Riga Festival 2018

Riga Festival 2018

Date:  – 17.08.2018 to 19.08.2018

Riga City Festival – involving countless concerts in Riga’s concert halls, gardens and parks, games, entertainment and sporting activities for grown-ups and children. The Riga City Festival is also a great opportunity to enjoy Riga and its wonderful architecture, as well as to get to know the suburbs. Traditionally, the Riga Retro international antique car convention takes place annually. Events are also on at Vērmanes Dārzs, Doma Laukums, 11.Novembra krastmala, the Spīķeri Quarter, and in other locations. All of Riga’s residents and visitors are welcome to participate.

RIGA CITY FESTIVAL RESTAURANT

18. August 12.00 – 20.00 Spīķeru Central Square

Restaurants often stand out not only with excellent food but also a thoughtful and refined interior that creates a pleasant mood and allows the meal to taste even better. Riga is no less sophisticated and appetite provoking, therefore in cooperation with the best restaurants Riga City Festival Restaurant will open its doors under the open sky for the fifth time already in Spīķeru Square.

Riga’s chefs will introduce Riga’s inhabitants and city guests to seasonal dishes that have been made from local products. In honour of Latvia’s Centenary Latvian chefs have agreed that the number 100 has to dominate in the offered meals. This number will permeate every dish whether it is 100 grams, units, flavours, nuances or aftertastes. Hundreds of good emotions are also promised by the musicians who will perform at the restaurant all day long.

 

LIGHT SHOW “THE STORY OF WATER IN THE MOONLIGHT”

18. August 23.00 – 04.00 City Canal next to the Freeport of Riga Authority building

Freeport of Riga Authority invites to a show of musical fountains and water lights. Every half hour Riga City Festival’s guests are invited to get comfortable on the shores of Riga Canal in Kronvalda Park next to the Freeport of Riga Authority lighthouse and enjoy a short but romantic 10 minutes long story of the port of Riga.

RIGA CITY FESTIVAL’S GRAND CONCERT “GOOD EVENING, RIGA! GOOD EVENING, LATVIA!”

18. August 21.00 – 23.15 11. novembra krastmala

The concept of the concert is based on the Third Awakening in Latvia — a time period in the history of the Baltic States between 1986 and 1991 culminating in the complete restoration of national independence in all three countries.

Participants: Ginta Krievkalna, Zigfrīds Muktupāvels, Daumants Kalniņš, Aļģirdas Šuminskas (Lithuania) and band “Big Al & The Jokers”, Ivo Linna and Maarjas-Liis Ilus (Estonia), Aija Andrejeva, Alex, Māra Upmane-Holšteina, Goran-Gora, Kristīne Kārkle-Kalniņa, Marts Kristiāns Kalniņš, Riga Chamber Choir “Ave Sol”, instrumental group under the leadership of Kristaps Krievkalns and the Riga City Festival Orchestra, as well as composers Mārtiņš Brauns, Uldis Marhilēvičs and Jānis Lūsēns.

The concert will conclude with celebratory fireworks at 23.00.

 

Text and Photos from: www.rigassvetki.lv

For Solo travellers. Find others and travel cheaper!

For Solo travellers. Find others and travel cheaper!

Great if you are planning to visit Baltic’s – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia! If you are a Solo traveller and want to join some tour, please write down in comment:
1.        What tour you are interested in,
2.        Preferable date,
3.        Language

..find other interested travellers, and travel cheaper! Meet other people from different countries. Also here you can  get some travel tips for Baltics!

For Solo travellers. Find others and travel cheaper!

For Solo travellers. Find others and travel cheaper!

Great if you are planning to visit Baltic’s – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia! If you are a Solo traveller and want to join some tour, please write down in comment:
1.        What tour you are interested in,
2.        Preferable date,
3.        Language

..find other interested travellers, and travel cheaper! Meet other people from different countries. Also here you can  get some travel tips for Baltics!

Für Alleinreisende. Andere finden und günstiger reisen!

Für Alleinreisende. Andere finden und günstiger reisen!

