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Latvia

Latvia – the pearl of the Baltic.

The history of this mysterious, adventurous

and charming country dates back to 9th

century BC. Latvia lies in the north-eastern

part of European map, on the eastern shore of

the Baltic Sea. The Republic of Latvia

encompasses practically the whole area

historically populated by the Latvians, and is

divided into four cultural regions: Kurzeme,

Vidzeme, Zemgale and Latgale.

The first people arrived here already in 9th millennium BC, and the Balts – ancestors of

the Latvians and Lithuanians – migrated to this area in the 2nd millennium BC. The first official

documents about Latvia were mentioned in late 12th century when German traders increasingly

met and traded with the Livs inhabiting the lower course of the river Daugava. Thus, the

Germans came to call this area Livland or Livonia. Founded in 1201, the town of Riga became

the main base for the German conquest of the Baltic Lands. As the time passed by, the city

became more inhabited, more developed and eventually it became a thriving commercial centre,

being in a very advantageous location, and in 1282 it joined the Hanseatic League. Riga was the

largest town in Livonia and in 16th century it became an important centre for trade between

Russia and Western Europe.

With the spread of Reformation, Livonia became divided and weak. In the early 16th

century this was exploited by the developing state of Russia, which wanted to gain control of the

lands on the Baltic coast. As a result of Livonian War, the area of president-day Latvia came

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under the rule of Poland-Lithuania. Few years later Latvia was divided for 300 years between

Poland and Sweden. In 18th century following the Northern War, the whole of the Latvian-

populated area came under the rule of a single state: it was all annexed by Russia.

From the early 19th century major changes began in agriculture, marked by the gradual

abolition of serfdom. Independent stratum of Latvian farmers emerged – which later played an

important role in the National Awakening. Soon the nationalist ideas popular in Western Europe

reached Latvia. An intellectual movement emerged (So called “Young Latvians”), promoting the

development of society based on ethnic affiliation. The Revolution of 1905 prompted the

Russian government to introduce changes: greater rights were granted for the Latvian language

in schools.

In the First World War Latvia again became a scene of conflict. Factory equipment was

evacuated to Russia and 760 000 people fled as refugees. In order to defend Riga, in July 1915

the Latvian deputies in the Tsarist Duma compelled the Russian military to permit the formation

of Latvian rifle battalions, who fought major battles just outside Riga. The war led to the collapse

of the Tsarist regime in Russia. The Republic of Latvia was proclaimed shortly after the end of

the First World War – on 18 November 1918. After the War of Liberation, in 1920, Soviet Russia

recognized independent Latvia and relinquished all the claims of Tsarist Russia to the territory of

Latvia.

The Republic of Latvia enjoyed only a brief period of peaceful development, from 1920

to 1940, but in the mind of Latvians this remains a period of great economic achievement, when

the standard of living was comparable to that of the developed Western European countries of

that time. In Moscow on 23 August 1939, Germany and USSR concluded an agreement (The so-

called Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact), dividing among themselves some of the countries in Europe.

In accordance with the pact, Latvia was occupied by the USSR on 17 June 1940. In July 1941,

the Soviet occupation was followed by an equally ruthless German occupation. In the Second

World War, the land and population of Latvia suffered even more than in the First World War:

out of approximately 2 million people living in Latvia before the war, only 1.3 million, or 70%

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remained after the war.

After the war, a planned economy was introduced and agriculture was collectivized.

From an agrarian country, Latvia was turned into an industrialized area of the USSR. Between

1946 and the late 1980s, around 250 large factories were built in Latvia, employing a labor force

of migrant workers from other parts of the USSR. The proportion of Latvians fell

catastrophically: by the late 1980s, ethnic Latvians constituted only slightly more than 50% of

the total population.

The 1980s brought the perestroika

(“restructuring”) movement in the USSR,

which led to the democratization of the

society, the Third National Awakening and

the re-establishment of the Latvian state. On

4 May 1990, the newly-elected Supreme

Soviet of the Latvian SSE passed a

declaration on the restoration of

independence of the Republic of Latvia, and

in September 1991 Latvia’s independence

was also recognized by the USSR.

After the restoration of independence, many things in Latvia had to start from scratch:

Latvia changed from a planned economy to free market economy and joined international

organizations, taking care to safeguard its national identity. Latvia has achieved a great deal in

these years and is proud of having attained its major aims of joining NATO and the European

Union, thus laying the foundations for future development. Latvia has become a tourist attraction

due to its diversity of traditions, extensive beaches of the Baltic coastline, lovely small towns and

mostly intact nature providing peace and tranquility.

