The Latvian capital is a hotspot of Baltic States, bursting with alluring architecture and compelling culture. Riga is not only a European cultural capital in 2014, but a beautiful city to visit, full of lovely corners, awesome architecture, delicious food and interesting people with many stories to share and town with great sports events such as Latvian Open Masters Swimming Championships and Riga Marathon. So, to definitely convince you to start packing your bags, here are the five main reasons why you should visit Riga:
Latvian Open Masters Swimming Championships
Certainly for every amateur of swimming older than 20 years of age, the main event is a Latvian Open Masters Swimming Championships in May! Stunning 50-meters Olympic pool, friendly atmosphere and compete with the TOP Masters swimmers. World Masters Champions and European record-breakers will come to Riga!
26-27 May 2018 ⇒ Riga, Latvia / 50m, 8-lane swimming pool with OMEGA Ares 21 timekeeping system;
General info: International Open Tournament for amateurs & masters swimmers (Age Groups from 20+) .
Web: www.swimming.lv | Rules & program ⇒ Regulations | Entry fees ⇒ Athlete = 20 € / Each Relay = 20 €
Registration ⇒ LENEX file to be sent to LPF email address → info@swimming.lv – till 20 May 2018.
Photo: © Andrzej Waszkewicz / EMG
Riga Marathon
Lattelecom Riga Marathon 2018 will be dedicated to Latvia’s Centenary, offering everyone the chance to celebrate the founding of Latvia in 1918 with a run through its capital Riga on 19-20 May 2018. Centenary and Song Festival themed stops will provide for a festive feeling, participants will receive special commemorative Milda medals, and the official adidas T-shirts will display original artwork by Gustavs Klucis. The participants will be able to enjoy novelties along the course – half-marathon and marathon runners will cross the Daugava river over three different bridges, the marathon will be streamed live across all countries of the European Union for the first time, and Rimi Kids’ Day 4.2 km Family Run will cross the Vanšu bridge.
The Centenary Marathon will be a serious bid for World Top 30 – International Association of Athletics’ Federation (IAAF) Gold Label, IAAF’s most prestigious award. The organizers are committed to fulfilling the necessary criteria on May 19-20 together with over 35 000 runners from 70 countries.
Photo: © Lattelecom Riga Marathon
The Art Nouveau Architecture
Over a third of all buildings in Riga are examples of art nouveau architecture and the city is recognized as having the finest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe. Head to the Alberta iela to marvel at the grand houses that line both sides of the street and look up to take in the colorful facades, intricate stonework and unusual gargoyles. Stroll around the surrounding streets, a designated art nouveau quarter, and pop in to the Art Nouveau Museum to see examples of residential interiors from the era.
Latvian Cuisine in Riga
Latvian cuisine typically consists of agricultural products, with meat featuring in most main meal dishes. Fish is commonly consumed due to Latvia’s location on the east coast of the Baltic Sea. The Latvian cuisine is markedly seasonal - due to pronounced four seasons in the climate of Latvia, each time of the year has its own distinctive products, tastes and flavors. If you are in Riga - enjoy the tastes and national traditions!
You can visit the most beautiful Beach in 20 minutes!
Known as the Pearl of Latvia, Jurmala is a 20-mile strip of fine white sand home to a string of beach towns facing the Gulf of Riga. It’s the largest resort in the Baltics and a popular weekend escape with its wooden guesthouses, art nouveau villas and spa hotels. Jump on a train from Riga’s central station and you can reach the beach in around 20 minutes. The rail track runs along the coast from Lielupe to Kemeri and round-trip tickets cost around 5 euros. Majori is a good station from which to alight. It has a tourist information center and a pedestrianized main street lined with bars and restaurants. Don’t miss a Dzintari Concert Hall, the great atmospheric venue built in the 1930s.
European Sports Promoter: EMG
Sports Reviews:
Latvian Open Masters 2018
European Masters Games 2019
Latvian Open Masters Swimming Championships 2018
PKO Białystok Half Marathon 2018
1/2 IRONMAN in the Susz Triathlon 2018
Garden Ring Amateur Cycling Race 2018
Baltic Masters Swimming Championships 2018
The winners of Riga Amber Cup 2018
Vester Masters 2018
The winners of Vester Masters 2018
Warsaw Open 2017
The winners of Warsaw Masters Open 2017