THE ROAD TO LATVIA

Written by MOTORBIKE EUROPE Road Writers -

Large parts of Latvia are covered by forest, and the country has over 12,000 small rivers, and over 3,000 lakes. Lubjana is Latvia's largest lake, and Daugava is the longest river. Its total length is 1,020 km, of which 367 km flows through Latvia. Most of the country consists of fertile lowland plains, with a few hills in the eastern part of the country.

The highest point is Gaiziņkalns (or Gaiziņš), which is 312 m. In the northwest, lies the Gulf of Riga, at the Baltic Sea.

The Capital of Riga is located deep in this bay by the estuary of the river Daugava. Other major cities are Daugavpils further up along this river, and Liepaja on the west coast. The Latvian climate is maritime and temperate, with cool summers and moderately cold, but snowy winters.

Riga, the capital city, lies in the Gulf of Riga on the Baltic Sea, and has approx. 713,016 inhabitants. It is the largest city in the Baltic States, and the Daugava River passes through the town, which consists of three parts. The old town center on the east bank, and Pardaugava on the west bank.

The suburbs are dominated by wide streets and apartment buildings from the Soviet era. In 1941, Latvia was invaded by Nazi Germany, and if that wasn’t enough, Latvia was again invaded in 1945 by the Soviet troops, who kept the country occupied until the 21st of August, 1991, when the country finally got its independence.