TOP10 Tourist Sites in Latvia

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Rundāle Palace is an example of Baroque and Rococo architecture of outstanding brilliance. Designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the Russian Imperial Court architect, it was built between 1736 and 1740 as summer residence for Ernst Johann Biron, Duke of Courland.

The palace is a two-storey building with a total of 138 rooms. The main central part housed the duke’s personal living quarters and state-rooms. The eastern wing was for receptions and still boasts the magnificent Golden Hall, the White Hall and the Grand Gallery. The main western wing was used by the family members of the duke and members of other ruling families.

Now the palace has been converted to a museum and houses a large collection of paintings and various exhibitions of applied art, also a collection of Latvian church art.

As the Baroque Era tradition goes, the palace has a French garden. It spreads out on the south side of the Palace as a part of the original architectural plan. If you want to get thoroughly acquainted with the palace, the garden and the exhibitions, plan ample time to spend at Rundāle - up to an entire day.

Top 10 tour is t s i tes in Lat v ia • Top 10 tour is t s i tes in Lat v ia • Top 10 tour is t s i tes in Lat v ia

RundālePalace


Contact informationRundāle Palace Museump/n Pilsrundāle, Rundāles novads, LV-3921Phone: +371 63962197E-mail: [email protected]: www.rundale.net

Opening hours May to October 10:00-18:00 (Palace) 10:00-19:00 (garden)

November to April 10:00-17:00

Entrance fee adult LVL 2.50-4.50

student LVL 2.00-4.00

child LVL 1.50-3.00

family LVL 3.00-10.00

Guided tours

How to get there? By car From Riga 67 km on a road A7 to Bauska; then 12 km on a road P103 to Pilsrundāle.

Public From Riga main bus terminal you can take bus transportation Riga-Bauska. Bus is traveling in average twice an hour. From Bauska take buses Bauska-Rundāle-Svitene, Bauska-Jelgava (via Eleja) or Bauska-Dobele to the Pilsrundāle bus stop. www.autoosta.lv

Approximate Riga-Bauska 1h 10min - 1h 30mintravel time Bauska-Pilsrundāle 15min

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Old Riga (Vecrīga) is the historical and geographical centre of the capital city Riga and it lies on the right bank of the River Daugava.

Old Riga was once the inner territory of a fortification system, lasting from the 13th to the 18th century. As old towns go, it features a high concentration of unique medieval architectural monuments, and these have been lucky enough to have survived two world wars. Go for a stroll down the narrow cobbled streets and enjoy the ancient aura of the place and the unique complexes of private residences and religious buildings. Just to mention some highlights: the Dome Cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, St. Peter’s Church, St. Jacobs Cathedral, housing the seat of Roman Catholic Cardinal, St. George's Church, nicknamed the white stone castle, Old Riga Synagogue, the Holy Spirit Convent, the Dannenstern House, the Three Brothers private residence complex, and Riga Castle.

Old Riga is a masterpiece of architecture and antiquity and is also well suited to the streams of tourists in the 21st century as it offers comfortable hotels and a wide array of restaurants and places for relaxation and partying. In fact, Old Riga is just as lively at midnight as it is in daytime.


Old Riga


Contact informationRiga Tourism Coordination and Information Centre Rātslaukums 6, Rīga, LV-1050 Phone: +371 67037900, +371 67181534E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rigatourism.com

Opening hours Monday to Saturday 9:00-18:00

Entrance fee Some tourist attractions charge entrance fees

Guided tours

How to get there? By plane Riga International Airport (13 km of Riga City centre) provides services to/from European, Asian and American destinations. www.riga-airport.com

Public www.rigassatiksme.lvtransportation

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The first building on the site where Aglona Basilica - the most important Catholic church in the country - now stands was a wooden church built by the Dominican Order at the end of the 17th century. After the church burned down in 1699, a stone building for the current church and a convent building were constructed between 1768 and 1780, designed in late Baroque style and flanked by two impressive 60 m towers. The interior decoration of the church mostly dates back to the 18th century. The pulpit, organ prospect, organs, confessional and pews were all made at the end of the 18th century, only the side altars were added later in the 19th century.