Großartig, wenn Sie das Baltikum besuchen wollen – Lettland, Litauen und Estland! Wenn Sie ein Alleinreisender sind und an einer Tour teilnehmen möchten, geben Sie dies bitte im Kommentar an:
1.      Welche Tour interessiert Sie?
2.      Bevorzugtes Datum
3.     Sprache

.. andere interessierte Reisende finden und billiger reisen! Treffen Sie andere Leute aus verschiedenen Ländern. Hier können Sie auch einige Reisetipps für das Baltikum erhalten!

For Solo travellers. Find others and travel cheaper!

For Solo travellers. Find others and travel cheaper!

Great if you are planning to visit Baltic’s – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia! If you are a Solo traveller and want to join some tour, please write down in comment:
1.        What tour you are interested in,
2.        Preferable date,
3.        Language

..find other interested travellers, and travel cheaper! Meet other people from different countries. Also here you can  get some travel tips for Baltics!

Hiking routes in Estonia

Hiking, running, biking – whatever your activity of choice, Estonia’s nature trails will take you through national parks, forests, bogs and along the sea. Breathe some of the purest air in the world and follow in the tracks of fox, rabbits and moose. The following trails range from easy to advanced, some even accessible for wheelchair users.

Viru Bog Trail, Kuusalu

Location Kuusalu Municipality, Harju County
Object no.19 on the national park map
Driving directions Drive 52 km on Tallinn–Narva road (Road no. E20), turn left (sign “Võsu 22, Loksa 15”). Drive 1 km to the parking area to the right of the road (sign “Viru raba”). The trail starts from the parking area.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 59.464375
longitude: 25.638328
L-EST 97 x: 6592980.2 y: 592885.9

3,5 km is one way, circle will be 6 km. The trail introduces the vegetation and terrain characteristic of the raised bog in Estonia.
To protect the vegetation and soil we ask hikers to keep on the boardwalk. Cycling on the boardwalk is not allowed!

Abula hiking trail

Location Saaremaa municipality in Kalasma and Abula villages
Object no 40 on recreation area map
Driving directions Starting from Kuressaare:
Drive 30 km on the Kuressaare-Kihelkonna road, from the crossroads turn tu Pidula. Drive 9 km and from the crossroads turn left. Drive 1 km and turn right. Drive 3 km. Abula hiking trail is located at Mustjala–Kalasma village road, 8.4 km from Mustjala. The trail starts at the Kalasma campfire site.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 58.474276
longitude: 22.115466
L-EST 97 x: 6483103 y: 390061
A wonderful and exciting hiking trail along the seaside. Especially nice in spring. The limestone pine forest and coastal cliffs provide a habitat for many different plant and animal species. The trail starts at Kalasma campfire site and is marked with yellow ribbons.

Karula long hiking trail (36 km)

Location In Karula National Park. The trail has no definite starting or end point. Object no 24 on the national park map.
Driving directions Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs pointing to the Karula National Park’s visitor centre, which lead you to the trail.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 57.7124683
longitude: 26.5051262
L-EST 97 x: 6399498 y: 649297
The hiking trail runs through Karula National Park and has no marked starting or end point. The circular trail is marked with signs leading to both directions; however, it is advisable to move counter-clockwise. The trail is marked with yellow blazes on trees, plastic hiker pictograms on sign posts and tin signs along major trail sections.

Meenikunno hiking trail (5.8 km)

Location Räpina municipality, Põlva County. Object no 25 on the recreation area map.
Driving directions Drive 15 km from Räpina towards Võru, turn left towards Värska. Drive 3.8 km and turn right towards Meenikunno Landscape Protection Area. Drive another 5.5 km and turn right. Drive about 1.5 km to the parking area, where the sign “Liipsaare” points to the right. The start of the hiking trail is about 500 m away.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 57.932105
longitude: 27.310046
L-EST 97 x: 6426011 y: 696026

The 5.8 km circular hiking trail runs on 2.4 km boardwalk and 3.4 km forest path. There are 13 information points introducing the bog and forest along the trail. There is an observation tower on the Liipsaare end of the hiking trail. It is a fascinating trail for nature enthusiasts—hikers, berry-pickers, bird-watchers, etc.

