Latvia |
| Tuesday, 26 February 2008 00:00 |
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Latvia does not seem like the typical holiday destination at first. Do not let the common lack of knowledge of this country fool you into thinking it is not worth a vacation. he Baltic state between Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, and Estonia is surprisingly diverse and, untouched by tourism as it is, as authentic as can be. Riga, the capital, situated in the center of Latvia, is well-prepared for tourism and awaits you with hospitality and a friendly atmosphere.Latvia’s country side rolls endlessly, interspersed occasionally with hills, forests, and lakes. Leave your car now and then and take a hike or go cycling, this will allow you to take in the unspoiled natural surroundings. The longest rivers Daugava and Gauja are perfectly suited for canoeing and other water sports. After a long workout you should visit a traditional sauna, just as popular in Latvia as in Finland. The four regions of Latvia are Kurzeme, Vidzemen, Zemgale, and Latgale, each with individual charm. Dark, dense forests, mighty sand dunes, and old castles make the western province of Kurzeme a natural paradise. Strolling through ancient Kuldīga you will sense the unique, romantic atmosphere, supported amongst others by the highest natural waterfall in Europe. Ventspil has a more contemporary flair; it has the most modern museum in the country and numerous other cultural and sportive facilities, offering entertainment for the whole family. The quiet rivers of the north-eastern province of Vizdeme are a picturesque backdrop to boat tours, ensuring maximum relaxation. Adventurers can opt for horseback or mountain bikes for transportation, stopping along the way for a bungee jump. Another great tour is the state road along the Baltic coast, passing the old castles of Bīriņi and Igate, as well as the medieval town center of Limbaži. Latgale, the south-eastern part of Latvia, is the most populated – about one third of the inhabitants live here. The main sights are Lake Lubans, at 50 mi² the country’s biggest inland water mass, and the Aglona Basilika, attracting thousands of worshipers every year. Zemgale’s biggest attraction is the Rundāles pils, a baroque castle close to Bauska, often referred to as the Baltic Versailles. Leaving the sunning countryside behind for a while you should visit the hanseatic town of Riga. This political, economic, and cultural center of the Baltics has the most charming Old Town along the Düna River, and an Art Nouveau new part of town. Friends of nightlife will be relieved to know that, unlike the Latvian countryside, Riga has a great variety of clubs, bars, and restaurants to pick from. Latvia has romance, hospitality, and open-mindedness, all conveniently wrapped in an up-and-coming new EU state. It is a perfect travel destination for anyone who wants to take a break from mainstream tourism and stroll off the beaten track.
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