The church has a huge collection of paintings, sculptures and art objects, Miracle-Worker Virgin Mary of Aglona icon (17th century) among them, usually veiled and only uncovered during religious celebrations. It is widely believed that the icon possesses healing properties. Along with icons of saints the church is also decorated with portraits of its patrons and founders - Dadzibog and Eva Justīne Shostovicky of local nobility.

The most magnificent event at Aglona Basilica is the 15th of August each year, when thousands of pilgrims gather here to celebrate Assumption of Mary.

AglonaBasilica


Contact informationAglona Basilica Cirīšu iela 8, Aglona, Aglonas novads, LV-5304Phone: +371 65381109, +371 29472155E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.catholic.lv/aglona, www.visitaglona.lv

Opening hours Make arrangements in advance

Entrance fee adult LVL 0.90

child LVL 0.60 Guided tours

How to get there? By car To reach Aglona from Riga, take Highway A6 to Līvāni - distance 170 km. Then drive 36 km further on Highway P63 from Līvāni to Preiļi and then 27 km on Highway P62 to Aglona.

Public From Riga main bus terminal you can take bus transportation Riga-Aglona or Riga-Dagda. You can also take the bus Riga-Preiļi and transfer at the Preiļi bus depot on to the Preiļi-Aglona, Preiļi-Jaunaglona or Preiļi-Borovije-Krāslava bus to the stop at Aglona. www.autoosta.lv

Approximate Riga-Aglona 4htravel time Riga-Preiļi 3h 30min - 4h Preiļi-Aglona 30min

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Jūrmala is the largest seaside and balneotherapy resort in the Baltic States and has a long history of being a resort area. Located only 25 km from the national capital Riga and 15 km from the Riga International Airport, it possesses unique natural resources, like curative mineral waters, medical healing mud, pine forests, a healthy seaside climate, sand dunes and 33 km of white sand beach. A Blue Flag, indicating a clean, safe beach with appropriate facilities, flies above the beaches of Majori and Jaunķemeri.

The town of Jūrmala takes pride in its wooden architecture, a unique characteristic of the city since the 19th and early 20th century. Art Noveau, National Romanticism, and Functionalism coexist in harmony. 414 buildings are included in the listing of architectural monuments, more than 4000 bear the status of historical buildings.

Medical facilities and SPA centres at Jūrmala offer a wide range of SPA and curative treatments. Līvu Akvaparks, one of the largest waterparks in Northern Europe, is situated in Jūrmala and has over 45 attractions for children and adults. It is opened to visitors seven days a week all year round. Once you've been to Jūrmala, you'll want to return again.


Jūrmalaseaside resort


Contact information Jūrmala Tourism Information CentreLienes iela 5, Majori, Jūrmala, LV-2015Jūrmala Tourism Information point(in Priedaine at the permit point entering the city)Phone: +371 67147900, +371 67147902, +371 67147905E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.jurmala.lvSkype name: jurmala_tic

Opening hours Monday to Friday 9:00-19:00

Saturday 10:00-17:00

Sunday 10:00-15:00

Entrance fee Some tourist attractions charge entrance fees. Motor vehicle permits for entering Jūrmala good for 24 hrs - LVL 1.00

How to get there? By car To reach the city of Jūrmala from Riga, take highway A10 - distance 23 km.

Public • From Riga by train take the Riga-Dubulti, transportation Riga-Sloka, Riga-Ķemeri or Riga-Tukums lines. www.ldz.lv

• From downtown Riga - take minibuses Riga-Dubulti, Riga-Sloka, Riga-Jaunķemeri. Minibuses depart every 15-20 minutes across the street from the main train station/shopping center Origo in Riga. You can buy tickets from the drivers as you board the bus.

