Latvija - Latvia

Latvija (Latvijski: Latvija) je eden od treh Baltske države v Evropi.Največja destinacija za potovanje v državi je glavno mesto Riga, katerega staro mestno jedro je Svetovna dediščina. Obstaja veliko drugih čudovitih krajev, tako mestnih kot podeželskih. Latvijska neokrnjena morska obala je 500 km dolg edinstven biom, ki ga v glavnem sestavljajo prazne plaže, najbelje mehki pesek, sipine, prekrite z borovci, peščenimi pečinami in borovimi gozdovi. Gozdovi pokrivajo približno polovico ozemlja Latvije, v njih pa živijo številne naravne poti, naravni parki in rezervati za prosto živeče živali. Mesto Liepāja s svojo čudovito plažo in edinstveno nekdaj skrivno vojaško sosesko Karosta, Kuldīga z najširšim evropskim slapom in Cēsis s svojimi srednjeveškimi grajskimi ruševinami je le nekaj različnih znamenitosti.

Razumeti

Latvija je bila znana starodavna trgovska točka. Znamenita pot od Vikingov do Grkov, omenjena v starih kronikah, se je raztezala od Skandinavija skozi latvijsko ozemlje, ob reki Daugavi, do Kijevske Rusije in Bizantinskega cesarstva. Latvijska obala je bila po vsej evropski celini znana kot kraj za pridobivanje jantarja, ki je bil v srednjem veku marsikje dragocenejši od zlata. Latvijski jantar je bil poznan v krajih tako daleč kot antični Grčija in rimskega imperija. V 12. stoletju so prispeli nemški trgovci, ki so s seboj pripeljali misijonarje, ki so poskušali poganska finsko-ugrska in baltska plemena spreobrniti v krščansko vero. Nemci so Rigo ustanovili leta 1201, s čimer je postala največje in najmočnejše mesto na vzhodni obali Baltskega morja.

Po osamosvojitvi leta 1918 je Latvija dosegla znatne rezultate v družbenem razvoju, gospodarstvu, industriji in kmetijstvu. 16. junija 1940 je sovjetski zunanji minister Vjačeslav Molotov latvijskemu predstavniku v Moskvi postavil ultimat, Latvijo pa obtožil kršitve pakta in zarote proti Sovjetski zvezi. Kmalu zatem so sovjetske sile napadle Latvijo in oblikovale so se "ljudske vlade", ki so zagotovile pravno podlago za popoln prevzem, nato pa je bila Latvija vključena v Sovjetsko zvezo 5. avgusta 1940. Nacistična Nemčija je državo zasedla naslednje leto, vladala Latviji do sovjetska Rdeča armada je državo ponovno zasedla leta 1944. Tako nacistična Nemčija kot ZSSR pod Stalinom sta bili med svojo vladavino izredno brutalni in morilski: nacisti in njihovi lokalni sodelavci so pobili več kot 90.000 Latvijcev, med njimi 75.000 Latvijskih Judov, medtem ko so Sovjeti, ki so imeli tudi lokalne sodelavcev, vrglo več kot 90.000 Latvijcev v sibirske gulage, iz katerih se mnogi niso nikoli vrnili, in na tisoče tam aretirali, pri čemer so bili mnogi ustreljeni ali mučeni.

V času železne zavese, ko je bila Latvija provinca Sovjetske zveze, je bila koncentracija težke industrije ogromna. Vsi stiki z Zahodom so bili v tem obdobju močno urejeni in vsi, za katere je bilo ugotovljeno, da imajo kakršne koli stike s kom v tujini, so lahko bili obtoženi zarote proti državi. Baltska regija je imela sloves najvišje stopnje pismenosti in najbolj urbanizirane v Sovjetski zvezi. V sovjetski dobi je rusko manjšino (manj kot 10% prebivalstva pred okupacijo) dopolnjevalo močno priseljevanje iz drugih sovjetskih republik, zlasti Rusije.

Po letu 1990 so Latvijci želeli znebiti vsega ruskega: samo latvijščina je uradni jezik, 60% pouka v šoli pa mora potekati v latvijščini, tudi v ruskih srednjih šolah. Medtem ko se je veliko etničnih Rusov odselilo, mnogi ostajajo in predstavljajo edinstven primer zakona o državljanstvu, ki se odraža le v razmerah v drugih baltskih državah. Ljudje, ki ne izvirajo iz ljudi, ki so bili državljani pred sovjetsko okupacijo in niso bili podržavljeni, so uradno uvrščeni med "nedržavljane". To je kategorija, ki se razlikuje od apatridnosti: dobijo potne liste (s poljem "državljanstvo", zapolnjeno s črko x) in imajo neomejeno pravico do prebivanja v Latviji, vendar ne morejo voliti na volitvah ali opravljati določenih javnih služb. Poleg nepripravljenosti, da bi se naučili latvijščine in bili podvrženi preizkusu nacionalizacije (kar zahteva znanje latvijske zgodovine in določeno sprejemanje latvijskega prevzema stvari), se nedržavljani tudi ponavadi držijo svojega čudnega limb statusa Latvijca, ki ni državljanski potni list dovoljuje potovanje brez vizuma v Rusijo, potni list latvijskega državljana pa ne. Čeprav bo imetnikom nedržavljanskih potnih listov 90-dnevni schengenski vizum ob prihodu dodeljen brez izdaje, ne morejo izkoristiti pravice EU do prostega gibanja. Zlasti mlada generacija (ki se nagiba k usmerjanju zahoda veliko bolj kot proti vzhodu), ki vse pogosteje zaprosi za nacionalizacijo. Kljub temu je ruska manjšina močan dejavnik kulture in politike države, drugo največje mesto Daugavpils pa ima etnično rusko večino.

Zaradi plemenske preteklosti in razdeljenosti med okupacijskimi državami skozi leta obstajajo regionalne razlike med deli Latvije, ki jih je lahko zanimivo raziskati.

Gospodarstvo

Latvija je svojo neodvisnost ponovno pridobila 21. avgusta 1991. Med letoma 1991 in 2007 je država imela gospodarsko rast brez primere. Globalna recesija in finančna kriza sta Latvijo leta 2008 močno prizadeli, kar je povzročilo hudo gospodarsko krčenje in visoko stopnjo brezposelnosti. Do leta 2017 je trajalo, da se je gospodarstvo države popolnoma okrevalo.

Zaradi izboljšanja gospodarstva in rasti je trgovin veliko prometa. Če želite obiskati trgovino, kavarno ali restavracijo, ki ste jo obiskali pred mnogimi leti, je možnost, da prodajalec ne posluje ali spremeni drugo področje poslovanja, zelo velika, zlasti v Rigi. Cene lokalno proizvedenih izdelkov so se od uvedbe evra leta 2014 močno zvišale.

Podnebje

Najboljši čas za potovanje v Latvijo je poleti, od junija do začetka septembra, saj je v tem obdobju toplo (okoli 15 ° C do 20 ° C) in so na voljo različna lokalna živila. Medtem ko je začetek decembra ponavadi blag, temperature ostanejo nad lediščem, lahko v zimskem času, januarju in februarju pričakujemo sneženje, temperature pa lahko za kratek čas padejo na okoli -30 ° C. Spomladi in jeseni so dokaj blagi.

Geografija

Polovica Latvije je pokrita z gozdovi, ki so bogati z divjimi živalmi. Po državi je raztresenih tudi veliko majhnih jezer, zlasti v jugovzhodni regiji Latgale. Doline, ki so jih izrezale reke, si lahko ogledate z odseki s peščenimi pečinami na bregovih. Ker se je težka industrija pred časom ustavila, je večina krajev ekološko čistih.

Latvija je na splošno položna in nima visokogorja, kakršnega vidimo v Alpah. Najvišja točka v Latviji je Gaizinkalns, ki doseže 312 m nadmorske višine, zahodno od mesta Madona v osrednji Latviji.

Regije

Obstajajo različni uradni in neuradni načini, kako se država deli na regije. Najpogosteje so kot glavne regije ločene Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Zemgale in Latgale. Riga, ki sicer velja za del Vidzeme, je pogosto ločena v ločeni regiji bodisi z mejami mesta bodisi z mejami regije za načrtovanje Rigi, ki vključuje večje okolico.

Čeprav socialne in kulturne razlike med regijami Latvije niso velike, še vedno obstajajo. Primer tega je Latgalija, ki je bila več stoletij ločena od ostalih latvijskih regij z mejo, kulturno, versko in jezikovno.

Večina domačinov bo domnevala, da se o mestu Rigi in predmestjih govori namesto o večji uradni regiji za načrtovanje, ko je omenjena regija Rigi.

