Baltic Sea Coast National Park Traditions Music Facts about

Gauja National Park is one of the most popular tourist Liv Coast. 12 ancient fishermen's settlements Classical Music. The world knows many of Location North East Europe, east coast of the Baltic Sea destinations in Latvia. Travellers were walking the paths on the Baltic sea's coastline are still inhabited Latvia's most accomplished opera soloists, around as early as in the 19th century leaving by one of Latvia's nations - the Livs, who not conductors and other musicians who please Territory 64.589 km² - 2 times bigger than Belgium

engravings on the walls of sandstone caves behind only speak in their own language, but prepare audiences with heartfelt and touching www.latvia.travel, www.vimeo.com/channels/latviatravel www.latvia.travel, Border countries Estonia, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania them. Visitors are drawn by the unique scenery of their own meals and once a year celebrate concerts, which can only be experienced

Free of charge of Free the Ancient Valley of the River Gauja and the largest their own cultural celebrations. Quiet, sandy on the stages of their home country. Enjoy 1 988 400 inhabitants - almost as many as in T.Gill, Jūrmala Tourism Information Centre, "Leta", "F64", www.aerovision.lv. "F64", "Leta", Centre, Information Tourism Jūrmala T.Gill, Population

Devonian rock outcrops in Latvia - sandstone precipice, beaches, fishermen's boats, traditional performances in Latvia by stars such as Elina Paris

R.Hofmanis, A.Priedīte, M.Ignats, L.Svirskis, G.Janaitis, G.Seilis, S.Kuzmickis, S.Kuzmickis, G.Seilis, G.Janaitis, L.Svirskis, M.Ignats, A.Priedīte, R.Hofmanis, cliffs Raven (Kraukļu) Ravine, Devil’s (Velnalas) Cave wooden houses and Kolkasrags are what Garanca, Aleksandrs Antonenko, Inese Galante, Photos: from the archives of the Latvian Tourism Development Agency, Agency, Development Tourism Latvian the of archives the from Photos: Cliffs, Spriņģi Rock, Glūdu Cliffs, Zvārte Rock, Ērgļi Cliffs, attract those who value unhurried relaxation. Gidon Kremer, Vestards Simkus, Andris Nelsons Population density 31/km² - one of the smallest in Europe

and more. © Latvian Tourism Development Agency, 2015 Agency, Development Tourism Latvian © Sietiņiezis Rock) and caves (Gūtmaņala Cave in Sigulda is Suiti Region. The Suitu wives in their vibrant Riga - the biggest city in the Baltic States with the biggest and highest cave in the Baltics). To capture Capital city ethnic costumes, who've already captured Song and Dance Festival. Over 30 000 the Historic Centre listed by UNESCO the magic of the park fully one day will not be enough. the attention of the world with their stretched participants, hundreds of thousands of viewers The national park is a home to over 500 historic-cultural harmonic singing - this is one of the things and one passion - Latvian songs. This is how Climate 4 distinctive seasons monuments: mounds, stone , churches, the catholic region is known for. Take a look at every 5 years the biggest celebration of Latvia manors, watermills and windmills as well as other the picturesque Alsunga and the Jūrkalne cliff brings joy and pride of tradition with the folk Forests 54% of the territory covered with rich flora Where else will you find a beach over 500 km long and with sand so white? archeological, architectural, and art monuments. The where pine trees tumble into the sea! costume parades and concerts, which unites 633 protected nature areas, 336 included in The Baltic Sea coast impresses passers by with 16 meter high seashores in main tourist destinations are Sigulda and Castle all of those present for the occasion. Nature protection Jāņi Festival. Hearty songs, drinking and "Natura 2000" Jūrkalne, ancient settlements of the endangered Liv people, Kolkasrags - as well as Līgatne and Cēsis, however, true travellers dance by the bonfire on the year's shortest where the waves of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga crash together, and should not miss out on many other things and places. night, naked runs and other mystic rituals, Coast 500 km of white sandy beaches unique seaside meadows for birdwatching near Ainaži. Broad, sandy beaches www.gnp.lv even making love in nature - that's Jāņi. Food & Drink will be found not only in Jūrmala, Saulkrasti, Liepāja and Ventspils, bet also They're celebrated on summer solstice - on in many secluded corners, where no one will bother you and you'll be able www.entergauja.com Regional Cuisine. What is a sklandrausis, the 23rd and 24th of June all over Latvia in to relax to your heart's content. Several beaches are Blue Flag certified, hemp butter, grey peas with bacon, bukstin' Practical information the company a friends and family. These are porridge, potato pancakes, shmakovka and which symbolise well-equipped, safety and cleanliness standards. The coast Ķemeri National Park remarkable outdoor celebrations. in Kaltene, Tūja and Oviši are pebbled, and they're practically asking to be birch juice? If you want to really taste Latvia, Local time: Latvia Time is GMT+2 (From late March till late October Latvia photographed. Observant passers by might notice the most valuable of the Jūrmala - the most popular resort in the Baltics is home Black Sauna. In the countryside you can you have to try these maybe slightly odd, yet participates in the Western European summer time scheme: GMT+3) objects washed up on the shore lodged in between seaweed - Baltic gold, or to Ķemeri National Park which offers its visitors various enjoy the most ancient Latvian sauna, called traditional foods and drinks, which often can rather, amber, to be taken home as an authentic and hard-earned souvenir options for outdoor recreation. It is Natura 2000 area the black sauna. Since there's no chimney, only be found in particular regions. Currency: Latvian currency is Euro (€). Currencies can be exchanged for of the trip. Small fishermen's villages on the coast of the Gulf of Riga still notable for the great biodiversity: Ķemeri Moorland while it's being heated the smoke makes its Riga Central Market. In ex-zeppelin Euros at most of the banks and exchange offices located at city centres,

