Latvia

Types of trips: Geographical, Historical/Cultural, Nature, Exploring/Hiking, Relaxation

Best known for: Folk Festivals, Environmentally clean, Singing/Choirs, Amber, Local Craft, Commemorative coins

Why Go?: The Baltic Sea, clean air and fresh pine - the environment itself is reason enough to travel to Latvia, but the beautiful architecture and local culture make it unmissable. The relaxed, slower nature of the country is a far cry from some of the hustle and bustle of the UK, and would be a great experience for everyone.

Fact File

Population: 2,100,000

Capital: Riga

Language(s): Latvian

Ties to the UK?: Good political relationship, immigration links, reasonably popular travel destination

Landscape: Low hills, Forests, Plains, Coastline, Beaches, Rivers, Farmland

Climate/Seasons: May - August are the warmest months, but August can see a lot of rainfall occur, and the winter period of December - March is quite sunny but has short days and constant snow cover.

When to Go: The country is beautful in the winter thanks to the snowfall, but the warmer summer period would be the optimum time to visit. Summer sees much longer days, therefore allowing you to do much more with your time, and most of the local celebrations and cultural events happen in the summer.

Reasons to Visit: The historical towns of Latvia support numerous literature, art and historical museums, and nestle inbetween the gentle landscape of forests and plains - you can come here to experience an easygoing way of life that is still rich with culture. Being one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world, you will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed no matter what activites you've done - it's famous for having almost no traffic jams anywhere, a great change from the UK!

How to Get There: Possible to travel there on the ground in a few days, but flying would be much quicker - Riga and Liepaja both have international airports nearby. Popular bus and rail network inside the country, and there are good road connections to most locations.

Places to Go: Riga (espeically the Old Town), Jurmala, Kuldiga, Turaida Muesum Reserve, Ventspils, Liepaja, Cesis Old Town

Famous People: Mark Rothko, Ksenia Solo, Andris Biendrins, Peteris Vasks, Mariss Jansons, 

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Gauja National Park, Venta Rapid, Kemeri National Park

History: Occupied by the Soviet Union in WWII and only gained full independence in 1991

Architecture: Freedom Monument, St Peter's Church (Riga), Rundale Palace, Turaida Castle, Nativity Cathedral (Riga), Kalnciema Quarter, National Library of Latvia

Culture: Singing Festivals, Choirs, Theatre, Museums

Sport: Ice Hockey, Basketball

Events: Latvian Song and Dance Festival, Summer Singing Fairs, Summer Solstice celebrations, Baltica International Folk Festival

Watch Out For: The locals are friendly, but also known for being quite formal - try and respect this by being equally formal!

Medical Issues: Some vaccination boosters may be advisable, so contact a doctor and check here for information

Watch this video about visiting Latvia!