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More about Latvia…

Culture

Located in the crossroads of western and eastern cultures and due to its diverse history

during which many nations, ideas and thoughts that came to Latvia, it has imprints of different

cultures. This effect can be seen and admired in magnificent architectural monuments, religious

places and national museums. Latvian culture is unique and is based on the ancestral traditions.

Inhabitants of the country are very proud of Latvia’s rich folklore heritage that has been

preserved until today. Although most of Latvians are Christians, the traditions of ancient pagans

are still alive nowadays and we are celebrating festivals as our ancestors did many centuries ago.

The course of Latvian life was determined by the road of the Sun. the length of the day

marked the time for sowing, and harvesting and when the souls of the dead should be

remembered. Most common Latvian holidays are Ziemassvētki (Christmas), Lieldienas (Easter),

Jāņi (Midsummer) and Miķeļi (Michaelmas). At Christmas the longest night of the year, usually

21st December, the Sun was honored. The dark calls for light, so there must be merriment,

involving log-pulling, putting past sins to fire and candle-burning.

At Lieldienas (Easter), around 21st March, the Sun is near, and day and night are of equal

length. According to an ancient belief, on Eastern morning the Sun would rise above the horizon

and swing three times to and fro. Since then Latvians have a tradition to put up swings on this

day and swing. Lads used to swing maidens high and were remunerated with beautifully colored

eggs which then were used for “egg fights”, symbol sing fertility. People believe that swinging

on Easter will protect them from mosquito bites and secure tall flax.

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The most spectacular festival is Jāņi (Midsummer). In the evening of 23rd June everybody

goes to the suburb. Bonfires are lift to secure light throughout the brief night, songs are sung and

dances danced. Married women and maidens wear vaiņags (wreaths of flowers) while men get

oak wreaths. Beer and cheese symbolize wealth, and decorations of birch-boughs and flowers

secure the link with the ancient elements of nature and fertility.

In autumn, around Miķeļi (Michaelmas), on 29th September, day and night are of equal

length again and the harvest has been brought in. Fairs are held, and each farmer boasts of their

achievements.

An unique value of the Latvian nation has survived till nowadays – folk stories and folk

songs from our ancestors. They are intensive quatrains, which cannot be accurately transferred

into other languages. Folk songs are diverse – both lyrical and philosophical. Latvian folklorist

Krišjānis Barons in the late 19th century contributed a tremendous job in collecting folk songs

and systematizing them. He collected more than two million folk songs which remains today’s

treasure of Latvia and which are as well included in UNESCO Oral and Intangible Cultural

Heritage.

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Latvian folklore, the rich non-

material heritage, is something

that Latvians are very proud of.

And there is a reason why we are

called a Nation that Sings. We

sing during our free time, at work,

in parks, on streets and in

professional studios as well.

Latvian Song and Dance festival (Vispārējie latviešu Dziesmu un Deju svētki) is one of the

largest amateur choral events in the world and an important event in Latvian culture and social

life. It is the Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The history of Song and Dance festival

dates back to 1873 when the first festival was

organized. Nowadays every five years singers and

dancers from all over Latvia assemble in Riga for a

joint performance, with the united choir of about

20 000 singers sing polyphonic repertoire while

15000 dancers at the stadium create patterns of

folk dance. Even the Soviet authorities couldn’t break the tradition of Song festival, although the

idea of the festival was ruthlessly manipulated with. The song was a manifestation of protest

against spiritual oppression. The 20th Song Festival (1990), with 35 438 participants, was held at

the peak of the Third Awakening (Atmoda) movement and the transition to independence, while

the XXI and XXII festivals (1993, 1998) were already celebrated in an independent state. Song

festivals of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are included in the UNESCO Memory of the World

Register.

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Latvian folk dances are an ancient and lively form of cultural tradition. In the 19th

century, along with the Song festivals, dancing became a mass folk-dance event. In 1937 the

Latvian Home Guard organized the first folk dance and gymnastics festival in Riga, which was

attended by 20 folk dance groups with 720 dancers. Since then dancing competitions have taken

place. Dance festivals are mass events, culminating with an all-participants concert in the

Stadium. As a rule, approximately 10 000 dancers participate at the festival. The last festival

gathered 15 000 dancers. The participants of the dance festival are people at all age – it involves

young people and elderly as well. The next Song and Dance Celebration will take place in 2018.

