The city is a resort on the Riga seaside. The main tourist destinations in Riga are excursion tourism, beach and outdoor activities

The city is home to 900 thousand inhabitants. Magnificent architecture - from medieval to modern,
Riga sightseeing - Old Town (Vecriga), Dome Square, Small and Big Guild buildings.

Churches and cathedrals:

The Dome Cathedral(Dome Square) (Domus Dei - House of God) was built in 1211, the interior dates back to the 17th century. There are many artistic treasures in the cathedral, but undoubtedly the greatest of them is the magnificent organ, made in 1884 by the craftsmen of the German company Walker and Co. in Ludwigsburg. Its height is 25 m, width - 11 m, depth - 10 m. Ancient paintings, amazing wood carvings and creations of stone-cutters multiply the cultural significance of the cathedral. Divine services and organ music concerts are regularly held here.
Cathedral of St. Jekaba, built in 1226 outside the city wall. The church has retained its Gothic spire. In the 18th century, during the next major restoration, the craftsmen found the remains of a man walled up standing in the wall.
Reformed Church, built in 1733. Each
Divine services are held here on Sunday, at the same time you can see it from the inside.
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St. Peter's Church. Built in the XIII century. At one time, its tower was the tallest wooden structure in Europe. The current height of the tower is 123.25 m. The wonderful city opens from the observation deck of the tower, where you can take an elevator. Behind the church, a statue of Roland by August Folz awaits better times. A copper plate in the floor immediately behind the entrance informs that this is where the center of Riga is.
Church of st. John. Consecrated in 1234 as the temple of John the Baptist. There is a barred window in the wall outside. According to legend, two monks were walled up here, and parishioners in this very window served them food and drink.
Riga castle... Originally, there was a castle of the Livonian Order built in the 1330s. During the clashes between the knights and the inhabitants of Riga, the castle was destroyed. The current castle was completed in 1515 and is a striking example of medieval architecture. Today it is the residence of the President of Latvia. The Latvian historical Museum, founded in 1869 as the Museum of the Scientific Commission of the Riga Latvian Society and since 1920, already under the auspices of the government of the Republic of Latvia, transferred to the Riga Castle.
Museums:
Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts;
Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. The oldest museum in Latvia, founded in 1773;
Museum of the 50th Anniversary of the Occupation of Latvia;
Latvian Museum of Photography;
Pharmacy Museum;
automobile museum;
Memorial apartment-museum of J. Rosenthal and R. Blaumanis;
Ethnographic Museum under open air- is located 11 km. from the center of Riga in a pine forest on the shores of a picturesque lake. Jugla. The most characteristic buildings (the oldest - 17th century) from all ethnographic regions of Latvia are concentrated here.
There are many entertainment centers in Riga - nightclubs, casinos, discos and you will not be bored here. And in 2001 Riga will be 800 years old! The entire city will be filled with events dedicated to the anniversary. The main celebrations will take place from 17 to 19 August.
To the south of Riga stands the magnificent Rundale Palace, the summer residence of the Duke of Courland, built by the architect Rastrelli.
Beautiful Latvian resorts with a mild climate and clean pine air:
Baldone located not far from Riga - balneological and mud resort with a picturesque park;
Liepaja- seaside mud and climatic resort;
Jurmala, stretching along the sandy coast of the Gulf of Riga for 33 km. There is also a museum-summer residence of the poet Jan Rainis;
On the picturesque coast the river Gauja is located popular resort Sigulda... Caves, dense forest, ruins of medieval castles create the unique originality of this place.
Jurmala - seaside resort on the coast of the Gulf of Riga, 25 km from Riga. Pine aroma combined with sea air, wonderful landscapes make every corner of the Jurmala coast from Lielupe to Jaunkemeri attractive. Jurmala is numerous sanatoriums, hotels, campings; concert hall "Dzintari" and tennis center in Lielupe and many other places for entertainment and recreation.