Welcome to Latvia! to Welcome smoke freshly caught fish and will offer travellers to try them - you can smell (Ķemeru tīrelis) rich in small lakes; nearly all types of way out the windows and doors. The soot that construction hangars you'll find one of shopping malls and major transport hubs.

covers the sauna has many healing properties, heart beat faster in delight. delight. in faster beat heart them a mile away. An impressive military history can be seen in the Liepāja forests characteristic of Latvian latitudes; meadows the largest markets of Europe, which is

Karosta (war port), which since the 19th century had been the Czar's navy grazed by forest animals as well as wild cows and none of which hinder you to enjoy the heat ATMs and Credit cards: There are many automatic teller machines in recreation will allow you to notice things that will make your your make will that things notice to you allow will recreation practically its own guide to the Latvian base, but now anyone can experience the history in the museum prison horses; seaside with white sandy beaches and dry on the cedar benches. And if you cool down culinary world. Besides local farmer-grown Latvia and all major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

and only and inimitable. Careful observations and unhurried unhurried and observations Careful inimitable. and only and and fort. Don't miss out on the archaic Kurzeme lighthouses to get a feel for pinewoods; 3 big lakes which are not only easy on the eyes but also create in cold water after the sauna, your body will countryside produce, here you can buy fresh

a vast culture historical heritage; however, it is unique - the one one the - unique is it however, heritage; historical culture vast a the sea's and seaside forest's vastness, fill your lungs with fresh air and new a miraculous sense of peace with their vast and calm waters. Ķemeri area be cleansed, resilient, but your skin will have bread, cheese, smoked fish, honey, flowers, Power supply: The power supply in Latvia is 220V AC at 50 Hz. An adaptor

interest to them. Latvia, like other European countries, can offer offer can countries, European other like Latvia, them. to interest experiences. is rich in various minerals and healing waters. Ķemeri resort was founded gained elasticity and a healthy glow. craftsmen's products and much more. for the ground two-pin sockets (European standard) may be required. countries feel comfortable in Latvia and find things that are of of are that things find and Latvia in comfortable feel countries back in the 18th century and people from all over Europe came to enjoy its

Sabile Wine Hill. If you leaf through an Tourists coming both from Western Europe and the Eastern Eastern the and Europe Western from both coming Tourists sulphur springs and moor mud baths.

