REGIONS OF LATVIA
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KURZEME
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West Latvia
Kurzeme’s (Courland) cultural and historic heritage is as colourful as
the long woolen skirts of the Suiti womenfolk, and as diverse as the
natural surroundings of the Liiv-inhabited Baltic Sea coast. Come see
for yourself!
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Vidzeme
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North Latvia
Rocky coastline, hills, gorges and valleys, lush locales along the banks of the Gauja River – these are just some of the unforgettable features of Vidzeme Province, which covers the central and northern parts of Latvia. Why not get to know Vidzeme by boat, bicycle or during a good concert at the outdoor Sigulda Castle stage or the new, modern Vidzeme Concert Hall in charming Cēsis. Vidzeme is a perfect place for those hungry for the more extreme kinds of recreation - it is a treasure trove for nature lovers, aficionados of art and life!
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Latgale
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East Latvia
Latgale is the only region in Latvia that has its own language that is
still widely used, as well as a dominating religion - Catholicism. The
language and religion determine to a great extent the different
mentality and strong traditions of Latgalians.
Latgale is often called the "Land of Blue Lakes". In the area between
Aglona, Krāslava and Ezernieki, the largest number of lakes in Latvia
are congregated. Several of the lakes are interconnected, and boaters
have grown to like the route from Lake Drīdža to Lake Jazinkas during
which you will cross a total of five lakes.
The Daugava old valley "Daugavas loki"
nature park extends from Krāslava to Daugavpils, and tourist and nature
trails have been created along the steep, picturesque banks that lead
visitors around and over old Latvian castle mounds.
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Zemgale
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South Latvia
The largest part of Zemgale is flat, which makes it different from the
other regions that have both uplands and deep river valleys. Zemgale
boasts one of the most fertile grain fields in Northern Europe,
something that has ensured the prosperity of the region for many
successive centuries.
The largest part of Zemgale is flat, which makes it different from
the other regions that have both uplands and deep river valleys. Zemgale
boasts one of the most fertile grain fields in Northern Europe,
something that has ensured the prosperity of the region for many
successive centuries.
Zemgale’s castles and manor houses offer an opportunity to see the
remaining evidence of luxury and prosperity of older times. And it is
Zemgale in which is located one particularly significant baroque
architecture monument - Rundāle Palace.
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