LATIVA
15 - 21 June 2017
Map of our roadtrip:
|
Day 1 - Liepaja - Jurkalne - Kuldiga
Liepaja is an old maritime town since the times of Tsarist Russia. It also has an oldest tram in Northern Europe, Craft Museum full of beautiful amber articles. Here, you see a contrast between an impressive Orthodox church of the times of Tsar Nicholas and the soviet-built apartment houses around it. Then we drove through Latvia’s countryside to Jelgava, where there still stands the former residence of the Duke of Courland, the palace where Louis XVIII of France has spent some years in exile. Drove through a historic region of Courland in the direction of Jurkalne, and we stop at a castle of Edole, which is still inhabited by the owner family. We also walked along the seashore in Jurklane to admire the sandy beaches and beautiful sand cliffs of the Baltic Sea. There, we also saw an impressive monument to Latvian refugees of 1944. We continued our journey to Kuldiga - yet another charming Latvian town: three markeplaces, old brick bridge and other items recalling the times when Kuldiga was the capital of Courland. The waterfalls on the river Venta are one of the widest in Europe (249 m). |
|
Day 2 - Kuldiga - Ventspils - Kolka
Ventspils, an old town, but very dynamic and very carefully renewed and well known for its cobbled streets and … a Cow Avenue. Ventspils has one of the most modern town museums in the Baltics and it is also a largest seaport of Latvia. Explore some little fishermen villages like Engure, Mesrags, Roja until you reach Kolka. The villages are the last bastions of a Finno-Ugric people of Livs (Livonians). Arrive in the northenmost village of the seashore, Kolka. Walk to the Horn of Kolka where the Baltic waves from the east and west meet. From this spot you are able to watch the sun rising from the sea in the morning and sinking into the sea on sunset (stay here for a night to witness this unique experience). Different species of birds migrate over this area each year which is also interesting to watch. |
|
Day 3 - Kolka - Pedvale - Jurmala
Pedvale Open Art Museum is located near town of Sabile in Kurzeme province, only 115 km from Riga. The World’s Cultural Heritage Fund has nominated Pedvale among the 100 World’s unique and most endangered monuments. You can take a path to enjoy the view of the deep ravines and flat slopes, vast arable fields and peaceful meadows, brooks, creeks and water springs with crystal-clear water. You will be surprised by the objects of art, modern installations and sculptures as well as the monuments of architecture. Jurmala is one among the great Latvia sightseeing places. Jurmala observes a mild weather, providing healthy air and the mud and mineral water cures all diseases. Jurmala beaches are rich in their own characteristics. The beaches in Jurmala stretch thirty two kilometers are a popular destination of young people. Volleyball, beach football and other adventure water sports are also played here. Beach cafes are wonderful places to relax after sunset. In Jurmala you can also visit Livu water park. It is the biggest water attraction park in Northern Europe. You can find 40 different attractions on the site. Līvu Water Park is open all year round. |
|
Day 4 - Jurmala - Jelgava - Riga
Jelgava is a beautiful city which is located on the river of Lielupe. It was first mentioned in historical documents in 1264, when the Livonian Order began to build a wood castle on what is now Jelgava. After becoming a rail centre in the 19th century, the city was nearly destroyed in Second World war. Today, it is the only inland maritime harbour in Latvia and it's also the most significant industrial centre of the Zemgale region. You may will visit the Jelgava Castle which is a monument of baroque art, the resting-place of Kurzeme’s dukes, the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and other historical monuments in Jelgava. explore the city centre and then pop into the Old Town to stroll the narrow cobblestone streets. The roofs and towers of churches is the dominant silhouette of Riga. Winding streets with tightly built small-scale buildings, the number of little squares with different vertical profiles leaves the feeling of a spacious town. We recommend a nice panoramic view from the Tower of The St. Peters’ Church to better understand the city plan and the importance of the river Daugava. Riga is also world famous for its Art Nouveau quarter, so make sure not to miss that. |
|
Day 5 - Riga
|
|
Day 6 - Riga - Sigulda - Cesis - Sigulda
Sigulda is a beautiful city within the country of Latvia and is an ideal place for spending a holiday. It is located about 50 km from Riga on the Gauja River valley and is often called the Latvian Switzerland. Sigulda is situated in the Gauja National Park and is known as the most popular tourist and leisure destination as well as a famous winter sports resort in Latvia. You can visit the Medieval Sigulda Castle, Sigulda new Castle (Kropotkin Palace), the local history museum, Gutmana cave, Krimulda Manor and other historical and natural objects. Cesis is the beautiful Latvian Hanseatic town, located about 90 km from Riga. In Cesis enjoy a stroll through narrow streets and feel the amiable small town atmosphere. You will see the 13th century Order of Knight's Castle, Cesis Medieval Castle, Cesis New Castle and the soaring Gothic tower of the 13th century Church of St.John. Visit the local history museum displayed in the New Palace and enjoy a walk in the Palace park. Short drive through the countryside will take you to the picturesque Gauja River banks at the highest sandstone cliffs in Latvia - Erglu Klintis. |
|
Day 7 - Sigulda - Park Gauja
A beautiful unique nature park in Gauja river’s valley with beautiful nature views, caves, nature trails, handicraft workshops and some architecture objects. The biggest treasure of the GNP is nature with unique nature objects like sandstone detritions. |
TRIP PHOTOS - LATVIA