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Symbols and heroes

The flag of Latvia is of a

distinctive dark red color with a

white horizontal stripe through the

middle. The flag was used for the

first time in 1279. Ancient Latvian

tribes used it when they fought

with the Estonian tribes. This

historical evidence places the

Latvian flag among the oldest in

the world. These national colors

were used on November 18, 1918 when the independence of the Republic of Latvia was

proclaimed. It was used on state occasions and national holidays until 1940. During the soviet

occupation the use of flag was banned and people were deported for keeping or hiding one or for

singing the national anthem. Instead of Latvian red-white-red flag the Latvian SSR flag was

imposed. After re-establishing its independence Latvia proudly uses the red-white-red flag in

different state occasions, national holidays and on days of special occasion.

The Latvian national coat of arms was designed after

the proclamation of independent Latvia. It combines symbols

of ancient historical districts and Latvian national statehood,

symbolized by the sun in the upper part of the shied. The three

stars above of the coat of arms embody the districts –

Vidzeme, Latgale and combined Zemgale and Kurzeme – into

a united Latvia. On the left side of the bottom part is a red lion

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on a silver background and on the right side a silver griffin on a red background. These are older

heraldic figures, which first appeared in 1600s.

“God Bless Latvia” is the national anthem. It was written during the national awakening

of the Latvian people in the 19th century. The anthem was composed by Kārlis Blaumanis, who

used the word Latvia in a song for the first time.

The national bird of Latvia is the white wagtail, national insect is the two-spot ladybird,

national flower is the daisy and the national trees are lime-tree and oak. In Latvian folklore the

lime-tree is looked upon as a female symbol, but the oak as a male symbol. In earlier times these

trees were considered as sacred. Amber and the river Daugava

are important symbols of Latvia as well. In ancient times

Latvian amber was valued as a component for jewelers and was

used for barter in ancient Egypt, Greece and Roman Empire.

Sometimes it was considered to be more valuable than gold.

The Daugava is the Latvian national river. It is the largest river

and Latvians call it their mother of fate.

The Freedom Monument in Riga has become the

symbol of independence and freedom for every citizen of

Latvia. The monument has the inscription “To Fatherland and

Freedom” and it was designed by Latvian sculptor Kārlis Zāle

and architect E. Štālbergs. It was built in 1931-1935 with voluntary donations. The composition

consist of thirteen sculptures and reliefs that illustrate individual certain events in Latvia’s

history. At the top of the monument stands the 9 m tall image of Freedom – a woman

symbolizing the idea of Latvia’s sovereignty.

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Most popular and well known Latvia’s hero is The Bear Slayer (Lāčplēsis). He is

described in the literature and movies. One of the most well-known works is an epic poem

written by Latvian poet Andrejs Pumpurs. It was based on local legends. The tale is about half-

bear-half-man fighting witches. The Bear Slayer (Lāčplēsis) symbolizes the greatness of people

and his valor symbolizes human courage in defending their homeland from invaders. Within the

framework of the Second World War on 11th November 1918 the defenders of Riga defeated the

pro-German Voluntary Western Russia army or simply the army of Bermont. Latvian soldiers

were just as brave, heroic and motivated to protect the homeland as The Bear Slayer. Therefore

the day of victory is celebrated as the Bear Slayer day.

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Cuisine

Latvian cuisine is based on agricultural products and meat also features prominently in

the Latvian diet. People living along the coastline are often involved in fishing and they have

been used to eat more seafood than meat. Fish are also caught inland (lakes and rivers) but these

freshwater species are considered more of a delicacy. Latvian cuisine has been influenced by

neighboring countries in the Baltic and Nordic region. The country has more than 1 million

hectares of agricultural land and during the spring and summer the soil is suitable for growing

vegetables, fruits and cereals. Therefore common ingredients in Latvian recopies are found

locally, e.g. potatoes, wheat, barley, cabbage, eggs, pork, and chickens.

Food in Latvia generally is quite fatty and Latvians don’t use lots of spices.

Some specialties

One of the most traditional Latvian dishes is „Grey peas with bacon” which

is more popular for the cold season.

If you want to experience and reveal the taste formula of Latvian cuisine,

try Potato with herring and curds. This dish is a combination of three typical Latvian cuisine

products. Recipe was introduced by our ancestors and even nowadays it is popular and is in quiet

high demand.

