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This article was written on 30 Aug 2019.

11 of the most beautiful places in Latvia

Positioned on the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Estonia, Latvia is an impressive mix of art nouveau architecture and pristine nature.

The northeastern European destination is known as the “Land of Blue Lakes” thanks to its 12,000 or so rivers and 3,000 small lakes.

But while Riga is popular with tourists, very few travel outside the capital city to discover the many treasures this little country, covering an area of just 64,589 square kilometers, has to offer.

From the forest trails of Sigulda, to the magical Rundāle Palace and the white sand beaches of Liepāja, here are 11 of the most beautiful places to visit in Latvia.

Riga

The Freedom Monument towers over the Latvian capital.

Live Riga/Nora Krevņeva Baibakova

There are many layers to Latvia’s UNESCO-protected capital.

Riga’s remarkable Old Town captivates with its skyscraper-sized church spires and rows of colorful houses.

Taking the elevator to the top of St. Peter’s Church for 360-degree views of the city, is an absolute must, along with a visit to the gothic House of the Blackheads and the Riga Cathedral.

One of Riga’s most significant landmarks is the Freedom Monument, built in honor of the soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence.

Standing at a height of 42 meters, it’s located by the entrance to the Old Town.

The giant Stalinist Latvian Academy of Sciences skyscraper, a nod to the city’s Soviet heritage, is another highlight. But it’s the art nouveau architecture that really sets Riga apart.

There are over 800 buildings here, more than any other city in Europe, and the intricate floral patterns, whimsical lines, allegorical motifs and distinct national patterns are a truly impressive sight.

The majority of Riga’s art nouveau buildings are located in Centrs district.

For those looking for an authentic Riga nightlife experience, Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs, a pub, restaurant, and underground concert hall rolled into one, is the place to be.

The venue, which offers mouthwatering Latvian fares and beers, attracts a diverse mix of revelers, including students and tourists.

Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs, Peldu iela 19, LV-1050, Riga, Latvia; +371 27 796 914

Jūrmala

Known as the pearl of Latvia, Jūrmala’s popularity as a top spa destination dates back centuries.

Jūrmala Tourism Information Centre

A favored spa destination since the late 18th century, admirers of Jūrmala have included the likes of Communist officials Leonid Brezhnev and Nikita Khrushchev.

Filled with beautiful art nouveau villas, white sand beaches, ancient pine trees and stand out eateries, it’s not hard to understand this resort town’s enduring appeal.

Nearby Ķemeri National Park could easily be mistaken for the Dead Marshes in J. R. R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” universe due to its fantastical landscape.

One of the most intriguing natural sights in Latvia, the wildlife reserve is made up of swamps, lakes and forests.

The Great Ķemeri Bog, a huge dry moss swamp, is a highlight due to its photogenic wooden board walk.

Top restaurant 36. Line, run by chef and restaurateur Lauris Aleksejevs, is among Jūrmala’s finest restaurants, offering a modern twist on traditional Latvian dishes.

36.Line, 36. līnija, Jūrmala, LV-2110, Latvia; +371 22 010 696

Sigulda

Turaida Castle is one of three ancient castles in Sigulda.

Sigulda Tourism Information Centre

Featuring enchanting river panoramas, remote forest trails, mysterious caves and ancient castles, Sigulda is a wonderfully magical destination.

Located on the edge of Gauja National Park, it’s known as “the Switzerland of Vidzeme” thanks to its mountains and steep cliffs.

While there are plenty of stand out sights to see, Sigulda’s three ancient castles are usually at the top of travelers’ must see lists.

Turaida Castle, a dramatic ochre-colored medieval fortress, is probably the most beautiful. Gutman’s Cave, the widest and highest cave in the Baltic countries, is situated nearby.

The Neo-Gothic Sigulda Castle, also known as Sigulda New Castle, was built in the 19th century by Russian prince Dimitri Kropotkin.

There’s also the romantic 13th century Livonian castle ruins, known as the Castle of the Livonian Order.

In July, music lovers flock to the city for the annual Sigulda Opera Music Festival, held on the open-air stage in the castle ruins.

Travelers can rent an e-bike and explore the many things Sigulda has to offer. There’s also a cable car ride, which provides fantastic views of Gauja National Park.

For those looking for even more adventure, Aerodium, located just outside Sigulda, has a rather thrilling vertical wind tunnel. Here visitors can experience the sensations of flying without actually leaving the ground.

Sigulda zipline Zērglis, 14, Jāņa Poruka iela Street, Sigulda, LV-2150, Latvia; +371 283 833 33

Aerodium Sigulda, Rīgas – Vidzemes šosejas 47. km, Sigulda, LV-2150, Latvia; +371 28 384 400

Kuldīga

Kuldīga is considered one of Latvia’s prettiest towns.

Visit Kuldiga

Few Latvian destinations can compete with Kuldīga when it comes to charm and beauty.

Long admired by artists and poets, this picturesque town is known as the “Venice of Latvia” due to the river flowing along many of its buildings — mainly old wooden houses.

Situated in the Kurzeme region, Kuldiga is also home to the Venta Rapid, the widest waterfall in Europe as well as a historic red brick bridge, built in 1874.

There are flowers everywhere here, with baskets hanging proudly on doors windows and pathways.,

The town also has plenty of cozy restaurants, wine bars and coffee shops, where visitors can relax soak up the atmosphere.

Residence Kafe Venta has the best views and arguably the finest coffee in Kuldīga.

Set next to the famous bridge and Venta Rapid, it features a coffee shop, a wine bar and a gallery, providing an artistic joie de vivre experience with unparalleled vistas.

Recreation and fishing site Polīši is ideal for those whose dream holiday location is a wooden lake house in the countryside.

Based just a few kilometers outside Kuldīga, it offers cozy rooms, along with a private beach area.

Residence Kafe Venta, Pils iela 2/2, Kuldīga, Kuldīgas pilsēta, LV-3301; +371 22 350 593

Polīši leisure complex, Rumbas pag., Kuldīgas nov Kuldiga, LV-3301; +371 28 346 862

Liepāja

Liepāja is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Liepaja Travel

Part port, part resort town, Liepāja is one of the country’s most unique destinations.

Set on the Baltic Sea, it holds a fascinating melange of architecture, along with many sparkling white sand beaches.

The more or less abandoned neighborhood of Karosta, a former military zone, holds several captivating examples of the area’s military heritage.

Its decaying bunkers and red brick manèges, once a part of the naval base built for Russian Tsar Alexander III at the turn of the 20th century, are a truly eerie sight today.

Liepāja has turned its dark history into an interactive spectacle with the Karosta Prison museum.

Originally built as a hospital, it was used a military prison throughout the Nazi and Soviet regimes and many prisoners were executed in its grounds.

Today visitors can take part in role playing sessions including interrogations, or even stay overnight in one of the cells.

Karosta Prison, Invalīdu iela 4, Liepāja, LV-3402, Latvia; +37126369470

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/latvia-beautiful-places/index.html

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