Sigulda - medieval town and picturesque corner Latvia. The Turaida Castle, which served as a fortress to the ancient Livs, has been preserved here. National park"Gauja": the unique beauty of its ancient shores is given by the cliffs of white and red sandstone overgrown with forests and dolomite cliffs up to 20 m high. The highest is the Randatu cliff. A stunning view opens up from its 25-meter height. In Sigulda, next to the ruins of a medieval fortress, there is a cozy modern hotels and restaurants.
Cesis- a city with cobbled streets and wooden houses, located 38 km. from Sigulda. The ancient town of Cesis has preserved the ruins of the ancient Livonian castle. Now, in the castle of Livonian times in Cesis, a fancy-dress theatrical performance is being organized: knights in armor are greeted by guests, torches are burning, old music is playing, dances are performed, and a real medieval meal is offered (in those days they did without cutlery). The outskirts of the city are one of the most picturesque places in Latvia.
Another medieval monument - Kuldiga, located on the banks of the Venta river. Kuldiga - the heart of Kurzeme - was first mentioned in historical documents in 1242. The architecture of the Old Town captures the features of many centuries - buildings in the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, burgher and merchant houses. The city's gem is the Venta Rumba waterfall - the largest in Latvia (110 m wide and 1.5 m high).
Interesting excursions in Kurzeme:
- excursion along the valley of the Abava and Venta rivers (Kurzeme);
- Inspection of the ancient Jaunmokas castle (1901), built to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Riga;
- sightseeing of Kandava and Sabile.
Archaeological and historical monuments are unique in Araishi(the most valuable are the remains of a 9-10th century Latgalian settlement on the island of Lake Araishi).
Place Sabile- the northernmost point in the world where grapes are grown. Enthusiasts are ready to restore the traditions of winemaking - at least to attract tourists.
Daugavpils is the second largest city in Latvia. Mainly presented here are architectural monuments of the 19th century - ensembles of the former fortress with fortifications.
In the town Aluksne there is a wonderful park (XVIII-XIX centuries), the ruins of a castle of the XIV century, and the suburban landscapes are also magnificent.
Beautiful Latgale, the land of many peoples, whose culture has contributed to the appearance of the region: Latgalians, Russians, Belarusians, Poles, Lithuanians. It is the center of Catholicism in Latvia, as evidenced by numerous churches and basilicas. The Pope celebrated Mass in Aglona Basilica in 1993. The ruins of the once majestic castles remind of the Northern Crusades. Many lakes, picturesque hills.
Not far from the city Kraslava Sauleskalns hill is located - 211 m above sea level. From its top, a wonderful panorama of the blue-green kingdom of water and forest opens, from here, in clear weather, 26 lakes are visible. And children in Latgale are invited to see the workshops of ceramics and even try to make something on a potter's wheel themselves.
Traditional applied arts of Latvia- weaving, metal, amber and wood processing, knitting and embroidery, Latvian ceramics is famous.
The most popular and widely celebrated holiday in Latvia is Jan's day- June 23rd. If you are a beer lover and come to Latvia on Janov's Day, you will love Latvia like beer! In any case, you will get an unforgettable experience! In Riga, folk song festivals are regularly held, starting with a colorful procession of participants in national costumes.
Leisure. Farms and farms, manors, cottages and campings, tourist camps in Latvian national parks, among forests, on the banks of numerous rivers, attract nature lovers, hiking, horse riding, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Provides an opportunity for tourists who are going to visit it to have fun in any season. In summer, here you can fully relax and improve your health by going to one of the beach resorts and winter is ideal for ski lovers.

