"Welcome to my country" Top 5 Page for this destination Latvia by LanaFromRiga

Latvia Travel Guide: 3,059 reviews and 7,260 photos

If your destination is Latvia you should know...

- Latvia is a part of European Union, but it is not in Euro zone now. Money in Latvia are Lats (LVL) 1 Lat consists of 100 santims.
- Latvia consists of 4 regions: Kurzeme in the west, Vidzeme in the north, Latgale n the east and Zemgale in the centre and south.
- Latvia is a small country that's why don't miss to go inside it and enjoy Latvia's nature: forests, rivers, lakes and the sea.
- The capital of Latvia is Riga. People of Riga speak English, German, French and Italian. In other towns of Latvia all speak only in Latvian, only n Latgale people will understand you if you'll speak Russian.
Other useful and practical information about Latvia you'll find in this page's tips.

Your mini dictionary

A small ship from Roja

Hello - Sveiki!
Good day - Labdien
How are you? - Ka tev iet?
Yes - ja/ No - ne
Goodbye - Uzredzeshanos
Please - Ludzu
Thank you - Paldies
What's your name? - Ka tevi sauc?
Pleased to meet you - Prieks iepazities
My name is... - Mani sauc...
Sorry - Atvainojiet
Where..? - Kur atrodas?...
How much does it cost? - Cik tas maksa?
Hotel - Viesnica
Right - Pa labi Left - Pa kreisi
Steight - Taisni
Bread - Maize, Milk - Piens
Water - Udens, Meat - Galja
Fruits - Augli, Vegetables - Darzeni
Open - Atverts, Closed - Slegts
Street – Iela

Facts about Latvia

photo by Andrey Skangals

Area: 64.589 km2;
Cultural and historical division: Vidzeme (Middle and Northern part of Latvia), Kurzeme (Western part), Zemgale (Southern), Latgale (Eastern);
Location: Europe's North-East, on the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea;
Climate: Moderate Central European sea climate. In summer it can be hot (over +30C) In winter the lowest temperature can be -29C.
Rivers: longest - Daugava 1 020km (353km in Latvia);
Population (202) Latvia 2 340 008; Riga (capital) 744 631;
Ethnic composition: Latvian 58%, Russian 30%, Belarusian 4%, Ukrainian 2,6%, Polish 2,5%, Lithuanian 1,4%.
Languages: Latvia (official), Russian. English and German are becoming more popular.
Religions: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Autentic rural area with a little bit "out of civilization" spirit
Cons:No cross-references on roads, sometimes bad (unpolite) service

Intro Updated Mar 30, 2006
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Reviews (19)

Non-touristic Latvia: Kanierezers Things to Do (7)

Lake Kanieris located not far from Jurmala (20 km). The lake is full of different kind of birds and fishes. It is... more travel advice

It is possible to get lost in a small... Warnings and Dangers (2)

A necessary thing If you decided to visit Latvia without any guides, you have to know that here is a problem with... more travel advice

Fireworks in Riga on 18 of November 2005 - Latvia

Fireworks, many people and president's... Local Customs (2)

All this you'll enjoy if you'll be in Riga on the 18th of November. It is the Independance Day. In other towns of Latvia... more travel advice

Ligatne - amazing nature Things to Do (7)

Ligatne is a small rural town not far from Sigulda. Here you'll find nice nature objects near river Gauja. more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (5)
See All Ferry in Ligatne (Ligatnes parceltuve)

Sports & Outdoors (3)
See All Skiing in Latvia – it is possible

Comments (9)

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MITNIC May 5, 2009 at 9:56 AM

Nice page about your country! Good info
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Aurorae Aug 28, 2008 at 9:24 AM

Splendid page! Baltic countries are next on my Europe wish list, I'll surely use your advice when I'll be planning my trip!
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SLLiew Jun 13, 2007 at 12:15 AM

Looks like a great place for fishing enthusiasts. Thanks for all the tips. SL
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Gertruderocks Apr 25, 2007 at 8:07 AM

Thank you for your info on Latvia! I'm planning on visiting your country in mid-June, so I have a lot of questions!!! I will definitely be looking at all you've written on your country. I haven't been there since 1997, so I'm sure a lot has changed... :)
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nixca316 Jan 20, 2007 at 2:11 AM

Thanks, Lana! I've learned a lot!
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Raimix Jan 8, 2007 at 4:05 AM

Nice page based on regions of Latvia! I see you are fishing fan..yes? :) Raimis.
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hindu1936 Nov 29, 2006 at 9:57 PM

Should be some good fishing there with all the rivers and lakes. Sounds like a peaceful country and your tips help to decide where to go. thanks
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Propermark Jan 19, 2006 at 6:01 AM

Nice page about your country! Latvija! Kakaya rossija est Latvija!! :))))
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kenmerk Oct 14, 2005 at 4:09 PM

Hi Lana, I knew not that Letonia was such a centre for bullfighting aficionados.... (I need to visit to see for myself one day....) Cheers from the east....