Latvia
THE SWITZERLAND OF THE BALTICS: CASTLES, NATURE AND BEAUTY
This small nation in north-central Europe has been dubbed "the Switzerland of the Baltics," even though, truth be told, there is very little that’s alpine about this country.
Nevertheless, Latvia offers numerous attractions that more than make up for the lack of mountains or significant hills. This territory, much of which lies below sea level, boasts areas of great interest such as the capital city Riga, located on the Baltic coast and dotted with historical buildings like the Castle and the Town Hall, or Jurmala, a coastal tourist resort much loved by Estonians and Lithuanians alike.
Latvia is not just a country you pass through—it’s an ideal destination for a holiday immersed in natural beauty. You can explore the Gauja Valley, sail along the Daugava River, or deepen your knowledge of northern European history by visiting towns like Sigulda, known for its castles.
Latvia’s strong spirit of independence is, year after year, shaping a nation with a distinct personality that sets it apart from its neighbors Estonia and Lithuania, defined by its own centuries-old traditions and unique culture. That said, around 30% of the Latvian population is of Russian origin, which has undeniably influenced certain important traditions, particularly in food and drink.
Lastly, Latvia has the advantage of being a country still untouched by mass tourism: visiting it while that’s still the case could offer many pleasant surprises!
LANGUAGE: The official language is Latvian, although a large portion of the population still speaks Russian. In 2012, a referendum was held asking whether Russian should be made an official language, and the majority voted against it.
RELIGION: Most of the population follows Orthodox Christianity, although there are Catholic and Protestant minorities as well.
TIME ZONE: One hour ahead of Italy.
DOCUMENTS: If you are a citizen of the European Union, all you need to enter Latvia is a valid ID card or passport. Temporary Italian travel permits are not recognized, while Italian driver’s licenses and insurance policies are generally accepted by Latvian authorities (though it’s always best to check in advance with your local police headquarters).
Children under 15 years of age, according to European regulations, must have their own ID card.
SPORTS: Many winter sports are practiced in Latvia, especially skiing. Cycling and nature sports such as horseback riding and hiking are also very popular. Water activities are quite common too, especially along the rivers and on the Baltic coast.
CURRENCY: Latvia uses the Euro.
Curiosity
Latvians are great nature lovers; in the countryside, many farmers still engage in traditional challenges with ancient roots, such as growing the largest pumpkin.
This competition takes place every year in Riga, the capital, each time in a different location. The focus is on pumpkins because this vegetable is one of the most commonly consumed in the country, thanks to its easy cultivation and nutritional value.
Pumpkins have long been central to many Latvian recipes, making them the undisputed star of the competition. Last year, the pumpkin contest was held at the city zoo, with twenty-six farmers taking part.
The winner was a farmer named Daiana Badovska, who grew a pumpkin weighing around 165 kg—a record for the event, earning her a clear victory.
Badovska later stated that the pumpkin's enormous size was not due to her efforts but rather to the exceptional climate conditions that allowed the vegetable to grow so large. Be that as it may, she still has all our admiration!
Our advices
TO READ: "Return to Latvia" by Marina Jarre is the autobiographical novel of the writer born in Riga in 1925, recounting her return to her homeland after fleeing in 1935 to escape the Nazi persecution in Latvia.
TO LISTEN TO: Latvian musical tradition is extremely varied, covering a wide range of genres. Notable examples include the local a cappella group Cosmos and Aarzemnieki, who took part in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest.
TO SEE: Definitely Riga, home to the Castle and the Presidential Palace, as well as the Powder Tower and the Cathedral (and a large zoo). The Engure Lake on the Baltic Sea is a wonderful destination for birdwatching, and Puskin, where the residence of the Russian Tsar is located, is also worth a visit.
TO EAT: Latvian cuisine has been influenced by both Russian and German traditions. It features ingredients such as pork and beef, as well as various toppings like mushrooms and berries. Spices are used sparingly. Cheeses are very good, such as Kimenu Siers (caraway cheese), and the Borshch, a beetroot soup, is quite tasty. Among the beverages, don’t miss the local beer, Karstvīns (served hot), and the famous Riga Black Balsam (Rīgas Melnais Balzams), a traditional herbal liqueur.
