The Cool Side of Latvia

Most tourists pour into Latvia during the summer to soak up the long sunny days and live at the beach, but the winter offers an equally enticing atmosphere. The prices are lower and the cities return to a normal state of existence. Snow sports, seasonal cuisine and attractive city decorations are a few of the characteristics that make Latvia a great place to visit in the winter. Explore the urban settings and the rural getaways for a unique cultural experience.

The Cities in Winter

In Riga, the streets come alive in the weeks and days before Christmas. A huge tree is set up in the old town and illuminated for two months. Accent lights hang from poles and buildings throughout the city turning it into a perennial winter wonderland. The air is filled with anticipation and joy of the upcoming holidays and the snow flies to accompany the season.

For more great examples of how Latvia looks in the winter, take a day trip from Riga to Liepaja, Daugavpils or Jelgava. The cities will also be decorated in festive colors and seasonal ornaments. Stop in at a local café to drink some hot wine and eat traditional gingerbread cookies. Latvia is also famous for its Black Balsam Liquor that is best enjoyed warm. For great non alcoholic drinks, try some of the local tea, hot chocolate or coffee. There are very few tourists in Latvia during the winter and everything from rental cars and hotels to merchandise and food will have a lower than normal price.

Winter Fun

The best place for snow sports is in Latvia is Sigulda. Hire a car and drive just 100 km to the northwest of Riga to find the amazing winter paradise. Fly down the slopes of the highest hill in Latvia and late night skiing under the lights. There are inviting cafés cleverly placed throughout the area and pleasant lodging for a relaxing evening. For even more excitement, try an unforgettable ride down the Olympic bobsled track. The one minute ride is piloted by a member of the Latvian National Team and speeds of 100 km/h are not out of the question. This is one of the few places in the world that allow untrained riders to experience the thrill and velocity of the bobsled track. The facility is open all year long, offering dry runs in the summer, but it is best to have an authentic ride on the ice.