Kotletes (meat patties);

Zupa (soup) – try beet soup or sorrel soup (Skābeņu zupa);

Pīrāgi (pastry filled with bacon and onions) are being consumed in every Latvian national

holidays

Rupjmaize (dark rye bread);

Rasols (potato salad with eggs, gherkins, and perhaps bacon, sausage and other

ingredients);

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Jāņu siers (cheese with caraway seeds, traditionally served at midsummer solstice

celebrations);

Karbonāde (breaded pork chops);

Kartupeļu pankūkas (potato pancakes);

Note that drinking (or possessing an open bottle/can of alcohol) in streets, parks and other public

places is forbidden in Riga and carries a hefty fine.

Regional drinks:

• Riga's Black Balsam is a thick, black alcoholic herbal drink which has been produced since

1700. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but some of the ingredients include ginger,

oak bark, bitter orange peel and cognac. It is drunk either with coffee, vodka or on its own.

Nowadays there are three different flavors of Riga Black Balsam – The original one which

contains 45% alcohol, Black Current which is milder, sweeter and tastes the best it has only 38%

alcohol and the newest one is with Rum which tastes the best made in cocktails.

• Kvass (made from grains in the early stages of fermentation) is a refreshing summer drink.

• There are several good local beers, including Cesu, Aldaris, Uzavas, Bauskas

Tumsais and Gaisais.

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Riga

Riga [or as Latvians would pronounce it Ri:ga] is the largest city and the capital city of

Latvia. It is the Baltic regional centre and most important port city on the Baltic Sea. The

fascinating town life rich in colors and forms took rise more than 800 years ago then in 1201 the

third archbishop of Livonia decided to move to Riga. One of major reasons for the Rise of the

city was the River Daugava which was used as a trade route and soon in 13th century it became

an important Livonian settlement and, further on, a stronghold in the crusader’s raids.

Mediating trade between the East and the West, Riga became a member of the Hanseatic

League and was one of the most important seaports on the Baltic coast. For many centuries Riga

has been a multinational city where such nations as Livonians, Latvians, Germans, Russians, and

later on also Poles and Swedes resided it.

The history of Riga is like a thriller – it is full of heroism and prowess yet, it lacks any

treacherousness. The city has withstood tens of sieges and seen soldiers, dukes and commanders

from several centuries behind its walls. Wars have brought about destruction, famine and plague.

After the Livonian Confederation collapsed in the middle of the 16th century, Riga as a

desirable city started to change hands – from the Polish to the Swedish and finally – Russian

rule. In 1710 the city surrendered to the Russian Tsar Peter I and became one of the most

significant cities of the Russian Empire.

Despite the wars and the instability of the region, Riga has never lost its political and

important importance. In the second half of the 19th century the city was freed from the

obligation to build and sustain fortifications. Riga developed fast. It was at this time that the

centre of Riga acquired its unique beautiful appearance, which is admired both by the inhabitants

themselves and the visitors even nowadays. When the walls of the medieval fortifications has

been demolished, beautiful Art Nouveau living houses started to be erected, and new boulevards

and parks appeared. Riga keeps developing and growing even nowadays, and, accordingly to an

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old legend, will never be ready. The city is eternally chancing, beautiful and enchanting,

expressive and enticing.

What Riga can offer?

Which part of Riga would you like to have – Old Riga, the wooden Riga, Art Nouveau

Riga, the suburban Riga, glass and stone Riga, the wild Riga, or maybe the cobblestone Riga?

Nowadays the city is more colorful, diverse, adventurous, and fascinating that is has even been.

In recent decades Riga has developed into the key financial and trade centre of the Baltics. It is

the cultural and political centre or Latvia and the main driving force of Latvian economy. It is a

city where centuries meet, where Art Nouveau grandeur contrasts Soviet practicality, city where

people of different cultures and different ideas meet…

Riga has hosted numerous international events, ranging from the NATO summit to the

Tall Ships Regatta, from the Eurovision Song Contest to the European Capital of Culture. Riga is

a place where many events take place, where you can find stunning historical buildings, where

the atmosphere is dominated by youthful and creative energy. For Rigans there are at least 50

different Rigas with different characteristics, nature and opportunities.

