Back
Vidzeme
a mix of hospitable cities and inestimatible nature. Latvias highest point Gaizins is here. At the centre of this region lies The National Park of Gauja, collecting in itself distinguished sights of Latvias nature, animals and a pattern of eco-tourism. The seaside, approximately 156km long, varies from stony, wild shoreline to sandy beach.
Cesis - a town of medieval romance, 90 km from Riga, popular among tourists because of its unique atmosphere, festivals and the wonderful nature to be found around the town.
Sigulda is called "The Switzerland of Latvia" for its adorable nature surroundings, making it popular among both locals and foreigners. It is located only 35 km from Riga, making it an easy day trip. Latvias largest ski resort is situated there, and the town offers opportunities for all manners of tourism. The nearby Turaida offers the opportunity of visiting a pre-medieval castle of Turaida with a museum situated in it. You can take a ride with a cable car over Gaujas valley.
Saulkrasti, the town closer to the Sun, is the second most popular sea resort town. Unlike shallow beaches in Jurmala, in beaches Saulkrasti become deep just after a few meters into the sea.
Kurzeme
the land of the ancient tales and legends. Each castle with its own unique history, massive forests, white sand and stone beaches, white sea-shells. One of the widest waterfalls in Europe the "Ventas Rumba" is in this region.
Liepaja is the city where the wind gets born. It is located in the southwest, on the Baltic Sea coast. It has beautiful white sand beach, the biggest seaside park in Latvia that stretches 3 km along the Baltic Sea coast, St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral - the pearl of Liepaja, and the Military Harbour (Karosta) - Liepaja's best kept secret - a big military harbour, which dates from the beginning of the 20th Century.
Ventspils - a city on the move, one of the fastest growing cities in Latvia. Originally built by German knights, Ventspils was later established around the castle which is now completely restored. The castle houses the Ventspils Museum of History. Ventspils boasts a well-equipped beach which meets all EU requirements. Seaside Open-Air Ethnographic Museum and Open-Air Water Park have found a site in the city.
Kuldiga, the ancient town of Courland (Kurzeme), lies on the River Venta where the waterfall Rumba has formed. The proud of Kuldiga is the ancient brick bridge across the River Venta (1873-1874) and the old town with its 17th - 18th century buildings. An original feature of every house is its entrance door decorated with wood-carvings, the skylight windows above it and the tiled roofs which are characteristics exclusive to Kuldiga.
Latgale
Latgale is rightly called the Land of Blue lakes or Lakeland. There are the largest lake in Latvia - Lubans, the deepest lake Dridzis, which is the deepest in the Baltics. A unique protected natural area is Ezezers with thirty-six island and Velnezers is famous for its mysterious colour and legends. Latgale greets tourists with its picturesque views, varied mosaic landscapes with many lakes, forests and hills, and geological curiosities - great stones (the biggest Latvian great stone is situated in Nicgale (130 m3)), glens and slopes. Latgale is characterized by crucifixes at the road sides, steeples of white churches over coniferous forests, manor-houses and castles.
Daugavpils situated about 230km from Riga, is the second biggest city in Latvia. Daugavpils has developed on the crossroads of different cultures and religions. Daugavpils is a green city with peculiar charm. When wandering around, the distinctions flash past your eyes. The only Saintplace of Latvia - Basilica of Aglona - also is located in Daugavpils region. Each year, in a middle of August (from 12th till 15th), many piligrims arrive from abroad, from Latvia and other countries (even wideworld).
Zemgale
Zemgale has been the centre of culture and education starting from the 2nd century. It is also called "Latvias bread-giver", because the most fertile lands lie there. Throughout the centuries peasants have lived and worked there, admiring the natural beauty of forests and fields of rye that wave like lakes.
Bauska is a small picturesque town. It is situated on Via Baltica, 66 km from Riga. The main tourist attractions are Mezotne Manor, Bauska Castle and Rundale Palace, which is a marvellous architectural and historical monument, designed by the Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli.
Jelgava for many centuries, was politically the second most important town in Latvia. It has been a major economic and trading centre. The Jelgava Palace, designed by the outstanding Italian architect Franchesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli has managed to survive numerous wars. It is beautifully situated between two rivers, surrounded by a park. Palace construction took place from 1738 till 1772, and since then it has served many purposes.
