Letland - Latvia

Letland (Lets: Letland) is een van die drie Baltiese state in Europa.Die grootste reisbestemming in die land is die hoofstad Riga, waarvan die ou stad 'n Wêreld-erfenis gebied. Daar is baie ander wonderlike plekke om te sien, beide stedelik en landelik. Die ongerepte seekus van Letland is 'n unieke bioom van 500 km lank, wat hoofsaaklik bestaan ​​uit leë strande, witste sagte sand, duine bedek met dennebome, sanderige kranse en dennebosse. Woude beslaan ongeveer die helfte van Letland se grondgebied en is die tuiste van baie natuurroetes, natuurparke en natuurreservate. Die stad van Liepāja met sy manjifieke strand en die unieke voorheen geheime militêre woonbuurt Karosta, Kuldiga met Europa se breedste waterval, en Cēsis met sy middeleeuse kasteelruïnes is slegs enkele van die verskillende besienswaardighede.

Verstaan

Letland was 'n beroemde antieke handelspunt. Die beroemde roete van die Vikings na die Grieke wat in antieke kronieke genoem word, strek vanaf Skandinawië deur Lets gebied, langs die rivier Daugava, tot by die Kiëf-Roes en die Bisantynse ryk. Oor die hele Europese vasteland was die kus van Letland bekend as 'n plek vir die verkryging van amber wat gedurende die Middeleeue op baie plekke meer werd was as goud. Letse barnsteen was bekend op plekke so ver as Antieke Griekeland en die Romeinse Ryk. In die 12de eeu het Duitse handelaars daar aangekom en sendelinge saamgebring wat gepoog het om die heidense Finno-Oegriese en Baltiese stamme tot die Christelike geloof te bekeer. Die Duitsers stig Riga in 1201, wat dit die grootste en magtigste stad aan die oostelike kus van die Oossee maak.

Nadat hulle in 1918 onafhanklikheid verkry het, behaal Letland aansienlike resultate in sosiale ontwikkeling, ekonomie, nywerheid en landbou. Op 16 Junie 1940 het die Sowjet-minister van Buitelandse Sake, Vyacheslav Molotov, die Letse verteenwoordiger in Moskou 'n ultimatum gestel en Letland daarvan beskuldig dat hy 'n ooreenkoms oortree het en 'n sameswering teen die Sowjetunie gehad het. Die Sowjet-magte het Letland kort daarna binnegeval en 'People's Government' is gevorm om 'n wettige steun te bied vir 'n volledige oorname, gevolg deur Letland wat op 5 Augustus 1940 in die Sowjetunie opgeneem is. Nazi-Duitsland beset die land die volgende jaar en regeer Letland tot die Sowjet-rooi leër het die land in 1944 weer beset. Beide Nazi-Duitsland en die USSR onder Stalin was uiters wreed en moorddadig tydens hul bewind: die Nazi's en hul plaaslike medewerkers het meer as 90 000 Letties vermoor, waaronder 75 000 Lettiese Jode, terwyl die Sowjets, wat ook 'n plaaslike medewerkers, gooi meer as 90 000 Lette in Siberiese Gulags, waarvan baie nooit weer teruggekeer het nie, en duisende plaaslik gearresteer, terwyl baie geskiet of gemartel is.

Gedurende die tyd van die ystergordyn, toe Letland 'n provinsie van die Sowjetunie was, was die konsentrasie van die swaar nywerheid enorm. Al die kontakte met die Weste was gedurende daardie tydperk sterk gereguleer, en almal wat moontlik kontak met enigiemand in die buiteland gehad het, kan beskuldig word van sameswering teen die staat. Die Baltiese streek het die reputasie gehad dat hy die hoogste geletterdheidskoers gehad het en dat hy die verstedelikste in die Sowjetunie was. Gedurende die Sowjet-era is die Russiese minderheid (minder as 10% van die bevolking voor die besetting) aangevul deur swaar immigrasie uit ander Sowjetrepublieke, veral Rusland.

Na 1990 was daar 'n begeerte van Lets om van alles Russies ontslae te raak: slegs Lets is 'n amptelike taal en 60% van die skoolklasse moet selfs in Russies-medium skole in Lets gehou word. Alhoewel baie etniese Russe geëmigreer het, is daar nog baie en hulle bied 'n unieke geval van burgerskapwet wat slegs weerspieël word deur die situasie in die ander Baltiese state. Mense wat nie afstam van mense wat voor die Sowjet-besetting burgers was nie en wat nie genasionaliseer is nie, word amptelik as 'nie-burgers' geklassifiseer. Dit is 'n kategorie wat verskil van staatloosheid: hulle kry paspoorte (met die veld "nasionaliteit" gevul met die letter x), en hulle het die onbeperkte reg om in Letland te woon, maar kan nie in verkiesings stem of sekere staatsdiensfunksies beklee nie. Afgesien van die onwilligheid om Lets te leer en onderwerp te word aan die nasionaliseringstoets (wat kennis vereis van die Lettiese geskiedenis en 'n sekere aanvaarding van die Letsiese aanpak van dinge), is nie-burgers ook geneig om hul vreemde limbo-status as 'n Lettiese nie- burgerpaspoort laat visumvrye reis na Rusland toe, terwyl 'n Letse burgerpaspoort dit nie doen nie. Alhoewel 'n 90-dae Schengen-visum by aankoms sonder aankondiging aan houers van nie-burgerlike paspoorte toegestaan ​​word, kan hulle egter nie gebruik maak van die reg van die EU se vryheid van beweging nie. Veral die jong geslag (wat baie meer weswaarts kyk as ooswaarts), doen toenemend aansoek om nasionalisering. Tog is die Russiese minderheid 'n sterk faktor in die kultuur en politiek van die land, en Daugavpils, die tweede grootste stad, het 'n etniese Russiese meerderheid.

As gevolg van die stamverlede en deur die jare heen verdeeldheid tussen besettende lande, is daar streeksverskille tussen dele van Letland wat interessant kan wees om te verken.

Ekonomie

Letland herwin sy onafhanklikheid op 21 Augustus 1991. Tussen 1991 en 2007 het die land ongekende ekonomiese groei geniet. Die wêreldwye resessie en die finansiële krisis het Letland hard getref in 2008, wat ernstige ekonomiese inkrimping en hoë werkloosheidskoerse meegebring het. Dit het tot 2017 geduur voordat die land se ekonomie ten volle herstel het.

As gevolg van verbeterde ekonomie en groei, was daar baie omset in winkels. As u 'n winkel, kafee of restaurant wil besoek wat u miskien al baie jare gelede besoek het, is die moontlikheid dat die ondernemer nie sake doen nie of 'n ander onderneming verander, veral in Riga. Pryse op plaaslik vervaardigde produkte het sedert die invoering van die euro in 2014 sterk gestyg.

Klimaat

Die beste tyd om na Letland te reis, is gedurende die somer, van Junie tot vroeg in September, want dit is warm gedurende daardie tydperk (ongeveer 15 ° C tot 20 ° C) en daar is verskillende plaaslike voedsel beskikbaar. Alhoewel die begin van Desember gewoonlik sag is met 'n temperatuur wat bo vriespunt bly, kan sneeuval gedurende die winterseisoen, Januarie en Februarie verwag word, en die temperatuur kan vir kort tydperke tot ongeveer -30 ° C daal. Springs en herfs is redelik sag.

Aardrykskunde

Die helfte van Letland is bedek met woude wat ryk is aan wild. Daar is ook baie klein mere versprei oor die land, veral in die suidoostelike Latgale-streek. Valleie wat deur riviere gekerf word, kan gesien word met dele met sandkranse aan hul oewer. Aangesien die swaar nywerheid 'n ruk gelede gestaak is, is die meeste plekke ekologies skoon.

Letland is oor die algemeen plat en het nie hoë berge soos in die Alpe gesien nie. Die hoogste punt in Letland is Gaizinkalns, met 'n hoogtepunt van 312 m (1.023 voet) bo seespieël, net wes van die stad Madona in Sentraal-Letland.

Streke

Daar is verskillende amptelike en nie-amptelike maniere waarop die land in streke verdeel word. Meestal word Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Zemgale en Latgale as die belangrikste streke geskei. Riga, wat andersins as 'n deel van Vidzeme beskou word, word dikwels in 'n aparte streek verdeel deur stadsgrense of deur die grense van die Riga-beplanningsstreek, wat 'n groter omgewing insluit.

Alhoewel die sosiale en kulturele verskille tussen die streke van Letland nie groot is nie, bestaan ​​dit steeds. 'N Voorbeeld hiervan is die Latgale-streek, wat vir etlike eeue op grens, kultureel, godsdienstig en taalgewys, van die res van Letse streke geskei is.

Die meeste inwoners sal aanneem dat daar gepraat word van die stad Riga en die voorstede in plaas van die groter amptelike beplanningsstreek as die Riga-streek genoem word.