 

Rõuge primeval valley hiking trail (10 km)

Location Rõuge municipality, Võru County. Object no 14 on the nature park map.
Driving directions Drive along Võru–Valga road (Road no. 67) and turn towards Rõuge. Before Rõuge turn left (follow the sign “Rõuge Suurjärve külalistemaja 1,5 km”) and drive to the junction, with a red brick building (schoolhouse) across the road and the Rõuge school bus stop on your right. Turn left at the junction and after the schoolhouse immediately to the right (follow the signs “Ööbikuorg 0,6 km”, “Plaani 11 km”, “Haanja 8 km”). The bordermark of Haanja Nature Park and cemetery are on the left. Drive on (there is a lighted cycle and pedestrian track at the side of the road), and where the cycle and pedestrian track ends, you’ll see Rõuge Ööbikuorg visitor centre and parking area on the right. Near the visitor centre there are signs and information boards introducing the surrounding area.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 57.72783
longitude: 26.93450
L-EST 97 x: 6402243.7 y: 674799.9

The 10 km hiking trail descends from near the village swing to Rõuge primeval valley, goes past a small pond and runs along the slope of the valley, which is rich in springs. There are two hydraulic rams operating on the shore of Lake Liinjärv. Hydraulic ram is a “perpetual-motion” pump using hydraulic power and is capable of pumping water as high as ten metres or more. The trail continues along the village road between the Liinjärv and Valgjärv lakes and offers wonderful views towards Ööbikuorg valley and Linnamägi. Then the trail goes along the south-western shore of Lake Rõuge Suurjärv – the deepest lake in Estonia. Next the trail goes along the chain of lakes (Ratasjärv, Tõugjärv, Lake Kahrila) to the Hinni canyon.

 

Salevere hiking trail (1.5 km)

Location Salevere village, Lääneranna municipality, Pärnu County
Object no 1 on the national park map
Driving directions Drive 56 km on Risti–Virtsu road (Road no. 10) to Ridase, turn left towards Salevere. Drive 9 km on gravel road to Salevere village, pass the two-storey residential houses and arrive at the parking area and recreation site, which also mark the start of the hiking trail.
Geographic coordinates Long-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 58.690320
longitude: 23.580652
L-EST 97 x: 6505698 y: 475684

LATVIAN BEER (GUIDE)

LATVIAN BEER (GUIDE)

If you are beer lover, then this post is for you! Anyone who likes beer and is thinking of visiting Latvia may consider to try some of the local brews that Latvia has to offer.

 

For a traditional Latvian lager experience look for:

 

 

 

1. Valmiermuiža beer – Unhurriedly brewed for special occasions, in Latvia beer has been the landlord’s pride and joy since days of yore. As a measure of our respect for venerable traditions, at Valmiermuiža we brew live beer patiently and nurture a culture of enjoying beer, so that beer enjoys a place of honour on the festive table just as it did in olden days. The road taken by Valmiermuiža’s brews to beer lovers started with its amber lager. A sumptuous and popular flavour where, offset by the sweetness of caramel, the bitterness of hops quenches one’s thirst and refreshes. In every sip, you can also taste the flowery minted notes of buckwheat honey. Try this lager beer in Valmiermuiža embassy Aristida Briāna iela 9, Rīga 

 

 

2. Užavas beer – was founded in 1994 shortly after Latvia’s restoration of independence. Because of the high-quality water of the Užava area, this was the clear choice for the location of our brewery. Here our proprietor first built his residence containing a small brewery. Bringing under the same roof his passion for family and beer making! Three varieties of beer are currently produced – Užavas LIGHT, Užavas DARK and Užavas WINTER (Baltic Dark beer)

 

3. Zoltners beer – the brewery produces two unique original sorts of beer – light and dark. Own production – from the grain to the beer mug. Try this lager beer in Aurora bar, Dzirnavu iela 43, Rīga.

