City resort on the Riga seaside. Sanatoriums in Jurmala. Churches and cathedrals

It provides an opportunity for tourists who are going to visit it to have an exciting time in any season. In summer, you can fully relax and improve your health by going to one of the beach resorts, and winter is ideal for lovers of skiing.

Ski resorts in Latvia

The picturesque natural landscapes of Latvia provide an opportunity not only to enjoy a beach holiday, but also to spend time with interest in the winter season at the ski resorts of the country. There is a place for both experienced skiers or snowboarders, as well as beginners, as well as lovers of cross-country skiing. Among the most famous ski resorts in Latvia are the following:

The list of famous ski slopes in Latvia can be supplemented with the following objects:

• Žagarkalns- is very popular with Latvians, located in, on the coast, in Vidzeme;
• Ozolkalns– considered the longest track in Latvia, located in Vidzeme;
• Gaizinkalns– known as a high peak, has slopes equipped for skiers and snowboarders, located in Vidzeme;
• "Zviedru cepure"(translated means "Swedish hat") - located in Kurzeme, in the Abava valley, which is known for its picturesque views. Therefore, here you can not only ride, but also enjoy the surrounding nature;
• "Lemberga hute"(translated as "Lembergs' Hat") - this is an artificial mountain 50 m high, located in;
• Eglukalns- ski base, which is located at an altitude of 220 m above sea level in close proximity to;
• You can go skiing in the very center of Riga - in the Uzvaras park, there is also a cross-country track near the capital.

With the onset of the summer season, many tourists flock to the territory of Latvia to stay at one of the many beach resorts and enjoy their holidays on the seashore. Resorts in Latvia are famous for providing a whole range of wellness procedures, which makes it possible not only to relax, but also to significantly improve your health. Among the most famous resorts are the following:

1. - the largest Baltic resort on the coast. Its length along the coast is about 30 km. The unique combination of sea and forest air has the most beneficial effect on the body, and due to the fact that Jurmala is characterized by shallow water, it is justifiably known as an excellent children's resort in Latvia. Jurmala consists of 15 villages, which can be called separate resort areas containing comfortable beaches for recreation. The most famous of them are: Maiori, Jaunkemeri, Dubulty, Dzintari, Pumpuri, Yomas, Vaivari. To get to Jurmala, you need to travel by train, which follows from Riga. Getting there will not be any problem, as trains depart regularly. Another option would be to get there by car. In this case, in the period from April 1 to September 30, you will need to pay an entry fee, which is 2 euros.


2. Resort- located in Jurmala on the territory of a nature reserve. The date of its foundation is considered as early as 1838, when a source of sulfuric waters was discovered in the estate of a local forester. The uniqueness of this place is explained by the presence of sources of sulfide sulfate-calcium water containing useful substances and trace elements. Nearby there is also a deposit of peat mud Slokas, which is used for medical procedures. Arriving in Ķemeri, tourists will be able to undergo a complete diagnosis in order to identify diseases and receive qualified treatment using various procedures. So, we can name such types of popular methods of treatment: climatotherapy (due to the unique location of the resort, the proximity of the reserve has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system), balneotherapy (treatment with mineral waters, which are used as drinking therapy, as well as for contrast baths and underwater shower-massage ), mud therapy (useful for diseases of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, skin diseases, digestive organs). Ķemeri is also known as a children's resort in Latvia. Here, treatment is effectively carried out using such methods as ergotherapy (used for cerebral palsy, animal therapy (rehabilitation with the help of animals) - includes canistherapy (treatment with dogs) and ray therapy (treatment based on horseback riding).
3. Resort Baldone- famous for its mud clinics, located in a picturesque park. The unique climate and numerous procedures can improve the state of the nervous system, get rid of diseases of the organs of movement and heart, gynecological problems. The spa is located in the center of Latvia, which can be reached by public bus or by car along the P91 or P98 highways.
4. - a health complex located 200 km from the capital of the country. The resort differs from others by its peculiar climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers. It is recommended to come to Liepaja only from the end of May to avoid sudden spring frosts. Here you can get wellness treatments and enjoy a beach holiday.