Mesta

• 56.947524.1069444444441 Riga - Glavno mesto Latvije in evropska prestolnica kulture leta 2014 z dolgo zgodovino.
• 57.15388888888924.8544444444442 Sigulda - Mesto v osrednji Latviji z veliko zanimivimi gradovi in ​​zgodovinskimi zanimivostmi. Verjetno najbolj priljubljena destinacija zunaj Rigi za tuje turiste, tudi zaradi svoje bližine.
• 57.31305555555625.2747222222223 Cēsis - Eno najstarejših mest v državi. Ima impresiven grajski kompleks izvora Livonskega reda, očarljivo mestno jedro z nekaj tlakovanimi ulicami in zgodovinske lesene zgradbe.
• 56.96823.770384 Jūrmala - Priljubljeno letovišče in letovišče z lesenimi hišami zahodno od Rige, ki trdi, da ima najdaljšo plažo v severni Evropi. Zelo priljubljen pri ruskih in drugih vzhodnoevropskih turistih.
• 55.87138888888926.5161111111115 Daugavpils - Drugo največje mesto v Latviji, za Rigo. To je čudovito očarljivo, prostorno, zeleno mesto z največjo trdnjavo v Evropi, ki je prestalo številne vojne in je ostalo skoraj nespremenjeno od svoje gradnje v 19. stoletju.
• 57.38972222222221.5644444444446 Ventspils - Sodobno in umetniško letoviško mesto v severozahodnem delu Latvije, ima veliko stvari za videti in je eno najbolj urejenih krajev v regiji. Dolgo raztegnjena plaža in rekreacijski park zagotavljata vse za sproščujoč dopustniški teden ali konec tedna. Blaginjo dobiva v velikem pristanišču brez ledu, ki je najbolj prometno pristanišče v baltskih državah, in v dejavnostih tranzita nafte.
• 56.50833333333321.0111111111117 Liepāja - Imenovan je "mesto vetra" in najbolj jugozahodno mesto Latvije. Znan po svoji peščeni plaži, številnih glasbenih prireditvah in največjih orglah na svetu. Odlikuje ga moderna arhitektura in dolga zgodovina, skupaj s prej skrivno sovjetsko vojaško sosesko Karosta (dobesedno: Vojno pristanišče).
• 56.96722222222221.978 Kuldīga - Glavno mesto vojvodine Courland, Latvija v Benetkah, z edinstveno in leseno arhitekturo, strehami z rdečimi ploščicami, mostovi, tlakovanimi ulicami, najširšim slapom v Evropi in v bližini najdaljšega podzemnega (peščenega) jamskega labirinta na Baltiku.
• 56.85416666666726.229 Madona - Slikovito mesto, obdano z griči, gozdovi in ​​jezeri, ter center zimskih športov.

Druge destinacije

• Veliko Ķemersko Moravsko
• Narodni park Slīteres

Vstopi

Vizumi

Latvija je članica združenja Schengenski sporazum.

• Običajno ni mejnih kontrol med državami, ki so podpisale in izvajale pogodbo. Sem spada večina Evropske unije in nekaj drugih držav.
• Običajno se preverijo identiteta pred vkrcanjem na mednarodne lete ali čolne. Včasih obstajajo začasne mejne kontrole na kopenskih mejah.
• Prav tako a vizum podeljena za katero koli schengensko članico, velja v vseh drugih podpisanih državah in izvajala pogodbo.
• Prosim poglej Potovanje po schengenskem območju za več informacij o tem, kako shema deluje, katere države so članice in kakšne so zahteve za vaše državljanstvo.

Z letalom

Mednarodno letališče Riga (RIX ^IATA) je edino letališče v Latviji, ki opravlja redne mednarodne lete in je 10 km jugozahodno od Rigi. Avtobus 22 deluje na progi od letališča do središča Rigi (in obratno), vozovnica stane 2 EUR. Na lokaciji so na voljo različni drugi načini prevoza, kot so taksiji. Za več informacij o letenju na letališče in z njega glejte Riga # Get_in.

Lahko pa letiš do Kaunas v Litva in vzemite Flybus v Rigo.

Z vlakom

LDZ Cargo upravlja mednarodne vlake v Rigo iz Moskva in Saint Petersburg v Rusija s postanki ob Rezekne in Jekabpils, pa tudi vlaki do in od Minsk v Belorusija. Domače vlakovno podjetje AS "Pasazieru vilciens" (Angleščina: Podjetje "Potniški vlaki") upravlja vlake do in iz Valga, Estonija, od koder se lahko povežete Talin. Vlak med Latvijo in Litva je zaradi nadgradenj tirov RailBaltica (od avgusta 2017) v bližnji prihodnosti začasno ustavljen.

Če potujete z vlakom preko Daugavpils na poti do ali od njega Riga, boste morda morali za povezavo čez noč ostati v Daugavpilsu. Iz tega razloga je morda bolje, če se peljete z avtobusom ali letalom, ko potujete med Rigo in Vilno.

Z avtobusom

Obstajajo mednarodne avtobusne povezave do kjer koli v Evropi, vključno s pogostimi storitvami do Talin in Tartu v Estonija, in Vilna in Kaunas v Litva.

Pomembni operaterji avtobusnih linij:

• Ekoline
• Eurolines Lux Express ponuja brezplačno kavo in več prostora za noge kot storitev Simple Express
• Flybus povezuje Rigo in Kaunas in Vilna
• FlixBus ima avtobuse iz Talin, Varšava, Vilna in Kaunas v Rigo

Moj čoln

• Tallink Silja vozi trajekte med Stockholmu, Švedska in Riga. Enosmerni čas potovanja je 18 ur. Poleg običajnih enosmernih vozovnic in povratnih vozovnic z avtomobilom ali brez, Tallink Silja pešcem ponuja tudi "Dan v križarjenju po Rigi", s prihodom istega dne od 11:00 in odhodom iz Rige. Vstopnice se začnejo pri 45 EUR sredi tedna in 70 EUR ob vikendih ter vključujejo posteljo v kabini. Trajektno pristanišče je oddaljeno pet minut hoje od starega mestnega jedra v Ljubljani Riga.
• Stena Line vozi trajekte med Nynäshamn, Švedska in Ventspils in med njimi Travemünde, Nemčija in Liepāja. Enosmerni čas potovanja je 8½ ure s Švedske in 27 ur iz Nemčije. Stena Line ponuja redne enosmerne in povratne vozovnice z avtomobilom ali brez njega. Obvoz za pešce na progi s Švedske se začne pri 34 EUR, kolo pa 40 EUR za povratno potovanje. Počivalnik v tihi sobi je v obe smeri doplača 10 EUR. Hišni ljubljenčki so dobrodošli, vendar je kabina za hišne ljubljenčke v običajni kabini potrebna brez doplačila.
• DFDS - vozi trajekte med Karlshamn, Švedska in Klaipeda, Litva. Druga pot, če prihajate Danska ali najjužnejši del Švedske. Klaipėda je le 50 km oddaljena od latvijske meje, ko gre po nacionalni cesti A13 proti severu. Enosmerni čas potovanja je 14 ali 16 ur, odvisno od odhoda. DFDS ponuja redne enosmerne in povratne vozovnice z avtomobilom ali brez njega. Obhod za pešce se začne pri 86 EUR; s kolesom po ceni 106 EUR za povratno potovanje.

Namig! Čeprav imajo vsi trajekti na krovu trgovino in lahko svojo ponudbo označijo kot »neobdavčeno«, boste morda želeli zadržati nakupe za povratno potovanje. Številne ponudbe imajo najverjetneje nižjo ceno v Latviji, zlasti če so lokalno proizvedene. Zapomnite si ali zapišite cene v trajektni trgovini in jih primerjajte s cenami za iste izdelke v Latviji.

Za tiste, ki potujejo z zasebnim čolnom, je rednih marin zelo malo in so šele v povojih (2019).

• Kuiviži, mestece v Riškem zalivu, ob izlivu Krišupe; Kapteiņu osta
• Riga, glavno mesto Latvija; Mestni jahtni klub je ravno čez staro mestno jedro na reki Daugavi
• Jūrmala, Marina Jurmala je na reki Lielupe.
• Ventspils na zahodni obali, Ventspils Marina
• Pāvilosta, mestece na zahodni obali, ob izlivu Sake; Marina Pāvilosta

Morda se bo mogoče kaj dogovoriti z organi drugih pristanišč.

• Salacgrīva
• Skulte
• Saulkrasti
• Engure
• Mērsrags
• Roja
• Liepāja

Z avtom

Cesta, znana kot Via Baltica povezave Varšava, Poljska in Talin, Estonija iti skozi Kaunas, Litva in Riga.

Vozniško dovoljenje

Če imate vozniško dovoljenje, ki ga je izdala druga država Evropske unije, ga lahko neprekinjeno uporabljate v Latviji, tako kot v državi izdajateljici. Po zakonu morajo prebivalci drugih držav pridobiti latvijsko vozniško dovoljenje po 6 mesecih bivanja v Latviji, vendar to vključuje le teoretični izpit, ki ga lahko opravljajo v angleščini, nemščini, francoščini ali ruščini.

