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established to disseminate knowledge about Latvia abroad.

It produces publications, in several languages, on many aspects of Latvia.

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the Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country, or the Latvian Institute:
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 Latvia is among the few countries left in the world
where natural ecosystems, largely untouched by man, still thrive
The country that we call Latvia today has long in half of its territory. It is a haven for the tourist who seeks to
attracted foreigners – at first, invaders of all experience a land where nature and tradition have coexisted
kinds and later travellers and adventure seekers. in harmony from time immemorial.
For example, since the 1830s the region sur-
rounding the city of Sigulda has been called
the “Switzerland of Vidzeme” by German travellers who compared the sandstone banks
of the old Gauja River valley with those of the river Elba in Saxony.
Unfortunately, in the 20th century Latvia suffered through two world wars, and from
1940 until 1991 it was occupied and isolated behind the Iron Curtain by the Soviet
Union. As a result, Latvia has been relegated to a “blank spot” on modern European and
world tourist maps. Today, this largely unknown land is waiting to be discovered, ready
to be revealed as the colourful mosaic that is Latvia.
NATURE DIVERSITY
Where else can one find greater diversity? In Latvia you will
find primordial wilderness areas characteristic of Scandinavia,
a rich cultural heritage comparable to Central Europe
and a countryside of
pastoral serenity.
Latvia is a land of
diverse terrain where
plains alternate with
hillocks and river
valleys. It is stately
forests, broad mires
and clear waters. It is meadows, fields, groves, gardens and parks. Together,
these features form a unique mosaic that is the landscape of Latvia. It is a
haven for the tourist, who loves nature,
respects tradition and has an interest in the
culture of the local
inhabitants. It is a
place for those
who enjoy social
interaction and value the sense of achievement that Latvia’s legendary river Daugava – an ancient trading route
comes from an active approach to relaxation. 2 /3 from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea.
THE GREEN HEART OF EUROPE
If the territory of Latvia were magically transported to the heart of
Western Europe, and the “blank spot” filled with its natural colours,
what would be the result? We would see a territory resembling a nature
preserve or national park, surrounded by the highly urbanised landscape
of modern Europe. Few countries remain in the world where ecosystems are
largely untouched by man, where forests, marshes,
lakes and rivers have developed over the centuries at
their own pace with minimal human interference and
where pristine sandy beaches
stretch for 200 km, unspoiled by
resorts, restaurants or hordes of holidaymakers. Nowhere
else in Europe will you find such a large population of the
black stork and the lesser-spotted eagle. The density of
these rare species is among the largest in Europe. Within
64,589 sq. km of territory, you will find hundreds of wolves and lynxes, 4,000
otters and 100,000 beavers. Two world wars
and a brutal communist regime exacted a
heavy price on human life throughout Latvia,
leaving a present-day population density of 37
inhabits per 1 sq. km. But nature has thrived, Sandstone cliffs – a hint of “mountainous” elements
filling the gap left by the horrors of war. 4 /5 in Latvia’s otherwise largely level landscape.
B E T W E E N E A S T A N D W E S T, N O R T H A N D S O U T H
But Latvia remains where it is – on the east coast of
the Baltic Sea, in a transitional climatic zone. The
coastal climate of western Latvia modulates into the
continental climate of eastern
Latvia. It is a natural crossroads
for people, flora and fauna.
Latvia’s geographic position
alongside the Baltic Sea has
fostered unique conditions where northern-southern and
western-eastern vegetation can be found flourishing side by
side. Of the 1,304 indigenous flowering plant and fern
species in Latvia, several hundred grow on or near Latvia’s
borders. Similar patterns can be found in the animal kingdom.
As a result, almost anywhere you look you will find plant and
animal species characte-
ristic of various geographic
regions growing in one place. In Latvian forests
you can find the typically “western” cross-
leaved heath, as well as the “eastern” broad-
leaved cinna, the “northern” flying squirrel and Ancient oaks –
the “southern” fat (edible) dormouse. 6 /7 a typical feature of the Latvian landscape.
FORESTS
Latvian forests are located in a mixed forest zone consisting of northern coni-
ferous and southern deciduous trees. You will find a pine forest next to a linden
tree forest and a diverse spectrum of other species throughout. Because of the
unique climate and terrain, nearly one quarter of Latvia’s forests grow on wet-
lands. Many plant and animal species that can sur-
vive only in constant habitats have found a home
here. The existence of the wetland forests ensures a
high standard of biological diversity. Several of
Latvia’s forests meet the criteria
for a natural forest. Latvia’s
forests also afford a rich supply of
berries, wild strawberries, blue-
berries, raspberries and logan-
berries. The berry-picking season
lasts from late June until late
September. It is also the time for
gathering mushrooms. The most popular mushrooms are the edible boletus,
orange cap boletus, chanterelles and rusulla. If in the 1930s Latvia was known
for its butter and bacon exports, then today it is known for its export of
chanterelles. Apart from clearly marked private lands, the wealth of Latvia’s A characteristic feature of Latvia’s coast –
forests, berries, mushrooms and hazelnuts is accessible to anyone. 8 /9 slender Riga pines.
THE SEACOST
The sea and coastal zone, which stretches 497 kilometres
along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, is an important
part of the Latvian landscape. Sand dunes of up to 36
metres, sandy beaches, rivers and their estuaries, forests,
marshes and lakes form a continuous ecosystem that has
developed as a result of the interaction between the land
and sea. During the 50-year Soviet occupation, most of
the coast was a restricted area because it was considered
a frontier zone; thus, commercial and recreational activi-
ty within this
area was restric-
ted. Today, this
zone is still home to picturesque fish-
ing villages that appear to have