5. - the resort, which was the very first to receive the coveted European "blue flag", demonstrating compliance with all necessary standards and the absence of any violations. The width of the beach is about 80 m, it is covered with fine white pure sand. Here you can not only enjoy a beach holiday, but also take a walk in the park, ride water attractions, and go surfing. Many children's towns, exciting parks and various water attractions have been built in Ventspils.
6. or Sunshine Coast- ideal for families with children, as it is characterized by a calm, peaceful atmosphere and mild climate. Here you can not only devote time to a beach holiday, but also enjoy stunning scenic views. One of the local attractions is the White Dune - a place where newlyweds come to exchange rings.
7. - located 90 km from the city of Vidzeme. The proximity of the National Park, where coniferous trees grow, makes this place unique. Here you can relax on the beach and improve your health, thanks to the healing air. The area is incredibly picturesque, there are magnificent waterfalls, one of which is the highest in the whole country.

The city has 900 thousand inhabitants. Magnificent architecture - from medieval to modern,
Riga attractions - Old Town (Vetsriga), Dome Square, buildings of the Small and Big Guilds.

Churches and cathedrals:

• The Dome Cathedral(Dome Square) (Domus Dei - house of God) was built in 1211, the interior dates from the 17th century. There are many artistic treasures in the cathedral, but undoubtedly the greatest of them is the magnificent organ, made in 1884 by the masters of the German company Walker and Co. in Ludwigsburg. Its height is 25 m, width - 11 m, depth - 10 m. Ancient paintings, amazing wood carvings and stone-cutting creations multiply the cultural significance of the cathedral. Divine services and organ music concerts are regularly held here.
• Cathedral of St. Jacob, built in 1226 outside the city wall. The church has retained its Gothic spire. In the 18th century, during the next major restoration, the craftsmen found the remains of a man immured standing in the wall.
• Reformed Church, built in 1733. Each
• Sunday services are held here, at the same time you can see it from the inside.
• alt="Nativity Cathedral" border="1" height="120" hspace="5" src="http://image2..jpg" vspace="5" width="150" />Православный Рождественский кафедральный собор. !} In Soviet times it was used as a Planetarium.
• Church of St. Peter. Built in the 13th century. At one time, its tower was the tallest wooden structure in Europe. The current height of the tower is 123.25 m. The wonderful city opens from the observation deck of the tower, where you can take the elevator. Behind the church, the statue of Roland by August Foltz is waiting for better times. A copper plaque in the floor immediately after the entrance announces that this is where the center of Riga is.
• Church of St. John. It was consecrated in 1234 as a temple of John the Baptist. Outside, there is a barred window in the wall. According to legend, two monks were immured here, and the parishioners served them food and drink through this very window.
• Riga castle. Originally, the castle of the Livonian Order, built in the 1330s, stood here. During the clashes between the knights and the inhabitants of Riga, the castle was destroyed. The current castle was completed in 1515 and is a striking example of medieval architecture. Now it is the residence of the President of Latvia. The Latvian Historical Museum is also located here, founded in 1869 as the Museum of the Scientific Commission of the Riga Latvian Society and since 1920, already under the auspices of the government of the Republic of Latvia, transferred to the Riga Castle.

  Museums:

• Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts;
• Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. The oldest museum in Latvia, founded in 1773;
• Museum of the 50 Year Occupation of Latvia;
• Latvian Museum of Photography;
• Museum of Pharmacy;
• automobile museum;
• Memorial apartment-museum of J. Rosenthal and R. Blaumanis;
• The Ethnographic Open Air Museum is 11 km away. from the center of Riga in a pine forest on the banks of a picturesque lake. Yugla. Here are concentrated the most typical buildings (the oldest one is from the 17th century) from all ethnographic regions of Latvia.