Obiti

V latvijščini je beseda za ulico (kot pri imenih ulic) iela. Primer je Brīvības iela, ki je prevedeno kot Ulica svobode.

Z avtom

Državne in regionalne ceste v Latviji so bile v procesu posodobitve od pristopa k Evropski uniji. Vse državne ceste so asfaltirane in označene z rdečo s številkami od A1 do A15. Večina državnih cest je tudi del evropskega cestnega omrežja. 84% regionalnih cest je asfaltiranih in označene v modri barvi s številkami od P1 do P133. 78% lokalnih cest so gramozne ceste in so označene s sivo s številkami od V1 do V1489 - na zemljevidih, vendar ne nujno v resničnem življenju. V Latviji ni avtocest.

Vse bencinske črpalke po državi so samopostrežne in na voljo 24 ur na dan, 7 dni v tednu. Cirkle K, Neste in Viada upravljajo bencinske črpalke po vsej državi, obstaja pa tudi veliko lokalnih podjetij. Dizelsko gorivo in bencin z oktanskimi vrednostmi 95 in 98 sta zelo razširjena. Utekočinjeni naftni plin (UNP, avtogāze) je precej pogost. Električni avtomobili niso razširjeni, saj se mreža polnilnih postaj še ni razvila, da bi bila primerna za vsakodnevno vsakodnevno uporabo.

Zastopana so mednarodna podjetja za najem avtomobilov, obstajajo pa tudi cenejša podjetja za najem avtomobilov. Po Rigi je veliko pisarn, vključno z nekaterimi na letališču Riga. Seznam si lahko ogledate na spletno mesto mednarodnega letališča Riga.

Standardne omejitve hitrosti za motocikle, avtomobile in dostavna vozila brez priklopnikov s skupno težo manj kot 7,5 t so 50 km / h na mestnih cestah, 90 km / h na neurbanih cestah in 80 km / h na neurbanih makadamskih cestah - razen če prometni znaki ne določajo drugače. Kamere za nadzor prometa (fotoradars) so označeni in postavljeni po vsej državi. Običajna praksa je, da se lokalne (počasnejše) omejitve hitrosti podpišejo le tam, kjer se začnejo, in ne tam, kjer se končajo. Čeprav je dovoljeno voziti 80 km / h po makadamskih cestah, je to zelo neprijetno. Gramoz se prav tako razlikuje in na nekaterih odsekih je lahko zelo nerodna vožnja in tudi prašno, ko je vreme suho. Ko načrtujete potovanje, vprašajte nekoga, ki ve, ali je najkrajša pot gramoz ali ne. Včasih je lahko hitrejša vožnja daljše poti po asfaltirani cesti v primerjavi s krajšo potjo po makadamski cesti.

V Latviji prižgana zelena puščica semafor, ne glede na to, v katero smer kaže, ne daje prednost, ki se razlikuje od drugih evropskih držav. Signal zelene puščice omogoča prehod le, če je pot prosta, ne da bi morali čakati na ustrezen zeleni signal. Tramvaji (tramvaji) imajo prednost in globa se lahko kaznuje za oviranje njihovega prehoda. Mimo tramvaja ni dovoljeno mimo, ko stoji na postaji, kjer morajo ljudje prečkati ulico s pločnika.

Iskanje parkirišča je po Latviji precej enostavno, razen v prestolnici Riga, kjer pristojbine veljajo v središču mesta. V nekaterih mestih po Latviji je parkiranje z diski.

Vozniška kultura v Latviji je precej agresivna in nevarna. Skoraj nobena državna in regionalna cesta zunaj metropolitanske Rigi nima pasov (ramen) za ustavljanje ob cesti. Hitro boste ugotovili, da ste morda edini, ki se drži standardnih omejitev hitrosti, saj veliko težkih tovornjakov vozi 90 km / h. Nekateri vozniki z zmogljivimi avtomobili vztrajajo pri prehitevanju, če je najmanjša možnost, da se iztisnejo, čeprav ni jasnega pogleda na dohodni promet. Zvečer in ponoči je občutno manj prometa.

Zakonske zahteve

Med vožnjo morajo biti žarometi vklopljeni skozi vse leto. Pnevmatike, namenjene za uporabo pozimi, so obvezne od 1. decembra do 1. marca. Uporaba pnevmatik z zatiči je prepovedana od 1. maja do 1. oktobra. Uporaba varnostnih pasov je obvezna tako za voznike kot za potnike. Otroke, ki niso višji od 150 cm, je treba prevažati na ustreznem otroškem sedežu ali na ustreznem nosilcu. Vozniki med vožnjo ne smejo uporabljati mobilnega telefona, razen če uporabljate prostoročni sistem. Dovoljena raven alkohola je do 0,5 ‰, do 0,2 ‰ pa za novince, ki imajo vozniško dovoljenje manj kot 2 leti. Dokumenti o registraciji avtomobilov (tehniskā pase) mora biti na voljo med vožnjo.

Z vlakom

Železniška mreža je v Latviji dokaj solidna in povezuje večja mesta. Vozni park je sovjetskega izvora, čeprav so ga nekatere prenovili, da je bil bolj prijeten in oku všečen. Ko se vkrcate, so tri stopnice navzgor, vlak pa se med premikanjem precej trese in ropota. Osebni avtomobili na domačih progah so odprtega tipa, medtem ko so na mednarodnih progah zaprti kabine.

Domače linije, ki vozijo vsak dan, so tiste med Rigo in Skulte, Sigulda, Krustpils, Jelgava in Tukums (prek Jūrmala). Ostale destinacije vozijo manj pogosto. Zahodna obala Latvije je precej slabo oskrbljena, le en odhod na teden med Rigo in Ljubljano Liepāja. Domače vlake zagotavlja podjetje Pasažieru vilciens ("Potniški vlak"). Vozni redi s podatki o cenah so na voljo tudi na 1188.lv.

Vlaki so lahko cenejši od drugih načinov prevoza in na splošno vas ni treba skrbeti, da bodo nabito polni, razen v nekaterih vrhunskih dneh v poletni sezoni.

V Rigi je več postaj na obeh straneh reke Daugave, osrednje postaje (Rīgas Centrālā stacija ali Rīgas-Pasažieru) je tista ob starem mestnem jedru. Jūrmala ima tudi več postaj. Postaja v Majorih je tista, ki jo potrebujete za odhod na plaže in središče mesta Jūrmala. Postaja Ķemeri v zahodni Jūrmali je najbližja narodnemu parku. Jēkabpils je tik čez reko Daugavo, ko izstopite na postaji v Krustpilsu.

Vozovnico lahko kupite pred vstopom na vlak na postaji ali pa jo kupite na vlaku od osebja. Blagajne nekaterih manjših postaj se lahko odpirajo pozno in zapirajo predčasno ali pa so zaprte zaradi odmorov podnevi, na splošno zaradi pomanjkanja potnikov, ki bi takrat odhajali z omenjenih postaj. Vozni red vlakov bo na voljo na blagajni. Vstopnice je mogoče kupiti tudi prek spleta, vendar morate še vedno prevzeti papirnate vozovnice na postaji, kar lahko povzroči težave, če tega ne načrtujete.

Obstaja ozkotirna železnica ki delujejo med mesti Gulbene in Alūksne na severovzhodu Latvije. Ob poti se nahajajo različne turistično usmerjene zanimivosti.

S tramvajem

Tri največja mesta (Riga, Daugavpils in Liepāja) imajo vsaka svoj tramvajski sistem. Medtem ko segajo v prelome stoletja (Riga in Liepāja) ali neposredno po 2. svetovni vojni (Daugavpils), so bili od osamosvojitve posodobljeni in dobro vzdrževani, na voljo pa so tudi novi nizkopodni tramvaji, ki bi zamenjali staro Tatro. tramvaji.

Z avtobusom

Avtobusne proge ponujajo različna zasebna podjetja, ki se razlikujejo med regijami, za razliko od vlakov. Avtobusne povezave se raztezajo po vsej državi in ​​gibanje z avtobusi je običajno precej preprosto. Informacije o avtobusih v Latviji boste najbolje prejeli pri poizvedovalni službi 1188.lv, Iz Spletna stran Autoostaali na lokalni avtobusni postaji. Hitri avtobusi povezujejo večja mesta in vozijo z manjšim številom postankov na poti ter lahko prihranijo čas.

Vstopnice lahko kupite na blagajnah, v avtobusih ob vkrcanju ali prek spleta. Če vozovnice kupujete vnaprej, je to običajno mogoče opraviti do 10 dni pred odhodom. Prtljago lahko položite v prtljažnik avtobusa, kar bo morda celo potrebno, odvisno od avtobusne družbe in velikosti torbe. Morda vam bodo zaračunali dodatno in prejeli dodatno vozovnico ali kupon za prtljago, odvisno od pravil podjetja.

