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Latgale Nature parks

The heart of Rīga is its Old Town. The Old Town has unique architecture therefore it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For almost 800 years the church towers have been Rīga’s trademark. The Rīga Dome Cathedral is famous for its organ, which is one of the oldest and largest in the world. St. Peter’s Church is famous for its tall tower which is the most popular Old Town’s panoramic sightseeing place. The Museum of the History of Rīga and Navigation is one of the oldest museums in Europe. The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia portrays the life of Latvia during WWII and under the totalitarian regimes. The reconstructed House of the Blackheads is one of the most spectacular houses in the Old Town. Its history dates back seven centuries ago when rich seamen and merchants built a place to hold their meetings and balls. The Rīga Central Market is located close to the Old Town. The impressive hangars were built for military purposes. The delicacies available at the market will surprise even the most sophisticated gourmands. The Rīga Canal runs around the Old Town and invites visitors to take a boat–ride along its course. During the trip, you will pass the so called Latvia's White House, namely, the Opera House, as well as 42 meters tall Freedom Monument. Rīga is considered to be the capital of Art Nouveau due to the fact that houses of this splendid style in Rīga outnumber those in any other city in the world. A significant amount of the houses built in this style can be viewed in Alberta Street; moreover, the Rīga Art Nouveau Museum is located here, too.

Sigulda is Vidzeme's most popular tourist destination not only among foreign visitors but also for Latvian travellers. Sigulda, located 40 km from Rīga, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes of the Gauja primeval valley, notably in autumn when leaves are at their brightest. Visitors are welcome also to the Turaida Museum Reserve, a 41 ha park with a vast 13th century castle and a mediaeval–themed exposition. Nearby Sigulda one finds a number of sports and leisure activity centres. When in Sigulda, testing the Aerodium vertical wind tunnel is a must: you will literally be able to fly! Cēsis features a number of interesting sights to see, including the ruins of the Cēsis Mediaeval Castle and Cēsis New Palace. Close to Cēsis, on an islet on a lake, you can visit the Āraiši Lake Fort – an archaeological reconstruction of the ancient 9th century Latvian fortified settlement. The Vidzeme shore, for the most part, is a sequence of sandy beaches, but 14 km of coastal stretch from Tūja to Dzeņi belongs to the Vidzeme’s Stony Beach Nature Reserve. Not far from the coast at Dunte, the Munchausen's Museum tells a story about the imaginative creator of fantastic, unbelievable tales. The loveliest of Vidzeme's landscapes lie near Līgatne. The Līgatne nature walks include an open air zoo, also home to the rare and unique wisent. The national park boasts caves and sandstone outcrops, the Zvārtes Rock being noted as the most spectacular. A novel experience is guaranteed in a former Soviet secret nuclear bunker built in several levels in the basement of the Līgatne Rehabilitation Centre.

The coast will attract fans of different types of leisure activities. Kiteboarders and windsurfers flock to Jūrkalne High Coast and to Pāvilosta. Cape Kolka, the north–westernmost point of Latvia, is special as the meeting point of the open sea and the bay, sunset and sunrise, and all the four winds. Kurzeme offers to see an impressive Soviet military heritage. Irbene hosts the world's 8th largest radio telescope. In the former Liepāja Navy Base prison, for its part, a visitor can put himself in a prisoner's shoes. In Liepāja, Latvia's capital of winds and rock music, you will find good restaurants, charming hotels, the world's largest mechanical pipe organ in the Holy Trinity Church, the longest string of amber beads in the Craftsmen's House, and have an opportunity to sail out to sea on The Libava sailing ship, a copy of a 17th century vessel. The port city of Ventspils is also called Latvia's capital of flowers and fountains. A family holiday can be spent in the Children's Township, Blue Flag beach with separate sections for windsurfers and nudists, as well as the highest artificial downhill skiing facility in the Baltics. The Coastal Open Air Museum, which preserves fishing traditions, boasts a unique collection of anchors to be viewed while taking a ride on the narrow gauge train. Kuldīga, ranked among the European tourist destinations of excellence, fascinates with its romantic streets and yards, the old brick bridge across the river Venta, and the widest waterfall in Europe, Ventas Rumba.

