Destination Overview
Latvia has a history of occupation, surviving two world wars and
50 years behind the Iron Curtain, but the Latvia of today is
rapidly pushing aside the years of decline, neglect and loss of
identity suffered during the Russian occupation and eagerly
rebuilding a nation that is entering one of the most promising
periods of its history.A small, flat country nestled between its neighbours Estonia and
Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, Latvia is a country whose picturesque
towns and ancient cities are set within a landscape of plains,
lakes, forests and river valleys, and where fishing villages
interrupt the dramatic coastline that is interspersed with white
sandy beaches. The country has numerous manor houses, medieval
castles, photogenic palaces and ruins, and Riga, the beautiful
capital, is rich in history and culture, boasting the best
concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. The city also
contains a diversity of other architectural styles, and has been
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Latvian capital is an
obvious tourist destination and is the largest city in the Baltic
States, a major port that is home to almost half the country's
population. Nearby, the Baltic health and recreation resort of
Jurmala doubles its population during the summer months as a
popular holiday destination, with its sandy beaches, healing waters
and mud baths, and quaint wooden houses.Of historical interest are the ancient cities of Valmiera, Cçsis
and Limbaþi in the northern region, which were once members of the
Hanseatic League; the picturesque, cultural towns of the Abava
River Valley and the villages of the ancient Liv people in the
south; the Rundale Palace, a popular tourist attraction along with
the spectacular Baroque palace at Jelgava in the central region of
Zemgale; and the scenic Tervete forest boasting the oldest and
tallest pine trees in Latvia.Those keen on the outdoors will enjoy the natural surroundings
in the Latgale region, the Land of Blue Lakes; the coastal
landscape of the Kurzeme region, where deserted beaches stretch for
miles; and the coastline and hilly scenery of the northern Vidzeme
region, which also is home to Sigulda, the country's downhill
skiing area.