  There are many entertainment centers in Riga - night clubs, casinos, discos and you will not be bored here. And in 2001 Riga turns 800 years old! The whole city will be filled with events dedicated to the anniversary. The main celebrations will take place from 17 - 19 August.

  South of Riga stands the magnificent Rundale Palace, the summer residence of the Duke of Courland, built by the architect Rastrelli.

  beautiful Latvian resorts with a mild climate and clean pine air:

• Baldone, located near Riga - a balneological and mud resort with a picturesque park;
• Liepaja- seaside mud and climatic resort;
• Jurmala, stretching along the sandy coast of the Gulf of Riga for 33 km. There is also a museum-cottage of the poet Jan Rainis;
• A popular resort is located on the picturesque bank of the Gauja River Sigulda. Caves, dense forest, ruins of medieval castles create a unique originality of this place.

  Jurmala- a seaside resort on the coast of the Gulf of Riga, 25 km from Riga. Pine aroma combined with sea air, wonderful landscapes make every corner of the coast of Jurmala attractive from Lielupe to Jaunkemeri. Jurmala is numerous sanatoriums, hotels, campsites; concert hall "Dzintari" and tennis center in Lielupe and many other places for entertainment and recreation.

  Sigulda- a medieval city and a picturesque corner of Latvia. The castle of Turaida, which served as a fortress for the ancient Livs, has been preserved here. Gauja National Park: the unique beauty of its ancient shores is given by the forested cliffs of white and red sandstone and dolomite cliffs up to 20 m high. The highest is Randatu cliff. From its 25-meter height, a stunning view opens up. In Sigulda, next to the ruins of a medieval fortress, modern hotels and restaurants are comfortably located.

  Cesis- a city with cobbled streets and wooden houses, located 38 km. from Sigulda. The ancient town of Cesis has preserved the ruins of the ancient Livonian castle. Now in the castle of Livonian times in Cēsis, a costumed theatrical performance is being organized: guests are greeted by knights in armor, torches are lit, ancient music sounds, dances are performed, a real medieval meal is offered (in those days they did without cutlery). The surroundings of the city are one of the most picturesque places in Latvia.

  Another medieval monument - Kuldiga, located on the banks of the river Venta. Kuldiga - the heart of Kurzeme - was first mentioned in historical documents in 1242. The architecture of the Old Town captures the features of many centuries - Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque buildings, burgher and merchant houses. The decoration of the city is the waterfall "Venta Rumba" - the largest in Latvia (110 m wide and 1.5 high).
  Interesting excursions in Kurzeme:
  - excursion along the valley of the rivers Abava and Venta (Kurzeme);
  - visiting the ancient castle Jaunmokas (1901), built for the celebration of the 700th anniversary of Riga;
  - Sightseeing in Kandava and Sabile.

  Unique archaeological and historical monuments in Araisi(The most valuable are the remains of the Latgalian settlement of the 9th-10th centuries on the island of Lake Araishi).

  Place Sabile- the northernmost point in the world where grapes are grown. Enthusiasts are ready to restore the traditions of winemaking - at least to attract tourists.

  Daugavpils- the second largest city in Latvia. It mainly presents architectural monuments of the 19th century - ensembles of the former fortress with fortifications.

  In the city Aluksne there is a wonderful park (XVIII-XIX centuries), the ruins of a castle of the XIV century, the suburban landscapes are also magnificent.

  beautiful Latgale, the land of many peoples whose culture has contributed to the appearance of the region: Latgalians, Russians, Belarusians, Poles, Lithuanians. This is the center of Catholicism in Latvia, as evidenced by numerous churches and basilicas. In 1993, the Pope of Rome celebrated Mass in the Aglona Basilica. The ruins of once majestic castles remind of the Northern Crusades. Many lakes, picturesque hills.