• From Riga main bus terminal you can take buses destined for Kabile, Kandava, Kuldīga, Kolka, Liepāja, Mazirbe, Roja, Talsi, Tukums, Vandzene, Vāne, Valdemārpils or Ventspils. Check the bus itinerary before departure. www.autoosta.lv

Approximate Riga-Jūrmala 30mintravel time

Guided tours

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Established in 1973, the Gauja National Park was the first such initiative in the country. Covering 91,745 hectares of land, most of the park is thickly forested and interspersed with rivers (the largest being the Gauja, Amata and Brasla) and lakes large and small. Opportunities for tourism and recreation are almost limitless here - canoeing and rafting are very popular, as well as cycling, horse riding, bird watching and observing nature. With around 900 plant species, 149 kinds of birds and 48 varieties of wild animals it is a true nature lover’s paradise. The park houses some of the most famous attractions in Latvia, such as the Sigulda and Turaida castles, museums in Āraiši and Turaida, the ferry across the River Gauja, Līgatne Nature trails, Straupe Castle, Ungurmuiža Manor and striking geological features - the Zvārta rock and Ērgļi cliffs. Accommodation includes hotels in the larger towns of Sigulda, Valmiera and Cēsis, rural guesthouses, rental cottages, farmhouse hospitality and campsites. Walking trails are well marked and maps are available from local tourism information centres.


National ParkGauja


Contact information Gauja National Park Visitors CentreBaznīcas iela 7, Sigulda, Siguldas novads, LV-2150Phone: +371 67800388, +371 28334331E-mail: [email protected]: www.gnp.lv, www.celodaba.lv

Opening hours November to April 9:00-17:00

May to OctoberMonday to Friday 9:00-17:00Saturday and Sunday 9:00-19:00


How to get there? By car To reach Sigulda from Riga, take Highway A2 - distance 51 km.

Public • From Riga by train take the Riga-Sigulda, Riga-Valga, transportation Riga-Cēsis, Riga-Valmiera lines to the Sigulda Station. www.pv.lv

• From Riga main bus terminal you can take buses destined for Alūksne, Ape, Āraiši, Balvi, Baltinava, Bērzkrogs, Cēsis, Drusti, Gulbene, Ineši, Jaunpiebalga, Madona, Naukšēni, Palsmane, Rauna, Sigulda, Smiltene, Vecpiebalga, Viļaka to the Sigulda bus stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. www.autoosta.lv

Approximate Riga-Sigulda 1h 10mintravel time

Guided tours

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Kuldīga is a charming little town particularly beloved by painters and poets. The 17-18th century town centre is still rich in traditional wooden buildings and narrow winding streets with the Alekšupīte stream flowing through backyards and alleyways. Bright accents in the face of the town are traditional workshops weaving colourful blankets and scarves with folk patterns. Kuldīga is rich in events and one of the largest is the town festival ‘Kuldīga Feast‘.

The famous Duke Jacob of Courland was born in Kuldīga and was baptized and married in St Catherine's Church. The church still stands, beautifully renovated, and offers an amazing view of the town from a platform in the church steeple.

The Kuldīga old town and the 19th century red brick bridge across the River Venta are in the process of joining UNESCO World Heritage List. The town is also famous for the widest waterfall in Europe - Ventas Rumba, stretching for 249 m in width.


Kuldīga’sOld Town

andthe waterfall‘‘Ventas Rumba’’


Contact information Kuldīga Tourism information centreBaznīcas iela 5, Kuldīga, LV-3301Phone: +371 63322259, +371 29334403E-mail: [email protected]: www.visit.kuldiga.lv

Opening hours May to SeptemberMonday to Friday 9:00-17:00Saturday 10:00-16:00Sunday 10:00-14:00

October to AprilMonday to Friday 9:00-17:00 Entrance fee Some tourist attractions charge entrance fees

Guided tours

How to get there? By car To reach Kuldīga from Riga, take highway A10 till Kandava turnoff - distance 75 km and then take highway P130 - distance 64 km.