Stede

• 56.947524.1069444444441 Riga - Die hoofstad van Letland en die Europese hoofstad van kultuur in 2014 met 'n lang geskiedenis.
• 57.15388888888924.8544444444442 Sigulda - 'n Stad in Sentraal-Letland met baie interessante kastele en historiese besienswaardighede. Waarskynlik die gewildste bestemming vir buitelandse toeriste buite Riga, ook vanweë die nabyheid daarvan.
• 57.31305555555625.2747222222223 Cēsis - Een van die land se oudste dorpe. Dit het 'n indrukwekkende kasteelkompleks van oorsprong uit die Livonian-orde, 'n bekoorlike middestad met 'n paar geplaveide strate en historiese houtgeboue.
• 56.96823.770384 Jūrmala - 'n Gewilde vakansie-en-oordoord met houthuise net wes van Riga, wat beweer dat hulle die langste strand in Noord-Europa het. Baie gewild onder Russiese en ander Oos-Europese toeriste.
• 55.87138888888926.5161111111115 Daugavpils - Die tweede grootste stad in Letland, naas Riga. Dit is 'n heerlike, bekoorlike, ruim, groen stad met die grootste vesting in Europa, wat baie oorloë deurstaan ​​het en feitlik onveranderd gebly het sedert dit in die 19de eeu gebou is.
• 57.38972222222221.5644444444446 Ventspils - 'n Moderne en artistieke see-oordstad in die noordwestelike deel van Letland, het baie dinge om te sien en is een van die netjiesste plekke in die streek. 'N Langgestrekte strand en ontspanningspark bied alles vir 'n ontspannende vakansieweek of naweek. Dit kry sy welvaart uit die enorme ysvrye hawe, wat die besigste hawe in die Baltiese state is, en die olievervoerbedryf.
• 56.50833333333321.0111111111117 Liepāja - Die naam "die stad van die wind", en die suidwestelike stad van Letland. Bekend vir sy sandstrand, talle musiekgeleenthede en die grootste orrel ter wêreld. Dit bevat moderne argitektuur en 'n lang geskiedenis saam met die voorheen geheime Sowjet-militêre buurt Karosta (letterlik: Oorlogshaven).
• 56.96722222222221.978 Kuldiga - Die hoofstad van Hertogdom Courland, Venesië van Letland, met unieke en houtargitektuur, rooi teëldakke, brûe, geplaveide strate, die breedste watervallys in Europa, en naby die langste ondergrondse (sand) grotlabyrint in die Baltiese gebied.
• 56.85416666666726.229 Madona - 'n Skilderagtige stad omring deur heuwels, woude en mere, en 'n wintersport sentrum.

Ander bestemmings

• Die Groot Ķemeri Moorland
• Slīteres Nasionale Park

Gaan in

Visums

Letland is 'n lid van die Schengen-ooreenkoms.

• Daar is normaalweg geen grensbeheer tussen lande wat die verdrag onderteken en implementeer nie. Dit sluit die grootste deel van die Europese Unie en enkele ander lande in.
• Daar is gewoonlik identiteitskontroles voordat u op internasionale vlugte of bote gaan. Soms is daar tydelike grensbeheer by landgrense.
• Net so, a visum toegestaan ​​vir enige Schengen-lid is geldig in alle ander lande wat onderteken het en het die verdrag geïmplementeer.
• Sien asseblief Reis deur die Schengen-gebied vir meer inligting oor hoe die skema werk, watter lande lid is en wat die vereistes vir u nasionaliteit is.

Met die vliegtuig

Internasionale lughawe Riga (RIX ^IATA) is die enigste lughawe in Letland wat gereelde internasionale vlugte vervoer en is 10 km suidwes van Riga. Bus 22 vlieg vanaf die lughawe na die middestad van Riga (en omgekeerd), 'n kaartjie van die bestuurder kos € 2. Verskeie ander vervoermetodes is op die perseel beskikbaar, soos taxi's. Vir meer inligting oor vlieg van en na die lughawe, sien Riga # Kry_in.

Alternatiewelik kan u vlieg na Kaunas in Litaue en neem die Vliegbus na Riga.

Met die trein

LDZ vrag bedryf internasionale treine na Riga vanaf Moskou en Saint Petersburg in Rusland met stop by Rezekne en Jekabpils, sowel as treine van en na Minsk in Wit-Rusland. Binnelandse treinmaatskappy AS "Pasazieru vilciens" (Engels: Maatskappy "Passasierstreine") bestuur treine van en na Valga, Estland, waarvandaan u kan koppel Tallinn. Treindiens tussen Letland en Litaue is vir die afsienbare tyd opgeskort weens RailBaltica-baanopgraderings (vanaf Augustus 2017).

As u per trein reis via Daugavpils op pad na of van Riga, moet u dalk in Daugavpils oornag vir die verbinding. Daarom kan u beter 'n bus of 'n vliegtuig neem as u tussen Riga en Vilnius reis.

Met die bus

Daar is internasionale busverbindings na enige plek in Europa, insluitend gereelde vervoer na Tallinn en Tartu in Estland, en Vilnius en Kaunas in Litaue.

Opvallende busroete-operateurs:

• Ekolines
• Eurolines Lux Express bied gratis koffie en meer beenruimte as Simple Express-diens
• Vliegbus verbind Riga en Kaunas en Vilnius
• FlixBus het busse vanaf Tallinn, Warskou, Vilnius en Kaunas na Riga

Per boot

• Tallink Silja bedryf veerbote tussen Stockholm, Swede en Riga. Eenrigting reistyd is 18 uur. Behalwe gewone enkel- en retoerkaartjies, met of sonder 'n motor, bied Tallink Silja ook 'n "dag in Riga-vaart" aan voetgangers, met aankoms om 11:00 en vertrek om 16:30 vanaf Riga op dieselfde dag. Kaartjies begin tussen € 45 en naweke € 70 en sluit 'n bed in 'n hut in. Die veerboot terminale is binne vyf minute loopafstand van die ou stad in Riga.
• Stena Line bedryf veerbote tussen Nynäshamn, Swede en Ventspils en tussen Travemünde, Duitsland en Liepāja. Enkele reis is 8½ uur vanaf Swede en 27 uur vanaf Duitsland. Stena Line bied gereelde een- en retoerkaartjies aan, met of sonder 'n motor. 'N Voetganger op die lyn vanaf Swede begin vanaf € 34, met 'n fiets teen € 40 vir 'n retour. 'N Fauteuil in 'n stil kamer is € 10,00 ekstra vir beide maniere. Troeteldiere is welkom, maar 'n troeteldierkajuit is gratis vir 'n gewone kajuit.
• DFDS - bedryf veerbote tussen Karlshamn, Swede en Klaipeda, Litaue. 'N Alternatiewe roete as u vandaan kom Denemarke of die suidelikste deel van Swede. Klaipėda is net 50 km van die Griekse grens af as hulle noord ry op die A13-nasionale pad. Eenrigting reistyd is 14 of 16 uur, afhangend van vertrek. DFDS bied gereelde een- en retoerkaartjies aan, met of sonder 'n motor. 'N Voetganger-retoer begin vanaf € 86; met 'n fiets teen 106 € vir 'n retour.

Wenk! Alhoewel alle veerbote 'n winkel aan boord het, en hulle hul aanbod moontlik as 'belastingvry' bestempel, wil u dalk u aankope vir die retoerretjie hou. Baie van die aanbiedings het heel waarskynlik 'n laer prys in Letland, veral as dit plaaslik vervaardig word. Onthou of skryf die pryse van die veerbootwinkel neer en vergelyk dit met pryse vir dieselfde produkte in Letland.

Vir diegene wat met 'n privaat boot reis, is gewone jachthavens baie min en nog in hul kinderskoene (2019).

• Kuiviži, klein dorpie in die Baai van Riga, aan die monding van die Krišupe; Kapteiņu osta
• Riga, die hoofstad van Letland; die City Yacht Club is reg oorkant die ou stad aan die Daugava-rivier
• Jūrmala, Marina Jurmala is aan die Lielupe-rivier.
• Ventspils aan die weskus, Ventspils Marina
• Pāvilosta, klein dorpie aan die weskus, aan die monding van die Saka; Pāvilosta Marina

Dit is moontlik om iets met die owerhede van ander hawens te reël.

• Salacgrīva
• Skulte
• Saulkrasti
• Betrokke wees
• Mērsrags
• Roja
• Liepāja

Met die motor

Die pad bekend as Via Baltica skakels Warskou, Pole en Tallinn, Estland gaan deur Kaunas, Litaue en Riga.

Bestuurslisensie

As u 'n bestuurderslisensie het wat deur 'n ander land in die Europese Unie uitgereik is, kan u dit deurlopend in Letland gebruik, net soos in die land wat dit uitreik. Ingevolge die wet moet inwoners van ander lande 'n Letse bestuurderslisensie verwerf nadat hulle 6 maande in Letland gewoon het, maar dit behels slegs 'n teoretiese eksamen wat in Engels, Duits, Frans of Russies afgelê kan word.