Ski resorts in Latvia

Picturesque natural landscapes of Latvia provide an opportunity not only to enjoy a beach holiday, but also to spend time with interest in the ski resorts of the country during the winter season. On them there is a place for both experienced skiers or snowboarders, and beginners, as well as lovers of cross-country skiing. Among the most famous ski resorts in Latvia the following can be listed:

The list of famous ski slopes in Latvia can be supplemented with the following objects:

Agarkalns- very popular with Latvians, located in, on the coast, in Vidzeme;
Ozolkalns- considered the longest track in Latvia, located in Vidzeme;
Gaizinkalns- known as high peak, has slopes equipped for skiers and snowboarders, located in Vidzeme;
"Zviedru cepure"(translated as "Swedish hat") - located in Kurzeme, in the Abava valley, which is famous for its picturesque views. Therefore, here you can not only ride, but also enjoy the surrounding nature;
"Lemberga hūte"(translated as "Lembergs' hat") is an artificial mountain 50 m high, located in;
Eglukalns- ski lodge, which is located at an altitude of 220 m above sea level in the immediate vicinity;
skiing is also possible in the very center of Riga - in Uzvaras park; there is also a jogging track near the capital.

Beach and health resorts in Latvia

With the onset of the summer season, many tourists flock to the territory of Latvia to stay at one of the many beach resorts and enjoy their holidays on the seashore. Resorts in Latvia are famous for the fact that they provide a whole range of health procedures, which gives an opportunity not only to relax, but also to significantly improve your health. Some of the most famous resorts include:

- the largest Baltic resort on the coast. Its length along the coast is about 30 km. The unique combination of sea and forest air has the most beneficial effect on the body, and due to the fact that Jurmala is characterized by shallow water, it is rightly known as an excellent children's resort in Latvia. Jurmala consists of 15 villages, which can be called separate resort areas, containing comfortable beaches for recreation. The most famous of them are: Majori, Jaunkemeri, Dubulti, Dzintari, Pumpuri, Jomas, Vaivari... To get to Jurmala, you need to get by train, which follows from Riga. Getting there will not be any problem, since trains leave regularly. Another option would be to get there on your own by car. In this case, in the period from April 1 to September 30, you will have to pay an entrance fee, which is 2 euros.

Resort- located in Jurmala on the territory nature reserve... The date of its foundation is considered to be 1838, when a source of sulfuric waters was discovered in the estate of a local forester. The uniqueness of this place is explained by the presence of sources of sulfide sulphate-calcium water containing useful substances and trace elements. Nearby there is also the Slokas peat mud deposit, which is used for medical procedures. Arriving in Kemeri, tourists will be able to undergo a full diagnosis in order to identify diseases and receive qualified treatment using various procedures. So, we can name the following types of popular methods of treatment: climatotherapy (due to the unique location of the resort, the proximity of the reserve has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system), balneotherapy (treatment with mineral waters, which are used as drinking therapy, as well as for contrast baths and underwater shower-massage ), mud therapy (useful for diseases of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, skin diseases, digestive organs). Kemeri is also known as a children's resort in Latvia. Here, treatment is effectively carried out using such methods as ergotherapy (used for infantile cerebral palsy, animal therapy (rehabilitation with the help of animals) - includes canistherapy (treatment with the help of dogs) and right therapy (treatment based on horse riding).
Baldone resort- famous for its mud clinics, located in a picturesque park. The unique climate and numerous procedures can improve the state of the nervous system, get rid of diseases of the organs of the movement and heart, gynecological problems. The hospital is located in the center of Latvia, which can be reached by public bus or by car on the P91 or P98.
- a health-improving complex located 200 km from the capital of the country. The resort differs from others in its peculiar climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers. It is recommended to come to Liepaja only from the end of May to avoid sudden spring frosts. Here you can go for wellness treatments and enjoy a beach holiday.

- the resort, which was the very first to receive the coveted European "blue flag", demonstrating compliance with all necessary standards and the absence of any violations. The width of the beach is about 80 m, it is covered with fine white clean sand. Here you can not only enjoy a beach holiday, but also take a walk in the park, ride on water attractions, and go surfing. Ventspils has a lot of playgrounds for children, fascinating parks and various water attractions.
or Sunny Coast- ideal for family vacation with children, as it is characterized by a calm, serene atmosphere and mild climate. Here you can not only devote time to a beach holiday, but also enjoy stunning scenic views. One of the local attractions is White Dune, a place where newlyweds come to exchange rings.
- located 90 km from the town of Vidzeme. The proximity of the National Park, which is home to conifers, makes this place unique. Here you can relax on the beach and improve your health thanks to the healing air. The area is incredibly picturesque, there are magnificent waterfalls, one of which is the highest in the whole country.