 

 

4. Mežpils  beer – Mežpils Gaišais (Light) is brewed from golden barley malt, and proudly boasts an amber hue, distinctly hoppy bitterness and a subtle hint of caramel – a combination that will be appreciated by even the most discerning beer lovers invariably in search of the genuine and natural article. Mežpils Tradicionālais  beer flavour that has been beloved by many generations encounters the typical characteristics of Mežpils, the result is Mežpils Traditional beer — a light, refreshing and enjoyable lager-type beer with a pretty and gently golden colour. The characteristics of the flavour of Mežpils Tumšais (Dark) beer are highlighted by premium quality malt. This redden brown variety of beer will surprise you with its inimitable aroma of hops and caramel malt, and memorably refreshing aftertaste. Try this lager beer in Aurora bar, Dzirnavu iela 43, Rīga.

 

 

5. Tērvetes beer – Beer has been an essential part of Latvian lifes. In order to preserve the brewing traditions in region of Zemgale, in 1971 Tērvetes brewery was built. There was started the brewing of the well-known and highly appreciated beer Tērvete. Beer is a natural product and good brewing should be in accordance with tradition and natural processes. Thanks to Zemgale fertile land, special beer barley varieties are grown every year in Tērvete, which is the basic raw material for beer production. Tervete beer is made of local raw materials, as a proof of that is quality label “Quality product” or more widely known as”Green spoon” which represents the provenance and high quality of product.

 

For a Craft beer experience look for:

 

 

1. Malduguns Craft Beer – this microbrewery started to operate in 2013 and immediately made a huge step forward: it was listed in ”The top 100 brewers in the world” award in that year. Now they are very well known in Latvia and in the countries nearby. Malduguns produces very tasty Ales with a creative craft touch. They have now more than ten different beers, like the delicious Rudais Rudens, an Extra Special Bitter (ESB), and the spicy Sānslīde, an India Pale Ale (IPA), in addition to almost twenty variations of the single hop IPA Zaļā Bise (Green Shotgun), each using a different kind of hop. The brewery is located in the Rauna district, 110 km from Riga. Try this lager beer in Vinil bar, Kalnciema iela 39, Rīga.

 

2. Labietis Craft Beer  /Aristida Briāna iela 9A2,Riga / – There are 12 different beers on tap here, as well as additional seasonal brews on offer, as well as bottles to take home. Have a seat at one of the huge wooden tables, or when it’s sunny out, head to the outdoor terrace. Try this craft beer also in Riga Central Market, Centrāltirgus iela 1, Riga

 

 

 

3. Viedi Craft Beer – beer from a microbrewery founded in 2015. The recipes started as experiments. They produce unfiltered and non-pasteurized Ales, like the delicious Rodeo (APA) and their most famous, Blondais Grēks (Blond Sin), a Wit beer. The brewery is interested in not only offering a good beer, but also educating the public about the beer culture and creating conditions for the availability and variety of beer in Latvia at the same level as in the United States or Belgium. Try this craft beer in Bar Gauja, Stabu iela 32,  Rīga.

 

Spring 2018. Amata trail.

Spring 2018. Amata trail.

 

One of our team passion is hiking. For all 4 seasons here in Latvia – winter, spring, summer and autumn it’s beautiful experience where you will be charmed by the untouched nature. In early spring, you will see boaters chasing extreme sensations on the rapid waters of the Amata River. Spring is also a great time for watching the fascinating bird life. Whereas in summer, the wonderfully bright green scenery offers a large diversity of plants to examine and admire! In autumn, the trail is exceptionally picturesque, clad in shades of bright red and gold. It is also the time for watching the captivating spawning of fish.

This spring we hiked Amata trail. Trail is located only on the right bank of the river Amata. Sandstone and dolomite outcrops, landscapes, diverse flora. Ainavu cliff- 46 m, the highest in Latvia. Marking- red rhombs on tree trunks, route isn’t maintained. Gauja river and it is full of rapids, the word “amada” in the lībiešu language means rapid. The trail is a wonderful place for walking and immersing yourself in the nature.  Trail Amata is located in the Gauja National Park.

