Latvian Tourism Development Agency tourism newsletter

 

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	Latvian Tourism Newsletter April, 2010
	Top stories Why the Land that Sings is Best Enjoyed Slowly World-recognized Latvian musicians return home to perform Military heritage
	Tourism Industry News Why the Land that Sings is Best Enjoyed Slowly Here's a word of advice to any tourist toying with the thought of visiting Latvia. All the really great experiences you can have in this country are best enjoyed slowly. That's the general opinion of most people who live in Latvia, and that seems to be the consensus among international travellers, which explains why Latvia's Tourism Development... read more Cultural Tourism World-recognized Latvian musicians return home to perform In May, June and July, Latvia will welcome home a number of world-recognized musicians, who will perform in concert in various locations. Mid-May in Riga will bring the opportunity to hear pianist Vestards Šimkus with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Karel Mark Chichon. Šimkus, a Latvian Grand Music Award winner, has... read more Military Heritage Military heritage Latvia is abundant with former military installations which are open to visitors who wish to experience the atmosphere of the Soviet period. About 1,000 armed forces units were stationed at about 600 sites in the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic; indeed, 10 percent of Latvia's territory was covered by military bases at that time. Of the many installations... read more Sport Tourism "Aerodium" in Sigulda In Lorupe Gorge on the Riga-Sigulda highway, "Aerodium" awaits you for a unique flight experience. Rising high in the wind tunnel can be enjoyed without any prior skills – a half-hour course shows you the basics, and safety goggles, helmet, gloves and suit are provided. Then – it's the wind tunnel itself, with a velocity of 180-200... read more Cycling Tourism Routes in Latvia Latvia is abundant with cycling routes where tourists can enjoy the charm of a small town and/or unspoilt natural surroundings. A favourite route for both professionals and amateurs is Smiltene in Vidzeme province, with a path 32 kilometres long. Kurzeme province's Kuldiga has six bike paths, each of varying length and degree of difficulty. The... read more Riga Bicycle Marathon On June 6 this year, for the 27th time, it's the Riga Bicycle Marathon, with the start at Bikernieki Speedway. This sporting event is one of the biggest in Riga in terms of number of participants, and its goal is to popularise cycling and promote the use of bicycles on a daily basis in the city. Home page:... read more Recreational Tourism Latvia offers 490 km of beaches Latvia, one of three Baltic States bordering the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, has a coastline stretching for 490 kilometres. Here we have large port cities - Ventspils, Riga, Liepaja, many small fishermen's villages, sandy beaches, dunes and cliffs. An ideal setting for basking in the sun and water, or for more sporty activity. Latvia's gulf and sea... read more Folk Arts and Crafts Annual Latvian Arts and Crafts Fair at Riga's Open-air Ethnographic Museum On June 5 and June 6, it's the 40th Annual Latvian Arts and Crafts Fair at Riga's Open-air Ethnographic Museum, featuring over 2,000 craftsmen and artisans from throughout the country – smiths, jewellers, linen and basket weavers, wood carvers, potters, ceramic and leather artists and many, many more. Each year around 30,000 visitors... read more Pottery workshops and Latgale ceramics The ceramics of eastern Latvia's Latgale province are considered unique not only in Latvia, but in all of Europe. Their origins can be found not only in ancient ethnography, but also in archaeology. These clay-works date back to 5,000 B.C. Here we have pit-comb, plastered, glazed, scratched, corded or polished burnished pottery. The often... read more Gastronomic Tourism 10th All-Latvia Milk, Bread and Honey Festival in Jelgava; 8th Milk Carton Raft Regatta On the last Sunday in August in Jelgava, it's the annual Milk, Bread and Honey Festival, where visitors can enjoy taste-testing, various games and attractions and assist in deciding the best Latvian honey and yogurt of the year. Bakers will compete in a contest to find the largest loaf of bread. The regatta in the Lielupe River is a major event, with... read more Useful Information Tourist Hotline 1188 The State Tourism Development Agency has set up an official tourist information hotline 1188 to heighten convenience and comfort for visitors while in Latvia, offering support, advice and trouble-shooting 24h in the English, German, Russian and Latvian languages. Tourist Hotline 1188 offers: • Informative support in... read more
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