Architecture older Guinness book of world records, you'll Useful phone numbers

the world. the Lake Region www.daba.gov.lv/kemeri find that this used to be the home of the environment, the like of which is not to be found anywhere in in anywhere found be to not is which of like the environment, Art Nouveau. If you feel like your walk northernmost vineyard, where grapes are Dial Code for Latvia + 3 7 1

through Riga or Liepāja is being watched, grown in open nature. Still in modern days traditions of all these countries have merged, creating a unique unique a creating merged, have countries these all of traditions Rāzna National Park

don't be surprised! The Art Nouveau "spy Latvia brews wine not only from local grapes,

South. Therefore, Latvia is a multi-cultured state, where the the where state, multi-cultured a is Latvia Therefore, South. Latgale’s special feel, marvellous landscapes with network" of faces on building facades seem but also from apples, black currant berries, Where to call in an emergency (toll free)

has been at the crossroads between East and West, North and and North West, and East between crossroads the at been has to be encountered at every step. Rich decor, roses, rhubarb, birch juice and even more

castle mounds, waters, and woods, Lake Rāzna - great Emergency 1 1 2 - on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Since ancient times Latvia Latvia times ancient Since Sea. Baltic the of shores the on -

natural diversity characterizes the newest Latvian sculptures, ornamental lines, stained glass and uncommon ingredients. And why not, if it's The EU-wide emergency

Union member states and is situated in the North of Europe Europe of North the in situated is and states member Union other artistic elements on both the outside tasty?!

national park. The area is home to several lakes. One of Police 1 1 0 number for police, Latvia, the pearl of the Baltic States, is one of the European European the of one is States, Baltic the of pearl the Latvia, and inside of buildings never cease to excite them - Lake Rāzna is the second biggest lake in Latvia. fire-fighters and

with their variety and refinement.

Thanks to its sandy beaches Lake Rāzna is referred to Fire-fighters 1 1 2 medical service.