 

You can choose one of the routs:

1) Amatciems – Melturi 2 h;
2) Melturi – Kārļi 3 h;
3) Kārļi – Zvārtes cliff 4 h;
4) Zvārtes cliff – Veclauču bridge 1–2 h. (this suitable for family with children)

Coordinates:

Amatciems  25.30342, 57.22543

Veclauču bridge –  25.13721, 57.26149

Zvārtes cliff 25.14279, 57.24601

Photo from – Amata.lv

 

 

 

WINTER IN BALTIC’S (LATVIA)

WINTER IN BALTIC’S (LATVIA)

The winter in Latvia usually lasts from mid-December to the beginning of March. Air temperature can fluctuate from +5 degrees Celsius all the way down to -30 degrees.

A weekend in Riga, the capital of Latvia, is the perfect winter destination. There are plenty of things to do in Riga during a winter weekend. Read our blog to find out what to do in Riga,Latvia.

 

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Luge and Bobsleigh Track in Sigulda – zip down the only bobsleigh track in the Baltics at speeds of up to 80 km/h. In winter, rides are done by “vučko” or the so-called soft bob. The total length of the bobsleigh and luge Track is 1200 m, it features 16 curves, and allows for a maximum speed of 125 km/h. The track is suited for bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton competitions and training sessions. Both international and local competitions are held here every season.

Cross-country skiing -When staying in Riga, cross-country skiing is easily accessible. One does not have to venture far from the capital  – a groomed cross-country track is available across the river in Victory Park. Sigulda is also close to the Latvian capital for long distances in pristine natural surroundings. Cross-country skiing is special in Jurmala where one can enjoy wonderful landscape of frozen waters in cold winters.

Downhill ski slopes:

  • Zagarkalns – one of the most popular ski resorts in Latvia, located in Cesis by the Gauja River
  • Ozolkalns – is proud of the longest downhill ski track in Latvia
  • Milzkalns – one of the most popular places of wintertime activities in Latvia, located in Engure district

Ice fishing – enjoy the ice fishing on the frozen lake and rivers and try to catch you own fish.

Husky dog sledding – hop on a sled and let a pack of Huskies power you along through a Latvian forest,  generally the best months for husky dog sledding are January to March!

RESTAURANTS

You can treat yourself to lovely meals – Riga is perfect destination for food lovers. Thanks to a creative and enthusiastic generation of chefs, there are now numerous world-class restaurants in Latvia serving exquisite local and international cuisine.

Restaurant 3 – Taste of nature “Restaurant 3” offers to the guests menus, which display modern culinary tendencies in the world. Restaurant’s menu is made by using forest goods, natural, bio and seasonal products. They offer guests to enjoy the taste of nature and forest at the very heart of Old Riga.

 MUUSU – is a story of values developed through years of experience. We hail and pursue beauty and comfort; every detail counts. The Nordic interior – distinct lines, exposed brick, flax fabric and wood  accents in combination with metal provides an exquisite background for all that is essential – fine food and emotions. The strength of MUUSU is its chef, Kaspars Jansons. We do not hesitate to claim that he is one of the best chefs in the city. The ascetic table settings and dishes, made by Rauna Kiln, is very much like a canvas to paint on. Time-tested, stable culinary values are at the base of our menu. These are the classics of contemporary Europe, leaving space for new interpretation and seasonal accents, with respect for everything fresh and of local origin.

Ferma – At restaurant “Ferma” you can try local products – wild venison, Baltic salmon, shrimp grown in Latvia, dry aged beef from Latvia, as well as Latvia’s Culinary Heritage. Restaurant “Ferma” is a long-awaited project by chef Maris Astics. Restaurant is in the Quiet Centre of Riga which gives a chance to enjoy a meal with a view of the Viesturs Garden park.