Jurmala is not only a popular resort on the shores of the Baltic Sea, but also an area with very favorable natural and climatic conditions.

That is why the sanatoriums of Jurmala are deservedly popular with local residents and tourists.

For a long time, sanatoriums and SPA centers in Jurmala have been considered good option for spa recreation and treatment.

Health resort resources of Latvia were known back in the 19th century... Even then, Jurmala was famous for its mineral springs, which at that time were considered holy. The richest people from the upper strata of society came here to improve their health.

At the same time, the first chemical analyzes were carried out in St. Petersburg. mineral water, and in 1838 Jurmala acquired the status of a resort town.

Currently, all along the coast of Jurmala, there are well-known sanatoriums and spa hotels offering their guests a variety of medical and rehabilitation procedures aimed at improving health and overall physical fitness. SPA complexes in Jurmala are among the largest complexes in the whole of Eastern Europe.

Jurmala's popularity as recreational resort, ideal for spa treatment, is also explained by the possibility of combining wellness procedures with a beach holiday, entertainment and excursion programs.

The spa industry is well developed not only in Latvia. After visiting Jurmala, you will surely want to visit in order to enrich your holiday experience in the Baltics.

Did you know that the sea is not the only one water entertainment in Jurmala? Read about the Livu water park, and be sure to visit it if possible!

The main advantages of spa treatment in Jurmala

Jurmala is a large Baltic resort city located on the shores of the Gulf of Riga, 25 km from Riga. Currently, there are more than 30 hotels and sanatoriums operating in Jurmala, offering their guests rest and spa treatment.

The main advantages Jurmala as a resort for spa treatment are:

Unique natural and climatic conditions. The mild climate in Jurmala is combined with the cleanest air and proximity to the sea.
Treatment in local sanatoriums located in the vicinity of coniferous forests and the sea has a beneficial effect on the health and general condition of people with a weakened respiratory system;
High quality spa treatment, recognized all over the world. Jurmala sanatoriums employ highly qualified specialists using modern diagnostic and treatment equipment;
A wide range of treatment programs in a variety of areas;
The presence of medicinal mineral springs and reserves of medicinal peat. Rehabilitation centers in Jurmala are located in close proximity to hydrogen sulfide sources, as well as peat and sapropel mud, which are actively used in treatment and spa treatments.
It is also important that all mud, unlike many other health resorts in the Baltic States, is received for medical procedures. almost immediately after their extraction... This ensures the maximum effect from their application.

The main advantage of the mineral springs in Jurmala is the different composition of the water mineralization. This allows you to treat a very extensive list of diseases;
A wide range of spa treatments, prescribed depending on the disease.
For spa recovery in the Latvian health resorts, such therapeutic measures are used as balneotherapy, diet therapy, paraffin therapy, various types of massage, hydrotherapy, modern physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises and other methods of spa recovery;
The possibility of combining spa treatment with beach vacation... All health resorts in Jurmala are close to cleanest beaches Baltic.
Back in 1997, Jurmala joined the world famous Blue Flag Beach company, which was organized by the European Foundation for Environmental Education.

And in 2000, the beach in Majori received the Blue Flag again, which testifies to the cleanliness of the beach, high quality sea water and security;
Big choice SPA treatments allowing you to combine treatment with rest, relaxation and physical fitness;
Affordable cost of rest and treatment. Despite the high European level maintenance and availability of the most modern equipment, the cost of recreation and treatment in Latvia is very reasonable.
The prices for health procedures in the sanatoriums of Jurmala compare favorably with the majority of Russian health resorts, not to mention European sanatoriums.

It should be borne in mind that the quality of treatment in Latvian rehabilitation centers is not inferior to the European service;
No language barrier. All employees of Jurmala health resorts speak Russian fluently, which eliminates any misunderstandings in the diagnosis, treatment prescription and procedures.