Če nameravate v petek ali soboto zapustiti Rigo, boste morda na avtobusih prenatrpani, saj je potovanje z avtobusom najpogostejši način potovanja med mesti v številnih regijah, mnogi pa se za vikend odpravijo iz Rige. Če v tem obdobju kupite vozovnico pri blagajni na avtobusni postaji, s katere odhajate vnaprej, se lahko na avtobus vkrcate pred drugimi.

Nekateri avtobusni prevozniki na krovu nudijo dostop do WiFi, ki je običajno brezplačen in zagotavlja dobro pokritost skozi celotno potovanje.

S taksijem

Pozdravljenje vozovnic je na voljo v Latviji, najbolj pričakovani ponudniki pa so:

• Vijak. Vključuje številna mesta. (posodobljeno julij 2020)
• Yandex.Taxi. Rusko podjetje, ki ponuja poceni vozovnice. Storitve, ki so na voljo v Rigi. (posodobljeno julij 2020)

Moj čoln

Jadranje je za zelo dobro Latvijce in rednih marin je zelo malo in so še vedno v povojih. The Mestni jahtni klub v Riga je ravno čez staro mestno jedro na reki Daugavi. Marina Jurmala v Jūrmala je na reki Lielupe. Marina Pāvilosta in Ventspils Marina sta oba na latvijski zahodni obali. Morda se bo mogoče kaj dogovoriti tudi z organi drugih pristanišč. Med latvijskimi pristanišči ni javnega prevoza z ladjo.

Če greš iz Riga do Jūrmala poleti je zelo romantičen način potovanja z rečnimi križarjenji: predvsem dvonadstropnimi motornimi čolni s prostorom za približno 60 do 100 ljudi. Običajno odhajajo iz centra Rigi zjutraj in se vračajo popoldan. V kanalu Riga poteka križarjenje, ki poteka skozi reko Daugavo. Za več podrobnosti in cene povprašajte v turističnem informacijskem centru.

S kolesom

Kolesarjenje na splošno ni najbolj varna metoda za potovanje po državi, zlasti ponoči.

Kolesarite zgodaj zjutraj, da se izognete večini prometa. Glavna prometna konica, ko je pričakovati močnejši promet, je od 17: 00-20: 00.

Kolesarskih poti po državi ni veliko, zato boste morda zelo pogosto kolesarili blizu avtomobilov. V mestih mnogi domačini kolesarijo po pešpoteh, da se izognejo prometu. Na nekaterih pločnikih po Rigi so oznake, ki se na eni strani odcepijo za kolesarje, druga pa za pešce, v drugih mestih po državi pa to pogosto ne velja. Verjetno boste naleteli na ljudi, ki ne spoštujejo oznak.

Kolo mora biti opremljeno z odsevno osvetlitvijo, sprednjimi in zadnjimi lučmi. Nosite odsevna oblačila, še posebej, če kolesarite po temi.

Mednarodni BaltiCCycle^{[mrtva povezava]} projekt vam lahko zagotovi koristne informacije.

Zanimiva možnost je lahko potovanje na vodeni kolesarski ogled. Vključujejo podjetja, ki ponujajo kolesarske ture v regiji UTracks.

S palcem

Avtostop v Latviji je na splošno dober način za obhod. Če vaš cilj ni na poti v večje mesto, lahko naletite na težave. Vaša glavna težava je morda okoli Riga saj ni jasne obvoznice. Obseg lokalnega prometa lahko priklop zelo oteži, saj se domačini običajno ustavijo v Rigi.

Vozniki se morda obotavljajo pobrati turiste, za katere pričakujejo, da govorijo samo angleško, česar pa mnogi Latvijci ne razumejo. V Latviji je težje kot druge vzhodnoevropske države.

Uspeh je torej zelo spremenljiv. Morda boste imeli srečo v 10 minutah (po večjih cestah) ali pa boste morda le počakali 1,5 ure, ne da bi se kdo ustavil, zlasti na oddaljenih območjih z manj prometa. Ne računajte, da vas bodo sčasoma prevzeli, vendar vsekakor vedite, kdaj odpelje zadnji avtobus.

Poglej tudi: Avtostopiranje

Z letalom

Air Baltic leti med Rigo in Liepājo trikrat na teden.

Peš in navigacija

Latvija ima veliko slikovitih 1-3 dnevnih pohodniških poti in je zelo priljubljena med kolesarji. Za zanesljive (brez povezave) zemljevide regije in izčrpne informacije o zemljevidih ​​si oglejte OpenStreetMap, ki ga uporablja tudi ta vodnik in številne mobilne aplikacije, kot je OsmAnd (zapleteno s številnimi dodatki) in KARTE.ME (enostavno, a omejeno).

Govori

Poglej tudi: Latvijski zvezek izrazov

Latvijski (Latviešu valoda) je edini uradni jezik v Latviji. Spada v baltsko jezikovno skupino indoevropskih jezikov in je soroden litovskemu jeziku, vendar je dovolj drugačen, da ga je težko razumeti tudi za materno govoreče litovce.

Latvijščina uporablja latinico, tako kot angleščina, z nekaj različicami. Nekatere besede so izposojene iz drugih jezikov in jih je dokaj enostavno razumeti, ko jih govorimo, kot je beseda restorāns kar pomeni restavracija, druge pa imajo drugačne korenine, zaradi česar jih je veliko težje, če ne celo nemogoče razumeti, na primer z besedo veikals kar pomeni trgovina. Jezik ima zapletena slovnična pravila. Manjše spremembe, na primer dodajanje predpone v besedo, lahko v celoti spremenijo pomen stavka, na primer beseda dzīvot pomeni živeti, medtem ko beseda izdzīvot pomeni preživeti.

Izgovorjave latvijskega jezika je na splošno enostavno naučiti. Poudarek je skoraj vedno na začetku besede - na prvem zlogu. Vendar pa obstajajo različna zapletena pravila za nekatere črke, kot so e in o o tem, kako jih je treba izgovoriti z različnimi besedami. Besede imajo lahko tudi več izgovorov, odvisno od konteksta, na primer pri loks kar lahko pomeni por ali lok in s zāle kar lahko pomeni dvorano, travo ali (neformalno) plevel.

Latvijsko po domače govori le 1,5 milijona ljudi po vsem svetu, večina jih živi v Latviji, nekateri pa živijo na Irskem, v Združenem kraljestvu, Kanadi, ZDA, Rusiji, Braziliji in Avstraliji.

Tuji jeziki

Poleg latvijščine Rusko večina tekoče govori, ker je bila Latvija del Sovjetska zveza in obstaja zelo velika etnična ruska manjšina. Ponekod v jugovzhodni Latviji, na primer v Ljubljani Daugavpils, Ruščina je še vedno večinski jezik.

Angleščina po osamosvojitvi počasi nadomešča ruščino. Varno je domnevati, da se boste lahko znašli samo z angleščino, zlasti če se pogovarjate z mlajšimi Latvijci, zlasti ker mlajša generacija zaradi globalizacije in vpliva zahodnih medijev in družbe na splošno zna angleško boljše znanje kot rusko.

Nemščina, čeprav ni tako pogosta kot angleščina, je postala bolj priljubljena tudi med mlajšimi generacijami Latvijcev. Most people working in tourism can usually speak some.

Glej

Latvia's top tourist attractions

1. Old City Riga and Riga Town Hall Square, Riga, Architecture and History
2. Sigulda Castles, Sigulda, Architecture and Nature
3. Cēsis Medieval Castle, Cēsis, Architecture and History
4. Jūrmala Beach, Jūrmala, Recreational
5. Basilica of the Assumption, Latgale, Architecture and Heritage
6. Rundale Palace, Zemgale, Architecture and Museum
7. Ventspils Beach, Ventspils, Recreational
8. Veliko Ķemersko Moravsko, Regija Riga, Nature
9. Cape Kolka, Kurzeme, Nature
10. Narrow Gauge Railway, Alūksne, Recreational

Opis

When thinking of Europe, Latvia is usually not one of the first countries to come to people's mind. Being buried under the big iron no-go blanket of the Soviet Union until regaining its independence in 1991, Latvia is just now being discovered by larger tourist crowds to be surprised by the charms of this Baltic country.

Latvia's dynamic capital, the historic city of Riga, is a great place to spend some time. It is the home to the beautiful Old Town, full of magnificent Jugendstil architecture, winding cobblestoned streets and many steeples, while yet staying a modern, metropolitan city with a vibrant nightlife and a strong economic impulse, to the extent that the rise of the modern buildings is threatening the Old Town's World Heritage listing. Riga's vibe moves many travellers, perhaps due to the strong contrasts between the old and the new or maybe because of the seemingly painless blend of Latvian and Russian cultures, as almost half of the city's inhabitants are of Russian origin. You can get a sense of the city by wandering through the various large parks all around the city, strolling around the historic neighborhoods and kicking back in one of the cafés or outdoor terraces. Among Riga's notable sights are Riga Cathedral, St. Peter's Church and the lively Central Market. Glej Riga#See as well for some more ideas.