Kry rond

In Lets is die woord vir straat (soos in straatname) iela. 'N Voorbeeld is Brīvības iela wat vertaal word as Freedom street.

Met die motor

Nasionale en streeksweë in Letland is sedert die toetreding tot die Europese Unie deur 'n proses van opdatering. Alle nasionale paaie is geplavei en is in rooi aangedui met syfers van A1 tot A15. Die meeste van die nasionale paaie maak ook deel uit van die Europese roetenet van paaie. 84% van die streekspaaie is geplavei en in blou bewegings aangedui met die getalle van P1 tot P133. 78% van die plaaslike paaie is grondpaaie en is grys aangedui met syfers van V1 tot V1489 - op kaarte, maar nie noodwendig in die regte lewe nie. Daar is geen snelweë in Letland nie.

Alle vulstasies regoor die land is selfdiens en is 24/7 beskikbaar. Sirkel K, Neste en Viada vulstasies regoor die land bedryf, en daar is ook baie plaaslike ondernemings. Diesel en petrol met 'n oktaangraad van 95 en 98 is wydverspreid. Vloeibare petroleumgas (LPG, outogāze) is ook redelik algemeen. Elektriese motors is nie wydverspreid nie, aangesien die netwerk van laaistasies nog nie lewensvatbaar is vir alledaagse gebruik nie.

Internasionale motorhuurondernemings is verteenwoordig en daar is ook goedkoper huurmotors. Daar is baie kantore in Riga, waaronder sommige op die Riga-lughawe. U kan die lys sien op die webwerf van die Riga Internasionale Lughawe.

Standaard spoedbeperkings vir motorfietse, motors en bakkies sonder sleepwaens met 'n totale gewig van minder as 7,5 ton is 50 km / h op stedelike paaie, 90 km / h op nie-stedelike paaie en 80 km / h op nie-stedelike grondpaaie - tensy anders aangedui deur verkeerstekens. Verkeerskanale (fotoradars) word aangedui en regoor die land geplaas. Dit is gebruiklik dat plaaslike (stadiger) spoedbeperkings slegs onderteken word waar dit begin en nie waar dit eindig nie. Alhoewel 80 km / h op grondpaaie mag ry, is dit baie ongemaklik om dit te doen. Die gruis wissel ook, en op sommige stukke kan dit 'n baie hobbelige rit wees en ook baie stowwerig as die weer droog is. Wanneer u vir u reis beplan, vra iemand wat weet of die kortste roete gruis is of nie. Soms kan dit vinniger wees om 'n langer rit op geasfalteerde pad te ry in vergelyking met 'n korter roete op grondpad.

In Letland gee dit nie 'n groen verkeerslig nie, ongeag in watter rigting dit wys reg van weg, wat verskil van ander Europese lande. Die groen pylsignaal laat slegs deurgang as die weg oop is, sonder om te wag vir 'n behoorlike groen sein. Trems (straatmotors) het reg van weg en 'n boete kan gegee word vir die belemmering van hul deurgang. Dit is nie toegelaat om by 'n trem verby te ry as dit stilstaan ​​by 'n roetestop waar mense vanaf die sypaadjie oor die straat moet gaan nie.

Om 'n parkeerplek te vind is redelik maklik in Letland, behalwe in die hoofstad Riga, waar fooie in die middestad geld. Daar is skyfparkeerplek in sommige dorpe in Letland.

Die bestuurskultuur in Letland is redelik aggressief en gevaarlik. Byna geen van die nasionale en streekspaaie buite die metropolitaanse Riga het noodstopbane (skouers) langs die pad nie. U sal vinnig agterkom dat u miskien die enigste is wat die standaard spoedbeperkings nakom; baie swaar vragmotors ry 90 km / h. Sommige bestuurders met kragtige motors dring daarop aan om verby te steek op die minste kans om deur te druk, alhoewel daar geen duidelike siening van inkomende verkeer is nie. Daar is aansienlik minder verkeer gedurende saans en nagte.

Regsvereistes

Kopligte moet aangeskakel wees gedurende die hele jaar se bestuur. Bande wat bedoel is om in die winter te gebruik, is verpligtend van 1 Desember tot 1 Maart. Die gebruik van naaldbande is verbode van 1 Mei tot 1 Oktober. Die gebruik van veiligheidsgordels is verpligtend vir beide bestuurders en passasiers. Kinders wat nie langer as 150 cm is nie, moet in 'n gepaste kinderstoeltjie of op 'n gepaste steun vervoer word. Bestuurders mag nie 'n selfoon gebruik tydens bestuur nie, tensy 'n handsfree-stelsel gebruik word. Die toelaatbare alkoholvlak is tot 0,5 ‰, maar tot 0,2 ‰ vir beginners wat minder as 2 jaar rybewys het. Die registrasiepapiere vir motors (tehniskā pase) moet beskikbaar wees tydens bestuur.

Met die trein

Die treinnetwerk is redelik stewig in Letland, wat groter stede met mekaar verbind. Die rollende materie is van Sowjet-oorsprong, alhoewel sommige daarvan opgeknap is om gemakliker en aangenamer vir die oog te wees. Daar is drie trappies op as jy aan boord gaan en die trein skud en dreun nogal as jy beweeg. Die passasiersvoertuie op binnelandse lyne is van 'n oop buskarretjie, terwyl die internasionale lyne van 'n geslote kompartementtipe is.

Binnelandse lyne wat daagliks loop, is die tussen Riga en Skulte, Sigulda, Krustpils, Jelgava en Tukums (via Jūrmala). Ander bestemmings loop minder gereeld. Die weskus van Letland word redelik swak bedien met slegs een vertrek per week tussen Riga en Liepāja. Binnelandse treindienste word deur die maatskappy gelewer Pasažieru vilciens ("Passasierstrein"). Roosters met prysinligting is ook beskikbaar by 1188.lv.

Treine kan goedkoper wees as ander vervoermetodes, en u hoef oor die algemeen nie bekommerd te wees oor die verpakking daarvan nie, behalwe moontlik enkele spitstyd gedurende die somer.

Daar is verskeie stasies in Riga aan beide kante van die Daugava-rivier, die sentrale stasie (Rīgas Centrālā stacija of Rīgas-Pasažieru) is die een langs die ou stad. Jūrmala het ook verskeie stasies. Die stasie in Majori is die een wat u nodig het as u na die strande en die Jūrmala-middestad gaan. Ķemeri-stasie in die westelike Jūrmala is die naaste aan die nasionale park. Jēkabpils is net oorkant die Daugava-rivier as jy by die stasie in Krustpils afklim.

U kan 'n treinkaartjie koop voordat u op die stasie op die trein klim, of u kan een in die trein koop by die personeel. Sommige kleiner stasies se kaartjiekantore kan laat oopgaan en vroeg sluit of bedags gesluit wees, meestal as gevolg van die gebrek aan passasiers wat destyds van die stasies vertrek. 'N Rooster vir treine is beskikbaar by die kaartjiekantoor. Kaartjies kan ook aanlyn gekoop word, maar u moet steeds papierkaartjies by die stasie afhaal wat probleme kan veroorsaak as dit nie beplan word nie.

Daar is 'n smalspoor tussen die stede van Gulbene en Alūksne in die noord-ooste van Letland. Langs die roete is daar verskillende toeristegerigte besienswaardighede.

Met die trem

Die drie grootste stede (Riga, Daugavpils en Liepāja) het elk hul eie tremstelsels. Terwyl hulle dateer uit die eeuwisseling (Riga en Liepāja) of die onmiddellike era na die Tweede Wêreldoorlog (Daugavpils), is hulle sedert die onafhanklikheid gemoderniseer en goed onderhou, en daar is selfs nuwe lae vloer-trems om die ou Tatra te vervang. trems.

Met die bus

Busroetes word bedien deur verskillende private ondernemings wat van streek tot streek verskil, anders as treine. Die busverbindings strek regoor die land en om busse te gebruik, is gewoonlik redelik eenvoudig. Die beste manier om inligting oor busse in Letland te ontvang, is deur die navrae-diens 1188.lv, van die Autoosta webwerf, of by 'n plaaslike busstasie. Snelbusse verbind groot stede met 'n laer stop tussen die onderweg en kan tyd bespaar.

Kaartjies kan by die kaartjiekantore, in die busse tydens instap of aanlyn gekoop word. As u vooraf kaartjies koop, kan dit tot tien dae voor vertrek gedoen word. Bagasie kan in die bagasiebak van die bus geplaas word, afhangende van die busmaatskappy en die grootte van die sak, selfs nodig. Afhangend van die beleid van die maatskappy, kan u ekstra gehef word en 'n ekstra kaartjie of koopbewys vir die bagasie ontvang.

As u van plan is om Riga gedurende Vrydag of Saterdag te verlaat, kan u dink dat die busse oorvol is, aangesien dit met die bus die algemeenste manier is om tussen stede in baie streke te reis, en baie reis gedurende die naweek uit Riga. As u gedurende hierdie tydperk 'n kaartjie by die kaartjiekantoor by die busstasie koop waarvandaan u vertrek, kan u voor ander in die bus klim.