  Not far from the city Kraslava Sauleskalns hill is located - 211 m above sea level. From its top, a wonderful panorama of the blue-green realm of water and forest opens up, from here, in clear weather, 26 lakes are visible. And children in Latgale are offered to see ceramics workshops and even try to make something on the potter's wheel themselves.

  Traditional applied art of Latvia- weaving, metal, amber and wood processing, knitting and embroidery, Latvian ceramics is famous.

  The most popular and widely celebrated holiday in Latvia is Janov day- 23 June. If you are a beer lover and you come to Latvia on Jan's Day, then you will fall in love with Latvia like beer! In any case, you will get an unforgettable experience! Folk song festivals are regularly held in Riga, starting with a colorful procession of participants in national costumes.

  Leisure. Farms and farms, homesteads, cottages and campsites, tourist camps in the national parks of Latvia, among forests, on the banks of numerous rivers attract lovers of nature, hiking, horseback riding, fishing and other outdoor activities.

In 10-15 minutes by train from Riga, 16 kilometers to the west of it, a resort of all-Union significance begins - the Riga seaside, the city of Jurmala. Riga seaside - the pearl of the Baltic. The resort area stretches along the southern coast of the Gulf of Riga in an 18-kilometer strip overgrown with pine forests. From the south and east, the seashore for 22 kilometers is washed by the waters of the river. Lielupe. The width of the resort strip between the bay and the river is about 3 kilometers, and in the Majori-Dubulti region it decreases to 350 meters. The resort begins with the summer cottage Lielupe and stretches with an uninterrupted chain of holiday villages (Bulduri, Dzintari, Majori, Dubulti, Pumpuri, Melluzi, Asari) to the Vaivari station.

43 kilometers from Riga there is a large balneological resort of Kemeri, located 5 kilometers from the Gulf of Riga. On the shore of the bay, the construction of the balneological sanatorium complex Jaunkemeri - New Kemeri, which will be the largest in the Baltics, is being completed.

Along the entire seashore stretches one of the best beaches in the country with a width of 50-100 meters. It is covered with clean, fine, yellowish sand.

The coastal zone is shallow, and therefore the water near the coast warms up well in summer. Its heating is also facilitated by shallows stretching along the coast.

The beach along its entire length is framed by dunes overgrown with pines. The width of the dunes is about 50 meters, and the height varies from 10 to 15 meters. The dunes reliably protect vacationers from the cold northern winds blowing from the bay. Behind the dune strip to the river. Lielupe stretches pine, and in some places deciduous forest.

Summer-type houses are scattered among the trees, in some places the buildings of sanatoriums and rest houses rise. Only Majori and Dubulti, lying in the center of Jurmala, resemble a city in their appearance.

There are more than 25 sanatoriums on the Riga seashore, including new or modernized Ķemeri, Baltija, Latvija, Chaika, Jurnieks, Bulduri and others. There are also more than 30 rest houses, including including the House of Creativity of the Art Fund of the USSR, the House of Creativity of Writers. Rainis and others. Every year, tens of thousands of workers rest and receive medical treatment on the seaside.

In the sanatoriums of the Riga seaside, diseases of the cardiovascular system, anemia that has arisen after blood loss, infectious diseases and on the basis of chronic diseases of various organs, functional diseases of the nervous system (neurasthenia, neurosis), etc. are treated. origin, treatment with mud and hydrogen sulfide waters of mineral springs is used. A new polyclinic with modern equipment has been built on the Riga seaside, a bioclimatic station and an agroclimatic pavilion are operating.

The Riga seashore provides ample opportunities for active recreation for tourists and "savages". There are many routes for walking tours and boat trips on the Lielupe, to Riga, to Lake Kisezers, etc.

The favorite places of hunters and fishermen are the arms and oxbow lakes at the mouth of the Lielupe and especially the lake Babite with an area of ​​26 square kilometers. On the coast there are sports bases and several boat stations. All-Union competitions in sailing, rowing and water-motor sports are held on the Lielupe.