Old Riga

Old Riga is the heart of Riga – small territory preserver historical evidence about the

creating of the capital, the fate of our country and nation. Ancient buildings, steeples of church

towers topped with roosters, who wakefully watch the city, the stone masks of buildings, the old

cobblestones marked by pacing centuries – multiple stories, legends and destinies. One can find

unique monuments of medieval architecture in Old Riga which, surprisingly, have survived two

world wars. The streets of Old Riga are narrow, artistic, and usually cars are not driven in this

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part of the city. It is meant for slow walks to enjoy the ancient aura that lives in the streets and

architecture. Unique complexes of residential houses and sacral buildings are found here – Riga

Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, Riga Castle, St. Jacob’s Cathedral, and others. In the 1980s

Vecrīga's streets were closed to traffic and only area residents and local delivery vehicles are

allowed within Vecrīga's limits with special permits. Vecrīga is part of a UNESCO World

Heritage Site listed as "Historic Centre of Riga".

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The Art Nouveau Riga

Art Nouveau has been an outstanding

feature of Riga’s image since the late 19th

and early 20th century. The residents of Riga

were rich and built significant houses. The

ornament aspects of Art Nouveau are the

best seen on buildings in Alberta, Elizabetes

and Strēlnieku ielas (stret). Figures of lions

and sphinxes are arranged above cornices

and facades are decorated with stylistic

ornaments of plants, masks, colorful

brickwork and ceramic tiles. Many ornate

Art Nouveau buildings were built in

Blaumaņa, Tērbatas and Rūpniecības street.

The world knows Riga as the Art

Nouveau capital city.

The Wooden Riga

Scattered throughout Riga are simple but yet beautiful wooden buildings of a variety of

styles – from sheds to mansions, through baroque and classicism and even Art Nouveau. About

4000 wooden buildings stand in Riga, more than in any other European country, 500 or so of

them in the historic centre, with the oldest one from the 18th century. Many have in recent years

been renovated thoughtful and creative ways.

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The Suburban Riga

The outskirts of Riga take you back a few decades, as the areas are lined with Soviet

estates – areas of town which consist of a series of identical buildings placed in geometric

patterns. The biggest ones are Imanta, Purvciems, Zolitūde and others. Functionalism was the

prime principle in the design of these buildings – aesthetics were not important – their purpose

was to provide affordable living space for a rapidly increasing urban population, nothing more.

To this day, most city dwellers live in these estates, most of which have not been regenerated.

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Glass and Stone Riga

Full of historical references Riga provides an interesting starting point for contemporary

architects. A bank building by Lithuanian architect Audrius Ambrasas, the National Library

building by Latvian-American architect Gunārs Birkerts, an unusual project for a daycare centre

for the homeless and disadvantaged by Miks Lejnieks and Ilze Niedre, to mention just a few, and

with future plans of a grand concert hall and contemporary art museum. According to a legend,

one every hundred years a ghost rises from the river Daugava and asks the first person it meets,

“Is Riga completed?” If the answer is yes, the city will be swallowed by water. But Riga will

never be completed…

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The Wild Riga

Riga is a green city. There are many parks and green areas for people to have a rest, read

some book and just to enjoy the nature. The oldest is Viestura Garden which was landscaped in

1721 on the order of Russian Tsar Peter I. The second oldest (and nowadays one of the most

popular) is Vērmanes Gardens. Its name was given in honor of Anna Gertrud Wohmann who

donated the city a plot of land for the gardens. It opened to public in 1817, subsequently

improved and reconstructed. In

Old Riga and the very centre of

the capital parks are not so big

and common as in further parts of

Riga. There is o lack of green

areas in the Pārdaugava par of

Riga, which is just across the

other side of the river Daugava.

Arkādija in Torņkalns is among

the city’s oldest public parks.

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The Cobblestone Riga

Old Riga is the historical and geographical centre of the city. It covers a relatively small

inner area of 13th-18th century fortifications where unique monuments of medieval architecture,

which have survived world wars, are concentrated. Unlike the rest central Riga, which is

arranged as a grid, the Old Riga is a maze of small, narrow, often cobblestoned Riga roads,

which have an unpredictable manner. Some small cobblestone streets can be found just across

the river Pārdaugava in the Ķīpsala part of Riga where the cobblestone Riga, wild Riga and the

wooden Riga are combined together.

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What to see in Riga

As it has been previously discussed Riga offers different opportunities for each of its

citizens and foreign visitors. There are some places that are recommended to see and experience

their beauty to get the idea of Latvia, Latvian culture and their mentality. Riga’s skyline is

unique and notable among the medieval cities of Northern Europe Hanseatic League. The

panorama is dominated by three Baroque style spires – St. Peter’s, the Dom and St Jacob’s – and

is enhanced by a series of low-rise buildings. The skyline of Riga has been gradually changing

since the 13th century. The best panorama is from AB Dambis.

