HISTORIC CITIES. TIMELESS STORIES.
Latvia
Discover Latvia’s medieval castles, Hanseatic cities and Baltic seaside traditions. From Riga’s historic Old Town to the Gauja Valley and Kuldīga’s cobbled streets, explore centuries of Latvian history, architecture and nature.
A BALTIC COUNTRY SHAPED BY HISTORY
Discover Latvia Through the Ages
From medieval castles and Hanseatic trade to Art Nouveau cities, Baltic seaside resorts and the struggle for independence, Latvia’s history unfolds through its old towns, forests and river valleys.
EXPLORE BY DESTINATION
Discover Latvia’s Destinations
Riga
Discover Riga’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, medieval guilds, churches, Art Nouveau streets and centuries of trade along the Daugava River.
Jūrmala
Explore Jūrmala’s historic wooden villas, long Baltic beaches and spa traditions that developed from nineteenth-century seaside resort culture.
Sigulda
Discover Sigulda’s medieval castles, the nearby Turaida Museum Reserve and panoramic landscapes of Gauja National Park.
Cēsis
Explore Cēsis, one of Latvia’s historic towns, known for its medieval castle, cobbled streets and Livonian heritage.
Kuldīga
Explore UNESCO-listed Kuldīga, with preserved historic streets, the old brick bridge and the broad Venta Rumba waterfall.
LATVIA THROUGH THE AGES
A Brief History of Latvia
From Livonian castles and Hanseatic trade through foreign rule, the national awakening and independence, Latvia’s layered history remains visible in its towns and landscapes.
Before 1200
Early Baltic Peoples
Baltic communities and regional trade networks develop before the northern crusades.
1201
Founding of Riga
Riga is founded under Bishop Albert and grows into an important medieval port.
13th–15th c.
Hanseatic Trade
Riga and other towns become part of the Hanseatic trading world.
16th–17th c.
Changing Rulers
Livonia is contested as Polish-Lithuanian and Swedish influence reshapes the region.
1918
Independence
Latvia proclaims independence on 18 November, followed by its War of Independence.
1940–1991
Occupation & Restoration
Soviet and Nazi occupations are followed by the restoration of Latvian independence in 1991.
Medieval Livonia
Castles in Cēsis and Sigulda recall medieval Livonia and the military orders that ruled much of the region.
Hanseatic Heritage
Guild halls and market towns preserve connections to the Hanseatic commercial networks of northern Europe.
Independence & Identity
The independence movement of 1918 and restoration in 1991 remain central to Latvia’s national identity.
PLAN YOUR LATVIA TRIP
Everything You Need for Latvia
Everything you need to plan your trip to Latvia, from places to stay and things to do to transport and flights.
Hotels
Find places to stay in Riga’s Old Town, seaside Jūrmala, Gauja National Park and historic Latvian towns.
Tours & Activities
Browse walking tours, medieval castles, cultural sites and nature experiences across Latvia.
Car Hire
Explore Latvia’s castles, Gauja Valley, historic towns and Baltic coastline at your own pace.
Trains & Buses
Plan bus and train journeys between Riga and Latvia’s other towns and historic destinations.