The Riga seashore is one of the seaside climatic resorts of the temperate zone, and it is natural that its climatic conditions are an important part of the entire medical complex. The climate of the Riga seaside is semi-marine. Summers are relatively cool, winters are relatively mild. The warm period is especially favorable for climate treatment and relaxation. It starts in May. May is the driest and sunniest month of the year. During the month, the sun shines for 260 hours, and there are only four cloudy days. Clear days and days with partly cloudy are about 20 per month. Sunny dry weather is only occasionally replaced by relatively cold with northern winds, sometimes with frosts. Winds from the bay are generally frequent on the Riga coast, but there are places on the coast where the wind speed is significantly reduced. These are forested dunes and the streets of Jurmala stretched parallel to them. With an average air temperature in May of 11-12° during the daytime, it is in the range from 15 to 20° in half of all days of the month. The sea, however, is still cool in May, the water surface temperature during the day is only 10-12°, on clear days it rises to 13-14°. On such days, the temperature of the sand surface on the beach is 13-15° in the morning, and around noon it rises to 25-27°. In the second half of May, when bird cherry, lilac, apple and cherry trees bloom, the villages of Jurmala turn into a garden.

In June, during the daytime, the average air temperature is already 19-20°, while on half of all days of the month it is above 20°, and on some days even above 25°. The sun shines during the month for 270-280 hours, and there are only one or two days without sun in the summer. Throughout the summer, partly cloudy or partly cloudy weather prevails. During the day in clear weather, a light breeze blows from the bay, a sea breeze that improves well-being. Rains fall 10-12 times a month. However, summer rains are short-lived and the sun usually shines again in an hour or two. The sands of the seaside quickly absorb rainwater, so the streets and the beach dry out quickly even after heavy rains.

The temperature of the water surface near the coast in June, as a rule, is still low - in the morning it is usually 14-15 °, and in the daytime and evening it rises to 16-17 ° and only on some days it can be warmer - 20-22 °. The sand on the beach in June is already very hot. During the day in sunny weather, the temperature of its surface reaches 32-36°, and sometimes even exceeds 40°.

In July and August - the warmest months of the year - the best conditions for relaxing on the Riga coast. The average air temperature in these months is 16-17°, and in the daytime it is 21-23°, while in the afternoon on half of all days of the month it stays in the range from 20 to 25°, 5-7 days it is above 25°, and on some days and above 30°.

It is during these months, at the height of summer, that the swimming season unfolds on the seashore. The water temperature in the morning is 16-17°, on sunny days in the morning it rises to 18-19°, and in the afternoon and evening to 18-20°. On some days, when northern winds drive warm water from the surface of the bay to the coast, the water temperature near the coast can rise to 23-26 °. Swimming in such water is especially pleasant. The south wind, on the contrary, drives warm water away from the coast, and although the air is warmer on such days, the water near the coast usually remains cool, and sometimes its temperature drops to 8-10 °. The surface of the sand on sunny days heats up to 34-36g, and on the unforested southern slopes of foredunes - up to 45° and above.

In July-August, there is usually relatively much rain (13-14 days with rain per month). However, in about half of all cases, especially in August, it rains at night or early in the morning, and by noon the weather improves on the coast. The heat, sometimes felt on the beach, thanks to the sea breezes, does not tire. In addition, you can hide from the hot rays of the sun in the shade of the seaside forest. The air, especially in a pine forest, is highly ionized, saturated with the smell of pine needles and refreshingly clean.

September is quite often still warm and dry, it even happens that it turns out to be warmer than August. This month, the temperature of both air and water begins to decrease. The average air temperature in September is 12°, during the day it rises to 16°, and at this time of the day the temperature is from 15 to 20° (14 days) and only 6 days can it be above 20°.

