While most people have heard of Latvia, they are unaware of all the things that make the country a true treasure. Situated along the beautiful Baltic Sea between Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia boasts immaculate coastlines, vast stretches of untouched wilderness, and charming cities known for great food, even greater people, and some of the best free internet connectivity in the world! Read on to discover ten fascinating facts about one of Europe’s hidden gems.
Latvians certainly know how to have a good time. Nothing proves this better than the annual festivities that take place during Midsummer. On the shortest night of the year, when the sun stays risen for 18 hours, many Latvians gather at the beach for a night of singing and dancing around bonfires, eating a variety of delectable foods, and most importantly, staying awake all night. Many also participate in the charming tradition of weaving floral crowns using local wildflowers and botanicals. Both men and women alike adorn themselves with colorful florals gathered from the surrounding forests. Some choose to venture deep into the woods in search of the fabled fern blossom, a mythical plant rumored to bloom only once a year. Other traditions include bathing in the morning dew and harvesting herbs with special powers. With so many unique ways to celebrate life and love, Midsummer in Latvia is an event you don’t want to miss!
One of many things that makes Latvia special is its stretches of stunning beaches. The country has made a point to protect its coastline by keeping all construction within the confines of cities, towns, and villages, meaning that the beaches are free of pollution, uncrowded, and perfectly tranquil. In fact, a trip to the beach in Latvia often involves crossing through an expanse of towering pine trees before emerging to stunning views of the wild Baltic Sea. While some shores, especially ones near the capital of Riga, can get busy during summer months, most of the beaches in Latvia are remote and offer the perfect opportunity to connect with nature.
Topping the list of reasons why Latvia is a special place is the fact that 45% of the tiny country is covered in untainted wilderness. This number is expected to increase substantially, too, as Latvia takes an active role in afforestation–the planting of trees to create forests in areas not previously forested. The Latvian people are deeply connected to the forest ecosystem. In fact, forest foraging is a common activity in Latvia. Many venture into the woods to harvest mushrooms, birch sap juice, wild berries, herbs, and tea leaves. Granted a large portion of the forests are free to the public, it’s completely legal to come and fill your basket. Latvia is truly a nature-lover’s paradise!
Few know that Latvia is home to the widest waterfall in all of Europe. During Spring and Autumn, viewers gather on all sides of the Ventas Rumba to witness the flying fish that attempt to leap over the 6 feet tall rapid. Visitors can enjoy walking along the width of the falls and even bathing in the cool waters. A brick bridge built in 1874 runs parallel to the waterfall and offers the perfect spot for viewers to observe this natural wonder.
Latvia has one of the oldest flags in history, which may surprise some considering Latvia didn’t officially become a state until 1918. However, its flag dates back to 1279! According to legend, a leader of a Latvian tribe was tragically killed in battle. Fellow tribe members wrapped him in a white cloth that became stained with his blood. The following day, the tribe won the battle while flying the bloodstained sheet as a flag. This cloth became iconic and was used as inspiration for Latvia’s flag, or so the legend goes. Whether the tale is true or not, one thing is certain–Latvians see the red stripes on their flag as symbolic of the blood their people are willing to shed for freedom and sovereignty.
Latvians are well known for their love of song and dance. Hundreds of thousands of people belong to choirs, theater groups, folk dance groups, and orchestras, making the country an emblem of celebration. Every five years, the highly anticipated Latvian Song and Dance Festival takes place, drawing thousands from around the country and even bringing home many Latvians living abroad. Festivities run from morning to midnight for an entire week! The festival is the ultimate celebration of Latvian culture and tradition expressed through song and dance, which is why it is included in the UNESCO List of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Technology junkies will love the capital city of Riga! With over 800 free wifi connection points, citizens and visitors never have to go a moment without internet access. Nearly all hotels and restaurants have wifi, and even some of the parks. What’s more is that the internet is extremely fast–one of the fastest in the world as a matter of fact!
There are roughly 140 castles and palaces in Latvia, most of which are scattered throughout the countryside. Some have been beautifully preserved over the years, while others have been reduced to ruins. These grand structures speak of Latvia’s rich history. From the Baltic Crusades to the invasion of the Russian Empire, Latvia has been quite the fortified country over the years, and the castles left behind tell stories of German knights and Russian czars. The Rundale Palace, the Medieval castles of Sigulda, the ever-famous castle of Cēsis, and the grandiose Cesvaine Palace are among the most well known and frequently visited.
There’s no better place to enjoy cold weather activities than in Latvia. In the Winter months, glittering snow blankets the ground, and icicles hang from buildings and trees. Despite the frigid temperatures, exciting activities abound! Dog sledding, ice go-karting, snowmobiling, and skiing are some of the top choices for winter entertainment in Latvia. Fun fact: to stay warm in the harsh climate, grab yourself a pair of traditional Latvian mittens. For centuries, grandmothers in the countryside have been knitting wool mittens in beautiful patterns and vivid colors, and this tradition continues today. There’s nothing better to keep you warm! However, if the temperatures drop too low, as they sometimes do in the coldest months of January and February, join the hundreds who gather at the saunas to escape the blustery weather.
Like most cities, Riga has its fair share of skyscrapers and fancy modern buildings; however, the capital’s enormous collection of Art Nouveau architecture makes it unique from other cities. Characterized by vivid colors, organic lines, ornate detailing, and diverse use of materials, Art Nouveau swept through Europe in the early 19th century, but it didn’t arrive in Latvia until the early 1900s. Despite its popularity across Europe and the United States, nowhere was it more adored than Riga. With over 800 Art Nouveau buildings in the city, Riga is home to the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world.
Whether you’re a nature lover or a city dweller, a technology wiz or a history buff, a summer fanatic or a winter enthusiast, Latvia is a delightful country suited for all! Come witness the magic of this Baltic treasure.