Indications for spa treatment in Jurmala

In the sanatoriums of Jurmala there are resources for carrying out medical and health procedures for a variety of diseases. The main indications for spa treatment in the rehabilitation centers of Jurmala are:

respiratory diseases;
diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
skin diseases;
disorders of the nervous system;
diseases of the digestive system;
diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
gynecological and urological diseases.

This list of indications is not exhaustive. Depending on the specialization of specific sanatoriums, you can choose wellness programs for the treatment of a number of other diseases. Doctors highly recommend the spa centers in Latvia for the treatment of many childhood diseases.

Dental services are in great demand among tourists. The high level of service in Latvian health resorts is combined with a very affordable price. For example, in comparison with Moscow, dental treatment in Latvia is 1.5-2 times cheaper.

Contraindications there is very little for spa treatment in Jurmala. Finding and treating in sanatoriums is contraindicated for persons suffering from infectious diseases, mental disorders... And also to those persons who may be harmed by being at the resort - in the stage of exacerbation of various diseases, with malignant neoplasms, women in the third trimester of pregnancy, with a tendency to bleeding.

Sanatoriums in Jurmala and their specialization

Almost all sanatoriums in Jurmala have a good number of rooms, excellent infrastructure and a modern medical and recreational facilities. Each rehabilitation complex is equipped with high-tech diagnostic equipment and offers a wide range of treatments and spa treatments.

Some of the buildings of the recovery centers are located right in the pine forest, which has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system and the psychological state of a person.

All health resorts in Jurmala have developed infrastructure - shops, restaurants, parking lots, cafes, bars, beauty salons. You will not be bored here either, since concerts, popular festivals, fairs and other cultural events are constantly held in Jurmala. The sanatoriums have conditions for holding training seminars and conferences.

The largest and most popular sanatoriums in Jurmala are the sanatoriums "Yantarny Bereg", "Belorussia", "Jaunkemeri" and "Pegasa Pils".

Sanatorium "Yantarny Bereg"

This is one of the oldest sanatoriums in Jurmala (see photo). Despite this, "Amber Coast" well equipped and has one of the best medical and diagnostic facilities in Latvia.

Highly qualified personnel, modern equipment, a large number of rehabilitation and preventive programs - all this is a distinctive feature of this sanatorium.

The main profile of the "Amber Coast" is diseases of the peripheral nervous system, diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system and musculoskeletal system.

In addition, the sanatorium offers programs for body shaping, treatment of skin diseases, rehabilitation after eye surgery, treatment of chronic gynecological diseases. Additionally, programs for pregnant women and anti-aging wellness programs are offered.

The medical base of the sanatorium includes mud therapy with the famous Kemeri sapropelic mud, balneotherapy, paraffin therapy, halospeleotherapy, anti-gravity therapy for cardiac patients and many other effective methods of recovery and treatment.

The sanatorium "Yantarny Bereg" is located on the territory of the Kemeri National Park. It consists of a main six-storey building and a cottage with vip numbers.

From the sanatorium to the sea - about 200 meters. The sanatorium has its own well-equipped beach and developed infrastructure not only for treatment, but also for a good rest.

Vacationers in the sanatorium can visit the swimming pool, sauna, gym. "Yantarnye Bereg" has tennis courts, a volleyball court, and a billiard room. Concerts, movie shows, discos and other entertainment events are held in the sanatorium almost every day.

The sanatorium works year-round... The cost of living in the sanatorium "Yantarny Bereg" with treatment and 3 meals a day ranges from 41 to 134 euros per person per day, depending on the room. Price extra space with meals about 25 euros per day. In a period of massive demand, prices may rise.

Sanatorium "Belarus"

Sanatorium "Belorussia", located in the very center of Jurmala, has been providing spa services since 1976.

The profile of “Belorussia” is the treatment of diseases of the nervous system, circulatory organs and metabolic disorders. In addition, there are opportunities for spa treatment of diseases of the digestive system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system, skin and allergic diseases.

