Reisinformatie: Latvia

An EU member since 2004, this small, flat country is swathed in pine forest and has a peaceful atmosphere, despite a tumultuous history of occupation by the Russian Empire, Nazi Germany and the USSR.

Investment projects have increased visitor numbers but Latvia is still one of Europe’s hidden gems with sleepy villages, lakeside palaces and medieval castles. Riga, the capital, is situated on the Daugava River and is famous for its lively nightlife, art nouveau architecture and UNESCO listed old town. Just a few kilometres to the north are the protected, calm waters and sandy seashore of the Gulf of Riga. Although frozen in winter, this part of the coast is perfect for swimming in July and August when the sea temperature is usually above 18°C.