30 min from Riga is one of the best and multicultural sea resort towns of Latvia, Jūrmala. It can be found with beautiful beaches, houses, promenade and the nice Gozdni park Dzintari.

Although Riga is by far the country's main tourist destination, there are a bunch of other places worth visiting. 40 km to the east from the capital lies Sigulda, with several castles such as the nicely reconstructed Turaida Castle, and the deep Gūtmanis Cave. The town is in the Gauja valley and has been called the "Switzerland of Latvia" for its steep cliffs and banks. It's known for its winter sports opportunities and provides a great chance to explore the fine nature around the town.

Further northeast towards the Estonian border, Cēsis, one of the country's oldest towns, can be found. It has a charming city centre with cobblestoned streets, historic wooden buildings and an impressive castle complex.

The coastal city of Liepāja is known to Latvians as "the city where the wind was born", due to the sea breeze it constantly gets. It has a nice beach and a charming town centre with a colourful mixture of architectural styles ranging from wooden houses and spacious parks to Art Nouveau and concrete Soviet-era apartment buildings. Liepāja's Karosta neighbourhood was built in the late 19th century as a naval base for Tsar Alexander III and was later used by the Soviet Baltic Fleet. Its splendid seaside panoramas, former military prison and fortress are preserved now making it a popular tourist sight.

Besides Liepāja, Ventspils, further north, is a modern sea resort town with an arty touch and well worth a summer vacation. From here and around Cape Kolka, Livonian Coast, a remote and isolated coast landscape with wild beaches, sand dunes and lighthouses can be found. There are also some nice lighthouses worth visiting between Ventspils and Liepāja.

Kuldīga, southeast of Ventspils, is the home of Europe's widest waterfall ledge as a part of Venta Rapid. Even though only two meters high, its size makes it a nice sight. Together with the historic town, it is worth exploring.

Jelgava, on the way from the Lithuanian border towards Riga, has two fine sights in baroque style, the Rundāle Palace less than 40 km southeast of the city and the Jelgava Palace in the city centre.

Around 40 km north-east of the second largest city in the country, Daugavpils, is the colossal white Basilica of the Assumption. It is the most important Catholic church in Latvia and is locally also known as Aglona Basilica, as Aglona is the name of the village it is located in.

There are many interesting old castles maintained around Latvia. The Association of Latvian Castles, Palaces and Manors (Latvian: Latvijas Piļu un muižu asociācija) has information along with photos on their Spletna stran. Sometimes the castles may be reserved for private events.

Ali

Dogodki

Most event tickets and schedules are available here: http://www.bilesuparadize.lv

Traditional celebrations

Latvian Song and Dance Festival One of the key cultural events in Latvia, which started in 1873 as a singing festival. Now the festival involves live performances of choirs, folk dance groups, brass bands etc. Competitions, exhibitions, concerts, parades and joint concerts are some of the cultural events. Riga is full of people wearing traditional costumes and cheerful people from all of Latvia. It is held every five years. The last event took place 30 June to 7 July 2013, so the next is due to be held in 2018.

• New Year's Eve (Jaunā Gada svētki), Whole Latvia. 31 December–1 January. Most locals celebrate with their families, but you are likely to see events taking place on the streets as well. 
• Easter (Lieldienas), Whole Latvia. Annually in April. You can usually find events in town centres, such as traditional Easter celebrations with swings and egg fights. prost. 
• Summer solstice celebration (Vasaras saulgrieži), [turaida-muzejs.lv/home_en1/ Turaidas muzejrezervāts], Turaidas iela 10, Siguldas novads, Sigulda LV-2150. June 21. Traditional celebrations are held in many places throughout Latvia. The most popular one takes place in Turaida muzeum (video). 
• Jāņi (Līgo), Whole Latvia. June 23-24. Latvians celebrate the summer solstice with Jāņi — the midsummer festival. Before the celebration, flea markets are held in many places. 
• White Night (Baltā nakts), Rīga. Annually, in the beginning of September. 

Historical

• Count of May (Maija Grāfs), Spīķeru laukums, Rīga. Annually, in the middle of May. Takes place in Rīga. Has medieval tournaments, witch trial, traditional dances. prost. 
• Medieval Day at Cēsis Castle (Cēsu Pils Viduslaiku diena), Cēsis. Annually, on the first Saturday of Avgust. prost. 
• Semigallians Days in Tervete (Zemgaļu svētki Tērvetē), Tērvetes koka pils, Tērvete. Annually, on the second Saturday of Avgust. 
• Seeburg Viking Festival (Dzīvās Vēstures festivāls "Seeburg"), Skābaržkalns, Grobiņa, close to Liepāja. Annually, last Sunday of May. West coast of Latvia has Viking heritage dating to 9th century. Video prost. 

Glasba

• ^{[mrtva povezava]}Latvian Song and Dance Festival (Latvian Vispārējie latviešu Dziesmu un Deju svētki), Vērmanes garden, Riga, ☏ 371 28611731, ✉[email protected]. Takes place once every 5 years, at the beginning of Julij. One of the key cultural events in Latvia, which started in 1873 as a singing festival. This festival has become an important facet of Latvian culture and has been held 25 times since then. Needs to mention that there are smaller Song and Dance Festivals between 5-year time spans. About 30,000 people from every corner of the country participate, with choirs and dance groups at the heart of the celebrations. Brass bands, folk ensembles, players of the zither-like kokle, amateur theatrical troupes, and foreign guests also perform at the festival. The traditional procession through the street of Riga is not to be missed., as the participants invoke plenty of enthusiastic audience participation. 
• Festival of World Music (Ārpasaules mūzika Tiguļkalnā festivāls), Tiguļkalns, Talsi, ✉[email protected]. Annually, beginning of June. National and foreign folk music performed on the highest hill in Talsi. The composer and performer Raimonds Tigu is the artistic director and soul behind this happening in his hometown, Talsi. The place where music from different nations comes together in united sound and ambience. Free of charge. 
• Riga Rhythms Festival (Rīgas Ritmi festivāls), Riga, ☏ 371 67 105 216. Takes place annually, at the end of June/start of July; 18:00–00:00. Some events cost €10-45, some are free.. 
• Positivus festival, Zvejnieku park, Sporta street 6, Salacgrīva, ✉[email protected]. Takes place annually, mid-July. Latvia's largest music festival, featuring various international artists in a relaxed environment. €60 for a 3 day pass, €200 for a VIP pass. 
• Saulkrasti Jazz Festival, Saulkrasti, ✉[email protected]. Annually, at the end of July. Latvian and foreign musicians perform by the sea. Gigs all week long, culminating in a final concert. Free of charge. 
• Bauska Country Music Festival, Bauska. Annually, for 2 days, mid-July. European and US country musicians perform. On-site camping is possible. 
• Laba Daba, Ratnieki, Līgatnes novads. Annually, beginning of August. €22/day, €37-42/all days. 
• International Organ Music Festival, Liepāja/Kuldīga. Middle of September. Mostly happening in the Trinity Church. €7 (per concert, as of 2017). 

Various

• International Ice Sculpture Festival, Uzvaras park, Jelgava, ☏ 371 630 23 461, ✉[email protected]. Annually, at the start of February. €4.50 (in 2014). 
• International Baltic Ballet Festival, Riga, ☏ 371 673 36 123, ✉[email protected]. April. 
• Latvia Beerfest, Vērmanes garden, Riga, ☏ 371 27 726 200, ✉[email protected]. Annually, at the end of May. The largest international beer festival in the Baltic states. €2. 
• Cēsis Art Festival (Mākslas festivāls Cēsis), Cēsis, ☏ 371 29 334 417. Annually, July-August. 

Sports and outdoor activities

There are many different winter sports opportunities such as snowboarding, cross country skiing, downhill skiing etc. Major skiing facilities include Rāmkalni, Baiļi in Zviedru Cepure. Some of the slopes are open late at night, but accessing them by public transport can sometimes be a challenge or turn out to be flat out impossible.

After Easter, as it gets warmer and rivers start to get more water from melting snow, kayaking down the rivers is one of the favorite activities for younger people.

Also, marathons are quite popular in Latvia. More entertaining marathons like Jāņu naked marathon (Jāņu nakts pliko skrējiens) take place in Kuldīga on Jāņi day.

• Lattelecom Marathon (Lattelecom Rīgas maratons), 11. novembru krastmala, Riga, ☏ 371 28611731, ✉[email protected]. Held in the middle of May. The biggest sport marathon held since 2007 in Latvia Video 
• Playground, Ropaži, 40 min drive from Riga, ☏ 371 29212586, ✉[email protected]. Mid-July. Youth sport festival that encourages and enables every visitor to try and explore inspiring sports and culture on water, land and air (e.g. longboarding, SUP, wakeboarding, hydro-cycles, mountain bikes, slack line and many other) Video €15/day, €35/3 days. 
• Cycling Festival and Cycling Night (Kuldīgas Velofestivāls), Baznīcas iela 5, Kuldīga, ☏ 371 63322259, ✉[email protected]. Held in the end of May. The largest non-commercial bicycle marathon in Latvia: Video; since 2010. Various routes at several distances are available. The traditional late-night ride will also be held. 