The swimming season usually ends in mid-September.

Although there are not as many sunny days on the Riga coast as in the Crimea or the Caucasus, the summers here are still quite warm.

The climate of the Riga seaside hardens and trains the human body.

A small difference between the temperatures of day and night, frequent, albeit slight, fluctuations in temperature and air humidity from day to day have a beneficial effect on the entire body, they improve blood circulation, metabolism, and increase the tone of the nervous system. The resistance of a person to colds also increases.

Sea bathing, air and sunbathing, gymnastics, sleeping in the fresh air improve overall health, strengthen the nervous system, give strength and energy.

Riga is a symbiosis of modernity and antiquity. City of old European traditions. Among the Baltic capitals, it is famous for its interesting architecture of a mixture of styles. The wars did not affect the ancient buildings, you can spend hours admiring the historical heritage of the ancestors of the central part of the city.

A bit of history

The city, since the 13th century, has been a famous cultural and commercial center. The main population for centuries up to the 20th century was the Germans, who left a strong imprint on the culture and mentality of the modern population of Riga. The vicissitudes of modern migration created the conditions for the emergence of a multinational composition of residents in the capital of Latvia. The confluence of cultures has also influenced the mood of the city, but German remains the main contributor.

How to get there

Riga is located in the central part of Europe, near the coast of the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea. The river Daugava (Western Dvina, renamed in Latvia) flows through the city. The historical center is located on the right bank of the Daugava.

The city has excellent transport routes. The railway station is a junction station in the center of the capital of Latvia, providing communication with any city, there are direct routes from Moscow. Despite the comfort of branded carriages, the fare has become prohibitively high, so many city guests prefer to travel by air. The airport is located in the suburbs, at a close distance, it is not difficult to get from there. In addition to taxis, public transport functions well, fares are paid in euros.

Weather

The city is located close to the coast of the bay, which affects the climate of the city. There are no sharp fluctuations in temperature, but the climate is close to temperate continental. There is little precipitation, the summer is not hot, the temperature rarely rises above + 250C, winters are with a slight frost. The swimming season on the coast opens in mid-June. The best time to travel is the middle of summer. This is also emphasized by the large number of beau monde gathering at this time in Riga and surrounding areas.

Where to stay

The city welcomes guests with a large number of hotels; there are 260 hotels in Riga. Main class 4-5 stars. There is a sufficient number of free places, but in the best hotels it is better to book rooms in advance. Popular are Wellton Elefant, a new hotel in 2012, located on the highway from the airport to Old Riga, the Islande hotel, located in the center on Kipsala Island, a former student town, as well as a boutique hotel in an old building Wellton Gertrude, a great place to stay with the whole family close to the famous Latvian National Opera next to Old Riga.

What to see

During the beach season it is interesting to visit the coast. Few people know that, in addition to the Jurmala direction, there is a resort area in the direction of Vecaki, where many summer cottages of famous people are located. The entire coast is provided with infrastructure, there are many interesting cafes, open areas for recreation with tea drinking and various places for recreation. Here you will not hear impolite treatment, as tourists are respected for their ability to generate income.

The coast is a paradise for middle-aged people or families with small children. There is also a lot of entertainment for young people, but this age is more characterized by expression, which is lacking in the measured rhythm of the resort area. Young creatures prefer to rest mainly in Riga itself.

The city has many attractions. In addition to just sightseeing tours, you can visit the Dome Cathedral, a huge number of museums located in the city center, as well as medieval castles, located no more than two hours from Riga.

The city is visited by people of all ages. Someone is attracted by nostalgia, someone wants to see the famous city live. Calm and measured, worthy to look at him. With all the recent belonging to a large country, the tourist must remember that now it is a foreign state, and the native Latvians are distrustful of the citizens of another state. Under the guise of European benevolence, one can consider the unwillingness to communicate. It is better to rely on your own strength, stock up on guidebooks and euros.