LATVIA 73The Marble Hall in Rundāle PalaceExploring Latvia
Latvia is extremely visitor friendly. At its heart lies
Rīga, the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the
Baltic States. Strategically positioned on the Gulf
of Rīga, it has a long history as a thriving mercantile
centre. Beyond the capital, western Latvia enchants
with its contrasts – dense forests and fertile plains,
lively cities such as Liepāja and sleepy rural towns.
Eastern Latvia, meanwhile, boasts some of the
country’s most pop ular attractions, such as the Gauja
National Park. Most places of interest are connected
by regular trains and buses, although public transport
is less reliable for getting off the beaten track. Renting
a vehicle is a good way to get around the country on
a short trip.0 km0 miles5050Cēsis 8
Gauja National Park pp86–7 7
Jūrmala 2
Kuldīga 3
Liepāja 4
Rīga pp74–81 1Rundāle Palace pp84–5 5
Sigulda 6SIGHTS AT A GLANCE Boats moored at a sailing club,
JūrmalaKEY
Airport
Ferry terminal
Motorway
Major road
Railway
International borderGulf of RīgaBaltic
SeaLITHUANIA
BELARUSESTONIA
Daugava
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ajaVidzemeKurze
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L
a
tga
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galeA1A3
A2A12A13P36P62P37
A2A10
A4A9A9A11A635A6Smiltene
GulbeneAlūksneBalviĒrgli
MadonaValmieraRēzekneJēkabpilsLudzaSaldusTukumsDobeleJelgavaOgreBauskaDaugavpilsKrāslavaPreiļiVentspilsPāvilostaTalsiAizputePriekuleSabileJūrmala RĪGARundāle
PalaceCēsisSiguldaGauja
National ParkKuldīgaLiepāja