Narava

Due to the low population density, large parts of Latvia are covered by forests and wetlands. There are four national parks and many nature preserves/parks in place around the country that can be explored, hiked, and camped in by nature-loving travellers. The largest national park, and major tourist attraction with its popular towns and cities, is the densely forested Gauja National Park in the Gauja river valley in the Vidzeme regiji. Remote, lonely and mysterious lies the Great Ķemeri Moorland inside the Ķemeri National Park of the Regija Riga, with a planked walkway and observation platform. Another, but less touristy national park is the Rāzna National Park v Latgale regiji. Last but not least, the Slitere National Park protects the stunning Cape Kolka v Kurzeme region, where the Gulf of Riga meets the Baltic Sea.

This allows for:

• Bird watching – Very popular, since Latvia is an important autumn stopping grounds for migratory birds in Europe.
• Trekking – Many opportunities at various difficulty levels exist, starting with short walks in old parks up to several day camping and boating trips. Due to the general openness of Latvians towards nature, camping is possible virtually anywhere (except for private ground), even inside of national parks.
• Mushroom hunting – This seems to be the secret national sport of Latvians. Taking the train through the countryside or just walking in the forests, you will notice bunches of people all over the place, especially in September, looking for mushrooms and blue berries. Even in the remotest region, when you thought, this would be a good place for a naked dip in the Baltic Sea, beware, there could always be people in the woods collected tons of what nature provides them with.
• Stroll around – This is popular near Sigulda and in the Vidzeme region in general, especially in the autumn when the leaves of the trees take on different shades of colour, turning red and yellow.

Beach activities

Latvia has one of the longest sand beaches in Europe. The sea generally has a very slow slope. In July and August the water is warm enough for swimming. One of the best beaches is the coast southwards from Liepāja because is by the open sea, not the gulf as by Riga, meaning it receives cleaner water, brighter sand and there are not as many people there due to it not being very close to massively populated areas. The salt level in the sea is fairly low and you may not even need to wash after swimming due to that. When the air temperature rises to 30°C, the water temperature still stays around 20°C, which makes it very refreshing after a long session of sunbathing.

Spas

Latvia has various zdravilišča that are an excellent way to relax. Although the popular holiday resort town of Jūrmala can sometimes be a bit crowded, it offers some of the best options as well as a fine beach.

Cultural heritage

Latvia is full of places where you can see and experience the cultural heritage by for example participating in traditional food making & tasting and listening to authentic folk songs. The Latvian rural tourism association Lauku ceļotājs published a Latvian and Estonian cultural heritage map with the English title of "Worth Seeing" in cooperation with the Estonian rural tourism association Eesti Maaturism. This map contains useful information about cultural heritage sites with practical information such as about accommodation sites, with preference for rural tourism. The map can be downloaded online or obtained from a Lauku ceļotājs office in Riga.

Nakup

Money

Exchange rates for euros As of 04 January 2021: US$1 ≈ €0.816 UK£1 ≈ €1.12 Australian $1 ≈ €0.63 Canadian $1 ≈ €0.642 Exchange rates fluctuate. Current rates for these and other currencies are available from XE.com

Latvia uses the euro, like several other European countries. One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the use of the coin.

Latvijas Banka (The Latvian National Bank) is the only place you can get commemorative two euro coins at nominal value and exchange euro banknotes to smaller or larger denomination euro banknotes without having to pay a fee. This can be done at the branches in Riga and Liepāja. Latvijas Banka's cashier's office in Riga^{[mrtva povezava]} also exchanges Latvian lats issued 1993 to 2013 at a fixed rate against euro.

Tax free stores have their signs clearly displayed.

ATMs are widely available throughout Latvia, including in Riga International Airport and even in many small towns.

Banks will accept traveller's cheques with a fee, usually equal to or greater than 1% of the amount exchanged or a flat €10.

ISIC

If you are an EU student, bring your ISIC. Many places (museums, bus, etc.) in Latvia have great discounts for EU students with an ISIC.

Tipping

The tipping culture of Latvians is generally fairly reserved — usually rounding up the bill (around 5-10%) is enough, but it is not expected. Make sure to check your receipt, as some (but few) establishments may automatically include a tip in the bill as service charge. Tips is dzeramnauda (drink money) in Latvian and чаевые in Russian (money for tea).

Shopping

• Amber. Sold in most souvenir shops. If you are lucky, some can sometimes be found on the Baltic Sea shore after a storm. Be careful looking for amber on beaches in western Latvia - the sea near Liepāja is polluted with phosphorus, which looks exactly the same, but can catch fire after drying out. 
• Smoked (black) ceramics, Latgale region. 
• Silver jewellery. 
• Pirts (Latvian style sauna) items. Fragrant oils, honey and herb based massage creams, felt caps for sauna, intended to protect the proteins of hair in the extreme heat, and various other items. 
• Mittens with ornaments. Hand-made, representing traditional culture. 
• Wool products. Indoors slippers and shoes, vests, jackets, hats, etc. 
• Dark (rye) bread (Rupjmaize). Gives more energy than the common white (wheat) bread. Best bought fresh and not stored for overly long periods of time. 
• Riga Black Balsam (Rīgas Melnais balzams), ☏ 371 670 81 213, brez cestnin: 371 80 009 990, faks: 371 673 15 265, ✉[email protected]. A traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made using many natural ingredients. The original recipe of Abraham Kunze, a druggist, was said to have cured mysterious illness of visiting Catherine the Great in 1755. 
• Bee products. Honey of various kinds, such as with nuts, bee pollen, propolis and beeswax candles are just some of the various local products that can be purchased. 
• Laima, ☏ 371 670 80 301, faks: 371 670 80 332, ✉[email protected]. The leading sweets producer in Latvia. Products are available in almost all grocery and convenience stores all around the country, with specialized Laima stores in the larger cities. 

Speciality shops are open mostly from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, 08:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. Grocery shops and supermarkets are open every day. Some close at 20:00 while others, especially larger supermarkets, close at later times such as 24:00. Convenience stores, such as Narvesen, are usually open 24/7.

Aibe, Maxima, Mego, Super netto in top! have convenience stores and supermarkets all over Latvia, Rimi in and around Riga.

Jej

Latvian cuisine is typical of the Baltic region and, in general, of northern countries, and especially similar to Finnish cuisine (see Nordic cuisine). It's high in butter and fat while staying low on spices except for black pepper, dill or grains/seeds, such as caraway seeds. If you are from the Mediterranean, you might find the food rather bland, but if you come from England or the Midwestern U.S., you will probably not have any trouble getting used to most of the dishes.

Latvian cuisine originated from the peasant culture and is strongly based on crops that grow in Latvian maritime, temperate climate. Latvian cuisine offers plenty of varieties of bread and milk products, which are staples. Pork products, potatoes, rye or wheat, oats, peas, beets, cabbage are the staples. Meat, especially pork, features in most main meal dishes. Sometimes even some meatless dishes can be cooked using bacon fat. But fish also is commonly consumed due to Latvia's location on the east coast of the Baltic Sea and Livonian heritage: smoked and raw fish are quite common.

For more information on cuisine of Kurzeme and Livonians, see the Kurzeme Članek.

Meals

Contemporary Latvians usually eat three meals a day. Breakfast is normally light and usually consists of sandwiches or an omelette, with a drink, often milk. Lunch is eaten from 11:00 to 15:00, and tends to be the main meal of the day; as such it can include a variety of foods, and sometimes also soup as an entrée and a dessert. Supper is the last meal of the day, with some choosing to eat another large meal. Consumption of ready-made or frozen meals is now common.

Type of places

It is important to keep in mind that in Latvia the whole concept and meaning of words cafeteria (kafejnīca), canteen (ēdnīca) in restaurant (restorāns) is different compared to that in other countries. A kafejnīca (cafeteria) is not just a coffee shop and usually serves all kinds of meals that would be expected from a restaurant with the difference being that in a kafejnīca is a lower class food place where you will usually have no table service and have less service in general. An ēdnīca (canteen) will refer to a canteen for schools, universities, factories and the likes. They are usually very cheap but can sometimes have limited access. A restorāns (restaurant) is generally considered a highbrow facility, while it is similar to a kafejnīca, the standards of service and culture for a restorāns are much higher. The line between being a kafejnīca and a restorāns can be very thin in some instances.

In the open air markets of Rīga and other cities and towns, local fruits, vegetables and mushrooms can be purchased. Examples are freshly picked wild strawberries and blueberries from local forests, big strawberries, apples and rhubarb pies. Keep in mind that, of course, these are mainly available during the summer and autumn seasons.

