Travel to Northern Europe and see the top 10 places to visit in Latvia. This Baltic country is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania and Belarus to the south, Russia to the east, and Baltic Sea to the west. The country’s location and proximity to a great body of water makes its climate temperate which can be enjoyed by its tourists. Aside from its chilly climate, Latvia’s geographical location and topography is very diverse with dense forests, rolling hills, and even kilometres of coastline.
Tourists who plan to venture around Latvia may need to secure a Schengen visa to be allowed entry to the country. Applying for a Schengen visa is very easy and affordable; you just need to complete all the necessary documents prior to visiting the embassy:
- Valid passport and copies of the front and back pages
- Current passport-sized photos with white background
- Completed Schengen Visa application form
- Proof of travel such as flight booking, travel itinerary, and hotel booking – You may get a Flight Booking for Visa and Hotel Reservation for Visa just for your visa application without having to pay for the airfare or hotel booking.
- Travel Insurance – It is better to acquire this from Schengen Travel Insurance, an affordable and reliable insurance company.
- Personal Coverage Letter
- Bank Documents
- For employed travellers, a No Objection Letter is highly recommended
Top 10 Places to Visit in Latvia:
Unknown to a lot of travellers, Latvia is a country filled with agricultural fields as well as modern structures which gives travellers the best of both worlds.
10) Rundāle Palace and Museum
Start your Latvian adventure at the country’s capital city, Riga. Riga has a well-restored old town that has plenty of old structures that tell guests of the city’s history.
One of the old structures that guests must see is the Rundāle Palace and Museum. Built in the 18th century, this Baroque-inspired structure is famous for being the summer palace of the old royal family. The structure was heavily damaged during the Second World War but through the government’s efforts, the palace was restored and was transformed into a museum.
9) Old Town in Riga
While you are in the city of Riga, make sure to visit the famous Old Town in Riga. This part of the city is the center of history as well as center of entertainment in Riga.
Walk along the rustic alleyways in Old Town and witness the well-restored medieval buildings that old craftsmen and masons built with their own hands. While in Old Town, visit the Three Brothers, Riga Castle, and the Powder Tower.
8) Jūrmala Beach
Latvia has at least 50 kilometers of coastline. One of the famous beaches in the country is Jūrmala Beach, which is less than 30 kilometers from Riga. Spend a day in the beach and feel the white quartz-covered sand against your feet.
This family-friendly beach is lined with local restaurants, beach huts, volleyball nets, and many other water sport facilities. The water is quite shallow so it is safe to let your kids wade by the shore.
7) Venta Waterfall
Travel west from Riga and visit the municipality called Kuldīga. This place is known for having the widest waterfall in Europe, Venta Waterfall.
This waterfall is more than 200 meters wide and is known in history as a body of water where the ancient Latvian duke used to catch salmons jumping out of the water. Tourists can actually see salmons jumping out of Venta Waterfall every spring.
6) Riežupe Sand Caves
A man-made wonder that can be found in Kuldīga is the Riežupe Sand Caves. These 2km long sand caves were constructed by a Latvian family which took four generations to finish.
The milky white sand used to construct the caves was also used to create glass. Guests who wish to see the sand caves must be ready to walk inside the cave lit by candlelight. Bring a sweater as the temperature inside the cave is constantly chilly at 8°C. Finally, do not be surprised to see 8 different species of bats that have used the caves as their habitat.
5) Gauja National Park
Travel east of Riga and you’ll reach the biggest national park in Latvia, the Gauja National Park. With over 90 hectares of natural resources, this park is divided into different zones.
Almost half of the park is filled with lush forest while the rest are either water form or flat land. Travellers who visit Gauja National Park enjoy the view of the sandstone cliffs as well as venture inside hidden caves. This nature park deserves to be at the fifth spot in the top 10 places to visit in Latvia list.
4) Turaida Museum Reserve
Located near the Gauja National Park is the famous Turaida Museum Reserve. The word Turaida literally means God’s Garden and true to its form, this museum reserve is a haven of history, architecture, and archaeology.
In Turaida Museum Reserve, tourists can find an ancient castle tucked in the middle of a dense forest. Its setting will take tourists to a fairy tale like place. Guests can also take a leisure walk along the Folk Song Garden and visit the Turaida Church.
3) Liepaja Beach
Latvia is bordered by the Baltic Sea to the west; therefore it has long stretches of beach. One of the nicer beaches in the country is the Liepaja Beach.
The reason why Liepaja is the better beach area is due to the fact that the scenery remains preserved and untouched. Make sure to visit the Liepaja Seaside Park and walk along the old wooden planks by the beach. Here you can go to the Swan Ponds and also see the Art Noveau Fountain.
2) Dinaburga Castle
Located in the second largest city in Latvia, Dinaburga Castle remains to be one of the most historic castles in the country.
This castle had been used as the center of government during the different regimes of foreign colonizers. Dinaburga Castle had been used by the Swedes, the Polish, the Russians, and even the Germans. Today this castle is preserved as a museum and structural and historical story teller of Latvia.
1) Cesis Castle
Travellers will never get tired of visiting grand castles in Latvia. This is why the number one destination in the top 10 places to visit in Latvia is the Cesis Castle.
Located in the old, historic town of Cesis, this castle’s appearance will definitely capture every tourists’ attention because of its distinct architecture. Once you visit this castle, you will feel like part of a medieval story. Take photos of the Old Town of Cesis while you are in the area.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Latvia – See the Best of Both Worlds:
Get ready to see the best of both worlds when you come and visit the Baltic country, Latvia. Before you prepare your cameras and travel items, make sure you have the correct documents to assure you of a Schengen visa. Should you have more queries about the visa application process, you may contact us through our website or Facebook page.
Learn a bit of history as well as nature while you see the top 10 places to visit in Latvia.