slowly enjoyed est B . atvia L as the Latgalean Sea. The lake is abundant in fish and F.B.Rastrelli's Masterpieces. Barons also Medical Service 1 1 3 there are several equipped resting areas ashore. Lake once reigned in Latvia and they wanted to Nature Ežezers is notable for about 70 island-like formations about half of which live as richly as in the court of czarist Russia. Blue Cows. As legend has it, these cows have Gas emergency 1 1 4 are overgrown with reeds and canes. There are estimated 33 - 36 islands For this reason the famous Italian architect emerged from the sea and began to graze in F.B.Rastrelli was invited to build the glamorous 1 8 8 8 in the lake. Rāzna National Park is home to the 3rd highest hill in Latvia - the seaside meadows. That's why they're the Road accidents Saint Petersburg's Winter Palace's equivalent in Lielais Liepukalns (289 meters above mean sea level) which is notable for colour of the sea. Who knows how much truth Jelgava, and Latvia's most regal baroque and its relatively impressive altitude for our conditions. Next to Lake Rāzna on there is to it, but these blue-grey cows can Would you believe that in ancient times Latvia's lakes flew through the air rococo castle in Rundāle. Make a point to go 1 1 8 8 top of Mākoņkalns Hill (248 m above mean sea level) there are pieces of still be encountered in the seaside villages of 24 hour information All kind of information about until they found a place to land? That's what ancient tales and legends tells visit it! the unassailable Volkenberg stone castle built in the 13th century by the Kurzeme. What do you think the colour of their services 1 1 8 9 Latvia (pay per minute) us, which now, of course, only make us smile. But there are still whimsically Livonian Order. Military Heritage. Ancient fortresses, milk is? Come and take a look for yourself! Tourist map beautiful places where there are more lakes than in other places, and it's www.daba.gov.lv military prisons, underground bunkers from called the land of the blue lakes. One of them - Velnezers - is an unnaturally Ventas Rumba Waterfall. Did you know the Soviet times and radio locators, nuclear crisp blue hue. Grab a boat and go dream on Latvia's deepest lake in the that Europe's widest waterfall can be found in Mobile phone companies missile shafts - that all used to be shrouded in beautiful gulfs of Dridzis. Or bike around the lake with the most islands on Latvia? Together with the old brick bridge it Riga Slītere National Park secrecy. Now history enthusiasts and action looks so idylic, that in the spring and autumn LMT Bite the banks of the Ežezers lake. And if that's not enough, take a boat to wander seekers can not only satisfy their curiosity, The territory of Slītere National Park may be considered fish fly over the waterfall to catch a glimpse • Tel: +371 29319911 • Tel: +371 25851601 the five interconnected lakes. During the summer their water is so warm but get a feel for that time's day to day life for at Kuldīga's old town shingled rooftops and • Website: ww.lmt.lv • Website: www.bite.lv that it makes swimming unbelievably pleasant, but during the spring and a unique museum of the geological history of the themselves in enthralling games and shows. autumn it wonderfully cools the body after a traditional, Latvian sauna. If you Baltic Sea. It is home to a 30-50 m high ancient shore the Venta river valley's magnificence. This have enough patience to sit around a lake with a fishing rod in hand, the precipice of Baltic ice lake covered with a broadleaf has given inspiration not only to painters Tele2 hospitable local Latgalians will gladly help you prepare a tasty fish soup from and movie operators, but also countless • Tel: +371 29500300 forest rich in terms of species as well as a dune ridge Crafts your catch, and offer you their freshly baked rye bread. This sort of peace, and narrow hallow complex. Seaside with sandy beach photographers. • Website: ww.tele2.lv relaxation and well-being can only be attained by the serene lake waters, the and dunes, dry dune pinewoods, seashore aquatorium Amber. For Latvians, amber is the most Pokaiņi Forest. Puzzling stone rivers, gentle rustle of the long reeds and the birds' songs. and several kilometers long dune ridges (kangari) valuable jewel from which you can create piles of rocks, barriers and odd boulders Foreign embassies and consulates Latvia interchanging with narrow hollows (vigas) are an integral part of the park. the longest string of amber beads, make - this is Latvia's Stonehenge, which has Hill Region National park is located on the migratory bird flyway, in spring a huge all sorts of jewellery and even weave fabric. sprouted fantastic and uncommon theories. Contact information on foreign embassies in Latvia can be found on the amount of migratory birds can be spotted out here. The park is inhabited by Not to mention its energetic power with Undoubtedly, the Pokaiņi forest is an website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mfa.gov.lv/en/mission rare and endangered reptiles, such as a pond turtle and copperhead snake strengthening and healing characteristics! It's energetically powerful environment. Go for a and in the vicinity of Kolka - natterjack toad. In fishing villages on the seaside no coincidence that the Baltic sea is also called walk, put on comfortable shoes and be open Consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia one can get to know the Liv or Livonian cultural heritage - an essential part the Amber sea, because after each storm the to the feelings! Tel: +371 67016364 (working hours), +371 26337711 (24h) of cultural-historic heritage of Northern Europe. Kurzeme beach is often littered with little pieces of amber. Whereas in souvenir shops www.slitere.lv WiFi network amber is always in abundance - from rings, Technologies bracelets and beads to glittering lamps, chess Lattelecom has set up the largest public WiFi network in Latvia with more Northern Biosphere Reserve sets and even pictures. Aerodium. Millions of people in the world than 4 000 access spots in cafes, shops and shopping centres, bus and have seen flying people at the Turin Olympic Mechanical Pipe Organ. Liepāja's Holy railway stations, parks and other places. Most of them are accessible free or The Northern Vizeme Biosphere Reserve is the only games and at the EXPO in Shanghai. This one of its kind, an environmentally protected wetland, Trinity church can pride itself with the world's charge - choose "Lattelecom-free" network on your device. largest mechanical organ, which not only unique wind tunnel was invented in Latvia, in Latvia. Here you'll find one of the largest untouched and everyone has the chance to feel the raised bogs in the Baltic countries. The Salaca river play for celebratory concerts, but also for the More information www.wifi.lv International Organ Music Festival. Go listen uncensored joy and absolute feeling of with its picturesque sandstone cliff coasts is the most freedom while flying not far from Sigulda. notable salmon spawning bed on the coast of the some time as this unique musical instrument fills the church's vaulted ceilings with heavenly Want to fly? Latvia.travel Mobile app (free) Baltic sea, while the Burtnieki drumlin field is one of Latvia's highest peak only reaches a little more than 300 meters above sea sounds! the widest glacial landforms of Europe. Coastline or Wireless Internet. Which traveller these level, but the locals still take pride in what they call a mountain - Gaiziņkalns. This is your official guide for travelling in Latvia. Randu meadows span between Salacgrīva and Ainaži - the largest coastline Black Pottery. The northerly reservedness days doesn't have a mobile device with them On a sunny day you can observe other forest-covered "mountains", as well for communication or entertainment? Latvia Free Latvia.travel mobile app for "iPhone" and meadow complex of Latvia, where you can find over 600 plant species in and simple elegance characteristic of the as the surrounding churches and castle towers. In the summer, the Vidzeme has one of the fastest internet connections "Android" users will help to find tourist sites, one place, and it's a wonderful place to observe both nesting and migrating black ceramics, are the secrets of their beauty. hills seem made for active relaxation like obstacle courses, but during the in the world and over 4000 wifi internet accommodation, events, restaurants and cafes, birds. Take a look at the northernmost white stork colony of Europe. The This century-old ancient pottery technique is winter you can even grab your skis and make your way down, enjoying the access points, which only continue to grow. tourist information centres. You can also use pebbled seaside of Vidzeme by Tūja is the only place on the Baltic sea where still upheld by Latvian potters - to create not view and fresh air. The "Picturesque Latvian Peaks" tourism trail invites you Riga is already Europe's wifi capital! Find any this app to get around with it's navigation you'll find surrounding sandstone coasts, while the sandy beaches are only decorative, but also functional kitchen to get to know the Gaiziņkalns nature reserve and its surrounding cultural necessary tourism information and share your features like walking or driving directions and littered with different sized boulders. accessories. heritage. On the way you'll find no shortage in classical Latvian literature experiences online while you travel through distance calculation. Easy to use and useful for authors' homes and you'll see, even if you're not familiar with them, the www.biosfera.gov.lv Latvia. discovering Latvia! surrounding nature that inspired them to form their illustrative descriptions of nature. The Kalsnava arboretum is a garden filled with wonder, where something's in bloom all year round, and particularly during the spring If you see this sign, you are in a protected natural people walk around slightly dulled by the sweet scent. Here you can begin area aimed at protecting and conserving the Find more exciting things your winding path along the longest and most magnificent of Latvia's rivers, diversity of Latvian nature. Latvian travel videos the Gauja, the namesake of the tourist-loved Gauja national park. 1. For more information visit www.daba.gov.lv to see and do in Latvia! www.vimeo.com/channels/latviatravel Top 10 tourism destinations in Latvia Tourist information centres

