planning a trip to
Latvia
Here is what you need to know: Latvia Travel Guide
Latvia is one of the three Baltic states, along with Lithuania and Estonia, all located next to the Baltic Sea.
Latvia is the country in the middle, small in size but packed with beauty and charm, making it a great destination to visit.
The capital, Riga, is a stunning city, with its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Just outside the capital, the Etno Museumoffers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showing how life was lived in Latvia in earlier times.
For nature lovers, Gauja National Park is a true gem. The park offers breathtaking landscapes and can be enjoyed by travelers of all types, whether you’re into hiking, exploring castles, or just soaking in the natural beauty.
About
Latvia, located in Europe, has a population of about 1.9 million people spread across 64,589 km².
The capital and largest city is Riga, a vibrant hub of culture and history.
Latvians belong to the ethno-linguistic group of the Balts, and they speak Latvian, which is one of only two surviving Baltic languages. The Russian community is the largest minority in Latvia, making up nearly a quarter of the population.
The white stripe on Latvia’s flag symbolizes peace and independence, while the red or chestnut color represents the blood spilledduring the country’s wars for freedom.
The well-known tradition of decorating a Christmas tree originated in Riga. In the winter of 1510, a group of German merchants, known as the Brotherhood of Blackheads, decorated a tree with bouquets of ribbons, dried flowers, straw dolls, weavings, and fruits. This festive tradition, which began in Riga, is now celebrated worldwide.
Jeans were invented by a Latvian tailor. A Latvian-Jewish tailor named Jākobs Jufess created the iconic jeans we all know, wear, and can’t live without today. His work caught the attention of Levi Strauss, who provided the financial backing to bring Jufess’ invention to the mass market.
Latvian is one of the oldest European languages and has preserved many features of Proto-Indo-European, the ancestral language of all European languages, which dates back over 5,000 years. There is also a strong similarity between many words in Latvian and Sanskrit, the sacred language of Hinduism and Buddhism, highlighting the deep historical connections between these languages.
What to expect?
Language: The official language of Latvia is Latvian, but Russian is also widely spoken, as about ¼ of the population is of Russian origin. English is commonly understood, especially in tourist areas, making it easy to get around.
Food: Latvia offers many traditional dishes, many of which feature fish. Sprats, a small fish, are a must-try in Riga. International cuisine is also readily available in the country.
Transportation: Buses and trains are commonly used for traveling between the main cities. However, the best way to explore the beautiful country is by car, offering flexibility and the chance to discover hidden gems.
Money: The currency in Latvia is the Euro.
Plugs: Latvia uses type F plugs, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz, the same as most other European countries.
Safety: Latvia is an extremely safe country. The locals tend to mind their own business, and the country isn’t overly crowded or touristy, so the risk of pickpocketing is quite low.
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