Sommige busoperateurs bied WiFi-toegang aan boord, wat gewoonlik gratis is en goeie dekking gedurende die hele reis bied.

Met die taxi

Ride-hailing is beskikbaar in Letland en die volgende is die mees verwagte verskaffers:

• Bout. Sluit baie dorpe in. (Jul 2020 opgedateer)
• Yandex.Taxi. 'N Russiese maatskappy wat goedkoop tariewe aanbied. Dienste beskikbaar in Riga. (Jul 2020 opgedateer)

Per boot

Seiljagvaart is vir die baie welgestelde Lette en gereelde jachthavens is baie min en nog in hul kinderskoene. Die City Yacht Club in Riga is reg oorkant die ou stad aan die Daugava-rivier. Marina Jurmala in Jūrmala is aan die Lielupe-rivier. Pāvilosta Marina en Ventspils Marina is albei aan die Letse weskus. Dit kan ook moontlik wees om iets met die owerhede van ander hawens te reël. Daar is geen openbare vervoer per boot tussen Letse hawens nie.

As u van Riga aan Jūrmala Gedurende die somer is dit 'n baie romantiese manier om per riviervaartbote te reis: hoofsaaklik tweedek motorbote met plek vir ongeveer 60 tot 100 mense. Hulle vertrek gewoonlik soggens van die Riga-sentrum en kom die middag terug. Daar is vaarte in die Riga-kanaal wat deur die Daugava-rivier gaan. Vra meer inligting en pryse in die toerisme-inligtingsentrum.

Per fiets

Fietsry is oor die algemeen nie die veiligste manier om in die land rond te kom nie, veral nie snags nie.

Fiets vroegoggend om die meeste verkeer te vermy. Die belangrikste spitsverkeer wanneer swaarder verkeer verwag kan word, is van 17: 00-20: 00.

Daar is nie baie fietsroetes regoor die land nie, dus kan u baie gereeld naby motors ry. As daar in stede is, fiets baie inwoners langs voetpaaie om die verkeer te vermy. Sommige sypaadjies rondom Riga het die een kant vir fietsryers en die ander kant vir voetgangers, maar dit is dikwels nie die geval in ander stede in die land nie. U sal waarskynlik mense teëkom wat die merke nie respekteer nie.

U fiets moet met weerkaatsende beligting, voor- en agterligte toegerus wees. Dra weerkaatsende klere, veral as u in die donker fietsry.

Die internasionale BaltiCCycle^{[dooie skakel]} projek kan u nuttige inligting verskaf.

'N Interessante opsie kan wees om op 'n begeleide fietstoer te reis. Ondernemings wat fietstoere in die streek aanbied, sluit in UTracks.

Deur duim

Rit in Letland is oor die algemeen 'n goeie manier om rond te kom. U kan probleme ondervind as u bestemming nie op pad is na 'n groter stad nie. U grootste probleem is dalk om rond te kom Riga aangesien daar geen duidelike verbypad is nie. Die hoeveelheid plaaslike verkeer kan die hitching baie moeilik maak, aangesien inwoners gewoonlik by Riga stop.

Bestuurders kan huiwer om toeriste op te laai wat hulle verwag om slegs Engels te praat, wat baie Lette nie verstaan ​​nie. Dit is moeiliker as ander Oos-Europese lande om in Letland te ry.

Daarom is sukses baie wisselvallig. U mag binne tien minute gelukkig wees (langs die groter paaie), of u kan net 1½ uur wag sonder dat iemand stop, veral in afgeleë gebiede met minder verkeer. Moenie daarop reken dat u uiteindelik opgelaai sal word nie, maar weet of die laaste bus vertrek.

Sien ook: Ryloop

Met die vliegtuig

Air Baltic vlieg drie keer per week tussen Riga en Liepāja.

Te voet en navigasie

Letland het baie skilderagtige staproetes van 1-3 dae en is baie gewild onder fietsryers. Raadpleeg vir betroubare (vanlyn) kaarte van die streek en omvattende kaartinligting OpenStreetMap, wat ook deur hierdie reisgids gebruik word, en deur baie mobiele toepassings soos OsmAnd (kompleks met baie byvoegings) en MAPS.ME (maklik maar beperk).

Praat

Sien ook: Lets frase

Lets (Latviešu valoda) is die enigste amptelike taal in Letland. Dit behoort tot die Baltiese taalgroep Indo-Europese tale en is verwant aan die Litausse taal, maar is anders genoeg om selfs vir moedertaal-Litaussprekendes moeilik te begryp.

Lets gebruik die Latynse alfabet, net soos Engels, met enkele variasies. Sommige woorde is uit ander tale geleen en is redelik maklik om te verstaan ​​as dit gepraat word herstel wat 'n restaurant beteken, maar ander het verskillende wortels wat dit baie moeiliker, indien nie onmoontlik, verstaan, soos met die woord nie veikals wat 'n winkel beteken. Die taal het ingewikkelde grammatikareëls. Geringe veranderings soos om 'n voorvoegsel by 'n woord te voeg, kan die sin van die sin heeltemal verander, byvoorbeeld die woord dzīvot beteken om te lewe terwyl die woord izdzīvot beteken om te oorleef.

Uitspraak van die Lettiese taal is oor die algemeen maklik om te leer. Die spanning word byna altyd aan die begin van die woord geplaas - op die eerste lettergreep. Daar is egter verskillende ingewikkelde reëls vir sommige letters soos e en o oor hoe hulle in verskillende woorde uitgespreek moet word. Woorde kan selfs verskeie uitsprake hê, afhangende van die konteks, soos met loks wat 'n prei of 'n boog en met kan beteken zāle wat 'n saal, gras of (informele) onkruid kan beteken.

Lets word in die hele wêreld slegs deur 1,5 miljoen mense gepraat, waarvan die meeste in Letland woon, maar sommige woon ook in Ierland, die Verenigde Koninkryk, Kanada, die VSA, Rusland, Brasilië en Australië.

Vreemde tale

Behalwe Lets, Russies word vlot deur die meeste gepraat aangesien Letland 'n deel van die Soviet Unie en daar is 'n baie groot etniese Russiese minderheid. Op sommige plekke in die suidooste van Letland, soos in Daugavpils, Russies is steeds die meerderheidstaal.

Engels vervang Russies stadig sedert hy onafhanklikheid verkry het. Dit is veilig om aan te neem dat u net Engels kan praat, veral as u veral met jonger Lette praat, aangesien die jonger generasie oor die algemeen beter Engelse vaardighede het as Russiese vaardighede as gevolg van globalisering en die invloed van die Westerse media en die samelewing.

Duits, hoewel nie so algemeen soos Engels nie, het ook gewilder geword onder jonger geslagte Lette. Die meeste mense wat in toerisme werk, kan gewoonlik sommige praat.

Sien

Letland se voorste toeriste-aantreklikhede

1. Old City Riga en Riga Town Hall Square, Riga, Argitektuur en Geskiedenis
2. Sigulda Kastele, Sigulda, Argitektuur en Natuur
3. Cēsis Middeleeuse kasteel, Cēsis, Argitektuur en Geskiedenis
4. Jūrmala-strand, Jūrmala, Ontspanning
5. Basiliek van die aanname, Latgale, Argitektuur en Erfenis
6. Rundale-paleis, Zemgale, Argitektuur en Museum
7. Ventspils-strand, Ventspils, Ontspanning
8. Die Groot Ķemeri Moorland, Riga streek, Aard
9. Kaap Kolka, Kurzeme, Aard
10. Smal spoorlyn, Alūksne, Ontspanning

Beskrywing

As ons aan Europa dink, is Letland gewoonlik nie een van die eerste lande wat by mense opgekom het nie. Aangesien Letland begrawe word onder die groot yster-no-go-kombers van die Sowjetunie totdat sy onafhanklikheid in 1991 herwin is, word dit nou net deur groter toeriste-skare ontdek om verbaas te wees oor die sjarme van hierdie Baltiese land.

Letland se dinamiese hoofstad, die historiese stad van Riga, is 'n wonderlike plek om tyd te spandeer. Dit is die tuiste van die mooi Ou stad, vol manjifieke Jugendstil-argitektuur, kronkelende geplaveide strate en baie torings, terwyl u tog 'n moderne, metropolitaanse stad met 'n bruisende naglewe en 'n sterk ekonomiese impuls bly, in die mate dat die opkoms van die moderne geboue die lys van die Wêrelderfenis van die Ou Stad bedreig. . Die atmosfeer van Riga beweeg baie reisigers, miskien as gevolg van die sterk kontraste tussen die ou en die nuwe, of miskien vanweë die skynbaar pynlose mengsel van Letse en Russiese kulture, want byna die helfte van die inwoners van die stad is van Russiese oorsprong. U kan 'n gevoel van die stad kry deur deur die verskillende groot parke regoor die stad te dwaal, in die historiese buurte rond te slenter en terug te skop in een van die kafees of buiteterrasse. Onder Riga se opvallende besienswaardighede is Riga-katedraal, Petruskerk en die lewendige Sentrale mark. Sien Riga # Sien asook vir 'n paar meer idees.