1. Rundāle Palace  At Rundāle Palace, 1. Aglona www.aglona.lv 37. Limbaži  www.visitlimbazi.lv one of the most outstanding architectural 2. Aizpute www.visitaizpute.lv monuments in Latvia, one can relish the 38. Līvāni www.livani.lv luxurious interiors of the 18th century, grow 3. Aloja www.staicele.lv 39. Ludza, Cibla www.ludza.lv dizzy from the fragrant rose garden, enjoy the 55 4. Alūksne www.aluksne.lv 40. Madona www.visitmadona.lv fountain sparkling in the colours of a rainbow Schengen Area and experience the carefree everyday life of The Strait of Irbe 41 5. Ape www.ape.lv 41. Mazsalaca www.mazsalaca.lv the court of Duchy of Courland. 1 69 6. Auce www.auce.lv 42. Naujene www.naujene.lv www.rundale.net 2. Old Riga  The heart of Riga lies in its 31 57 3 7. Balvi www.balvi.lv 43. Nīca www.nica.lv old town - Old Riga. Each step on its cobbled 9 streets reveals a page of the eight centuries Liv Coast Slītere National Park Northern Vidzeme 8. Bauska  www.tourism.bauska.lv 44. Ogre, Ikšķile www.latvijascentrs.lv long history of the city. It is small enough to Biosphere Reserve 64 9. Burtnieki make you feel at home and at the same time www.burtniekunovads.lv 45. Pārgauja 5 also big enough to keep you enraptured by its Se a www.pargaujasnovads.lv The Gulf 70 10. Carnikava  history and UNESCO world heritage. Take your 16 21 53 37 www.tourism.carnikava.lv 46. Pāvilosta www.pavilosta.lv time to enjoy it! of Riga 4 2 63 11. Cesvaine www.cesvaine.lv 47. Pļaviņas www.plavinunovads.lv 3. Aglona Basilica  Latgale is the land of 72 www.liveriga.com 10 45 hundreds of picturesque lakes and numerous 68 Gauja National Park 12. Cēsis  www.tourism.cesis.lv 48. Preiļi www.preili.lv churches including one of the most noted 50 8 12 13. Dagda www.visitdagda.com 49. Priekule www.priekulesnovads.lv sanctuaries in the world - Aglona Basilica, 60 5 which gathers thousands of Catholic believers 65 20 14. Daugavpils 50. Rauna www.rauna.lv i c B alt T h e 36 www.visitdaugavpils.lv every year. The special atmosphere and 23 22 51. Rēzekne, Viļāni www.rezekne.lv splendid interior of the church makes you 19 7 61 15. Dobele www.dobele.lv 10 52. Riga www.liveriga.com forget about your everyday worries and think 7 16. Dundaga www.dundaga.lv about the most important things in your life. 53. Roja www.roja.lv 3 Suiti Region 4. Jūrmala Seaside Resort  Jūrmala is the 56 29 17. Durbe www.durbe.lv www.aglona.lv 54. Rucava www.rucava.lv most popular seaside resort in Latvia and the 6 Hill Region 33 27 11 18. Ērgļi www.ergli.lv biggest one in the Baltic States. With its white, 67 2 55. Rūjiena www.rujiena.lv 4 52 19. Gauja National Park, sandy "Blue Flag" beaches, healthy pine forest Gaiziņkalns 46 18 Gūtmaņala Cave www.gnp.lv 56. Sabile www.sabile.lv air, mineral waters, SPA and health centres 40 Ķemeri National Park 58 57. Salacgrīva tourism.salacgriva.lv Jūrmala will help you renew your strength 34 20. Gauja National Park, Līgatne and fully enjoy life. Come and spend your 44 Nature Trails www.gnp.lv 58. Salaspils www.salaspils.lv next vacation here! Visit Jūrmala - one of the 21. Gaujiena www.gaujiena.lv "European Destinations of Excellence"! 2 59. Saldus  www.saldus.lv 4 62 59 22. Gulbene  www.visitgulbene.lv 5. Gauja National Park - Līgatne  The 60. Saulkrasti www.tourism.jurmala.lv 17 26 24 71 23. Ieriķi  www.visitsaulkrasti.lv picturesque ancient valley of the Gauja River 15 30 47 39 www.tourism.amatasnovads.lv has been attracting tourists from all over 35 51 61. Sigulda  www.tourism.sigulda.lv the world for centuries. Here you can both 9 25 24. Jaunjelgava www.jaunjelgava.lv 62. Skrunda www.skrundasnovads.lv enjoy the charm of the primaeval nature and 74 25. Jēkabpils www.jekabpils.lv return in the mysterious medieval times or 49 6 66 63. Smiltene www.smiltene.lv experience various opportunities of active 26. Jelgava  www.visit.jelgava.lv 1 8 64. Strenči www.strencunovads.lv recreation all year round. Visit Līgatne - one of 43 38 73 27. Jūrmala www.tourism.jurmala.lv the "European Destinations of Excellence"! 