.
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Now, over to you!
Have you been to Latvia? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Latvia and have travel-related questions!
OUR CROSSINGS 
It does look like a fascinating country and quite beautiful, too, Aiva. It sounds like it would be a driving holiday and need a bit of planning. I presume the transport links are good. You must miss it very much sometimes.
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Hi, Jo 🙂 Yes, I miss it very much, especially in wintertime when the country is under a heavy blanket of snow.
When in Latvia, you can travel by public transport since they are reasonably priced and the trains and buses connect the major cities and towns of the country. Big towns like Riga and Daugavpils have a proper public transportation system which comprises of trolleybuses, trams, and buses.
But we highly recommend renting a car to go on a trip around Latvia. This way, you’re the one in charge. You can choose your own route, make spontaneous decisions and change your plans on a whim. This is great if you want the freedom to explore without being tied to a specific itinerary. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I very much enjoyed our four day trip to Latvia a few years ago. We took the train to Majori for a pleasant boardwalk along the beach and also the Ethnographic Museum was lovely too even though we had travelled out of season. Your post provides lots more ideas of further travel in Latvia to consider for a future trip. Thanks for sharing Aiva.
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I am glad to hear you had a great time in Latvia. Surrounded by Russia, Lithuania, Estonia and Belarus, Latvia has a pretty incredible mix of influences and spots that are great to see during a longer trip around the country.
For instance, it has some wonderful towns and villages and a pretty stunning coastline (that you might not think about when you first think of Latvia). After all, it’s right on the Baltic Sea which is great to explore in the summer months.
The Ethnographic Museum is a beautiful open-air museum in a beautiful setting and can be easily reached from Riga. The grounds are extensive and there are regular arts and crafts fairs with hundreds of artisans selling their craftwork. Definitely, a must when visiting Latvia.
Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I love all the reasons you mentioned Aiva – castles, coastal views, that delicious food (and really photogenic it seems) … I can absolutely understand why Latvia is a great travel destination!
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Thanks so much, Corna 🙂 Latvia’s turbulent history, rich culture and beautiful nature make it the perfect vacation spot for city trippers and outdoor enthusiasts. And Latvia has none of the issues of mass tourism that plague other European countries. Even in the summer high season, the crowds are manageable and prices affordable. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You have certainly convinced me, Aiva! I’m so intrigued by that waterfall; I’ve never seen anything quite like it before. Definitely not what I was expecting, and it’s funny that something so small was enough to thwart the movement of ships.
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Thanks so much, Diana 🙂 We visited in the summer and were very excited to cross the widest waterfall in Europe, but you have to be very careful as the rocks are slippery. When crossing the actual red brick bridge that spans over the river, there is a myth that you must make a wish before crossing but then you can not speak till you get to the other side in oder for the wish to come true. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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We were actually chosing between traveling through Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania or Bolivia and Brazil last summer but South America won the debate. It’s still in our plans though and I’ll bookmark this post as a good reference. Maggie
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As much as I love exploring my country and the Baltic States, if I had to choose between them and South America, I would prefer the latter. If you like your holidays to be relaxing then Latvia can tick off a good few boxes as there are plenty of saunas, spas and quiet coastal towns. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend 🙂 Aiva xx
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You paint a beautiful picture for travel to Latvia. I wonder if the waterfall is a result of a long ago earthquake that caused part of the area to drop. I wonder what the future is for many of these smaller countries in light of Russia’s expansion plans. Thanks for sharing Aiva. Have a great week. Allan
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A few years ago, Latvia (esp Riga) was “tainted” by the stag and hen dos who used to decent like a dark cloud due to cheap booze and affordable lodging. These are fewer and far between these days and those who do come are far less noticeable compared to a few years back.
Ventas Rumba has formed on a layer of Devonian dolostone. Below it is a more fragile dolostone and, as the power of the stream erodes this softer layer, the harder layer forms overhangs, and falls down. Thus the waterfall is slowly receding – and as the stream in the central part is more powerful, the middle part has receded further upstreams than the sides of the waterfall.
Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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How wonderful to read about your home country, Aiva. It looks so beautiful and the landscapes verdant. Turaida Castle is so unusual with it’s red brick. Would love, love, love to visit! My Irish Nana made the best potato cakes and I love the idea of sorrel soup.
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Thanks so much, Kerry 🙂 From big city sophistication to heartfelt country hospitality, Latvia has a warm welcome for every visitor who can discover ancient castles, wander through stunning valleys or laze on miles of beaches. I was delighted to go back home last summer after three years of absence. Valters dad suddenly passed away only two months after our visit therefore I deeply cherish every moment I was able to spend with him and the rest of our family members. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Aiva xx
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I am so sorry to hear about Valter’s father’s death. It’s a blessing that you were able to spend time with him, as a family, in happy circumstances. You are in my thoughts. Kerry x
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Thanks so much xx
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The coast of Latvia seems so peaceful and it would also be amazing to explore the castles there. Your home country looks beautiful!
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Thanks so much 🙂 Latvia is a country that is located on the Baltic Sea. It has a beautiful landscape because it has wide beaches and beautiful natural things. Apart from fun things to do in Latvia, you can also drive to Estonia and take a ferry to Sweden or Finland; you can drive to Lithuania which is another gorgeous country in the Baltic States, or you might consider driving six hours to visit Saint-Petersburg or nine hours to visit Moscow. Either or, everything is pretty near if you are in Latvia. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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My husband and daughter were in Stockholm a few years ago to visit family and they took the ferry to Riga, then drove through to Lithuania to visit areas where my husband’s family came from! They did say Latvia was a pretty place.
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That sounds like a fantastic trip and one that many people undertake. All you need is around 2 weeks to discover the 3 countries of the Baltics, and uncover just how truly unforgettable they are. Few people seem to talk about the Baltics, but they really are the perfect destinations for road-tripping! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Your original homeland sounds beautiful, Aiva. Thank you for the enticing overview.
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Thanks so much, Mark 🙂 Latvia is an affordable, charming and cultural country that is often overlooked in favour of more famous European destinations. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I had a brief stay in Latvia almost four years ago: I only had enough time to see Riga and Rundale Palace, but visiting during the springtime was so lovely, as everything was in full bloom! There’s definitely a lot more to see in the country, and I hope to return to explore more!
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Latvia is a place that is full of natural beauty and places. In order to explore these beauties, you must stay here for some period, but that’s not always possible. So even if you had just a few days in Latvia, you can see quite a lot given its petite size. I am glad to hear that you had a chance to visit one of my favourite Latvian castles – Rundale. This is a beautifully renovated palace. What is interesting is that they have left small patches in the rooms which show the layers of paint which had to be removed to reveal the original decoration. Thanks for stopping by and have great day 🙂 Aiva xx
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If anything, it’s even better that Latvia isn’t super popular as it means you don’t have to deal with the crowds. You’ve certainly convinced me that Latvia is worth visiting. You had me at bogs, which are among some of my favourite landscapes. And who doesn’t enjoy exploring ancient castles?! Thanks for adding it on my travel bucket list.
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You would love to visit Latvian bogs, Linda. The stunning Kemeri bog alone is over 8,000 years old and is one of the largest dry moss swamps on the Latvian coast
Bogs are one of the biggest Latvia’s natural resources and nowadays they cover more than 10% of the national territory.
Not many people would name a swamp as one of the most beautiful places on earth. But if you are willing to get up at the crack of dawn when trees are often poking through the dense fog under a spectacular orange sunrise, then you’ll be in for a treat. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It all looks beautiful Aiva – it’s a part of Europe we have yet to visit….