For over than a century, the Latvian National Opera has been a symbol of Rīga's cultural life. Every year, the Opera delights the viewer with the performance from local opera and ballet stars already of international renown, such as Aleksandrs Antoņenko, Elīna Garanča, Kristīne Opolais, Inga Kalna, Egils Siliņš and Inese Galante. The productions of the New Rīga Theatre and its artistic director Alvis Hermanis win the hearts of the European theatre fans each year. The national chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Riga in the Spīķeri Concert Hall gives delightful chamber music concerts as well as brings together performers and audiences for the festival of new music "Arēna" and the festival of experimental music "Skaņu mežs" (Forest of sounds). A special event is the "Staro Rīga" – festival of lights. In December a Christmas tree is lit and Christmas fairs are open for customers. The tradition of decorating a tree for Christmas is said to have originated 500 years ago in Rīga. Latvia's largest Opera Music Festival traditionally take place at the Sigulda Open Air Theatre; Sigulda concert hall The White Piano, for its part, hosts great stars of classical music and the festival of Gidon Kremer's "Kremerata Baltica". One of the most beautiful music events in Latvia, the Ancient Music Festival, takes place in the grand Rundāle Palace. The Cēsis Castle ruins have become a favourite venue for the Mediaeval Festival, but the coastal town of Salacgrīva is proud to host currently the most popular rock music event in Latvia, the Positivus Festival.

Mākoņkalns Hill, one of the highest points in the region, overlooks a spectacular panorama of Latgale's hills and lakes. Latgale's soul lies in its churches, be they Catholic, Orthodox, or Old Believer, that are genuine pearls of architecture, and as often as not, sit hidden in a desolate countryside or tiny villages. The Basilica of Aglona is the most famous and spectacular church in Latgale that each August brings together thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Latgale has to be 'tasted': the region's culinary tradition differs from that of other regions of Latvia. Latgalian dishes can be tasted both in the Aglona Bread Museum and at the Andrupene Farmstead that displays the building traditions and household belongings of the Latgalian countryside. The traditions, lifestyles and crafts of Latgale are featured in the Latgale Crafts and Art Centre in Līvāni and in the Ludza Craftsmen Centre, which holds seasonal holiday celebrations and eco–markets. The Latgale potters have even won the award of Europe's tourist destination of excellence. Daugavpils offers an opportunity to experience a rich cultural and sports life and multinational cultural heritage, the brightest pearl of which is the Daugavpils Fortress, the only 19th century fortification structure in Eastern Europe that has survived in its original form. Following large scale reconstruction, the fortress is to host the Art Centre of Mark Rothko, a world famous Daugavpils–born painter. Rēzekne, Ludza and Krāslava feature charming wooden buildings and old churches.

The Rundāle Palace is one of the Latvia's most resplendent palaces, built in the 18th century, and surrounded by luxurious rose gardens. Nearby one also finds the elegant neo–classical style Mežotne Palace. In Bauska, the most recent part of the Livonian Order Castle, a ducal residence, was renovated to accommodate a museum dedicated to the mediaeval period and the history of the castle. In the Jelgava Palace, for its part, one can see the family vault of Dukes of Courland. The renovated tower of the Jelgava Holy Trinity Church, the first masonry church ever built for a Lutheran congregation in Europe, is a home to the historical exposition dedicated to the Presidents of Latvia, the folk dress of Zemgale, the history of Zemgale, as well as interactive virtual presentations on the Holy Trinity Church. On the left bank of the river Daugava, not far from Rīga, where the ruins of the Koknese Castle, once a powerful Livonian Order stronghold, are now one of the most romantic landscapes in Latvia. The Museum of the Christmas Battles at Tīreļpurvs tells about remarkable events during World War I – they are presented as a detailed modelling of historic battlefields and the reconstructions of events. Foodies should visit tasting events at food production companies. A trip to the Lāči Bakery will reveal the secrets of baking traditional bread. Some of Latvia's most delectable beers can be tasted at the Bauska Brewery. The Tērvete beer is also among the nation's favourites. The area is also a home to the Tērvete Nature Park, ranked among Europe's prime tourist destinations.

Majori is the centre of Jūrmala and large amount of activities are held there. Jomas Street, the central street in Jūrmala, is famous for its souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants. The Blue Flag is raised over the Majori beach every summer as a proof for the eco–label award for its high standards. The pride of Jūrmala is its sandy beach, which is a perfect place for playing volleyball or football. The Dzintari Concert hall is located nearby Majori. Every summer this concert venue hosts the greatest ballet and opera stars of the world. In the Jūrmala City Museum an exhibition is displayed on the resort’s history. The Jūrmala Open–air Museum in Lielupe, for its part, holds a permanent exhibition presenting the history of Jūrmala before the city became a resort, also a typical 19th century fisherman’s homestead reconstructed from authentic artefacts and buildings. A typical Jūrmala architecture features the wooden Art Nouveau, as well as late 19th and early 20th century wooden houses built in the romantic style. Families with children will enjoy the Līvu Aquapark just within a 20 minutes ride from Rīga. This facility is the largest indoor water themed park in the Eastern Europe. Jūrmala is proud to offer a large variety of high standard wellness centres all year long. Ķemeri is a place where the history of the Jūrmala resort began. Even today, here, it is possible to find sulphur springs, magnificent 19th century parks, as well as the splendid Ķemeri Sanatorium building. Jūrmala has also been recognised as one of the European travel destinations of excellence.

