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Latvia is one of Northern Europe's most exciting places hidden away from the world's view for over half a century by the Soviet occupation. Prior to the occupation, Latvia was one of the most dynamic parts of Europe with exciting possibilities. After the collapse of the Soviet system, Latvia is struggling to regain its strength and place in the world. There is a lot to do and see in Latvia from the untouched nature to the historic buildings dating back to the days of the great trading in the Hanseatic League. You can also see elements of the Soviet leftovers - this makes you step back and wonder what could have been without those awful years! Come and experience for yourself this very special country and the possibilities of its exciting future. Outside of Riga, be prepared to step back into history as the infrastructure in most parts is not yet developed as that in Riga. Be patient and understanding and you will have a remarkable experience.

Location on the map

Riga, the capital of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic States, is rapidly becoming a modern metropolis, a cultural and commercial link between Eastern and Western Europe and an increasingly popular destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Riga

After having conquered Slavic lands (Today eastern Germany and western Poland), the Germanic expansionists turned their attention to the eastern Baltic.
In 1201 they achieved their conquest little until Albert von Buxhoevden was appointed Bishop of Riga in 1201, the year when Riga was founded. Later in 1202 Bishop Albert established The Knights of the Sword to conquer the territories which belonged to Liv people, to the Cours, to the Zemgals, to the Selonians and to the Latgals (former counties of Latvia). Then 1237 after several difficulties, the Knights of Sword became known as The Livonian Order.
Later in 1282 Riga became member of the Hanseatic League of traders which controlled commerce on the Baltic and on the North Sea and brought prosperity to German-dominated Hanseatic towns.
1561 - Riga became free after the collapse of the Livonian Order. And in1581 Riga lost its freedom and from this date the town would be run by different foreign successors : 1581 The Polish king Stephan Bathory, 1621 The Swedish king Gustav Hadolf, 1710 The Russian tsar Peter the Great...
So Riga became a very important harbor and town of trade
of the 18th century and then in the 19th century, a big industrial city.

Finally - 18th of November 1918 Independence of Latvia.
In 1920 Soviet Russia signed peace treaties with the parliamentary Republic of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania recognizing their independence in perpetuity.

But from 1939 to 1945 the time of the World War 2 commences an era of Soviet Occupation and then Nazi Occupation. So, 1945-1991 Soviet rule. In the late First steps to the New Independence began with the Soviet leader (1980's) Mikhail Gorbatchev who encouraged "glasnost" (openness) and "perestroika" (restructuring) in the USSR.
1988 - The Singing Revolution. It dealt with Balt people who gathered at to sing previously banned national songs and give voice to their longing for freedom.

And 21th of August in 1991 Latvia got Independence again.
Latvia, like others Baltic States (Lithuania and Estonia) is a member of NATO and European Union (EU).

Milda

The Freedom Monument, affectionately called Milda by locals dates from 1935. It's a national shrine for Latvians in memory of people who were deported to Siberia in Soviet times. Milda is the symbol of the freedom of Latvian people and the three stars in the maiden's hands represent the three historical regions of the country : Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale.

Riga

Riga, the capital of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic States, is rapidly becoming a modern metropolis, a cultural and commercial link between Eastern and Western Europe and an increasingly popular destination for both business and leisure travelers. Founded in 1201 this old Hanseatic city has played an important role in trade between the East and the West already since the Middle Ages. Riga's buildings reflect almost every Western European architectural style and historic period.
The urban fabric of its medieval center reflects this prosperity, although most of its earlier buildings have been destroyed by fire and war. In the 19th century it became a very important economic center, and the suburbs of the medieval town were built, first in imposing wooden buildings in classical style and then in Jugendstil. It is generally recognized that Riga contains the finest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe.

Night Riga

It is something special..my night town...

TV-tower

Sunset....

Wiew to Old Riga

The Old Town of Riga - the heart of the City with its 14-th century President's palace, government institutions, offices, banks, narrow pedestrian streets, ancient churches, small shops and pubs - to suite every taste. There are people, light, merriment all night long. Hotel Gutenberg is situated in the very centre of the Old Town, next to the great Dome church at the same time on a narrow twisted street, where noting disturbs your nights sleep.
You will hardly find a better place for your work and recreation. Everything is close to the hotel and easily reached. Parking is next to the hotel or in guarded parking within 3 minutes walking distance.