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Day trips in anD arounD riga
Contents
Introduction
2
Riga
Old Riga: the heart of Riga,
Distinctive spots in the centre of Riga,
Romantic Riga: Pārdaugava,
Mežaparks and Sarkandaugava,
Open-Air Musem
4
A day by the sea
Jūrmala on foot, Jūrmala by car,
Kurzeme ishing villages,
Kurzeme coastal scenery,
Wine and art Kurzeme style,
Tukums area
8
Bauska, Dobele, Jelgava
Most stunning castles and parks,
Step into a fairytale at Tērvete,
Mysterious Zemgale,
Jelgava, unusual Zemgale sights,
Picturesque banks of the Daugava,
Knights and tales
12
Cēsis, Sigulda, Līgatne
Leisure activities in Sigulda,
History of Sigulda,
The ancient Gauja River valley,
Boating on Gauja River,
Natural scenery in the Līgatne area,
Deer garden, Vienkoči Park,
Medieval Cēsis,
Clifs and waterfalls around Cēsis,
Saulkrasti, Bīriņi and Igate castles
16
For more information
32
1
IntroduCtIon
If we had to describe Latvia in a single word, it would be
harmonious. the many reforms experienced by Latvia throughout
its centuries-long history are what have made it so diverse:
settlements and villages of the ancient Latvians, forts and castles
of German crusaders, medieval towns and swedish-style houses,
soviet-period military facilities – every era has left something
distinctive behind.
Latvia is located in northern europe, at a strategically signiicant
crossroads of many nationalities, cultures and denominations
living side-by-side: we have historic Lutheran and old Believer
churches, magniicent Catholic and orthodox places of worship,
synagogues and even mosques. Latvia’s greatest treasures are its
unspoilt nature, the Baltic sea and the mild climate that allows all
four seasons to coexist.
Latvia’s relatively small territory is rich with dense forests, rivers,
lakes and beaches. Furthermore, a large part of Latvia’s natural
resources are state-owned and freely accessible. At the same time,
Latvia still has corners untouched by humans, where rare bird and
animal species live undisturbed. An inspirational environment.
And a stone’s throw from capital city riga, there is a wide choice
of pursuits: sports, cultural events, sunny beaches, rustic saunas, or
living pages of history. Whichever direction you choose, adventure
is guaranteed.
this guide aims to help you discover Latvia’s most outstanding
sights, even if you only have a day: you can devote it to a stroll
through riga’s historical streets, a trip to the Middle Ages in
sigulda, a boat ride through the ancient valley of the Gauja river,
bird and animal watching in a nature park or visiting the most
beautiful castles. We have tried out these routes, fallen in love
with them, and now recommend them to explorers of Latvia.
A warning based on our own experience: the trips – especially
if you wish to enjoy them unhurriedly – may take a little extra
time. some locations, for example natural attractions or country
houses, have to be looked for more carefully, as some routes are
not well signposted. However, information on tourist attractions
is available at regional tourist information points, by calling the
tourist Hotline or in the internet at www.latvia.travel
remember – when travelling, the most beautiful adventures
arrive unexpectedly. Latvia, with its peaceful, harmonious rhythm
of life, is best enjoyed without haste.
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1
oLd rIGA: tHe HeArt oF rIGA
Jan-Dec
Every step through the cobbled streets of Old Riga reveals another page of the city’s 800-year history.
the
Powder Tower (1)
has been guarding the entrance to old riga
by Bastion Hill for seven centuries. In the Middle Ages it held a city
wall lookout, armoury, prison and even a torture chamber. now
home to the Latvian War Museum where you can ind out how two
World Wars enveloped Latvia and how the nation had to ight for its
independence, twice. Close to here, the
Swedish Gate (2)
– the only
surviving gate of the city’s ancient defensive wall – leads into old riga
from the Jacob’s Barracks side. the nearby
St. Jacob’s Church (3)
is
one of the oldest churches in riga, so old that at the time it was
built it was outside the riga city boundary. A short walk away, at
Mazā Pils iela 17, 19 and 20, stand the
Three Brothers (4)
– old
riga’s most famous buildings, the oldest dwelling house complex
in the city, built in the dutch style in the 15th and 17th centuries.
