Latvia is a Baltic state in Northern Europe, lying between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. For a visitor, it offers a mix of coastline, forest and a capital city with some of the most distinctive architecture in the region.
What the country offers
- Beaches along the Baltic Sea coast, suited to unhurried walks and long summer days.
- Forests that cover much of the countryside, good for quiet outdoor time away from the cities.
- Folk traditions, with a strong culture of song and a long-standing tradition of song festivals.
Riga and its Art Nouveau architecture
The capital, Riga, is best known for its Art Nouveau buildings, whose ornate facades give the city a character that visitors often remark on. Walking the streets, you can see how the architecture shapes the atmosphere of the centre, and it makes a natural focus for a city visit.
Latvia suits travellers who want a relaxed pace, a blend of seaside and forest scenery, and a capital with a strong architectural identity. Its official name is the Republic of Latvia, known in Latvian as Latvija.