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Top 10 skyline objects:

1. St. Peter’s Church

2. Dom Cathedral

3. St. Jacob’s Castle

4. Riga Castle

5. City Hall

6. Anglican Church

7. St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic Church

8. Our Lady of Sorrows Church

9. St. John’s Church

10. Riga Reformed Church

Latvia offers not only breath taking landscapes and architecture, but it has lively and thrilling

cultural life as well. There are many museums, theatres and an opera house in Riga.

Latvian National Opera House - The history surrounding the National Opera is more than 250

years long. The current theatre, affectionately known as “The White House” was built as a

national theatre in 1863, on the site of an old German theatre.

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Dailes Theatre - This modern Latvian theatre offers exceptional dramatic performances,

primarily in the Latvian language, though occasionally in Russian as well. The second theatre

offers a variety of exceptional amateur productions that appear anything that amateur, from belly

dancing to flamenco and beyond.

The Latvian National Theatre - This theatre reopened in 2004 after a complete restoration.

The New Latvian Theatre - This Theater is situated in former Soviet youth theatre building.

Modern and progressive directors perform their plays here. Tickets sell out fast.

Latvian Puppet Theatre - Vivid performances in which the latest achievements of puppet art are

combined with elements of mime shows, drama and even musical will be exciting both for

children and adults.

Russian Drama Theatre - Latvia houses the world’s oldest Russian theatre outside of Russia, and

the theatre is more than 120 years old, with a rich tradition of acclaimed theatrical performances

and celebrity.

Latvia has an impressive number of museums – classical, surprising and even

mischievous. Here can be found museums for each person, despite his or hers interests, views

and ideologies. Starting from open air and art museums and ending with medical and warfare

museums.

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War and Occupation Museums

Museum of War (Kara Muzejs) - Latvia is

one of the most war-ravaged countries in

Europe. Crusader, Swedish, Polish, German

and Russian armies have all left their mark.

This museum of photos and memorabilia

documents the struggles of the 20th century,

from WWI and the war for independence up

to and including the Nazi and Soviet

occupations of WWII. One exhibition

chronicles the development of the Latvian

army from WWI until 1940. The museum is

situated in Riga in Pulvertornis (The Powder

Tower) and there is no entrance fee.

The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is located at Strēlnieku square, opposite Akmens

Bridge. Its mission is to remind and show people of what happened to Latvia and the Latvian

nation during the period from 1940 to 1991 under the rule of the regimes of the communist

Soviet Union and Nazi Germany and also to commemorate the unjustly sentenced and murdered,

the fatalities of foreign wars, those who suffered and died in repressions and in deportations,

while escaping from the occupational powers, people dispersed around the world, and to explain

to the world what suffering the alien powers inflicted upon the state, the country and the nation

of Latvia. Currently the permanent exhibition is closed and there is a temporary exhibition at

Raiņa bulvāris 7.

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I just arrived in Latvia, now what?

Since Latvia is a geographically small country, there is just

one Airport, so getting to and/or from airport will not be that

difficult. The airport is located approximately 10 km from the city

centre and it will take 30 minutes to get there.

There are two possibilities of getting from airport to the city centre.

1. You can take the bus No. 22 which leaves airport every 10-20

minutes (every 30 minutes in evening). When you will arrive, you will find the exit on your

right. To get on the bus look for the bus stop which will be located opposite the terminal

behind the car park P1. A regular ticket for one trip can be bought from the bus driver 2.00

EUR, but if you buy it before commencing your trip at the airport services and tourism

information bureau "Welcome to Riga", a regular one-way ticket will cost you only (1.15

EUR). You can buy the ticket as well in “Narvesen” and other places that have the E-Ticket

sign.

2. NB!! - Every time, after entering a public transport vehicle, you have to

register your e-ticket immediately by putting it close to the validator.

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Another option for getting to the city centre is taking a taxi. Riga city and other destinations from

the airport can be reached using "Baltic Taxi" "Rīgas Taksometru parks" (Red Cab) cabs.

Average cost per trip by taxi to Riga city centre from airport will be 11-15 EUR and the journey

will take approximately 15 minutes.

Contact info for taxi:

Red Cab: +371 8383

Baltic Taxi: +371 20008500