Riga Castle (5)
, built during the Middle Ages and serving as a
Livonian order stronghold for several centuries, is located at the
end of the street, towards the daugava river. It is currently the
riga residence of Latvia’s President. the castle’s inner courtyard
holds two outstanding Late Gothic-style mouldings - Mestr Walter
Von Pletenberg (1515) and Madonna with Child (1515). the
Daugava Embankment (6)
is a favourite spot for rigans to take
leisurely walks on warm spring and summer evenings. stops for boat
trips ofering city views from the water, as well as longer excursions
to Jūrmala or Baltezers can be found here. Along the embankment,
you can take a look at the 19th century
Anglican Church (7)
, as well
as the
Big Christopher sculpture (8)
. According to ancient legend,
Christopher is the man who began building riga. this sculpture is
a copy of the 16th century original, which can be seen (along with
other interesting historical artefacts), at the riga dome ensemble:
the
Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation (9)
, which
is the oldest public museum in the Baltic states. the museum
collection holds more than 500 000 items. next to the museum
is the famous
Riga Dome Cathedral (10)
on which construction
began soon after riga was founded – the tale goes that the irst
stone was laid by Bishop Albert, riga’s founding father. the church
boasts one of the world’s most valuable historical organs. narrow
Krāmu iela leads from the dome square to
Rātslaukums (11)
, where
riga
Town Hall (12)
is located. You’ll also notice the magniicent
House of Blackheads (13)
, where the Brotherhood of Blackheads
held their gatherings during the Middle Ages. rātslaukums also
holds
Latvia’s Museum of Occupation (14)
, where the history of
the country’s 50-year occupation is explained. Close by is riga’s most
popular panoramic viewing point in the tower of the 800-year-old
St. Peter’s Church (15)
, the narrowest spire on the old riga skyline.
At st. Peter’s Church you can stand on riga’s exact geographic centre.
rIGA
riga tourism Information Centre
Public transport in riga: www.rigassatiksme.lv
tourist Hotline
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Riga is known for its 800-year old cobblestone streets, UNESCO World
Heritage-listed city centre, thriving art and culture scene and charming
parks. But it doesn’t end there. Stop! Take a deep breath and look
around: Riga will surprise you. Leafy neighbourhoods that are nesting
places for waterfowl, churches of diferent denominations coexisting
in peace, local farmers’ organic produce for sale in the very heart of the
city. Watch and you’ll see Riga growing. Disused warehouses become
cultural centres; ancient traditions are reborn while new ones take shape.
5
4
dIstInCtIVe sPots In tHe Centre oF rIGA
2
roMAntIC rIGA: PārdAuGAVA
3
MežAPArKs And sArKAndAuGAVA
4
oPen-AIr MuseM
5
Jan-Dec
Jan-Dec
Jan-Dec
Jan-Dec
The houses and picturesque parks of Riga’s centre mostly originate in the
19th and 20th centuries and ofer a glimpse into pre-war city life.
The Daugava River – wide enough to hold back the bustle and noise of
the centre – divides Pārdaugava from the city centre. Time-worn streets
and houses, romantic wood-based architecture and spacious parks
await you here.
For seekers of sights more unusual, the Mežaparks and Sarkandaugava
districts ofer unexpected calm, natural scenery and romantic
architecture.
Riga’s most famous open-air museum is worth a full day trip!
the
Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum (41)
is one of
europe’s oldest outdoor museums. It’s a great opportunity to see
typical ancient Latvian farm dwellings and learn about their lives
and traditions. At around 88 hectares, the museum has gathered
118 ancient homes from all four Latvian regions: Vidzeme, Zemgale,
Latgale and Kurzeme. Various household and work implements, as
well as decorative items are on show here. Craftsmen work in the
territory and Latvian traditional annual festivities are celebrated
here, as well as regular Ancient Craft days, introducing visitors to
Latvian crafts of yore. the largest fair in the Baltic states, held here
on the irst weekend in June, has been the museum’s biggest annual
event for the past 40 years. Latvia’s best craftspeople, farmers and
folklore groups all gather for the fair. the Latvian ethnographic
open-Air Museum is located just inside riga’s boundary, on the
shores of the Jugla Lake in Berģi. It can be easily reached by car,
and parking is also convenient. there are two public transport
options to choose from: a no 1 bus will take you straight to the
museum, while no 6 trams stop at Jugla and you can walk the last
three kilometres. A bike path from the very centre of riga also leads
to the museum. If travelling by car or bicycle, it’s worth stopping
of at the
Riga Motor Museum (42)
on the way back You’ll ind a
unique collection of historical motorcars, the largest in the Baltics.
one of riga’s most recognisable sights is the symbol of Latvian
unity and independence - the
Freedom Monument (16)
.