28 65. Talsi  www.talsitourism.lv 5 48 28. Jūrmalciems 6. Kuldīga  Kuldīga has always been Rāzna National Park 66. Tērvete www.mammadaba.lv www.visitligatne.lv www.jurmalciemaklajumi.viss.lv admired and praised by both poets and 67. Tukums www.visittukums.lv painters. The red roof tiles and the calm 54 29. Kandava www.visitkandava.lv 3 68. Valdemārpils atmosphere of the charming small town 1 13 30. Koknese www.koknese.lv www.valdemarpils.lv of Kurzeme encourages taking a slow stroll Rīga Lake Region through the silent streets, riding a bike or 219 Liepāja 31. Kolkasrags www.kolkasrags.lv 69. Valka www.valka.lv watching a movie under the open sky. Visit 186 121 Ventspils 32. Krāslava www.visitkraslava.com Kuldīga - one of the "European Destinations of 70. Valmiera  visit.valmiera.lv Excellence"! 247 455 428 Rēzekne 33. Kuldīga  www.visit.kuldiga.lv 42 32 71. Varakļāni www.varaklani.lv 6 238 446 420 90 Daugavpils 7. Turaida Museum Reserve - Sigulda  14 34. Ķekava www.kekava.lv 72. Ventspils www.visitventspils.com 202 418 383 123 213 Alūksne The name Turaida means "God’s garden" in www.visit.kuldiga.lv 35. Liepāja  www.liepajaturisms.lv 73. Viesīte www.viesite.lv the language of the ancient inhabitants of 113 326 293 210 264 115 Valmiera Latvia. When viewed from a hot-air balloon 67 227 228 276 207 268 176 Bauska 36. Līgatne  www.visitligatne.lv 74. Zaņa www.zana.lv or the opposite bank of the Gauja River on an Distance between cities (km) autumn evening, Turaida castle rises above Legend the green foliage like a mighty ship built of - owner of the "Q-Latvia" quality system certificate red brick. All you have to do is walk upwards 1 Tourist information centre International airport Kurzeme Zemgale Suiti Region "Blue Flag" beach Main road and enjoy this incredible nature and human created beauty. 7 1 Top tourism destination Ferry line Latgale Lake Region Liv Coast Resort Road with separated traffic zones Regional tourism associations 8. Cēsis  Cēsis is one of the oldest and www.tourism.sigulda.lv undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Northern Vidzeme Kurzeme www.kurzeme.lv Vidzeme www.vidzeme.com National park Marina Vidzeme Hill Region Railway Other roads towns in Latvia. Since the 13th century, the Biosphere Reserve Latgale www.visitlatgale.com Zemgale www.travelzemgale.lv medieval Cēsis Castle has shared its destiny with the town in fights against Russian, Polish and Swedish troops and now together with both parks, the curved cobbled streets and Plane Ferry, yacht, boat Bus Train Car hospitable people enchants the visitors of the Air traffic is an exceptionally convenient way of reaching Latvia. The Riga Ferry Latvia has an extensive coach transport network with almost all major The railway is the most reliable and cheapest mode of transportation in • Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. town with its romantic atmosphere. 8 airport is the fastest growing airport in Europe; it offers direct flights to more The major ports of Latvia have ferry connections with other ports in the Baltic European and Russian cities. The Riga Coach Terminal is located next to the Latvia. The level of comfort on board varies. Trains tend to be full during the • The speed limit for motor transport in built-up areas is 50 km/h, outside 9. Liepāja  Liepāja is home to both broad www.tourism.cesis.lv than 80 cities of the world. The main destinations with approximate flight Sea Region. Central Market. From here, buses depart for all parts of Latvia. The level of morning and evening rush hours on the most popular routes. Tickets can be built-up areas - 90 km/h; some sections 100 km/h. and sandy beaches to enjoy the summer times are: comfort and price varies according to individual routes and operators. Some bought at the railway ticket desks or from the conductor on the train for cash • Short-distance lights have to be used all the year round including daylight at and a peculiar cultural, architectural and Stockholm routes are served by minibuses and express buses. Tickets can be bought at an additional cost per ticket. An information desk is located in Riga Central hours. military heritage. You have to see the adorable Less than 1 hour 1-2 hours More than 2 hours www.tallinksilja.com at the ticket desk inside the station as well as onboard for cash if space Railway Station. • The blood alcohol while driving must not exceed 0.2‰. wooden architecture and Art Nouveau Helsinki, Minsk, Berlin, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Barcelona, permits. Buses tend to be very full going