30 minute vanaf Riga is een van die beste en multikulturele dorpsoorde in Letland, Jūrmala. Dit kan gevind word met pragtige strande, huise, promenade en die mooi Dzintari Forest Park.

Although Riga is by far the country's main tourist destination, there are a bunch of other places worth visiting. 40 km to the east from the capital lies Sigulda, with several castles such as the nicely reconstructed Turaida Castle, and the deep Gūtmanis Cave. The town is in the Gauja valley and has been called the "Switzerland of Latvia" for its steep cliffs and banks. It's known for its winter sports opportunities and provides a great chance to explore the fine nature around the town.

Further northeast towards the Estonian border, Cēsis, one of the country's oldest towns, can be found. It has a charming city centre with cobblestoned streets, historic wooden buildings and an impressive castle complex.

The coastal city of Liepāja is known to Latvians as "the city where the wind was born", due to the sea breeze it constantly gets. It has a nice beach and a charming town centre with a colourful mixture of architectural styles ranging from wooden houses and spacious parks to Art Nouveau and concrete Soviet-era apartment buildings. Liepāja's Karosta neighbourhood was built in the late 19th century as a naval base for Tsar Alexander III and was later used by the Soviet Baltic Fleet. Its splendid seaside panoramas, former military prison and fortress are preserved now making it a popular tourist sight.

Besides Liepāja, Ventspils, further north, is a modern sea resort town with an arty touch and well worth a summer vacation. From here and around Kaap Kolka, die Livonian Coast, a remote and isolated coast landscape with wild beaches, sand dunes and lighthouses can be found. There are also some nice lighthouses worth visiting between Ventspils and Liepāja.

Kuldiga, southeast of Ventspils, is the home of Europe's widest waterfall ledge as a part of Venta Rapid. Even though only two meters high, its size makes it a nice sight. Together with the historic town, it is worth exploring.

Jelgava, on the way from the Lithuanian border towards Riga, has two fine sights in baroque style, the Rundāle Palace less than 40 km southeast of the city and the Jelgava-paleis in die middestad.

Around 40 km north-east of the second largest city in the country, Daugavpils, is the colossal white Basiliek van die aanname. It is the most important Catholic church in Latvia and is locally also known as Aglona Basilica, as Aglona is the name of the village it is located in.

There are many interesting old castles maintained around Latvia. The Association of Latvian Castles, Palaces and Manors (Latvian: Latvijas Piļu un muižu asociācija) has information along with photos on their webwerf. Sometimes the castles may be reserved for private events.

Doen

Gebeurtenisse

Most event tickets and schedules are available here: http://www.bilesuparadize.lv

Traditional celebrations

Latvian Song and Dance Festival One of the key cultural events in Latvia, which started in 1873 as a singing festival. Now the festival involves live performances of choirs, folk dance groups, brass bands etc. Competitions, exhibitions, concerts, parades and joint concerts are some of the cultural events. Riga is full of people wearing traditional costumes and cheerful people from all of Latvia. It is held every five years. Die last event took place 30 June to 7 July 2013, so the next is due to be held in 2018.

• New Year's Eve (Jaunā Gada svētki), Whole Latvia. 31 December–1 January. Most locals celebrate with their families, but you are likely to see events taking place on the streets as well. 
• Paasfees (Lieldienas), Whole Latvia. Annually in April. You can usually find events in town centres, such as traditional Easter celebrations with swings and egg fights. Vry. 
• Summer solstice celebration (Vasaras saulgrieži), [turaida-muzejs.lv/home_en1/ Turaidas muzejrezervāts], Turaidas iela 10, Siguldas novads, Sigulda LV-2150. June 21. Traditional celebrations are held in many places throughout Latvia. The most popular one takes place in Turaida muzeum (video). 
• Jāņi (Līgo), Whole Latvia. June 23-24. Latvians celebrate the summer solstice with Jāņi — the midsummer festival. Before the celebration, flea markets are held in many places. 
• White Night (Baltā nakts), Riga. Annually, in the beginning of September. 

Historical

• Count of May (Maija Grāfs), Spīķeru laukums, Riga. Annually, in the middle of May. Takes place in Rīga. Has medieval tournaments, witch trial, traditional dances. Vry. 
• Medieval Day at Cēsis Castle (Cēsu Pils Viduslaiku diena), Cēsis. Annually, on the first Saturday of Augustus. Vry. 
• Semigallians Days in Tervete (Zemgaļu svētki Tērvetē), Tērvetes koka pils, Tērvete. Annually, on the second Saturday of Augustus. 
• Seeburg Viking Festival (Dzīvās Vēstures festivāls "Seeburg"), Skābaržkalns, Grobiņa, close to Liepāja. Annually, last Sunday of May. West coast of Latvia has Viking heritage dating to 9th century. Video Vry. 

Musiek

• ^{[dooie skakel]}Latvian Song and Dance Festival (Latvian Vispārējie latviešu Dziesmu un Deju svētki), Vērmanes garden, Riga, ☏ 371 28611731, ✉[email protected]. Takes place once every 5 years, at the beginning of Julie. One of the key cultural events in Latvia, which started in 1873 as a singing festival. This festival has become an important facet of Latvian culture and has been held 25 times since then. Needs to mention that there are smaller Song and Dance Festivals between 5-year time spans. About 30,000 people from every corner of the country participate, with choirs and dance groups at the heart of the celebrations. Brass bands, folk ensembles, players of the zither-like kokle, amateur theatrical troupes, and foreign guests also perform at the festival. The traditional procession through the street of Riga is not to be missed., as the participants invoke plenty of enthusiastic audience participation. 
• Festival of World Music (Ārpasaules mūzika Tiguļkalnā festivāls), Tiguļkalns, Talsi, ✉[email protected]. Annually, beginning of June. National and foreign folk music performed on the highest hill in Talsi. The composer and performer Raimonds Tigu is the artistic director and soul behind this happening in his hometown, Talsi. The place where music from different nations comes together in united sound and ambience. Verniet. 
• Riga Rhythms Festival (Rīgas Ritmi festivāls), Riga, ☏ 371 67 105 216. Takes place annually, at the end of June/start of July; 18:00–00:00. Some events cost €10-45, some are free.. 
• Positivus festival, Zvejnieku park, Sporta street 6, Salacgrīva, ✉[email protected]. Takes place annually, mid-July. Latvia's largest music festival, featuring various international artists in a relaxed environment. €60 for a 3 day pass, €200 for a VIP pass. 
• Saulkrasti Jazz Festival, Saulkrasti, ✉[email protected]. Annually, at the end of July. Latvian and foreign musicians perform by the sea. Gigs all week long, culminating in a final concert. Verniet. 
• Bauska Country Music Festival, Bauska. Annually, for 2 days, mid-July. European and US country musicians perform. On-site camping is possible. 
• Laba Daba, Ratnieki, Līgatnes novads. Annually, beginning of August. €22/day, €37-42/all days. 
• International Organ Music Festival, Liepāja/Kuldīga. Middle of September. Mostly happening in the Trinity Church. €7 (per concert, as of 2017). 

Verskeie

• International Ice Sculpture Festival, Uzvaras park, Jelgava, ☏ 371 630 23 461, ✉[email protected]. Annually, at the start of February. €4.50 (in 2014). 
• International Baltic Ballet Festival, Riga, ☏ 371 673 36 123, ✉[email protected]. April. 
• Latvia Beerfest, Vērmanes garden, Riga, ☏ 371 27 726 200, ✉[email protected]. Annually, at the end of May. The largest international beer festival in the Baltic states. €2. 
• Cēsis Art Festival (Mākslas festivāls Cēsis), Cēsis, ☏ 371 29 334 417. Annually, July-August. 

Sports and outdoor activities

There are many different winter sports opportunities such as snowboarding, cross country skiing, downhill skiing etc. Major skiing facilities include Rāmkalni, Baiļi en Zviedru Cepure. Some of the slopes are open late at night, but accessing them by public transport can sometimes be a challenge or turn out to be flat out impossible.

After Easter, as it gets warmer and rivers start to get more water from melting snow, kayaking down the rivers is one of the favorite activities for younger people.

Also, marathons are quite popular in Latvia. More entertaining marathons like Jāņu naked marathon (Jāņu nakts pliko skrējiens) take place in Kuldiga on Jāņi day.

