Riga

The Monument of Freedom represents Latvia as a young nation. Created by Karlis Zale in 1931-1935, a little after the first independence of 1918, this monument had an even more symbolic value during the Soviet occupation. The monument depicts the female symbol of Liberty. Ar her feet, different sculptures  represent values, such as labour, family, strength of the nation, strength of spirituality and historical events. In the centre is the statue of the Mother nation. 

From the airport
Bus: express bus 22A runs to and from the Cathedral at Brivibas Boulevard, near Hotel Reval Latvija. For the Old Town, alight at the 13 Janvara lela stop on the edge of Old Riga.

Tine offers the largest selection of all things Latvian in Riga. Buy amber necklaces, traditional silver rings, hand-woven woolen sweaters and mittens, and stylish linen tablecloths.

Beer gardens can be found throughout Old Riga, but if you want to enjoy a drink in the sun without the crowds, try the rooftop terrace at Hotel Gutenbergs.

If the perennial bustle of Old Riga becomes too much to bear, try a walk along the 11 Novembra Krastmala river promenade. Stop at a beer garden, take a short cruise on a riverboat or just enjoy the view.

Day trip
Sigulda. With two rined castles, a large manor house, dozens of hiking trails and extreme sports such as bungee jumping, and even bobsleddding, the picturesque town of Sigulda is well worth the hour-long train trip from Riga.

useful information

Republic

Capital: Riga

Surface area: 65 000km2

Population: 2,2 millions

Population/km2: 34

Member of the EU since 2004

National day: 18 November

National anthem: Dievs, Sveti Latviju! (God bless Latvia!)

• The famous route "from the Vikings to the Greeks" went from Scandinavia through present-day Latvia and on to ancient Russia and the Byzantine Empire

• 1/3 of the population live in the capital, Riga

• Latvia owes its name to the Letgal or Latvian tribes (an Indo-European people)

• Russia displaced many Latvians. They now represent only 50% of the population and 35% of the population is of Russian origin. This caused integration problems

• Latvia, like Estonia, is mainly protestant

• Latvian is a Baltic language of Indo-European origin, like Lithuanian

• The European bison is a rare sight these days, but a smattering of these majestic, one-tonne beasts still roam our little continent's forests. A good spot is Latvia, just get between a male and his lady during mating reason and start praying. 

Historical, cultural and natural treasures of Latvia are just beginning to be discovered by backpackers from around the world. The capital, Riga, offers spectacular architecture and bustling night life. Outside Riga, there are unspoiled beaches, vast forests and picturesque villages on offer.