Latvia’s Natural Beauty Beyond the Capital

Found in the middle of the Baltic, Latvia is an undiscovered jewel that tends to be ignored by its European neighbors. Although the capital, Riga, is a delightful mix of medieval buildings, an active nightlife and a cultural heritage, Latvia is all about its undiscovered countryside, green forests, calm lakes and sandy beaches. Adventure enthusiasts, nature aficionados and people who want to find their inner peace will discover that Latvia has so much more to offer than just Riga's sprawling. 

Latvia would be such a destination because it would offer an offbeat European experience to Indian travelers. It has never been so easy to visit this beautiful country in the Baltic region with simplified requirements to obtain a Latvia Visa online. Be it a hiking trip through the thick pine forests or the white sand beaches of the Baltic Sea, the natural beauty of Latvia is the most unforgettable way and means of escaping the stress of urban life. 

1. Gauja National Park Latvian Green Heart 

The Gauja National Park is considered to be the oldest and the largest national park in Latvia, known as the Switzerland of Latvia. This is a huge area of natural beauty situated northeast of Riga, covering more than 90,000 hectares of land and filled with spectacular sandstone cliffs, caves, and forests. The Gauja River flows along the park and provides kayaking, canoeing, and hiking along the river banks. The main attractions are medieval Turaida Castle, Gutmanis Cave (the largest cave of Latvia) and woodland landscapes. 

2. Kemeri National Park- The Land of Sulfur Springs and Swamps 

Kemeri National Park is a biodiverse ecosystem located in a short drive west of Riga. The park has vast bogs, sulfur springs and wooden boardwalks which enable tourists to visit the wetlands without destroying the fragile environment. The Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk is particularly well frequented in the morning at sunrise when the bog is covered in mist, producing a mystical scenery. This park will be a dream for the birdwatchers because there are numerous rare species such as cranes and eagles and storks. 

3. The Baltic Sea Coast - the White Sand and the Coastal Charm 

Latvia has more than 500 km of the Baltic Sea coast and most of it is still intact and pristine. Jurmala is a popular beach with resorts and wooden villas, and the Cape Kolka where the Gulf of Riga flows into the open Baltic Sea. But to the peaceful mind, the Pape Nature Park and the Vidzeme Seashore will present long belts of deserted white-sand beaches, with a background of pine trees and dunes. 

4. Latgale Land of the Blue Lakes 

Latgale, in the eastern part of Latvia, is commonly known as the Land of Blue Lakes. This lesser-known area is scattered with hundreds of glacial lakes, the most famous of them, Lake Razna, is the second largest in the country. The region provides a peaceful rural setting, which is ideal for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The culture and craft centre Latgale in Livani exhibits local traditional pottery and crafts, and old wooden churches and homesteads in the countryside provide insight into the rich Latvian heritage. When you are applying for a Latvia visa in India, make sure to include Latgale in your travel itinerary as a peaceful countryside escape. 

5. Slītere National Park- Forests and the Sea 

Sliteres National Park, a gem of eco-tourism, is hidden in the northwest corner of Latvia. The park is also unique due to the presence of both broadleaf forests and coniferous forests, coastal cliffs and ancient fishing villages. Take the Slītere Blue Trail or climb the Slītere Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the Baltic coast. It is also a Baltic migratory bird flyway, which makes the region another birdwatching hotspot. Silent and secluded, Slītere is the place to have a restful experience of nature that is not easy to enjoy in Europe. 

6. Cesis - an Entrance to Nature and the Middle Ages 

The town of Cesis is not a pure natural destination; however, it is the ideal combination of nature and culture. Located close to the Gauja National Park, it is a small medieval town with cobbled streets, ancient castles and vibrant arts. It is located here that you can conveniently get access to hiking and cycling paths in nearby forests and river valleys. Cesis is also the place of a number of nature-friendly festivals and outdoor concerts in summer, which makes it a good starting point for green travelers. 

7. Kemeri Bog at Dawn- Nature in Action 

When you are a morning person, you will be pleased to watch the sunrise in the Ķemeri Bog. The reflections of the colors in the bog pools, the outline of the old trees and the songs of the awakening birds form an atmosphere of calm and even spirituality. The wild bogland of Latvia is one of the most fantastic and bewitching landscapes in Europe. 

Conclusion 

Latvia is not a mere Riga. The country has a rich variety of natural sceneries, mostly unexplored, such as the winding rivers of Gauja National Park, the calm blue lakes of Latgale, and many others. Be it hiking, photography, bird watching or just relaxing in a peaceful environment, Latvia has what it takes to satisfy every nature lover. 

In case you are planning your European getaway, this is the best time to apply Latvia visa online and explore the secrets of the places outside the capital of Latvia. Indian tourists have an easy time getting a Latvia visa in India and the benefits are enormous, landscapes, nature and the local have been preserved and you are welcome.