• Lattelecom Marathon (Lattelecom Rīgas maratons), 11. novembru krastmala, Riga, ☏ 371 28611731, ✉[email protected]. Held in the middle of May. The biggest sport marathon held since 2007 in Latvia Video 
• Playground, Ropaži, 40 min drive from Riga, ☏ 371 29212586, ✉[email protected]. Mid-July. Youth sport festival that encourages and enables every visitor to try and explore inspiring sports and culture on water, land and air (e.g. longboarding, SUP, wakeboarding, hydro-cycles, mountain bikes, slack line and many other) Video €15/day, €35/3 days. 
• Cycling Festival and Cycling Night (Kuldīgas Velofestivāls), Baznīcas iela 5, Kuldiga, ☏ 371 63322259, ✉[email protected]. Held in the end of May. The largest non-commercial bicycle marathon in Latvia: Video; since 2010. Various routes at several distances are available. The traditional late-night ride will also be held. 

Aard

Due to the low population density, large parts of Latvia are covered by forests and wetlands. There are four national parks and many nature preserves/parks in place around the country that can be explored, hiked, and camped in by nature-loving travellers. The largest national park, and major tourist attraction with its popular towns and cities, is the densely forested Gauja National Park in the Gauja river valley in the Vidzeme streek. Remote, lonely and mysterious lies the Groot Ķemeri Moorland inside the Ķemeri National Park of the Riga streek, with a planked walkway and observation platform. Another, but less touristy national park is the Rāzna Nasionale Park in die Latgale streek. Last but not least, the Slitere National Park protects the stunning Kaap Kolka in die Kurzeme region, where the Gulf of Riga meets the Baltic Sea.

This allows for:

• Voël kyk – Very popular, since Latvia is an important autumn stopping grounds for migratory birds in Europe.
• Trek – Many opportunities at various difficulty levels exist, starting with short walks in old parks up to several day camping and boating trips. Due to the general openness of Latvians towards nature, camping is possible virtually anywhere (except for private ground), even inside of national parks.
• Mushroom hunting – This seems to be the secret national sport of Latvians. Taking the train through the countryside or just walking in the forests, you will notice bunches of people all over the place, especially in September, looking for mushrooms and blue berries. Even in the remotest region, when you thought, this would be a good place for a naked dip in the Baltic Sea, beware, there could always be people in the woods collected tons of what nature provides them with.
• Stroll around – This is popular near Sigulda and in the Vidzeme region in general, especially in the autumn when the leaves of the trees take on different shades of colour, turning red and yellow.

Beach activities

Latvia has one of the longest sand beaches in Europe. The sea generally has a very slow slope. In July and August the water is warm enough for swimming. One of the best beaches is the coast southwards from Liepāja because is by the open sea, not the gulf as by Riga, meaning it receives cleaner water, brighter sand and there are not as many people there due to it not being very close to massively populated areas. The salt level in the sea is fairly low and you may not even need to wash after swimming due to that. When the air temperature rises to 30°C, the water temperature still stays around 20°C, which makes it very refreshing after a long session of sunbathing.

Spa's

Latvia has various spa's that are an excellent way to relax. Although the popular holiday resort town of Jūrmala can sometimes be a bit crowded, it offers some of the best options as well as a fine beach.

Cultural heritage

Latvia is full of places where you can see and experience the cultural heritage by for example participating in traditional food making & tasting and listening to authentic folk songs. The Latvian rural tourism association Lauku ceļotājs published a Latvian and Estonian cultural heritage map with the English title of "Worth Seeing" in cooperation with the Estonian rural tourism association Eesti Maaturism. This map contains useful information about cultural heritage sites with practical information such as about accommodation sites, with preference for rural tourism. The map can be downloaded online or obtained from a Lauku ceļotājs office in Riga.

Koop

Geld

Exchange rates for euros As of 04 January 2021: US$1 ≈ €0.816 UK£1 ≈ €1.12 Australian $1 ≈ €0.63 Canadian $1 ≈ €0.642 Wisselkoerse wissel. Huidige tariewe vir hierdie en ander geldeenhede is beskikbaar by XE.com

Latvia uses the euro, like several other European countries. One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the use of the coin.

Latvijas Banka (The Latvian National Bank) is the only place you can get commemorative two euro coins at nominal value and exchange euro banknotes to smaller or larger denomination euro banknotes without having to pay a fee. This can be done at the branches in Riga and Liepāja. Latvijas Banka's cashier's office in Riga^{[dooie skakel]} also exchanges Latvian lats issued 1993 to 2013 at a fixed rate against euro.

Tax free stores have their signs clearly displayed.

ATMs are widely available throughout Latvia, including in Riga International Airport and even in many small towns.

Banks will accept traveller's cheques with a fee, usually equal to or greater than 1% of the amount exchanged or a flat €10.

ISIC

If you are an EU student, bring your ISIC. Many places (museums, bus, etc.) in Latvia have great discounts for EU students with an ISIC.

Tipping

The tipping culture of Latvians is generally fairly reserved — usually rounding up the bill (around 5-10%) is enough, but it is not expected. Make sure to check your receipt, as some (but few) establishments may automatically include a tip in the bill as service charge. Tips is dzeramnauda (drink money) in Latvian and чаевые in Russian (money for tea).

Inkopies

• Amber. Sold in most souvenir shops. If you are lucky, some can sometimes be found on the Baltic Sea shore after a storm. Be careful looking for amber on beaches in western Latvia - the sea near Liepāja is polluted with phosphorus, which looks exactly the same, but can catch fire after drying out. 
• Smoked (black) ceramics, Latgale region. 
• Silver jewellery. 
• Pirts (Latvian style sauna) items. Fragrant oils, honey and herb based massage creams, felt caps for sauna, intended to protect the proteins of hair in the extreme heat, and various other items. 
• Mittens with ornaments. Hand-made, representing traditional culture. 
• Wool products. Indoors slippers and shoes, vests, jackets, hats, etc. 
• Dark (rye) bread (Rupjmaize). Gives more energy than the common white (wheat) bread. Best bought fresh and not stored for overly long periods of time. 
• Riga Black Balsam (Rīgas Melnais balzams), ☏ 371 670 81 213, tolvry: 371 80 009 990, faks: 371 673 15 265, ✉[email protected]. A traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made using many natural ingredients. The original recipe of Abraham Kunze, a druggist, was said to have cured mysterious illness of visiting Catherine the Great in 1755. 
• Bee products. Honey of various kinds, such as with nuts, bee pollen, propolis and beeswax candles are just some of the various local products that can be purchased. 
• Laima, ☏ 371 670 80 301, faks: 371 670 80 332, ✉[email protected]. The leading sweets producer in Latvia. Products are available in almost all grocery and convenience stores all around the country, with specialized Laima stores in the larger cities. 

Speciality shops are open mostly from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, 08:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. Grocery shops and supermarkets are open every day. Some close at 20:00 while others, especially larger supermarkets, close at later times such as 24:00. Convenience stores, such as Narvesen, are usually open 24/7.

Aibe, Maxima, Mego, Super netto en top! have convenience stores and supermarkets all over Latvia, Rimi in and around Riga.

Eet

Latvian cuisine is typical of the Baltic region and, in general, of northern countries, and especially similar to Finnish cuisine (see Nordiese kookkuns). It's high in butter and fat while staying low on spices except for black pepper, dill or grains/seeds, such as caraway seeds. If you are from the Mediterranean, you might find the food rather bland, but if you come from England or the Midwestern U.S., you will probably not have any trouble getting used to most of the dishes.

Latvian cuisine originated from the peasant culture and is strongly based on crops that grow in Latvian maritime, temperate climate. Latvian cuisine offers plenty of varieties of bread and milk products, which are staples. Pork products, potatoes, rye or wheat, oats, peas, beets, cabbage are the staples. Meat, especially pork, features in most main meal dishes. Sometimes even some meatless dishes can be cooked using bacon fat. But fish also is commonly consumed due to Latvia's location on the east coast of the Baltic Sea and Livonian heritage: smoked and raw fish are quite common.

For more information on cuisine of Kurzeme and Livonians, see the Kurzeme artikel.

Meals

Contemporary Latvians usually eat three meals a day. Breakfast is normally light and usually consists of sandwiches or an omelette, with a drink, often milk. Lunch is eaten from 11:00 to 15:00, and tends to be the main meal of the day; as such it can include a variety of foods, and sometimes also soup as an entrée and a dessert. Supper is the last meal of the day, with some choosing to eat another large meal. Consumption of ready-made or frozen meals is now common.

Type of places

It is important to keep in mind that in Latvia the whole concept and meaning of words cafeteria (kafejnīca), canteen (ēdnīca) en restaurant (restorāns) is different compared to that in other countries. A kafejnīca (cafeteria) is not just a coffee shop and usually serves all kinds of meals that would be expected from a restaurant with the difference being that in a kafejnīca is a lower class food place where you will usually have no table service and have less service in general. An ēdnīca (canteen) will refer to a canteen for schools, universities, factories and the likes. They are usually very cheap but can sometimes have limited access. A restorāns (restaurant) is generally considered a highbrow facility, while it is similar to a kafejnīca, the standards of service and culture for a restorāns are much higher. The line between being a kafejnīca and a restorāns can be very thin in some instances.

In the open air markets of Rīga and other cities and towns, local fruits, vegetables and mushrooms can be purchased. Examples are freshly picked wild strawberries and blueberries from local forests, big strawberries, apples and rhubarb pies. Keep in mind that, of course, these are mainly available during the summer and autumn seasons.