stepped out of a page in histo-

ry. These villages were originally
settled by the Livs, an ancient
Finno-Ugric tribe that lived
along the Baltic coast. 10 / 11 Latvia has preserved its traditional fishing culture.
Coastal fishing traditions are an Unique natural areas
essential part of Latvian culture. have survived in coastal lowlands,
A fishing expedition with local one of these being
fisherman, including preparation Pape Lake
of the catch, can be an unforget- and its surrounding environment.
table experience. It is a typical 1,200-ha coastal lake.
The fragrance of Rare species of birds, such as the
smoked fish is bearded tit, common and little bittern,
the unmistakable the corncrake, the hen harrier, the little
calling card of a and spotted crake, nest in the lake and
coastal fishing its surroundings. The lake and the
village. nearby Nida mire are important
The small har- stopovers for bean and white-fronted
bours that were goose and curlews during migration.
neglected during The lakeshore boasts one of the few
the Soviet era are bird-watching towers in Latvia.
once again com- Every year millions of land-dwelling
ing to life and birds and thousands of migratory bats
await yachtsmen. By sailing travel through the strip of dry land between Pape Lake
from harbour to harbour, it is and the Baltic Sea.
possible to traverse nearly half Jürkalne (in English: “sea-mountain”) – a place where
of Latvia. 12 / 13 the sea invades the land.
MIRES
Compared to other European countries, mires
take up a significant proportion of Latvia. 4.9%
of Latvia’s territory consists of open marshes.
About 50% of the mires are largely
undisturbed by human activity. Within
this territory there are more than 20 pro-
tected plant species. At least 15 species
of birds nest in mires and marshlands,
including the crane, golden plover, black
grouse, whimbrel, merlin and peregrine.
During periods of bird migration, the
mires are important
resting-places for cranes and
geese. There are 10 protected
insect species and a rare spe-
cies of snail. Mires
and marshes are also
highly valued by berry pickers for the
wide range of berries that grow there,
including cranberries, cloudberries, cow-
berries and bilberries.
Teiçi State Reserve.
It covers an area of 19,337 ha and is the
largest protected mire in the Baltic.
A raised bog covers the larger part of the
territory, but there are also
19 lakes, bog pools, mineral
soil islands, fens, swamps,
and natural meadows.
The most intensive peat
creation process in Latvia
can be observed here.
It also has the largest con-
centration of pre-migratory
cranes in Latvia. An ancient Russian village
of Russian Old Believers (people who hold
to the Russian Orthodox, as well as old
pagan, beliefs) still exists on
one of the marsh islands.
The mire can be entered only in
the company of a guide.
Tîre¬purvs and many other Latvian mires are accessible
14 / 15 only to the most adventurous visitors.
LAKES AND RIVERS
Latvia has over 12,500 rivers that stretch for 38,000
kilometres, as well as 2,256 lakes that are bigger
than 1 ha, with a collective area of 1,000 sq. km.
Eastern Latvia,
where many of
these lakes are
found, is known as “the Land of the Blue Lakes”.
Nearly all inland waters are pollution-free and
ideally suited for swimming and fishing.

