Latvia is a relatively unknown destination to the tourism masses making it an even more attractive place to visit and experience all that this Northern European country has to offer. For more than 50 years it was hidden behind the Soviet iron curtain, but today it is ready to welcome visitors from all over the world.
The scenery in Latvia is marked with thick forests, hills, rolling plains and a many miles of coastline. Divided into four regions which were named for the tribes that dominated each of the areas at one time – Kurzeme, Latgale, Vidzeme, and Zemgale, no matter where you are in Latvia there is plenty to do and see.
Even the most world-weary travelers to this hidden gem find themselves enchanted by all that Latvia has to offer, from the fantastic resorts resting on the edge of the blue Baltic Sea to castles crumbling with age. The capital, Riga, is a modern city with cobbled streets, art-nouveau architecture and a vibrant nightlife which starts as the sun sets over the spires and turrets of the skyline.
The Gauja Valley is a place of natural beauty that can be enjoyed while skiing and bobsleighing in the winter months. And, for a break from the heady rush there are castle ruins and medieval villages waiting to be marveled at and explored.
With half the country covered in forest, the scenery becomes a winter wonderland when the snow falls. Winter sports like cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding are also available in places like Baili, Ramkalni and Zviedru Cepure; and there are even some slopes that are open until late night, so you can ski to your heart’s content.
In addition to the magnificent scenery, serene atmosphere, and winter sports opportunities, Lavtia offers many winter festivals that are sure to entertain and enchant as you join the Latvian people as they celebrate old ways as well as modern life with folk traditions, Christmas markets, and more.
The fun begins in November with the Latvia Martini Festival which marks the beginning of winter. Martini (Martin) Festival symbolizes the time the growing season ends and the farmers stop work in the fields to focus on other tasks vital to rural life.
The Latvia Christmas Market is the highlight in Riga’s Old Town in November and December. Visitors enjoy the Christmas spirit complete with a Christmas tree while they shop for folk crafts and decorations, and try traditional foods. This is a perfect site for a Christmas festival because according to legends, Riga is where the Christmas tree tradition began. In fact, there’s even a plaque in front of Riga’s House of Blackheads, which is where the legend says the first Christmas tree stood.
If the Christmas Market attracted you to Latvia, you’ll also want to check out the wares Latvia is known for, including black ceramics, silver jewelry, amber, black bread, Laimas chocolate, and Riga Black Balsam which is a traditional herbal liqueur.
On December 22, there’s a Winter Solstice celebration that’s marked by decorating a Christmas tree and eating traditional foods; and some of the old traditions like dragging the Yule log are also practiced here and there.
At the end of the year, Riga’s Old Town Square is the center of Latvia’s New Year’s celebration with a fireworks display and celebrations that continue for hours.
Getting to Latvia to experience all it has to offer is relatively trouble free with flights originating from New York, several European cities and the Middle East. Visas are not required for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. However, health or travel insurance is required to be presented at border crossings.