Meat meals

Karbonāde (pork schnitzel), karbonāde ar kaulu (grilled pork chops) and cūkas stilbs (pork knuckle) are all-time favourites.

Bykosse

Kartupeļi (potatoes) are served with everything and they're usually either boiled, fried, boiled and then fried or mashed. Sometimes griķi (boiled buckwheat) is eaten instead of potatoes - it's very tasty with skābais krējums (sour cream). Kāposti (cabbage) also plays a major role in most Latvian meals. Sometimes it's served cold as a salad or hot as a side dish like skābie kāposti (sour kraut). Pelēkie zirņi (grey peas) is another side dish worth trying: big, brownish-grey round peas are boiled and then fried with bacon and usually served with kefir or sour cream.

Milk products

Latvia is much richer in milk products than other Western countries. Biezpiens (which is quark), skābais krējums (sour cream), kefīrs and a lot of varieties cheeses with different flavours. A cheese similar to smoked gouda, but softer, is the cheapest and, arguably, tastiest variety. There are various tastes available for purchase in most grocery stores. A Latvian specialty is the biezpiena sieriņš which is a quark with a sweet taste (the most popular manufacturers of the snack are Kārums en Baltais).

A traditional Latvian cheese that is in the picture to the right, is Jāņu siers (caraway cheese); this is traditionally served during the celebration of Jāņi or midsummer.

Soups

Soups are commonly made with vegetables and broth or milk. Frikadeļu zupa (meatball soup), noodle soup, zirņu zupa (pea soup), biešu zupa (beetroot soup), sorrel soup and nettle soup are usually consumed by Latvians. There is a special cold beetroot soup (aukstā biešu zupa) that can be prepared in various ways and is made to suit a warm summer day.

Sweets

The most traditional and exotic Latvian dish is maizes zupa (literally "bread soup"), which is the sweet soup made from rye bread and fruits. Also, the already mentioned biezpiena sieriņš is quite sweet and tasty. Zefīrs is a soft marshmallow-ish type of sweet. Rabarberu pirāgs (rhubarb cake) is really worth trying.

Two main local sweets manufacturers Laima en Skrīveru Saldumi are well known and they offer a variety of sweets ranging from chocolate bars of various kinds, to candies, to marmalades, fruits in chocolate, biscuits and more. It comes with glazing and without, in various tastes. A caramel sweet named gotiņa (translated as little cow) is worth a try. These two companies sell some of their sweets in nice gift packages, which may be handy to bring souvenirs home. Die Emihls Gustavs Chocolate^{[dooie skakel]} chocolate factory in Riga is more exclusive and pricy. They have shops in the larger malls of Riga and they make little sculptures of different shapes of chocolate.

Breads

Latvian dark (rye) bread is heavy and flavourful and goes well with hearty Latvian meals such as pea soup, potatoes and schnitzels. It is believed to be healthier than the white bread. Rupjmaize is a dark bread made from rye, and is considered a national staple and should be tried. Saldskābā maize is a bread made from a mixture of rye and wheat.

Pīrādziņi are buns filled with bacon and onion. A classical display of Latvian cuisine. Kliņģeris is a sweet pretzel-shaped bread that is usually served as a dessert on special occasions, such as name day.

Traditional dishes

If you want to try some really traditional dishes, then try these:

• boiled potatoes with quark
• oat and pea kissels
• grey peas with salted pork fat (fatback)
• siļķu pudiņš (casserole made from herring and boiled potatoes)
• sklandrausis (of sklandu rausis) is 'n tradisionele gereg in die Lettiese kookkuns wat van 'n Liviese oorsprong is; it's a sweet pie, made of rye dough and filled with potato and carrot paste and seasoned with a caraway
• asins pankūkas (pancakes made from blood)
• maizes zupa (sweet bread soup)
• cold soups

For vegetarians and vegans

Fruits and vegetable of this region are mostly organic, because they are often low efficiency home-grown produce.

Ander

Some other noteworthy foods:

• Kissel (Ķīselis). Thickened, stewed fruits (usually cherry or rhubarb). Served for dessert.
• Buckwheat (Griķi). Eaten as the main course.
• Sauerkraut (Skābēti kāposti).
• Smoked cheese (Kūpināts siers). Goes very well with wine.
• Eel (Zutis).
• Cutlet (Kotlete).
• Chanterelle sauce (Gaileņu mērce). A sauce from the edible chanterelles in sour cream. Usually served with potatoes.
• Herring with cottage cheese (Siļķe ar biezpienu). The cottage cheese is served on the side.

Drink

Bier (alus) is generally the alcoholic beverage of choice for most Latvians. Aldaris and Līvu are the main large breweries in Latvia, but local breweries such as Užavas, Bauskas and Piebalgas exist all around the country and should not be forgotten. You are also suggested to try the locally distilled Riga Black Balsam (Rīgas Melnais balzams). It's an infusion of various herbs, roots and spices, making it a good home remedy for the common cold. By itself it is fairly strong - 45% alcohol by volume - and can be taken by adding a touch of it to flavor your tea, as a few spoons to lace your coffee or mixed in various cocktails. Even though Latvia is fairly far out north, grapes can still be successfully grown for making wine, although wyn production in Latvia generally happens in small quantities, there are some local wineries and vineyards.

Some possible places for winding down:

• ^{[dooie skakel]}Rīvas krogs, Labrags, Jūrkalne (on the Liepāja-Ventspils highway), ☏ 371 26 140 577. A small pub with relaxing surroundings - a waterfall and a wooden bridge nearby. 
• The Witch's Kitchen (Raganas Ķēķis), Ragana (on the junction with the Limbaži and Turaida roads on the Riga-Valmiera highway), ☏ 371 679 72 266, 371 29 117 021, ✉[email protected]. 

Slaap

Although you might not find plenty of 5 star hotels all around Latvia, you will find comfortable places to stay for reasonable prices. Daar is baie hotelle to choose from and the prices generally start with €30 outside of Riga and €60 in Riga.

A small network of youth hostels also exists. Dormitory rooms are around €10-15 while single and double rooms are €30 and above.

Kampeer in parks is not allowed unless posted signs say otherwise. Most rural land is private, but camping on it is usually acceptable. 50% of Latvia's forests are government owned, and camping there is legal at all times throughout the year, but areas where campfires are permitted are limited. If land is private, it is a good idea to ask for a permission from the land owner as you can be declined the right to stay on privately owned land even if for a single night; however, most people are understanding and will gladly let you camp. Keep in mind that staying very close to someone's home or staying at the same place for more than two days is generally considered bad manners. Follow your common sense in general. There can be free campsites that are indicated accordingly, especially in the national parks. Commercial campgrounds operated by small businesses are also becoming more popular around Latvia. Some even have wooden installations with roof, saving you the tent to carry. However, it is hard to make them out.

So-called guest houses of country houses, some on farms, are a great place to stay at the countryside. They usually cost much less than hotels and are of much better quality than hostels due to the limited number of guests and the personalized service. Such houses are usually run by families and will come with full amenities with some even following the hotel star ratings. These usually provide many recreational activities such as the Latvian popular sauna (pirts) and horseback rides. You can ask your hosts regarding popular attractions available nearby, what sights are worth visiting and whether some events are taking place at that time that they would suggest visiting. Keep in mind, you will not be able to simply "drop in" usually and will be required to plan ahead, contacting the guest house in question a day or few before arrival. This can depend on the specific place. Guest houses can generally be found fairly frequently throughout the countryside and are often listed on tourist booklets.

Latvian rural tourism association, Lauku ceļotājs has published catalogs and maps that list various types of accommodation mixed with content such as cultural heritage sites and nature parks. The publications can be downloaded online or in an association office in Riga.

Often accommodations give a discount, if you book with them directly (e.g. phone) instead of using one of the monopolistic online middle men. This is due to the reason that most accommodations in Latvia can be booked without credit card anyhow. So, there is no real guarantee that someone does turn up. Just that via. phone owners are at least not stuck with an online fee without receiving the room rent.

Werk

Finding work is not a complicated task, especially if you are a citizen of another EU country, however it is worth keeping in mind that salaries are much lower compared to those in most other EU countries. Job advertisements are often posted in Latvian newspapers such as Diena (on Tuesday and Saturday editions). Most listings are in Latvian, with some in English, Russian, German or French.

For information about obtaining a residence permit, please see The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu pārvalde).

Bly veilig

It is generally safe to travel around Latvia on your own, although some petty crime exists.

If travelling by bike, watch out for bicycle theft. Cyclists are a small minority in Latvian traffic, and dedicated bike lanes are rare. It is common practice that bikes drive on the side walk in larger cities.

If travelling by car, try not to leave valuable things in plain sight in your car. Stay alert when driving on smaller roads, especially through forests, as wild animals may wander around. It is particularly important to keep that in mind during the night. Many Latvian drivers enjoy speeding and the traffic can often flow much faster than the laws allow.

