A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Bewitching Latvia

Latvia is one of the three Baltic countries of the world, located in the eastern Baltic Sea. Sandwiched between the other Baltic sisters, Lithuania and Estonia, Latvia boasts of an ancient culture, pristine beauty and breathtaking adventures. The country is a colorful mix of long blue coastlines, dense green forests and classic wooden architecture, which is bound to win over any tourist's heart.

Why Visit Latvia

Having attained independent status from the Soviet rule only over two decades ago, Latvia embraces a regional diversity, which is interesting to explore. The contrasting culture offers visitors pleasant surprises in the form of street ballets, folk festivals and vibrant nightlife.

If your ideal vacation includes relaxing on a beach, combing nature's trails and imbibing a rich heritage, all at one destination, then Latvia is where you should head.

When to Visit

Every season in Latvia has something to offer its visitors. Relax on the sandy beaches in the summer or stroll through the countryside to see the spring colors. Enjoy the short spells of rain in autumn, when the red-and-yellow forests lend a visual treat. Skiing, skating, and other sports await you in the white winter.

If you are looking for fine weather, spring and summer are the best times to visit Latvia. However, the climate here can give you surprises, with sudden changes. Therefore, it is best to carry warm clothes on your trip, irrespective of the season. Winters are enchanting with frozen rivers and lakes, since the temperatures can go as low as -30o C, and there is a festive spirit in the air.

The peak tourist season in Latvia is from April to September, which is also the period when summer is at its peak. Tourists throng the city streets during this time, so if you are looking for something quieter, you could explore the quaint countryside. The pleasant weather brings with it flocks of migratory birds and flowers in full bloom, bringing to life the rural landscapes.

Schengen Visa for Latvia

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Latvia. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa.

Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India.

Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

The only international airport in the country is in the capital city of Riga. While there are no direct flights from India to Latvia, you can opt for flights from Delhi, with one or two stopovers. Some airlines have flights to Lithuania, which has two international airports, Kaunas and Vilnius. From here, you can hop on the Flybus, a shuttle service that operates between Kaunas, Vilnius and Riga airports, to get to Riga city.

Alternatively, you can travel by train from Moscow or Saint Petersburg in Russia, to Riga, which takes about 16 hours. These trains are in operation under the Latvian Railways. There are several luxury buses that ply between the Baltic countries and Russia. This is a great travel option, as you can enjoy the scenery on your way.

You can travel by car to Riga, by taking the Via Baltica, the road between Poland and the Baltic countries. However, travelers should remember that it is compulsory for vehicles in Baltic countries to have a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.

Bus and taxi services are available at the airport, which you can use to travel to the city or surrounding towns. The Latvian Railways is an excellent option, to travel from one city to the other. Trains run between Riga and most major cities and towns, such as Jelgava, Daugavpils and Sigulda.

You can also rent cars or bikes, or opt for walking tours, to explore Latvia.

Where to Stay

Latvia offers several options such as hotels, hostels or guesthouses, based on your range. A great option is to stay in caravans at assigned campsites, where you can admire the countryside by night.

Things to Do

For the enthusiastic traveler, Latvia is a goody bag of delights. Experience the following, on your visit there:

• Architectural diversity
  Latvia boasts of a rich culture, which is reflected in the architecture of the country. The small, traditional wooden houses in the rural countryside contrast the large block structures from the Soviet era. The churches, city halls and memorials that dot the country speak of the glories of the Renaissance period.
  Explore the winding cobbled streets as you visit the Old City of Riga, or enjoy the breathtaking view of the city from the St. Peters Church tower. Visit the Turaida Castle, Cesvaine Castle and Ludza Castle to learn the tales of grandeur and conquest. The House of Blackheads is worth visiting after sundown, for its architectural marvel and lighting. Apart from these, there are several museums and ruins in Latvia, which offer a slice of the country's history.
• Nature's tranquility
  Latvia is nature's paradise, with its mosaic of vast forests, gushing waterfalls and undisturbed coastlines. It has a history that encourages conservation, resulting in several national parks and nature reserves across the country.
  Enjoy the rich biodiversity at the Gauja National Park, a major part of which is located in the valley of the Gauja River. Visit the Gutmanis cave at Sigulda, a small town about 53 kms from Riga. The town has many hiking trails and is picturesque.
  If the greenery is not enough to satiate your eyes, visit the white sandy beaches, which run uninterrupted for almost 500 kms. Jūrmala beach is popular among them.
• Adventurous activities
  Based on the season, Latvia has an array of activities to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Summer and spring are ideal for treks and trails on the hill slopes, while winter finds these covered in snow and ready for skiing, skating and husky sledding. Kayak and canoe rides are available on certain rivers, where you can unwind and enjoy the scenery, as you paddle across the waters!
• Cultural kaleidoscope
  Music, theatre and literature form an important part of the fabric of Latvian culture. The traditions continue to be preserved, through street performances, festivals and rituals held throughout the year. Winter solstice and summer solstice are celebrated with great fervor, and the festivities include lighting bonfires and singing folk songs.

Do's & Don'ts in Latvia

Whether you are going for business or vacation, here are a few pointers to follow, to make your stay at Latvia enjoyable:

• Be careful of your belongings, especially handbags, wallets, mobile phones, etc. while walking through crowded areas. Pickpockets are common at spots where tourists throng.
• While you enjoy the nightlife at Latvia, be wary of the restaurants or pubs you visit. In case you left your drink unattended for a while, it is best to replace it, since it might be spiked.
• Several frauds have been reported at restaurants, so be cautious while handling your bankcard to make payments.
• Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in the Old Town area, where the streets are usually deserted.
• Hire taxis from reliable sources. You could request your hotel for the same, since taxi drivers sometimes overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Make your stay at Latvia more pleasurable with a travel insurance plan for you and your dear ones.

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