The sanatorium is designed for 257 beds. Works all year round.

Location: 15 minutes walk from the main pedestrian street Jomas and the famous Dzintari Concert Hall. Distance to the sea - 200 meters. Located in the dune area pine forest.

Infrastructure of the sanatorium:

indoor pool with mineral water(25m);
sauna, Turkish bath, infrared cabin;
hardware massage;
phytobar;
modern gym;
sports grounds and tennis court;
cinema, library;
children's playroom.

The price for the services of the sanatorium varies from 37 to 80 euros per day / person. depending on the room, season and treatment program. The price includes accommodation, 5 meals a day and the selected treatment program. Discounts are available for children.

Riga is a symbiosis of modern and old. The city of old European traditions. Among the Baltic capitals, it is famous for its interesting architecture of mixing styles. The wars have not touched ancient buildings, you can admire for hours historical heritage ancestors of the central part of the city.

A bit of history

The city, starting from the 13th century, was famous for cultural and shopping center... The main population for centuries up to the 20th century were the Germans, who left a strong imprint on the culture and mentality of the modern population of Riga. The ups and downs of modern migrations have created conditions for the emergence of a multinational population in the capital of Latvia. The fusion of cultures also influenced the mood of the city, but German remains the main contributor.

How to get there

Riga is located in the central part of Europe, near the coast of the Gulf of Riga Baltic Sea... The Daugava River (Western Dvina, renamed in the territory of Latvia) flows through the city. The historical center is located on the right bank of the Daugava.

The city has excellent transport links. Train Station- a junction station in the center of the capital of Latvia, communication with any city is provided, there are direct routes from Moscow. With all the comfort of the branded cars, the fare has become prohibitively high, so many guests of the city prefer to travel by aviation. The airport is located in the suburbs, at the closest distance, it is not difficult to get from there. In addition to taxis, public transport functions perfectly, fare in euros.

Weather

The city is located close to the coast of the bay, which affects the climate of the city. There are no sharp fluctuations in temperature, but the climate is close to temperate continental. There is little precipitation, summer is not hot, the temperature rarely rises above + 250C, winters are with a little frost. The swimming season on the coast opens in mid-June. The best time for travel - midsummer. This is also emphasized by the large number of beau monde gathering at this time in Riga and the surrounding areas.

Where to stay

The city welcomes its guests with a large number of hotels; there are 260 hotels in Riga. Main class 4-5 stars. There are enough free seats available, but the best hotels better to book rooms in advance. Popular are Wellton Elefant, a new 2012 hotel located on the highway from the airport to Old Riga, Islande Hotel, centrally located on Kipsala Island, a former student town, and a boutique hotel in the historic Wellton Gertrude building. perfect place for a stopover with the whole family near the famous Latvian National Opera near Old Riga.

What to see

It is interesting to visit the coast during the beach season. Few people know that, in addition to the Jurmala direction, there is a resort area in the Vecaki side, where there are many summer cottages of famous people. The entire coast is provided with infrastructure, there are many interesting cafes, outdoor areas for relaxing with tea and various places for recreational recreation. Here you will not hear impolite treatment, as tourists are respected for their ability to generate income.

The coast is a paradise for middle-aged people or families with small children. For young people, there is also a lot of entertainment here, but this age is more characteristic of expression, which is lacking in a measured rhythm. resort area... Young creatures prefer to rest mainly in Riga itself.

There are many attractions in the city. Besides just sightseeing tours, you can visit the Dome Cathedral, a huge number of museums located in the city center, as well as medieval castles located no more than two hours from Riga.

People of different ages visit the city. Someone is attracted by nostalgia, someone wants to see live famous city... Calm and measured, worthy to look at. Despite all the recent belonging to a large country, the tourist must remember that now it is a foreign state, and native Latvians are disposed to distrust the citizens of another state. Under the guise of European goodwill, one can see the unwillingness to communicate. It is better to count on yourself, stock up on guidebooks and euros.