Public From Riga main bus terminal you can take buses transportation that go via Kabile, Kandava, Saldus, Tukums, Vāne, Vārme or destined for Kuldīga and Liepāja to the Kuldīga bus stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. www.autoosta.lv Approximate Riga-Kuldīga 2h 30min – 4htravel time

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The Turaida Castle Museum Park covers 42 hectares of land and encompasses items of natural, cultural and historical importance. The most prominent feature is the soaring red brick tower of the restored 13th century Turaida castle, providing a breathtaking view across the Gauja river valley from its very top. There is a folk music park with 26 sculptures by Indulis Ranka located throughout its premises. Another highlight of the park is a charmingly simple wooden church dating from 1750 and a memorial spot for Turaida Rose, a local beauty described in a legend surviving from the 17th century. This is a popular destination for newlyweds, a symbol of their everlasting love. The two caves mentioned in the Turaida Rose legend - Gūtmaņala and Viktora ala can be found nearby, in the ancient Gauja river valley.


TuraidaMuseum Reserve

- a specially protectedcultural monument

Contact information Turaida Museum ReserveTuraidas iela 10, Turaida, Siguldas novads, LV-2150Phone: +371 67971402E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.turaida-muzejs.lv

Opening hours November to April 10:00-17:00

May to October 10:00-18:00

The outdoor expositions, the castle tower, and main castle building are open in the summer season from 9:00 to 20:00

Entrance feeadult LVL 1.50-3.00

student LVL 0.80-1.00

child LVL 0.50-0.80

Guided tours

How to get there? By car To reach Sigulda from Riga, take Highway A2 - distance 51 km.

Public • From Riga by train take the Riga-Sigulda, Riga-Valga, transportation Riga-Cēsis, Riga-Valmiera lines to the Sigulda Station. www.pv.lv

• From Riga main bus terminal you can take buses destined for Alūksne, Ape, Āraiši, Balvi, Baltinava, Bērzkrogs, Cēsis, Drusti, Gulbene, Ineši, Jaunpiebalga, Madona, Naukšēni, Palsmane, Rauna, Sigulda, Smiltene, Vecpiebalga, Viļaka to the Sigulda bus stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. www.autoosta.lv

Approximate Riga-Sigulda 1h 10mintravel time


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Cēsis is located in the very centre of Vidzeme region and is an unrivalled gem of the province. Its romantic atmosphere owes much to the ruins of a medieval castle surrounded by a park. Having been rebuilt and expanded numerous times, the Cēsis castle gained its best-known appearance in the beginning of the 16th century when Wolter von Plettenberg, the master of the Livonian Order, ordered to improve the castle defences by adding two more towers and adjusting its fortifications to the new demands of firearms. Moats were dug around the stronghold and a strong surrounding wall built to enclose it.

To enjoy a medieval banquet and taste the local beer from the Cēsis Brewery, one of the oldest in the Baltics, or see a theatrical programme in the castle ruins, please make a group request.

Another must-see in Cēsis is St John’s church, first built at the end of the 13th century as the largest church in the region. Its size and design remain imposing to this day, despite the frequent reconstructions it had to undergo due to the major role of Cēsis in regional battles throughout history. Inside the church lie the gravestones of the masters of the Livonian Order, and the church organ fills the surrounding streets with its music. The cobbled streets and alleyways of Cēsis old town retain their original medieval plan and are lined by delightful old buildings with traditional red tiled roofs, hidden courtyards and restored facades.


Cēsis Old Townand Castle


Contact information Cēsis Tourism information centre Pils laukums 9, Cēsis, LV-4101Phone: +371 64121815, +371 28318318E-mail: [email protected]: www.tourism.cesis.lvSkype name: cesu_tic

Opening hours May to September Daily 10:00-18:00

October to April Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-17:00Sunday 10:00-16:00

Entrance fee the castle complex (entrance Pils laukums 9)adult LVL 2.00

student LVL 1.00

child LVL 1.00

family LVL 4.00

Guided tours

How to get there? By car To reach Cēsis from Riga, take Highway A2 - distance 67 km to the Cēsis turn off and then go 10 km on Highway P20 to Cēsis.