Vincents Restaurant – since it opened in 1994, Vincents has become the prime destination for all those passionate about good food and fine wine. Vincents is located in one of the most picturesque parts of Riga, surrounded by Art Nouveau buildings. The modern interior forms the backdrop for chef Aleksandrs Nasikailovs’ inspired & constantly evolving cuisine. A gourmet’s grotto & celebrity haunt. The guest book at Vincents is a cornucopia of praise from President George W. Bush, brothers Prince Charles and Prince Andrew, Paco Rabane, Pierre Cardin, Mstislav Rostropovich, Montseratt Caballe, Maija Pliseckaya, Nikita Mihalkov, Jose Carreras, and Elton John – to name a few.

MUSEUMS

Discover the most interesting museums to visit when in Riga.

Latvian National Museum of Art -The collection of the largest art museum in Latvia comprises more than 52 thousand works by Baltic and Russian painters and sculptors.

Riga Art Nouveau Centre – Rīga is one of the few European cities where Art Nouveau architecture, art and design objects have survived in great numbers. It is even called “the metropolis of Art Nouveau”. There are 800 Art Nouveau buildings in Rīga, mostly located in the city’s centre – particularly on Alberta Street. Riga Art Nouveau Centre can also be found on this street, in the former apartment of the renowned Latvian architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns, who lived and worked here till 1907 and designed this beautiful building.

Riga Motor Museum -Visit Riga Motor Museum to see the largest and most diverse collection of antique motor vehicles in the Baltics and listen to exciting stories about them. The museum exhibition has been created as a story about unique motor vehicles, prominent persons and the most important historical events in the automotive world. Innumerable interactive elements have been installed throughout Riga Motor Museum, which will draw the attention of any child.

 Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum – One of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe is located on the banks of Lake Jugla, just a 30 minute drive from downtown Riga. This museum is unique when compared to similar museums around the world with the fact that it began to collect its exhibitions before the war, and thus many of its exhibition objects are in very good condition. 118 historical buildings from all four of Latvia’s provinces – Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale and Latgale, have been put on display at the museum. The buildings range in age, and most of them were originally constructed between the 17th century up all the way up until the 1930s.

Aldaris beer museum and brewery – Aldaris beer museum is the most up-to-date museum of beer in the Baltics and the very first one in Latvia. The museum offers its guests to discover the diversity and charm of beers brewed in Latvia and elsewhere, the secrets of brewing, and also to try hand at brewing. It also displays the collection of historic exhibits related to beer and relies on state-of-the art technologies to better introduce its visitors to the four basic elements of beer – water, hops, malt and yeast.

The Corner House – a project by the Occupation Museum, provides the opportunity for the wider public to gain insight into the former KGB, or ‘Cheka’, headquarters in Riga by preparing an exhibition on the institution’s operation in Latvia and a tour of the building. Visitors are able to view jail cells, dungeons, strolling areas, the lift for the interrogated and office workspace. It is a revelation for the young generation and foreign tourists as well as a memorial for those who suffered within these walls.

kim? Contemporary Art Centre – was founded in 2009. The name of kim? is an abbreviation of an insistent question “what is art?” (“kas ir māksla?” in Latvian). The organization is offering a certain range of activities such as exhibitions, lectures, discussions and other events related to recent art, theory and social issues. kim? supports the development of emerging Latvian artists, theoreticians and curators and collaborations between art professionals and thinkers of other spheres aiming to provide a responsive context to their work and to make critical practices accessible to a wider audience.

Laima chocolate museum – is the biggest and most well-known producer of chocolate and sweets in the Baltic, where chocolate is made with cocoa beans without using semi-prepared products. The method was introduced in 1870 by factory founder Teodors Rigerts. The Laima chocolate museum welcomes, treats and inspires its visitors. Laima tells, shows and involves! The mastery LAIMA is known for since 1870 is full of love and affection, resulting in chocolate without equal in the world.  Life is full of secrets. One of them is how to make chocolate. In the Laima chocolate museum visitors will discover the secrets of making chocolate, find out how cocoa beans are used to make Laima’s chocolate and other delicacies and become true confectioners by making their own chocolate bar.

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