Meat meals

Karbonāde (pork schnitzel), karbonāde ar kaulu (grilled pork chops) and cūkas stilbs (pork knuckle) are all-time favourites.

Side-dishes

Kartupeļi (potatoes) are served with everything and they're usually either boiled, fried, boiled and then fried or mashed. Včasih griķi (boiled buckwheat) is eaten instead of potatoes - it's very tasty with skābais krējums (sour cream). Kāposti (cabbage) also plays a major role in most Latvian meals. Sometimes it's served cold as a salad or hot as a side dish like skābie kāposti (sour kraut). Pelēkie zirņi (grey peas) is another side dish worth trying: big, brownish-grey round peas are boiled and then fried with bacon and usually served with kefir or sour cream.

Milk products

Latvia is much richer in milk products than other Western countries. Biezpiens (which is quark), skābais krējums (sour cream), kefīrs and a lot of varieties cheeses with different flavours. A cheese similar to smoked gouda, but softer, is the cheapest and, arguably, tastiest variety. There are various tastes available for purchase in most grocery stores. A Latvian specialty is the biezpiena sieriņš which is a quark with a sweet taste (the most popular manufacturers of the snack are Kārums in Baltais).

A traditional Latvian cheese that is in the picture to the right, is Jāņu siers (caraway cheese); this is traditionally served during the celebration of Jāņi or midsummer.

Soups

Soups are commonly made with vegetables and broth or milk. Frikadeļu zupa (meatball soup), noodle soup, zirņu zupa (pea soup), biešu zupa (beetroot soup), sorrel soup and nettle soup are usually consumed by Latvians. There is a special cold beetroot soup (aukstā biešu zupa) that can be prepared in various ways and is made to suit a warm summer day.

Sweets

The most traditional and exotic Latvian dish is maizes zupa (literally "bread soup"), which is the sweet soup made from rye bread and fruits. Also, the already mentioned biezpiena sieriņš is quite sweet and tasty. Zefīrs is a soft marshmallow-ish type of sweet. Rabarberu pirāgs (rhubarb cake) is really worth trying.

Two main local sweets manufacturers Laima in Skrīveru Saldumi are well known and they offer a variety of sweets ranging from chocolate bars of various kinds, to candies, to marmalades, fruits in chocolate, biscuits and more. It comes with glazing and without, in various tastes. A caramel sweet named gotiņa (translated as little cow) is worth a try. These two companies sell some of their sweets in nice gift packages, which may be handy to bring souvenirs home. The Emihls Gustavs Chocolate^{[mrtva povezava]} chocolate factory in Riga is more exclusive and pricy. They have shops in the larger malls of Riga and they make little sculptures of different shapes of chocolate.

Breads

Latvian dark (rye) bread is heavy and flavourful and goes well with hearty Latvian meals such as pea soup, potatoes and schnitzels. It is believed to be healthier than the white bread. Rupjmaize is a dark bread made from rye, and is considered a national staple and should be tried. Saldskābā maize is a bread made from a mixture of rye and wheat.

Pīrādziņi are buns filled with bacon and onion. A classical display of Latvian cuisine. Kliņģeris is a sweet pretzel-shaped bread that is usually served as a dessert on special occasions, such as name day.

Traditional dishes

If you want to try some really traditional dishes, then try these:

• boiled potatoes with quark
• oat and pea kissels
• grey peas with salted pork fat (fatback)
• siļķu pudiņš (casserole made from herring and boiled potatoes)
• sklandrausis (ali sklandu rausis) is traditional dish in Latvian cuisine which has a Livonian origin; it's a sweet pie, made of rye dough and filled with potato and carrot paste and seasoned with a caraway
• asins pankūkas (pancakes made from blood)
• maizes zupa (sweet bread soup)
• cold soups

For vegetarians and vegans

Fruits and vegetable of this region are mostly organic, because they are often low efficiency home-grown produce.

Drugo

Some other noteworthy foods:

• Kissel (Ķīselis). Thickened, stewed fruits (usually cherry or rhubarb). Served for dessert.
• Ajda (Griķi). Eaten as the main course.
• Sauerkraut (Skābēti kāposti).
• Smoked cheese (Kūpināts siers). Goes very well with wine.
• Eel (Zutis).
• Cutlet (Kotlete).
• Chanterelle sauce (Gaileņu mērce). A sauce from the edible chanterelles in sour cream. Usually served with potatoes.
• Herring with cottage cheese (Siļķe ar biezpienu). The cottage cheese is served on the side.

Pijte

Beer (alus) is generally the alcoholic beverage of choice for most Latvians. Aldaris and Līvu are the main large breweries in Latvia, but local breweries such as Užavas, Bauskas and Piebalgas exist all around the country and should not be forgotten. You are also suggested to try the locally distilled Riga Black Balsam (Rīgas Melnais balzams). It's an infusion of various herbs, roots and spices, making it a good home remedy for the common cold. By itself it is fairly strong - 45% alcohol by volume - and can be taken by adding a touch of it to flavor your tea, as a few spoons to lace your coffee or mixed in various cocktails. Even though Latvia is fairly far out north, grapes can still be successfully grown for making wine, although wine production in Latvia generally happens in small quantities, there are some local wineries and vineyards.

Some possible places for winding down:

• ^{[mrtva povezava]}Rīvas krogs, Labrags, Jūrkalne (on the Liepāja-Ventspils highway), ☏ 371 26 140 577. A small pub with relaxing surroundings - a waterfall and a wooden bridge nearby. 
• The Witch's Kitchen (Raganas Ķēķis), Ragana (on the junction with the Limbaži and Turaida roads on the Riga-Valmiera highway), ☏ 371 679 72 266, 371 29 117 021, ✉[email protected]. 

Spi

Although you might not find plenty of 5 star hotels all around Latvia, you will find comfortable places to stay for reasonable prices. There are many hotels to choose from and the prices generally start with €30 outside of Riga and €60 in Riga.

A small network of youth hostels also exists. Dormitory rooms are around €10-15 while single and double rooms are €30 and above.

Kampiranje in parks is not allowed unless posted signs say otherwise. Most rural land is private, but camping on it is usually acceptable. 50% of Latvia's forests are government owned, and camping there is legal at all times throughout the year, but areas where campfires are permitted are limited. If land is private, it is a good idea to ask for a permission from the land owner as you can be declined the right to stay on privately owned land even if for a single night; however, most people are understanding and will gladly let you camp. Keep in mind that staying very close to someone's home or staying at the same place for more than two days is generally considered bad manners. Follow your common sense in general. There can be free campsites that are indicated accordingly, especially in the national parks. Commercial campgrounds operated by small businesses are also becoming more popular around Latvia. Some even have wooden installations with roof, saving you the tent to carry. However, it is hard to make them out.

So-called guest houses ali country houses, some on farms, are a great place to stay at the countryside. They usually cost much less than hotels and are of much better quality than hostels due to the limited number of guests and the personalized service. Such houses are usually run by families and will come with full amenities with some even following the hotel star ratings. These usually provide many recreational activities such as the Latvian popular sauna (pirts) and horseback rides. You can ask your hosts regarding popular attractions available nearby, what sights are worth visiting and whether some events are taking place at that time that they would suggest visiting. Keep in mind, you will not be able to simply "drop in" usually and will be required to plan ahead, contacting the guest house in question a day or few before arrival. This can depend on the specific place. Guest houses can generally be found fairly frequently throughout the countryside and are often listed on tourist booklets.

Latvian rural tourism association, Lauku ceļotājs has published catalogs and maps that list various types of accommodation mixed with content such as cultural heritage sites and nature parks. The publications can be downloaded online or in an association office in Riga.

Often accommodations give a discount, if you book with them directly (e.g. phone) instead of using one of the monopolistic online middle men. This is due to the reason that most accommodations in Latvia can be booked without credit card anyhow. So, there is no real guarantee that someone does turn up. Just that via. phone owners are at least not stuck with an online fee without receiving the room rent.

Work

Finding work is not a complicated task, especially if you are a citizen of another EU country, however it is worth keeping in mind that salaries are much lower compared to those in most other EU countries. Job advertisements are often posted in Latvian newspapers such as Diena (on Tuesday and Saturday editions). Most listings are in Latvian, with some in English, Russian, German or French.

For information about obtaining a residence permit, please see The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu pārvalde).

Ostani varen

It is generally safe to travel around Latvia on your own, although some petty crime exists.

If travelling by bike, watch out for bicycle theft. Cyclists are a small minority in Latvian traffic, and dedicated bike lanes are rare. It is common practice that bikes drive on the side walk in larger cities.

If travelling by car, try not to leave valuable things in plain sight in your car. Stay alert when driving on smaller roads, especially through forests, as wild animals may wander around. It is particularly important to keep that in mind during the night. Many Latvian drivers enjoy speeding and the traffic can often flow much faster than the laws allow.

