Latvia

Take a leap into Latvia, a hidden treasure in the Baltic States, where dreams unfold! Ever thought that the whole Christmas tree tradition started in Riga, Latvia? Mind-blowing, isn't it? Brace yourself for a journey that unwraps surprises at every corner, unveiling a tapestry of rich cultural heritage, ancient sacred spots, and contemporary wonders. Let's plunge into the soul of Latvia, where the magic happens!  

Holidays in Latvia are gearing up for a fantastical transformation—just snag a tour package. Picture touring Latvia as unwrapping a delightful surprise at every twist and turn. Wander along the 500 km stretch of sandy Baltic seashore, get lost in enchanting forests, or casually join us on a Latvia tour. It's like a subtle link between the West and the East, earning Latvia the amusing title of the 'meat' in the Baltic sandwich.  

• Capital: Riga
• Language: Latvian
• Border countries: Lithuania, Estonia, Belarus, Russia
• Population: 1,9 million
• Area: 64,589 sq km
• Time Zone: EET (UTC+2)
• Summer (DST): EEST (UTC+3)
• Climate: Temperate climate with warm, dry summers and fairly severe winters
• Currency: Euro
• Government type: Parliamentary republic
• Country code: LVA  

Exceptional Cuisine:

• Asinis Pankūkas: Pancakes made from blood—surprisingly delicious!
• Sklandrausis: A sweet pie with rye dough, potato-carrot filling, and caraway seasoning.
• Maizes Zupa: Sweet bread soup—sounds intriguing, right?  

Unique Souvenirs:

• Riga Black Balsam, Latvia's iconic herbal liqueur.
• Laima Chocolate, the pride of Latvia, weaves confectionery magic.
• Knitted natural wool mittens, socks, gloves, hats, and sweaters with traditional designs.
• Collectibles: Explore antique shops for icons, coins, books, and Soviet memorabilia.  

Strange Habits:

• Red roses are for funerals; other flowers in odd numbers for different occasions.
• Whistling inside invites the devil—save your whistling skills for the great outdoors!
• Gloves on the table bring misfortune—luckily, warmer seasons mean no gloves on the table.
• Eating fish on New Year's Eve and placing its scales in your wallet ensures money flow.
• Wearing clothes inside out is believed to make you get drunk faster—check your attire!  

Top Cities to Visit:

• Riga: The capital, with over 800 Art Nouveau masterpieces.
• Jurmala: Famous resort with long sandy beaches and high-quality spas.
• Ventspils: Vibrant port city with beautiful parks and an open-air museum.
• Liepaja: Capital of white-sanded beaches and home to the intriguing Soviet military port, Karosta.
• Kuldiga: Idyllic town with Europe's largest waterfall, surrounded by nature.  

Top 5 Places to Visit:

• Riga's Old Town: A district with panoramic views, good restaurants, and bars.
• The Palace of Rundale: Latvian Versailles, a masterpiece of late Baroque architecture.
• Gauja National Park: Nature's paradise with hiking trails, castles, and river valleys.
• Latvian National Opera in Riga: A blend of stunning exterior and exceptional performances.
• Musee Art Nouveau in Riga: Explore the architecture of Riga in this small yet unique museum.  

Best Time to Visit:

May to August is prime time, with July and August offering the full summer experience. May is the best balance of price and warm weather.  

Ready to turn your dreams into reality? Book a tour package and kickstart the adventure! Latvia eagerly awaits your visit with open arms.

Need a little convincing? Take a peek at the video created by Latvia Travel—it might just sway you.