Latvia

Situated on the eastern Baltic coast, Latvia offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, from walking and boating to skiing and wakeboarding. Its capital, Riga, sits astride the River Daugava and boasts architectural styles ranging from medieval to art nouveau.

While there is a cluster of campsites in Latvia that are centred around Riga, there are many to choose from in its spectacular countryside. Western Latvia (Kurzeme) is characterised by its forests and unspoilt coastline – an ideal place to get back to nature. The Liv Coast is of particular interest with its active lighthouse, quaint fishing villages and unique, quiet beaches.

Browse through the listing to find options for camping in Latvia.

Basic Information

Capital Riga
Currency Euro (EUR)
Language(s) Latvian
Time Zones EET (UTC+2)
Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+03)
Telephone Code +371
Units Metric

EU Member Yes
Schengen Area Yes

Tourism Website www.latvia.eu

Latvia is a member of the European Union, and customs inspections are occasionally conducted on individuals and vehicles crossing the border to ensure compliance with  Latvian regulations.

Shopping in Latvia

Latvia has it all for shopping, especially in Riga; you are spoilt for choosing where to go shopping. Many other areas in Latvia lack shopping centres, but they have supermarkets and small shops where you can get all your essentials and unique products. Many local markets also have small-scale businesses selling local produce and handmade items.  Riga is one of Europe's most underrated capital cities, and those keen to experience it at its most magical should visit during the Christmas Market season. Riga’s atmosphere and vibe are unique and unrepeatable, as well as the city's architecture, cultural life, cuisine, and parks.

Riga Central Market is the largest marketplace in Europe and one of the best and most sophisticated. Located in the heart of Riga, this central market provides a diverse shopping experience. The market is located in the Old Riga area, along the banks of the Daugava River and adjacent to the Riga International Bus Terminal. The eye-catching thing about this market is the architecturally imposing food pavilion. Here you can buy homemade Latvian delicacies and produce. The Riga Central Market was registered under the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Kalnciema Street Market is one of the most popular market quarters in Latvia. This beautiful open-air market is located in the Riga area and has a beautiful wooden backdrop of the restored Kalnciema Quarter. This market quarter is a must-visit, with many local businesses offering food and fine wine. Kalnciema market also organises movie nights, concerts and many small festivals almost every week. If you want authentic Latvian souvenirs, hop by the Saturday pop-up market.

Money in Latvia

Latvia uses the euro as its official currency. It is advised to carry some cash, but ATMs are readily available in almost all towns and cities, although it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns and villages where card acceptance may be limited.

Public Holidays in Latvia

• New Year's Day: 1st January
• Good Friday, Easter Monday
• Labour Day: 1st May
• Declaration of Independence Day: 4th May
• Midsummer Eve: 23rd June
• Jāņi: 24th June
• Public Holiday (Every five years): 10th July
• National Day: 19th November
• Christmas Eve: 24th December
• Christmas Day: 25th December
• Second Day of Christmas: 26th December 
• New Year's Eve: 31st December
  

Please note Some dates are moveable, so please check before travelling.

Driving in Latvia

Visitors to Latvia who wish to drive in the country must comply with the following requirements:

1. A valid driver's license: Visitors must have a valid driver's license from their home country.
2. Car insurance: Visitors must have valid car insurance for their vehicle, covering both the driver and passengers.
3. Road rules: In Latvia, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Vehicles from the right and emergency vehicles have priority.
4. The use of seat belts is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle. Visitors must follow traffic laws, including speed limits, traffic signals, and road sign's
5. Cars must keep headlights lit throughout the day. This is applicable all year round.
6. Safety equipment: Warning Triangle to be used in the event of your vehicle breaking down to warn other drivers, First aid kit, Fire extinguisher, reflective jacket and spare external light bulbs
7. Minimum driving age: The minimum driving age is 18 years old.
8. Alcohol law: The drink-drive limit is 0.05%. For novice drivers with less than 2 years experience, the limit is lower, at 0.02%.
9. Winter snow tyres are intended to be used from December to March.
10. All vehicles must have a valid vignette to pay toll fees electronically. This can be bought online and at petrol stations. The price depends on the amount of time you will be driving for.

Emergency Services

• Latvia's emergency number for life-threatening emergencies.
  To access police, ambulance, fire brigade, search & rescue: 112
• Emergency medical assistance: 113
• Police: 110

Weather in Latvia

Latvia has a temperate oceanic climate, with cool winters and mild pleasant summers. In winter, it sometimes gets as cold as -6°C. Continuous snow cover in Latvia averages around 82 days, with an average of 177 frost-free days yearly.

June, July and August are Latvia's warmest months, with average temperatures of 20°C to 22°C. Due to Latvia's proximity to the ocean, summers are somewhat rainy. The average annual rainfall in Riga is 630mm, with an average of 180 rainy days annually. The best month to swim in the sea is July, when the average sea temperature is 19.8°C.