If travelling by foot, take care when crossing the roads as many Latvian drivers are fairly reckless.

It is considered bad mannered to consume alcoholic beverages in public, when not in bars, restaurants etc. Some places you might be fined when consuming alcoholic beverages out of a non-concealed bottle. Drunken behaviour like for example urinating in public will also get you a fine, or a night in jail.

Local informational web-sites for tourists claim that, in terms of safety, there is almost no difference between big cities and country areas [1]. Although it is true that anywhere in Latvia one is never too far from a town or a city, seeking help in case of emergency may be somewhat more difficult in the countryside (for foreign tourists). This is because English is mainly spoken in cities, but outside them one may find almost no people who would understand you (young people are an exception, but they are also drawn from rural areas to bigger cities). This is somewhat balanced by the fact that even then locals are quite friendly and ready to help.

When visiting bars and restaurants, especially in Riga, check out the prices before ordering and follow your bill to ensure no extra fees are silently added to the final bill. Beware the common scams, use your common sense. There are reports of scammers striking up random conversations and inviting tourists to visit their "favorite club" or "favorite bar", often leading to the mafia robbing the tourists with the police reportedly be unhelpful to those scammed.

Emergency numbers

• 112 - the common emergency number, just like in other EU countries
• 110 - state police
• 113 - ambulance

Bly gesond

You can turn to any doctor or hospital at any time during your stay. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to pay a fee for receiving urgent care.

Keep in mind that when in a sparsely-inhabited, remote area, it may be difficult to obtain medical care due to the low number of air ambulance helicopters in the country. Having a first aid kit around during those times is a good idea. Die 112 (emergency service number) operators will be able to assist you in Latvian, English and Russian and will be able to either dispatch a team to you or connect you to the appropriate emergency services, if required.

Doctors usually are able to speak fluent Latvian and Russian. Some may not have good English skills. This mostly depends on the region and the age of the doctor.

You are suggested to bring your own medicine, if you require it, as there are few drugs that are available without a prescription.

Many doctors take undisclosed fees in the form of gifts from the patients ranging from a box of chocolates to raw cash. This is usually due to patients recognizing doctors receive low wages and feel the urge of expressing their gratitude. While this is made illegal by local law, it is estimated that 1 in 4 doctors has taken or is taking such donations when seeing patients.

You should seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a snake, a domestic or a wild animal. Snakes are not venomous in Latvia with the exception of the European adder. The common adder is not generally aggressive unless startled and feels like it must defend itself. The toxicity of the venom is relatively low, but you should seek professional medical care as soon as possible regardless of that. Bites by animals, such as dogs and cats, can carry the risk of rabies and you should seek medical care as soon as possible.

Mosquito bites do not carry any risk of disease, just causing irritation of the skin. Common sense is to resist scratching the itch. Mosquitoes are generally active during the Summer season and are not around during the colder Winter months at all.

Ticks exist in Latvia and are most active during the months from May to September. They are mostly located in brushwood areas and forests, but can sometimes even be found in town parks. Upon discovering that you have been bitten by a tick, medical attention should be sought. Ticks carry the risk of tick-borne encephalitis (can be quite common; vaccination is possible before the season) and Lyme disease (less common; must be treated in a timely and adequate manner to avoid disabling symptoms).

Tap water is generally safe to drink. However, many locals, especially in larger cities, prefer to either boil the water before drinking or simply buy bottled water from stores instead.

Respek

Latvians in general are fairly reserved and generally respect others' personal space, for example, Latvians do not usually greet strangers unless introduced by someone. You may offer someone to help with something, such as carrying something heavier, although the social ethics do not require doing so.

Latvians are neutral communicators; They try to avoid conflict and confrontation, but you can expect them to convey their thoughts clearly and freely, even if they disagree you. This said, Latvians prefer to get straight to the point about something.

As with many countries in Europe, Inquiring about someone's salary or talking about your own is uncommon and in conversation is a great way to make someone feel uncomfortable. Similarly, discussing personal, political, or religious convictions are no-go areas until you're better acquainted with someone.

There are many trash cans and waste containers by the sidewalks and near most stores. Littering is considered bad manners and the offenders may be fined in some instances.

It is considered polite in Latvian culture to hold a door open for someone, let others board a bus or a train first etc. This applies to men letting women go first in particular.

The swastika symbol (Latvian: ugunskrusts of pērkonkrusts) is 'n algemene versiering in borduurwerk in Letse volkskostuums en hedendaagse aandenkings, en word eeue lank as 'n heidense godsdienstige simbool beskou. Dit is veronderstel om geluk, energie en vuur te bring. Daar is geen verband tussen hierdie simbool en Nazi-Duitsland nie, en enige pogings om dit te doen, sal as aanstootlik beskou word.

U moet versigtig wees as u met Lette praat oor politiek en geskiedenis, veral oor die Sowjetunie (USSR). Aangesien Letland na die Tweede Wêreldoorlog 'n Sowjetrepubliek geword het, het baie Lette, veral van die ouer geslagte, sterk menings oor die onderwerp. Die lof van die Sowjet- en Russiese regimes sal waarskynlik nie verstaan ​​of waardeer word nie. Jonger Lette is miskien meer oop vir die onderwerp, maar huldig gewoonlik dieselfde mening.

Verbind

Telefoon

	Byt	LMT	ZZ	Tele2
5G	nog nie	nog nie	nog nie	nog nie
Tethering	ja	ja	onbekend	onbekend
onbeperkte data	ja	ja	onbekend	onbekend
eSIM	net slim horlosies	net slim horlosies	geen	geen

Die landkode vir Letland is 371. As u van plan is om langer as 'n paar dae in Letland te bly, kan dit goedkoper wees om 'n plaaslike SIM-kaart met stem, teks en data te koop. Voorafbetaalde SIM-kaarte en aparte hernuwingsbewyse kan in byna alle vulstasies, kiosks en supermarkte gekoop word. In die algemeen is alle ondernemers soortgelyk aan pryse en aangebied dienste. eSIM is nog nie wydverspreid nie. Vanaf Januarie 2021 is daar glad nie 'n 5G-dekking nie. Daar is net 4 operateurs:

• Byt (geen Engels nie)
• LMT (nie volledig in Engels nie)
• Tele2 (geen Engels nie)
  • Zelta Zivtiņa, ZZ (onderdeel van Tele2; het Engels)

Tele2 en Bite het 'n netwerkdeelooreenkoms wat hul netwerke geleidelik in Letland en Litaue saamvoeg.

As u van plan is om vir 'n paar maande in Letland te bly, is dit beslis goedkoper en geriefliker om 'n kontrak te kry (diens na betaling). U kan 'n kontrak kry met werklik onbeperkte internetverkeer vir €22 - geen spoedbeperking met swaar gebruik nie - en onbeperkte "normale" binnelandse oproepe en SMS's.

As u langer as 'n jaar gebly het, kan u kortings tot 50% kry deur te "dreig" om van u na-betaalde kontrak te verander.

Internet

Gratis WiFi is dikwels beskikbaar in hotelle, kafees, biblioteke, stadsbusse en die Riga Internasionale Lughawe. Vra by die kasregister of inligtingstoonbank of daar nie 'n oop netwerk beskikbaar is nie.

Kopieregkwessies

Lêerdeling, p2p of streaming van kopieregbeskermde inhoud is onwettig in Letland, maar gebruikers wat torrents vir persoonlike gebruik aflaai, word nooit vervolg of gevolg nie. Die vorming van p2p-verkeer is baie ongewoon. Daar is 1 of 2 plaaslike torrent-webwerwe, maar dit is redelik marginaal, dus Lette gebruik meestal internasionale of Russiese alternatiewe.

Posdiens

Die posdiens in Letland word bestuur deur Latvijas Pasts. Poskantore kan gevind word regoor die land. Posbusse is blou en geel met die poslogo, en die meeste daarvan word een keer elke werkdag leeggemaak, sommige selfs op Sondae en vakansiedae. Die Letse posdiens is betroubaar, maar die stuur van alles behalwe poskaarte en briewe kan vir Westerlinge redelik burokraties voel. Lang rye is 'n algemene saak in poskantore, en dit sal u moontlik 30 minute bespaar as u dit gebruik hul mobiele app om 'n plek in die tou te bespreek.

Voorbeelde van briefpos minder as 20 gram:

• binne Letland 'n gewone briefkoste €1; €1.32 vir opspoorbaar (izsekojams) brief.
• klas A (prioriteit of lugpos) brief aan die meeste Europese bestemmings begin om €1.35 vir gewone pos, €2.43 vir opspoorbaar (izsekojams) pos.
• klas A (prioriteit of lugpos) brief aan die meeste oorsese bestemmings begin om €1.42 vir gewone pos, €3.58 vir geregistreerde (ierakstīts) pos.

Dit word aangeraai om die aanlyn tarief sakrekenaar aangesien tariewe kan wissel na lande in dieselfde kontinent.

Gaan volgende