If travelling by foot, take care when crossing the roads as many Latvian drivers are fairly reckless.

It is considered bad mannered to consume alcoholic beverages in public, when not in bars, restaurants etc. Some places you might be fined when consuming alcoholic beverages out of a non-concealed bottle. Drunken behaviour like for example urinating in public will also get you a fine, or a night in jail.

Local informational web-sites for tourists claim that, in terms of safety, there is almost no difference between big cities and country areas [1]. Although it is true that anywhere in Latvia one is never too far from a town or a city, seeking help in case of emergency may be somewhat more difficult in the countryside (for foreign tourists). This is because English is mainly spoken in cities, but outside them one may find almost no people who would understand you (young people are an exception, but they are also drawn from rural areas to bigger cities). This is somewhat balanced by the fact that even then locals are quite friendly and ready to help.

When visiting bars and restaurants, especially in Riga, check out the prices before ordering and follow your bill to ensure no extra fees are silently added to the final bill. Beware the common scams, use your common sense. There are reports of scammers striking up random conversations and inviting tourists to visit their "favorite club" or "favorite bar", often leading to the mafia robbing the tourists with the police reportedly be unhelpful to those scammed.

Emergency numbers

• 112 - the common emergency number, just like in other EU countries
• 110 - state police
• 113 - ambulance

Stay healthy

You can turn to any doctor or hospital at any time during your stay. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to pay a fee for receiving urgent care.

Keep in mind that when in a sparsely-inhabited, remote area, it may be difficult to obtain medical care due to the low number of air ambulance helicopters in the country. Having a first aid kit around during those times is a good idea. The 112 (emergency service number) operators will be able to assist you in Latvian, English and Russian and will be able to either dispatch a team to you or connect you to the appropriate emergency services, if required.

Doctors usually are able to speak fluent Latvian and Russian. Some may not have good English skills. This mostly depends on the region and the age of the doctor.

You are suggested to bring your own medicine, if you require it, as there are few drugs that are available without a prescription.

Many doctors take undisclosed fees in the form of gifts from the patients ranging from a box of chocolates to raw cash. This is usually due to patients recognizing doctors receive low wages and feel the urge of expressing their gratitude. While this is made illegal by local law, it is estimated that 1 in 4 doctors has taken or is taking such donations when seeing patients.

You should seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a snake, a domestic or a wild animal. Snakes are not venomous in Latvia with the exception of the European adder. The common adder is not generally aggressive unless startled and feels like it must defend itself. The toxicity of the venom is relatively low, but you should seek professional medical care as soon as possible regardless of that. Bites by animals, such as dogs and cats, can carry the risk of rabies and you should seek medical care as soon as possible.

Mosquito bites do not carry any risk of disease, just causing irritation of the skin. Common sense is to resist scratching the itch. Mosquitoes are generally active during the Summer season and are not around during the colder Winter months at all.

Ticks exist in Latvia and are most active during the months from May to September. They are mostly located in brushwood areas and forests, but can sometimes even be found in town parks. Upon discovering that you have been bitten by a tick, medical attention should be sought. Ticks carry the risk of tick-borne encephalitis (can be quite common; vaccination is possible before the season) and Lyme disease (less common; must be treated in a timely and adequate manner to avoid disabling symptoms).

Tap water is generally safe to drink. However, many locals, especially in larger cities, prefer to either boil the water before drinking or simply buy bottled water from stores instead.

Spoštovanje

Latvians in general are fairly reserved and generally respect others' personal space, for example, Latvians do not usually greet strangers unless introduced by someone. You may offer someone to help with something, such as carrying something heavier, although the social ethics do not require doing so.

Latvians are neutral communicators; They try to avoid conflict and confrontation, but you can expect them to convey their thoughts clearly and freely, even if they disagree you. This said, Latvians prefer to get straight to the point about something.

As with many countries in Europe, Inquiring about someone's salary or talking about your own is uncommon and in conversation is a great way to make someone feel uncomfortable. Similarly, discussing personal, political, or religious convictions are no-go areas until you're better acquainted with someone.

There are many trash cans and waste containers by the sidewalks and near most stores. Littering is considered bad manners and the offenders may be fined in some instances.

It is considered polite in Latvian culture to hold a door open for someone, let others board a bus or a train first etc. This applies to men letting women go first in particular.

The swastika symbol (Latvian: ugunskrusts ali pērkonkrusts) je pogost okras v vezeninah v latvijskih narodnih nošah in sodobnih spominkih, stoletja pa je veljal za poganski verski simbol. Prinašal naj bi srečo, energijo in ogenj. Ta simbol ni povezan z nacistično Nemčijo in kakršni koli poskusi, da bi to storili, bodo žaljivi.

V pogovoru z Latvijci morate biti previdni o politiki in zgodovini, zlasti o Sovjetski zvezi (ZSSR). Ker je Latvija po drugi svetovni vojni postala sovjetska republika, imajo mnogi Latvijci, zlasti starejše generacije, o tej temi močna mnenja. Pohvale sovjetskemu in ruskemu režimu verjetno ne bodo razumljene ali cenjene. Mlajši Latvijci so morda bolj odprti za to temo, vendar imajo običajno enako mnenje.

Povežite se

Telefon

	Ugriz	LMT	ZZ	Tele2
5G	ne še	ne še	ne še	ne še
Povezovanje	ja	ja	neznano	neznano
neomejene podatke	ja	ja	neznano	neznano
eSIM	samo pametne ure	samo pametne ure	št	št

Koda države za Latvijo je 371. Če nameravate v Latviji ostati več kot nekaj dni, je morda ceneje kupiti lokalno kartico SIM, vključno z glasom, besedilom in podatki. Predplačniške kartice SIM ločene bone za obnovo pa lahko kupite na skoraj vseh bencinskih črpalkah, kioskih in v supermarketih. Vsi operaterji so si na splošno podobni pri določanju cen in ponujenih storitev. eSIM še ni razširjen. Od januarja 2021 5G sploh ni pokrit. Obstajajo samo 4 operaterji:

• Ugriz (brez angleščine)
• LMT (ne v celoti v angleščini)
• Tele2 (brez angleščine)
  • Zelta Zivtiņa, ZZ (podznamka Tele2; ima angleščino)

Tele2 in Bite imata sporazum o delitvi omrežja, ki postopoma združujeta svoja omrežja v Latviji in Litvi.

Če nameravate v Latviji ostati več mesecev, je vsekakor ceneje in bolj priročno skleniti pogodbo (post-paid storitev). Lahko dobite pogodbo z resnično neomejenim internetnim prometom za €22 - brez omejevanja hitrosti pri intenzivni uporabi - in neomejene domače "običajne" klice in SMS.

Če ostanete dlje kot eno leto, lahko pogosto dobite popuste do 50% z "grožnjo", da boste zamenjali operaterja pogodbe o plačilu.

Internet

Brezplačen WiFi je pogosto na voljo v hotelih, kavarnah, knjižnicah, medkrajevnih avtobusih in na mednarodnem letališču Riga. V blagajni ali na informacijski pisarni vprašajte, če ni videti odprte mreže.

Težave z avtorskimi pravicami

Skupna raba datotek, p2p ali pretakanje vsebin, zaščitenih z avtorskimi pravicami, je v Latviji nezakonito, vendar uporabniki, ki prenašajo hudournike za osebno uporabo, niso nikoli preganjani ali izsledjeni. Oblikovanje p2p-prometa je zelo redko. Obstajata 1 ali 2 lokalni hudourniški spletni strani, vendar sta precej obrobni, zato Latvijci večinoma uporabljajo mednarodne ali ruske alternative.

Pošta

Poštno storitev v Latviji vodi Latvijas preteklosti. Pošte lahko najdete po vsej državi. Nabiralniki so modro-rumeni s poštnim logotipom, večina pa se jih izprazni enkrat na delovni dan, nekaj celo ob nedeljah in praznikih. Latvijska poštna storitev je zanesljiva, a pošiljanje vsega razen razglednic in pisem se zahodnjakom lahko zdi precej birokratsko. Dolge čakalne vrste so običajna stvar na poštah, tako da boste morda prihranili 30 minut, če jih boste uporabili njihovo mobilno aplikacijo da si rezervirate mesto v čakalni vrsti.

Primeri pisemske pošte manj kot 20 gramov:

• v Latviji običajni stroški pisma €1; €1.32 za sledljivost (izsekojams) pismo.
• razred A (prednostna naloga ali letalska pošta) pismo za večino evropskih destinacij se začne ob €1.35 za navadno pošto, €2.43 za sledljivost (izsekojams) pošta.
• razred A (prednostna naloga ali letalska pošta) pismo na večino čezmorskih destinacij se začne ob €1.42 za navadno pošto, €3.58 za registrirane (ierakstīts) pošta.

Priporočljivo je, da uporabite spletni kalkulator cen saj se stopnje lahko razlikujejo glede na države na isti celini.

Pojdi naprej