Travel guide – latvia

latvia
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Overview

Latvia has a history of occupation, surviving two world wars and 50 years behind the Iron Curtain, but the Latvia of today is rapidly pushing aside the years of decline, neglect and loss of identity suffered during the Russian occupation and eagerly rebuilding a nation that is entering one of the most promising periods of its history.

A small, flat country nestled between its neighbours Estonia and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, Latvia is a country whose picturesque towns and ancient cities are set within a landscape of plains, lakes, forests and river valleys, and where fishing villages interrupt the dramatic coastline that is interspersed with white sandy beaches. The country has numerous manor houses, medieval castles, photogenic palaces and ruins, and Riga, the beautiful capital, is rich in history and culture, boasting the best concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. The city also contains a diversity of other architectural styles, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Latvian capital is an obvious tourist destination and is the largest city in the Baltic states, a major port that is home to almost half the country's population. Nearby, the Baltic health and recreation resort of Jurmala doubles its population during the summer months as a popular holiday destination, with its sandy beaches, healing waters and mud baths, and quaint wooden houses.

Of historical interest are the ancient cities of Valmiera, Cçsis and Limbaþi in the northern region, which were once members of the Hanseatic League; the picturesque, culural towns of the Abava River Valley and the villages of the ancient Liv people in the south; the Rundale Palace, a popular tourist attraction along with the spectacular Baroque palace at Jelgava in the central region of Zemgale; and the scenic Tervete forest boasting the oldest and tallest pine trees in Latvia.

Those keen on the outdoors will enjoy the natural surroundings in the Latgale region, the Land of Blue Lakes; the coastal landscape of the Kurzeme region, where deserted beaches stretch for miles; and the coastline and hilly scenery of the northern Vidzeme region, which also is home to Sigulda, the country's downhill skiing area.

Climate

May to September (spring and summer) is the best time to visit, with daytime temperatures averaging 61°F (16°C), but July and August is the peak tourist season and accommodation can be fully booked during this time. The coldest months are January and February and winter can experience extreme temperatures, and averages 25°F (-4°C) during the day.

Health

No health certificates or vaccinations are required to enter Latvia, but visitors are advised to have an inoculation against tick-borne encephalitis, which is a problem especially during the months of March to October, if planning to hike in the country and forests or stay in rural areas. Rabies is endemic. Medicines are usually available, but it is best to bring a supply of personal medication. Health insurance is necessary. A reciprocal agreement with the UK entitles UK citizens to emergency treatment on the same terms as Latvian nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The basics

Time

Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to November).

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. European style two-pin plugs are in use.

Language

Latvian is the official language, but English, Lithuanian, Russian and German are also spoken.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory in restaurants, but it is customary to round up the bill to no more than 10% if a service charge has not been included and the service was good. Carry small change for tipping taxi drivers. In hotels tip according to the services provided.

Safety

Visitors should be vigilant in public places and tourist sites due to the risk of random terrorist attacks that Latvia shares with the rest of the world. Most visits to Latvia are trouble-free, but street crime can be a serious problem for tourists, and there are occasional muggings of foreigners, particularly if walking alone or at night. Car theft is rife.

Communications

The international dialling code for Latvia is +371. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). International Direct Dialling is available from all public and hotel phones. Public phones use phone-cards, which can be bought from numerous shops and kiosks. For local operator assistance dial 116, and for international operator assistance dial 115. The two local GSM mobile phone operators use GSM 900 and GSM 1800 networks. Riga has an increasing number of Internet cafes.

Duty Free

Travellers to Latvia over 17 years and arriving with goods purchased in the EU for personal use do not have to pay duty on 800 cigarettes, or 400 cigarillos, or 200 cigars, or 1kg smoking tobacco; 10 litres of spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 20 litres of alcohol with alcohol content lower than 22%, or 90 litres wine or 60 litres of sparkling wine, or 110 litres of beer, or 110 litres of non-alcoholic beverages. Travellers arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol volume higher than 22%, or 2 litres spirits, aperitifs, liqueur, sparkling or still wines with alcohol volume less than 22%, or 2 litres still wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; other goods for personal use to the value of €175. Prohibited items include narcotics, guns, and fresh food products.

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