Established in 1973, the Gauja National Park stretches over more than 90,000 hectares, protecting the most beautiful section of the Gauja Valley that lies along the Gauja river and between the towns of Valmiera and Murjani. The largest and oldest of the national parks in Latvia, the park’s major attractions include magnificent sandstone outcrops, rocks, high cliffs and caves. The caverns in the Gauja National Park are also world-renowned. Gutmanala is the most spacious grotto in the Baltic states; Kalejala is the longest. For people who like an adrenaline rush, the park offers a plethora of activities, including bungee jumping.
Often regarded as Riga’s Gem, Alberta Street is full of splendid, historical Art Nouveau-style buildings, of which eight are now recognised as architectural monuments of national significance. Constructed within a short span of time between 1901 and 1908, each of the buildings is decorated with figure sculptures, façades with protruding balconies, columns and other elements of Art Nouveau.
Also called the Venice of Latvia, Kuldiga became an important economic, administrative and cultural centre of the Duchy of Courland in the 17th century. Granted the European heritage label in 2008, the historical buildings of the town along with its unique character, create a harmonious ensemble. While visiting, you can take the Goldingen train ride through the Old Town to see the Saint Catherine’s Church. Another highlight of the town is the Alekšupite Waterfall. The highest in Latvia (4.5 m high), it was built on the Alekšupite river and was used to operate the first paper mill in Kurzeme.
While Latvia is home to over 100 castles, of all sizes, a few of them are known globally simply for their sheer grandness and historical importance. However, the smaller ones too deserve a visit for their medieval ambience and legends. A large number of these castles are now in ruin, but a few of them, such as Turaida Castle, Cesis Castle, and Bauska Castle still stand, and can even be toured. For example, the Turaida Castle is an outstanding example of Medieval architecture from 1214 and the Cesvaine Palace has been included in the list of European cultural heritage. There are museums in many castles that inform visitors about the culture and life of the Middle Ages.
Rundale Palace is the most wonderful example of baroque and rococo architecture in Latvia. Set amidst the fertile Zemgale Plains in South Latvia, the Rundale Palace and Museum works as a centre for research into Latvia’s history, through creating collections, arranging exhibitions and producing publications. Displays in the exhibition halls include applied art, fine art and historical expositions.
Situated in the heart of Riga, on the banks of the River Daugava, is one of the largest marketplaces in Eastern Europe. About 80,000-100,000 people shop here per day on average. Here, you can buy Latvian-grown and homemade products, exotic fruit and spices, as well as manufactured merchandise. Comprising of five separate pavilions for vegetables, dairy, meat, fish and other gastronomical products, it also has as an outdoor area with stalls and stands, a Night Market and a ‘Round-the-Clock’ Farmers Market.