Public • From Riga by train take the Riga-Valga, Riga-Cēsis transportation or Riga-Valmiera lines to the Cēsis Station. www.ldz.lv • From Riga main bus terminal you can take buses that go via Āraiši and Straupe or destined for Madona, Naukšēni, Rūjiena to the Cēsis stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. www.autoosta.lv

Approximate Riga-Cēsis 2htravel time

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Liepāja

It has been over 750 years since Liepāja has been an important settlement on the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea on a strip of land between the sea and Lake Liepāja. It is traditionally regarded as a town of music and culture. International Piano Stars Festival, International Organ Music Festival are just some of the names, and then there are music clubs with their own events to enjoy. Walk the labyrinths of the Northern Fort, discover the nature of Karosta (Naval Port) architecture or spend a night at the former prison, marvel at Art Nouveau buildings in the town centre and the distinctive wooden architecture at the Seaside Park. On sunny days the Blue Flag beach, the Seaport promenade and Avenue of Fame of Latvian musicians are obvious attractions, while on cloudy days the best alternatives are either bowling alleys or art galleries, as well as the Liepāja Symphonic Orchestra or the Liepāja Theatre. Liepāja is an inspiring place with high class service in cosy hotels, elegant cafes and cheerful pubs.



Contact information Liepāja Regional Tourism Information OfficeRožu laukums 5/6, Liepāja, LV-3401Phone: +371 63480808, +371 29402111E-mail: [email protected]: www.liepaja.lv, www.liepajaturisms.lv

Opening hours May to August Monday to Friday 9:00-19:00Saturday 10:00-18.00Sunday 10:00-15:00

September to AprilMonday to Friday 9:00-17:00Saturday 10:00-15:00


Guided tours

How to get there? By car To reach Liepāja from Riga, take Highway A9 - distance 215 km.

Public • From Riga by train take the Riga-Liepāja line to the Liepāja transportation Station. www.ldz.lv

• From Riga main bus terminal you can take buses to the Liepāja stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. www.autoosta.lv

Approximate Riga-Liepāja 3h - 3h 30mintravel time

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The town of Ventspils offers all kinds of family recreation. Everyone will love the well-equipped Blue Flag Beach and Waterpark Ventspils. Kids will be delighted with the playgrounds in two amusement parks. Those who prefer active recreation will always find something to do at the Olympic Centre Ventspils. The Ventspils Adventure Park has a skiing hill, a challenge trail, summer tubing, a BMX track, as well as trampolines, swings, slides and a whole lot of other attractions. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the cobbled lanes of Ventspils Old Town, the Livonian Order Castle (1290) and the port district Ostgals, and stop by the Anchor Trail to admire see a 6 m high 23-ton anchor. A ride on the narrow gauge railway Mazbānītis in the Seaside Open-air Museum and a trip throug Ventspils Harbour on the excursion boat ‘Hercogs Jekabs’ will be an unforgettable impression. Thanks to the huge amount of flower sculptures Ventspils is also considered to be the floral capital of Latvia – be amazed by Underwater World, Bobsleigh Team, Ladybirds, Family of Ducks and the Flower clock, a unique display of flowers. An excellent place for family holidays indeed.


Ventspils


Contact information Ventspils Tourism information centreDārza iela 6, Ventspils, LV-3601Phone: +371 63622263E-mail: [email protected]: www.tourism.ventspils.lv

Opening hours May to SeptemberMonday to Friday 8:00-19:00Saturday 10:00-17:00Sunday 10:00-15:00

October to AprilMonday to Friday 8:00-17:00Saturday and Sunday 10:00-15:00


Guided tours

How to get there? By car To reach Ventspils from Riga, take Highway A10 - distance 189 km.

Public From Riga main bus terminal you can take buses transportation that go via Tukums and Talsi to the Ventspils stop. Check the bus itinerary before departure. www.autoosta.lv

Approximate Riga-Ventspils 2h 45min - 4htravel time

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Latvian Tourism Development AgencyBrīvības iela 55, Riga, LV-1519, LatviaTel: +371 67229945Fax: +371 [email protected]

© Latvian Tourism Development Agency, 2010

Photos: Līga Eglīte, Inese Cibuļska and Edvīns Cibuļskis, Mārtiņš Sīlis, Varis Sants, Māra Gudriķe, Vita Balckare, Pēteris Buks, from the archives of the Jurmala City Council and of the Tourism information centres of Zemgale, Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale and from: www.rundale.net, www.turaida-muzejs.lv, www.cesis.lv

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TOP10 Tourist Sites in Latvia

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