At its base, watch the guard of honour change hourly. two
minutes walk from here, you’ll soon spot the Byzantine-style
Nativity of Christ Cathedral (17)
– the largest russian orthodox
church in the Baltics. Close by is the 5-hectare
Vērmane Park (18)
.
during the summer, city dwellers are often treated to free concerts
on the park’s open-air stage. Intriguing amateur chess tournaments
also take place here. Along one side of the park stretches riga’s most
popular
lower market (19)
, or sakta – fragrant bunches of lowers
can be bought here at any time of the day or year.
the
Riga Cinema (20)
, pre-war Latvia’s grandest picture house,
stands nearby. the courtyards between elizabetes, Barona and
dzirnavu ielas hide
Bergs Bazaar (21)
– a small quarter developed
as a pedestrian shopping arcade 100 years ago. It is still a location for
restaurants, shops, various events and organic produce markets. the
greatest pride of riga’s architecture is its unesCo World Heritage-
listed Jugendstils (Art nouveau). the houses at
Elizabetes (22)
,
Tērbatas (23)
,
Brīvības (24)
and
Skolas iela (25)
are mainly of the
Jugendstils and romanticism periods, while quiet
Alberta iela (26)
is europe’s most famous example of Jugendstils architecture. the
Riga Jugendstils Museum (27)
is also located here.
Mežaparks (36)
– surrounded by pine forests and the Ķīšezers
lake, this district was developed as an elegant residential area in
the early 20th century. Mežaparks boasts the almost century-old
Riga Zoo (37)
, home to over 430 animal species and perfect for a
family day out.
You can continue of the beaten track by driving to the further
reaches of
Sarkandaugava (38)
and be surprised by wood houses
and yards with washing hung out to dry, just like in days long
gone. sarkandaugava’s
Aldaris Park (39)
was created as a garden
for the owner of Latvia’s most famous brewery Aldaris in the 19th
century, complete with the artiicial castle ruins fashionable at the
time – these are still standing and give the park a romantic feel. the
Latvian Culture Museum Dauderi (40)
can also be found in the
park. Former president Kārlis ulmanis once lived here. the museum
focuses on culture during Latvia’s irst period of independence and
Latvian activity in exile during the years of soviet occupation.
this route is most easily covered by car as the sights are not
connected by convenient public transport links. However,
Mežaparks can be reached with a no 11 tram.
Akmens tilts (28)
and the nearby
AB Dambis (29)
are favourite
evening strolls for rigans and city visitors – from here you can
see the view of old riga immortalised in the most stunning city
postcards. If you don’t want to walk across the bridge, a tram or
bus will take you across. Pārdaugava’s greatest asset is its spacious
parks: in summer a haven of fresh air and lowers; in winter they
draw outdoor sports enthusiasts – skiers, skaters and tobogganers.
Uzvaras (Victory) Park (30)
is one of riga’s most popular cross-
country skiing spots. Victory Park is connected to the scenic
Arkādija Park (31)
, a common stop for wedding parties following
the tradition of leaving a padlock on park bridges as a symbol of the
young couple’s love. About 20 minute’s walk away you’ll ind the
Kalnciems Quarter (32)
– the restored wood buildings of this small
romantic district bring to life 100 years of history. today, the quarter
is a location for design shops, organic produce markets, exhibitions
and creative workshops, as well as the eco-conscious Māja restaurant.
While taking an architectural tour of Pārdaugava, pay attention to
the striking
Āgenskalns Water Tower (33)
in Alises iela, as well as
the red
St. Martin’s Lutheran Church (34)
. the pride of Pārdaugava
is its 15-hectare
University of Latvia Botanical Gardens (35)
,
ofering surprising and unusual plant collections throughout the
seasons.
riga tourism Information Centre
Public transport in riga: www.rigassatiksme.lv
tourist Hotline
riga tourism Information Centre
Public transport in riga: www.rigassatiksme.lv
tourist Hotline
riga tourism Information Centre
Public transport in riga: www.rigassatiksme.lv
tourist Hotline
riga tourism Information Centre
Public transport in riga: www.rigassatiksme.lv
tourist Hotline
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