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Thanks so much, Marie 🙂 Whether you’re a foodie fanatic, a culture vulture or a Digital Nomad, you’re sure to find plenty to see and do in Latvia that will take your fancy. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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This was a great article and information. I have a friend who did a bike tour through Latvia and had a long stay as well to get to know the culture and people better and has nothing but good things to say about the country and people. I’m going to have to make a plan and itinerary and visit this year.
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Thanks so much. I am glad to hear your friend had a memorable time exploring Latvia. Latvia is a watery wonderland that is thought to have as many as 12,000 rivers, 3,000 small lakes and a number of beautiful waterfalls. This means that there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, be that kayaking, canoeing or even swimming. It makes Latvia an excellent destination for hiking and exploring nature, and there’s nothing more peaceful than taking a walk around a lake! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I have already been to Latvia, too long ago to remember the details without the photos, precious memory aids, it will soon be time to go back, if all goes as planned, it will be next year.
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I hope you make it back to Latvia one day. Latvia is a very budget-friendly place to travel. Accommodation, food and sightseeing are all pretty cheap not to mention the aforementioned locally-brewed beer that is kind on the wallet! It’s, therefore, no wonder that Riga is a popular Stag-Do destination or that families and backpackers love to choose this Eastern European gem for their budget-friendly vacation. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You certainly make a compelling case to include Latvia in travel plans. I’m sorry I didn’t get to that area of Europe when I lived in Prague. You never know, I might get back to that part of the world…
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Thanks so much 🙂 Latvia might be a small country, but there’s so much to see. a large proportion of Latvia’s landscape is covered in forest, and about 20% of that land (plus a number of marine areas) is protected. Latvia is home to four national parks, seven protected marine zones, 24 micro reserves, 40+ nature parks and over 500 nature reserves and nature monuments combined! This means that it is one of the greenest and most well-looked-after countries in Europe and that it has a regular spot at or near the top of the Environmental Performance Index. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow, it’s very impressive environmentally! I commend the government for setting aside so many lands for conservation.
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Thank you 🙂 we are very proud to be one of Europe’s greenest nations. For many Latvians, a forest is a spiritual place, where people go to be at one with nature. xx
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You needn’t say another word – I’m convinced! Actually, I’ve long been interested in visiting the Baltic states, including Latvia. This post will be very useful when that day comes, but don’t be surprised if I bug you for even more. 😉
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I am glad to hear that you are interested in visiting my home country, Latvia! Half of the country is a beautiful natural landscape of forests, lakes and deep river valleys while the other half is made up of vibrant cities, blending World Heritage sites with modern designs. Along the coast, you’ll find famous spa towns and one of the longest sandy beaches in Europe, bordered by shallow seas containing relatively little salt. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It looks breathtakingly beautiful indeed! I love how characteristic it is and so beautiful nature! I would love the food too…I would like to try those potatoes pancakes or those garlic toasties 😉
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Thank you 🙂 You would have heaps of fun visiting Latvia as it offers a fascinating mix of cultures, history, landscapes and amazing food. You could explore the vibrant capital of Riga, the most cosmopolitan of the Baltic capitals, and step back in time in the old town amongst narrow lanes before flocking to Latvia’s attractive coast, scattered with white sand beaches and pine-covered dunes. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Aw a great list Aiva, and I feel so lucky to have seen quite a few of these places in person. Latvia is definitely a small but beautiful country which we absolutely loved visiting 🙂
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I am glad to hear you loved visiting my home country Latvia. While Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are tiny, they pack a cultural punch, drawing more and more tourists to visit these historically and culturally rich countries. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Looks very inviting! Thank you for sharing your lovely highlights of Latvia!
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Thanks so much 🙂 Latvia and the Baltic States may be naturally flat, but they’re certainly not lacking in beautiful viewpoints and natural phenomena. From golden sandy beaches to picturesque lakes, large swathes of forest, and wetlands rich with natural wildlife, there are few places in Europe with a such varied and attractive landscapes. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I’ve never been to Latvia so this post is really the perfect teaser to inspire a visit in what seems to be a stunning country! I definitely have to add it on my bucket list and will for sure refer back to your blog when I finally visit!
