Recreation

For those busy in the city, green parks and squares are never more than a few minutes walk away, with bowling, carting and tennis all accessible day and evening.

For those with more time to explore, the countryside begins minutes outside of Riga.
A short distance to the west is the beachy Baltic coastline with Jurmala, a popular spa town, offering healthy hospitality.

To the north, forests and plains stretch all the way to the Gauja National Park and Siluga, a large town with a strong folklore tradition and a famous bobsleigh run, as well as well-organised ski runs.

Hot-air ballooning, bobsleigh, carting, horseback riding, sailing and yes, paintball warfare are just some of the other many daily activities available to pass time outdoors.

With the proper permits, hunting and fishing are also possible in forests just north of Riga.

Staying in a country house featuring a Latvian 'herbal sauna', horseback riding across scenic hills or fishing in a murmuring stream or river makes for a refreshing shared break.

For a more culturally oriented country trip there are numerous castles and manors complete with a variety of museums.

The extensive Baltic seashore is full of traditional fishing villages welcoming hungry visitors with delicious freshly smoked fish or proffering pleasant boat trips.

Golf has become an integral part of today’s business and recreation and on this score , Riga has not been left behind. There are 18-hole and 9-hole courses located within 20 minutes of the Riga City centre. Courses come with a complete range of amenities like driving ranges, clubhouses, restaurants and equipment rental.

For a full day of indoor sports and leisure, the Olympic Centre in Ventspils offers world-class sports facilities. The centre is also a venue for all important sports events, hosting non-stop action throughout the year. See the Directory page for links to more recreation and sports activities available in and around Riga and Latvia.

Events