• General facts:Location: North East Europe, east coast of the Baltic SeaArea: 64 589 kmBorder countries: Estonia, Russia, Belarus, LithuaniaPopulation: 2 239 800Independence declared: November 18, 1918Government: Parliamentary republicEU Member State: Since May 1, 2004Official language: LatvianEthnic groups: 60% Latvians, 27.3% Russians, 3.7% Belorussians, 2.4% Poles, 6.3% othersCapital: RīgaLargest cities: Rīga, Daugavpils, Ventspils, Jūrmala, Jelgava, Liepāja, RēzekneTime zone: GMT + 2, from April to November: GMT + 3National currency: Latvian Lats, exchange rate to Euro: 1 EUR = ~ LVL 0.7 Electricity standard: 220VInternet TLD: .lvCalling code: + 371

Tourist Hotline 1188 – a hotline that provides information, guidance, support & follow–up to handle any situation that tourists visiting Latvia require, operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Easy access is available through cell or conventional phones within Latvia. For local assistance in Latvia, call the official Tourist Hotline number 1188. Outside Latvia, the service can be accessed by phoning: +371 6700 1188.Price per minute:LVL 0,40 from conventional phonesLVL 0,45* form cell/mobile phonesAll prices are subject to change without notice.* plus other service charges applied by your phone company.

•Visa, customsBeing an EU Member State, Latvia has the same requirements regarding tourist entry as other EU Member States. Latvia has joined the Schengen Agreement, and no border control takes place on Latvia's border with Schengen countries. Latvia’s diplomatic missions abroad issue common Schengen visas that are valid in all the Schengen Agreement countries. The duration of stay without a visa is up to 90 days during a 6 months period.

Further information on entry into Latvia and residence requirements can be obtained at www.am.gov.lv; and on custom restrictions at www.vid.gov.lv.

The wealth of Kurzeme is its forests and the sea; its closeness has shaped the region's history and traditions, and also the famous temperament of Kurzeme's people.

Vidzeme remains in one's memory with its lovely small towns, romantic parks at former manors, gently rolling landscapes, sandstone rocks and scenic rivers.

Jūrmala is the most famous resort in Latvia and the oldest resort city in the Baltics. It attracts the visitors with its white sandy beaches and mild climate.

Zemgale is proud of its spectacular monuments of architecture, fertile land and hardworking people.

Latgale, the land of blue lakes, entices a visitor with hundreds of lakes, the Daugava, ancient castle mounds, church spires, and the sincere and hospitable Latgalians.

The Gauja National Park is the most favourite site among Latvian tourists. The park features the landscapes of the ancient glacial valley of the river Gauja, as well as impressive heritage sites – manors, castle ruins, and rural churches. The most popular site in the Ķemeri National Park is the Big Ķemeri Moor. The wood plank walking paths help a visitor to discover diverse ecosystems, to enjoy solitary marshland landscapes, and get to know the park's varied birdlife. The Engure Lake Nature Park and the Pape Nature Park are favourite bird watching sites. The natural wealth of the Slītere National Park – those are the landscapes of the undisturbed Baltic coast, coastal forests, fishing villages, which cherish the traditions of the Livonian people, as well as Cape Kolka, Latvia's north–westernmost point and the most wind–blown place. A visit to the Tērvete Nature Park is bound to become an exciting adventure for families with children. Here, wild landscapes hide playgrounds and a Fairy Tale Forest. The Rāzna National Park is Latvia's newest protected nature site. It has been set up in the areas surrounding Lake Rāzna, the second largest lake in Latvia. The park's territory includes yet another remarkable lake – Ežezers, a record holder in terms of the number of islets; more that 30 of those can be viewed when boating. The Daugavas loki Nature Park spreads out on both banks of the Daugava and includes eight major bends of the river, each stretching for 4 to 6 km. The park's territory is home to a number of natural and heritage monuments.

1. Rīga +371 67181534, www.rigatourism.lv2. Jūrmala +371 67147900, www.tourism.jurmala.lv

3. Aglona +371 65322100, www.aglona.lv4. Bauska +371 63923797, www.tourism.bauska.lv5. Cēsis +371 64121815, www.tourism.cesis.lv6. Daugavpils +371 65422818, www.visitdaugavpils.lv7. Dobele +371 63723074, www.dobele.lv8. Jēkabpils +371 65233822, www.jekabpils.lv9. Jelgava +371 63005445, www.jelgava.lv10. Koknese +371 65161296, www.koknese.lv11. Krāslava +371 65622201, www.kraslava.lv12. Kuldīga +371 63322259, www.visit.kuldiga.lv13. Liepāja +371 63480808, www.liepajaturisms.lv14. Līgatne +371 64153169, www.visitligatne.lv15. Limbaži +371 64070608, www.visitlimbazi.lv16. Līvāni +371 65381856, www.livani.lv17. Ludza +371 65707203, www.ludza.lv18. Madona +371 64860573, www.madona.lv19. Pļaviņas +371 22000981, www.plavinunovads.lv20. Preiļi +371 65322041, www.preili.lv21. Rēzekne +371 64605005, www.rezekne.lv22. Saldus +371 63807443, www.saldus.lv23. Saulkrasti +371 67952641, www.saulkrasti.lv24. Sigulda +371 67971335, www.tourism.sigulda.lv25. Talsi +371 63224165, www.talsitourism.lv26. Tērvete +371 63726212, www.zemgaletourism.lv27. Tukums +371 63124451, www.visittukums.lv28. Valmiera +371 64207177, www.valmiera.lv29. Ventspils +371 63622263, www.tourism.ventspils.lv