from Riga on Fridays and Saturdays. • Seatbelts and baby car seats must be used at all times. buildings, visit art galleries and walk through Stockholm, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Brussels, Dublin, Geneva, Nynäshamn Ventspils For tourists’ convenience there is an information centre located in the main International train routes to Riga • All vehicles not exceeding 3.5 t fully laden have to be equipped with winter the fortifications built at the turn of the 19th St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Hamburg, Kiev, Istanbul, London, www.stenaline.com terminal building. tyres during winter months. It is forbidden to drive with spiked tires from and 20th centuries. Visit Liepāja - one of the Tampere, Vilnius, Moscow, Oslo, Prague, Manchester, Milan, Riga From Russia From Belarus 1st May to 1st September. Liepāja "European Destinations of Excellence"! 9 Warsaw Vienna Munich, Paris, Rome, Riga Coach Terminal Moscow, St. Petersburg Minsk • Motor vehicle permits for entering Jūrmala: www.tourism.jurmala.lv Tashkent, Tel Aviv • Address: Prāgas iela 1 • Non-EU residents entering Latvia by car must have a Green Card insurance. 10. Ventspils  Ventspils is an ancient 13th www.liepaja.travel Travemünde • Bus schedules: www.autoosta.lv Riga Central Railway Station century mariner and fishermen city, where Riga airport is close to the centre of Riga (13 km) and the popular resort town www.stenaline.com • Online booking: www.bezrindas.lv • Address: Stacijas laukums 2 Road Traffic Safety Department (CSDD) a harbour and a "Blue Flag" beach live in a Jūrmala (20 km). • Information line: +371 90000009 (pay per minute) • Information about trains and timetables: travel.ldz.lv • Tel: +371 67025777 perfect harmony. Its inhabitants possess the • Freeport or Riga (www.rop.lv) • Ticket desk opening hours: 6:00-22:00 • Online booking: ticket.ldz.lv • E-mail: [email protected] stubbornness of the sea wind and the soul Riga International Airport • Port of Liepāja (www.liepaja-sez.lv) • Mobile app: www.pv.lv/en/mobile_application • Website: www.csdd.lv of flowers. Take your children and friends and • Address: Lidosta "Rīga" 10/1, Mārupes novads • Freeport of Ventspils (www.portofventspils.lv) Distances from major European cities to Riga • Information line: +371 67231181 (toll-free) visit the capital of flowers and fountains, the • Information line: +371 29311817 (pay per minute) • E-mail: [email protected] Traffic Information Centre family and recreation friendly seaside city. • Lost and Found: +371 67207236, [email protected] Yacht Amsterdam 1840 km Munich 1770 km • Ticket desk opening hours: 4:30-23:40 24-hour information line: +371 65025555 10 • Website: www.riga-airport.com Latvia also has a number of smaller ports, open to those who prefer Berlin 1221 km Paris 2250 km www.visitventspils.com travelling by yacht. A list of contact information of yacht ports and wharfs: Valga Parking in Riga www.rigassatiksme.lv, www.europark.lv Airport bus: No. 22 www.seaclub.lv Hamburg 1501 km Prague 1339 km Skulte • Travel time: 30 min (approximately) Kaliningrad 585 km Rome 2475 km Tukums Car rentals at Riga International Airport www.riga-airport.com • Bus schedules, tickets: www.rigassatiksme.lv Boat Cēsis Kaunas 265 km St. Petersburg 570 km • Information line: +371 80001919 (toll-free) Riga Gulbene EDEN awarded destinations During summer season you can get from the centre of Riga to Jūrmala 24-hour car help and information service Kiev 1009 km Tartu 302 km Jūrmala Sigulda (Majori) by the river motor boat "New Way". The travel time is about 2,5 hours. • Latvian Automotive Club (LAMB): 1888, www.lamb.lv 4 5 6 9 Taxi Departure is from the pier between Akmens bridge and the sculpture London 2276 km Tallinn 310 km Rēzekne • Automobile club SOS: +371 67333333, www.sos.lv Official taxi companies "Baltic Taxi" and "Rīgas Taksometru parks" (Red Cab) "Lielais Kristaps". Liepāja Pļaviņas as well as Rēzekne and Tērvete. Madrid 3516 km Vienna 1353 km Jelgava cabs will take you to the centre of Riga in approximately 15 min and will cost • Tel: +371 67147900, +371 29237123 Krustpils Zilupe EUR 12,00 - 15,00. • Website: www.pie-kapteina.lv Minsk 479 km Vilnius 293 km More information: http://ec.europa.eu/eden Daugavpils Moscow 918 km Warsaw 654 km