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Latvia makes for a fascinating getaway with a wide and exciting range of reasons to visit. It’s yet to be as popular as other eastern European cities such as Prague for instance, so now is a great time to enjoy all it has to offer. Compared to Western Europe and Scandinavia, Latvia is also a great value for money. This makes any expenditures such as food, transportation and accommodation very affordable indeed – meaning you can treat yourself more than usual! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Looks very similar to Estonia so I am sure I would love it!! Looks fantastic!! Malin
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Thanks so much, Malin 🙂 The capital city of Riga is a big highlight of any trip to Latvia. It has a beautiful old town, vibrant nightlife and some great festivals. Other places outside of Riga worth checking out include Sigulda, Liepāja and Cesis, each offering the country’s fantastic combination of history, nature and exciting activities. Have a lovely day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I have never considered traveling here until now. You’ve got me curious. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks so much 🙂 Latvia has been a crossroads of Europe for centuries, giving it fascinating history and an exciting future. Half of the country is a beautiful natural landscape of forests, lakes and deep river valleys while the other half is made up of vibrant cities, blending World Heritage sites with modern designs. Along the coast, you’ll find famous spa towns and one of the longest sandy beaches in Europe, bordered by shallow seas containing relatively little salt. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Never been. I should. Yet so many places to see, so little time… 😉
How have you been? Growing family, a house (or is it a flat?). My best wishes of happiness… 🤗
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Thanks so much, Brian, that’s so sweet of you 🙂 If you are interested in Art Nouveau architecture, old towns, urban bars and lots of history, Latvia might be the right place to visit.
For me, the biggest adjustment was navigating the school run with a newborn in tow. Given I had to master the school run during the harsh winter month, I can safely say that it is not for the faint-hearted. Navigating traffic-laden streets and parking inspectors while (almost) running late with a child who left her hat at home and has school shoes on the wrong feet is the norm. But what happens when you throw something so unpredictable yet super precious as a newborn baby into the mix? After five months of navigating the murky waters of the dreaded school run, I realised it is not so bad after all. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The school run means dropping #1 at school I imagine… That’s always tough.
Here we help with the grandkids. Picking them up. My wife will pick them up for lunch in a while… (Then I will do some homework with the eldest. French homework… LOL)
Be good.
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We visited Latvia a few years ago . Such an amazing Baltic Sea. Such a fascinating country and so beautiful Aiva. This food was so delicious. Your post provides so so ideas. Thanks Anita
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Hi, Anita, and thanks so much for stopping by. I am glad to hear you have wonderful memories of exploring Latvia – thanks to its somewhat tumultuous political history, Latvia is a country with multiple influences: a little of the East and a little of the West with a whole lot of artistic flair. Plus, with nearly half the country covered by forests and national parks, it’s a nature lover’s paradise as well. P.S. I love animals and therefore I loved stumbling upon your blog – your blog posts about chipmunks and bald eagles caught my attention right away. Therefore I am following your adventures. Have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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No we have never been to Latvia, Aiva. Gate One Travel offers a few trips to this Eastern European region and I will give their itineraries a look? What languages are spoken most in this country?
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As I’ve never heard about Gtae One, I had to look it up to check its travel deals – some of them are quite exciting such as a Day Classic Baltics Central taking in Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Warsaw. That would be a trip to remember! While Latvian is the only official language and the only one you will notice on most signs, Latvia is effectively a bilingual country, with a third of its population speaking Russian.
After independence (1990) English replaced Russian as the most common foreign language to learn. The younger generations of ethnic Latvians usually speak English far better than Russian (and would switch to English when communicating with foreigners). English is also very common in tourist materials. Fluency in English is a requirement for anybody wishing to work in the tourist industry. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You’ve ease my concerns about visiting this region amid the current Russian crisis. hanks.
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