Latvia
Our Top Picks For Latvia
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1 Rīga
Wander cobbled medieval streets, slide past Art Nouveau and watch the sun set over a skyline of spires and turrets
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2 Gauja Valley
Explore this magical natural wonderland, checking out castle ruins and medieval villages and getting your adrenalin rushing by bungee jumping, bobsleighing, canoeing or skiing
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3 Jūrmala
Soak up sun and icy blue Baltic Sea vistas in this boisterous resort area
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4 Liepāja
Discover the heart and soul of Latvia’s rock ‘n roll scene in this progressive city, poised to be a major Baltic hotspot
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5 Cape Kolka
Meander through tiny fishing villages and savour the solitude of wild, windswept Cape Kolka’s untouched coastline
Fast Facts about Latvia
- Birthplace of
the world's first miniature camera, the VEF Minox
- Visa
not required for visits of up to 90 days for citizens of the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
- Money
Latvian lats UK£1 = Ls0.77; US$1 = Ls0.54
- Departure tax
none
- Area
64,600 sq km (twice the size of Belgium)
- Population
2.4 million
- Famous for
winning the 2002 Eurovision Song Contest
- Country code
371
- Capital
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Introducing Latvia
If you're yearning to hit Europe's untrodden jackpot, cash in your chips in Latvia (Latvija). Still undiscovered by the tourism masses, this sizzling Baltic sexpot is poised to become the continent's next A-list star. A country in transition, hellbent on shedding its stalwart old-Soviet image, the Latvia of today is vibrant, enigmatic and altogether mesmerising. Refreshingly unpretentious, Latvia manages to tantalise even the most jaded traveller. Many arrive expecting little and leave overwhelmed, certain they've uncovered long-buried treasure.
Bustling Rīga, with its pumping nightlife, cobbled streets and marvellous art-nouveau architecture is one of Eastern Europe's most fun cities. Away from the capital, the pace slows. Historic villages, miles from anywhere, sit frozen in time. Despite growing popularity, Latvia is still one of those places where you can embrace the unbeaten path and become an intrepid adventurer exploring virgin terrain. From crumbling castles in Sigulda, to Jūrmala and its alluring resorts on the edge of the ice-blue Baltic Sea, it's very easy to just get away. Summer is an especially magical time - twilight comes near midnight and by 4am it's light again. After long, dark winters, Latvians seem determined to soak up as much light as possible and the whole country exudes a frenetic, turbocharged energy. Beer gardens pop up in even the smallest villages and revellers slug pints well into the night. Its natural offerings are also a drawcard, like Gauja National Park in Eastern Latvia, a pine-scented paradise.
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Latest headlines for Latvia
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Latvia minister quits over cuts
17 June 2009 6:00PM
Latvia's health minister, himself a medical doctor, resigns over cuts that he says would leave the poor vulnerable.
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Latvia is 'saved from bankruptcy'
12 June 2009 9:30AM
Latvia's prime minister says that budget cuts implemented in the country have saved it from bankruptcy.
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Latvians see hope amid the gloom
11 June 2009 8:58AM
Latvians are optimistic that they will get through the current economic crisis, despite the severe recession
