Latvia (6 Revised edition)

The new, sixth and thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Latvia remains the only standalone guide to this fascinating and ever-changing Baltic nation. This is a small but enchantingly varied country that will appeal to culture vultures, history buffs, outdoors enthusiasts and foodies alike.



Latvia is best known internationally through its capital city Riga, whose centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site combining a medieval core providing testimony of its importance as a port of the Hanseatic League and an outer area containing the most extensive assemblage of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe.



Latvia is much larger than Denmark or Switzerland yet, with a population of under two million, is one of the most verdant countries in Europe. A low-lying landscape of forests, lakes and marshes offers an increasing range of rural tourism options facilitated by recent EU infrastructural investments. Latvia's Baltic Sea coast: almost 500km long, much comprising pristine sandy beaches backed by dunes.



Latvia's complex history results in tourist attractions ranging from medieval castles to the Baroque splendour of Rundale Palace.

Latvian culture and identity reaches peak expression in the five-yearly Song and Dance Festival, involving forty thousand performers.



Balancing coverage of the country's cultural attractions with guidance on where and how to enjoy its natural environment, Bradt's Latvia is the perfect guidebook to inform and inspire your visit.