Although some of Latvia’s rivers have had their courses straightened, most
large- and medium-sized rivers retain their natural contours. As a result, their
banks are home to such now rare European wildlife as otter, beaver and com- Early morning by the riverside.
mon kingfisher. 16 / 17 Imagine the song of the nightingale’s trill!
Latvia is one of the few
places in the Baltic Sea
region where natural
salmon spawning areas
still remain. There are
plenty of rivers suitable
for canoeing and rafting.

Gauja National Park.

The Gauja, Latvia’s longest river, is extremely popular
with tourists because none of its 452 kilometres has been changed from its original course.
For 85 kilometres the Gauja flows through an old valley that is the
heart of the Gauja National Park. Nowhere else in Latvia will you
find so many steep banks, ravines, streams, sandstone and dolomite
cliffs, and caves as in the old valley of the Gauja River with its
tributaries. Like other national parks in the east of the Baltics, the
Gauja National Park includes natural territories relatively untouched
by man, as well as historic rural landscapes and important ancient
monuments. The park also offers walking trails, observation points,
rest areas, well-established camping facilities, car parks, cafes,
various types of tourist cabins, information centres and The old valley of the Gauja –
the services of knowledgeable guides. 18 / 19 the most popular tourist site in Latvia.
RURAL FARMS
The soul of Latvia is revealed in the typical rural farmyard, where one lives in har-
mony with nature’s laws and rhythms. It is a place where ancient traditions are
respected and annual festivals are joyously celebrated. On Lîgo eve (Summer sol-
stice) the traditional bonfire is lit in
almost every farm. Lîgotåji (the cele-
brants of the festival) who, during the
day have gathered colourful Jåñu zåles
(field flowers), head off in pairs to
seek the legendary secret fern blos-
som that blooms only once a year on
this night. The single-family farm is an integral part of the
Latvian landscape. Many still look just as they did centuries ago. The Latvian
landscape is also unimaginable without its stately old trees; oaks that are sev-
eral hundred years old can be found in farmyards, as well as in the fields. Here
as well, Latvia has become home to
9,000 – 10,000 pairs of white storks.
Today, an increasing number of farmers
are opening their farms to tourists.
More than 140 farms offer bed-and-
breakfast services and a variety of Latvia – a land where picturesque landscapes
leisure activities. 20 / 21 greet the traveller at every turn.
PROTECTED NATURE AREAS
Latvia has a long tradition of nature conservation. The first
laws and regulations concerning the use of forests were passed
as early as the 1500s and 1600s. In the 1800s an effort was
made to reforest the Baltic coastal
dunes and the Gulf of Riga. In the
1900s proposals for conservation
areas were initiated. The first pro-
tected area in Latvia was in the
Kurzeme region – Moricsala, an
island in Usma Lake.
At present 8.5% of
Latvian natural territo-
ries are protected by
law. There are 4 state
reserves, 3 national
parks, 22 nature parks,
211 nature reserves, 6
protected landscape
areas, and 1 biosphere reserve. Together, these pla-
ces make up Latvia’s natural heritage; they are ready
to offer the keen ecotourist a wealth of experience. 22 / 23 emeri National Park – wetland forest paradise.
 π The Latvian Institute, 2001
Text: Valdis Pilåts
Layout: Uldis Sosnovskis
English translation: Aija Ozoliña, Måra Priedkalne
Chief Editor: Raimonds Cerüzis
Latvia has a wealth of springs – Editors: Ieva Pîgozne, Juris Sma¬inskis
Photographers: R.Cerüzis, A.Eglîtis, M.Kundziñß, A.Linarts, A.Meiers, J.Pîgoznis, V.Pilåts,
a treasured source of pure drinking water. I.Prédelis, E.Véveris, J.Zalåns