Tourism Association of Kurzeme. Baznīcas iela 5, Kuldīga, +371 63322259, kta@kuldiga.lv, www.kurzeme.lv

Latgale Regional Tourism Association "Ezerzeme".Daugavpils iela 2-1, Aglona, +371 28661925, info@latgaletourism.lv, www.latgaletourism.lv

Vidzeme Tourism Association. Pils laukums 1, Cēsis, +371 64122011, info@vidzeme.com, www.vidzeme.com

Tourism Association of Zemgale. Rātslaukums 1, Bauska, +371 63923797, info@travelzemgale.lv, www.travelzemgale.lv

The visitors of Rīga will receive a vast range of impressions as the city has maintained its cultural traditions during the centuries.

Almost a half of Latvia's territory is covered with forests, making Latvia one of the greenest countries in Europe.

The most significant Latvian and European scale events take place in the capital Rīga which is to become a European Cultural Capital for 2014.

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TOURISM MAP

Latvia52 tourist attraction sites. Nature parks.

Tourism information about the regions, Riga and Jūrmala. Tourist Information Centres.

© Latvian Tourism Development Agency2010Photo: from the archives of the Tourisminformation centres of Zemgale, Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale.www.latvia.travel Not for sale

Latvia, the pearl of the Baltic States, is one of the European Union member states and is situated in the North of Europe – on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Since ancient times Latvia has been at the cross–roads between East and West, North and South. Therefore, Latvia is a multi–cultured state, where the traditions of all these countries have merged, creating a unique environment, the like of which is not to be found anywhere in the world.

Tourists coming both from Western Europe and the Eastern countries feel comfortable in Latvia and find things that are of interest to them. Latvia, like other European countries, can offer a vast culture historical heritage; however, it is unique – the one and only and inimitable. Careful observations and unhurried recreation will allow you to notice things that will make your heart beat faster in delight.

Daugavas loki

Talsu paugurienesdabas parks

Where to call in an emergency (toll free)01, 112 - Fire–�ghters02, 112 - Police03, 112, 113 - Ambulance04 - Gas leakage1888 - Road accidents

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1. Old Riga2. Lido Recreation Centre3. Riga Zoo4. Riga Central Market5. Latvian National Opera6. Riga Motor Museum7. Ethnographic Open–Air Museum in Riga8. Riga Art Nouveau Museum9. Brothers' Cemetery in Riga10. Dzintari concert hall11. Līvi Aquapark12. Jūrmala city museum13. Laumas Nature Park14. Karosta Prison15. Route "Liepāja – notes to follow!"16. Mazbānītis steam train in Ventspils17. Ventspils Livonian Order Castle18. Pedvāle Open–air Ethnographical and Arts Museum19. Sweet pleasures of Saldus20. Kuldīga's Old Town and the waterfall "Ventas Rumba"21. Cinevilla Studio cinema town22. Jaunmoku Castle23. Latgalian Cultural History Museum24. Līvāni Glass Museum25. Museum "Andrupenes lauku sēta”26. Ludza Crafts Centre27. Kings Hill28. Aglona Bread Museum29. Aglona Basilica30. Teirumnieki swamp trail31. Miniature kingdom and puppet gallery32. Slutiski Old believers village33. Ozolkalns and Žagarkalns – active recreation34. Āraiši Lake Fortress35. Cesis Castle complex36. Minhauzen’s Museum37. Valmiermuiža Beer – brewery38. Līgatne Nature Trails39. Līgatne Underground bunkers40. Narrow Gauge Railway Gulbene–Alūksne41. Turaida Museum Reserve42. Aerodium – wind tunnel43. Rundāle Palace44. Tower of Jelgava Holy Trinity Evangelic Lutheran Church45. Jelgava Palace – chapels of the Dukes of Kurzeme46. Tērvete Nature Park47. Mežmalas Vikings – Viking boat and sledge48. Koknese Castle Ruins 49. P.Upītis's garden and museum50. Jēkabpils History Museum – Krustpils Castle51. Christmas battles museum52. Bauska Castle

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