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Tourism Object Categories

Accommodation Category

The red symbols show the 7 types of accommodations you will find in this website.

Self-catering cottage
Self-catering cottage

Separate houses, frequently beside a lake, a river or the sea, for the sole use of the guests.

Country house
Country house

Farm or family homes in the countryside. Guests are offered rooms or separate parts of the house.

Village house
Village house

Farm or family homes in the village. Guests are offered rooms or separate parts of the house.

Read more on village houses here.

Guest house
Guest house

Accommodations in the countryside or in a village or in a small town for larger number of guests. Guesthouses contain no less than 5 bedrooms, sauna, banquet and seminar rooms, recreation.

Read more on guest houses here.

Hotel
Hotel

Accommodations in the countryside or in a village or in a small town. Hotels contain no less than 10 rooms for guests; usually also have a bar and/or a restaurant, banquet and seminar rooms, sometimes a sauna.

Read more on hotels here.

Castle, manor house
Castle, manor house

Offer rooms/halls for festivities, seminars, conferences with overnight accommodations being optional. Exhibits, celebrations, carnivals, dances and other activities are often held in castles.

Read more on castle and manor houses here.

Camping
Camping

Sites for tents and mobile homes sometimes with small vacation homes, usually near a lake or river or the sea. Saunas, boats, playing fields as well as other activities to pass the time.

Read more on campings here.

Countryside Goodies Category

Animal breeder
Animal breeder

Livestock, wild animals, decorative animals, processed products which can be tasted and purchased.

Beekeeping
Beekeeping

Tours of beekeeping operations to learn about the lives of bees.  Tasting of honey, production of wax candles.  Beekeepers sell honey.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, wild mushrooms, with mushroom picking, tasting, purchase of products and recipes.

Craftsmen
Craftsmen

Ceramics artists, stone cutters, carvers, weavers, basket-makers, copers, blacksmiths, leather processors, jewellry makers andn instrument makers. Workshops can be visited, guests can try their hand at the crafts, and products can be bought.

Plant grower
Plant grower

Plant growing facilities, decorative gardens, seeds, consultations, purchase of seedlings and seeds.

Food products growers
Food products growers

Berries, fruits and vegetables - tasting and purchase.

Grain growers
Grain growers

Active farms and agricultural companies that produce industrial amounts of grains and seeds – summer and winter barley, wheat, rye, grasses, rapeseed and corn.  Please contact the farm in advance for a tour.  Farms offer exchanges of experiences in the sector, tours for students and adults and, in some cases, meals.

Food producer
Food producer

Bakers, pastry cooks, beekeepers, wine brewers, dairy and meat producers.

Beverages
Beverages

Refreshing birch, sea buckthorn and other juices.  Homemade wine, home-brewed beer, liqueurs, infusions and strong alcoholic beverages from licensed home manufacturers.  Many owners offer tours of their facilities.

Fish farm
Fish farm

Fish ponds, fishing, rides in fishing boats, tasting and purchase of products.

Country kitchen
Country kitchen

Pubs, small cafes, restaurants and other establishments in the countryside and small towns offering meals from fresh country produce and using traditional recipes. Taste the difference of Latvian regions.

Sauna ritual
Sauna ritual

Inseparable from the country way of life and from trips to the countryside.

Herbs and tea
Herbs and tea

Tours of fields of medicinal plants, purchase of herbal teas and souvenirs stuffed with medicinal plants, advice and recommendations about healthy lifestyles and the use of medicinal plants.  Processed oils, tinctures, syrups and cosmetics from natural resources.

Small farms
Small farms

Smaller farms where traditional farming methods can be seen.  These farmers are sustenance farmers, only growing what they need.  Many sell milk, bread, cheese, fruit, vegetables, honey and berries.  Many have farm animals for children to watch and feed.

Culture and History Object Category

Military heritage
Military heritage

Military structures from all eras – fortifications, redoubts, forts, army bases, formerly secret objects will tell stories about Soviet-era adventures and legends.

Castles and manors
Castles and manors

Publicly open castles and estates, Medieval castles and ruins, the gardens and parks of baronial estates.

Museum
Museum

Museums and exhibitions.

Industrial heritage
Industrial heritage

Former factories and plants, kolkhoz farms, technical structures.

Famous building
Famous building

Residential buildings, public buildings, windmills, city halls, meeting halls, farms and their elements, the birthplaces of notable individuals.

Church
Church

Churches with specific architecture and an interesting history.

Historical or modern center
Historical or modern center

Ethnographic villages, Medieval towns.

Historical site
Historical site

Ancient places of battles, meetings, court hearings, gatherings, settlements, old roads, sacred locations, ancient graveyards.

Memorial place
Memorial place
Info site
Info site

Sports and Leisure Object category

Recreation park
Recreation park
Sport complex
Sport complex

Nature Object Category

Stone
Stone

Stones, boulders.

Waterfall
Waterfall

River waterfalls.

Outcrop
Outcrop

Sandstone and limestone outcrops on riverbanks.

Ravine
Ravine
Steep bank
Steep bank
Sinkhole
Sinkhole

Karst sinkholes of various type and size.

Cave
Cave
Spring
Spring

Sulphuric springs.

Relief
Relief

Hills and elevations.

Ice fall
Ice fall
Tree
Tree

Outstanding secular trees, attractive trees, alleys, etc.

Animal/bird/plant watching site
Animal/bird/plant watching site

Nature sites with bird and animal watching facilities and/or services.

Seashore
Seashore

Scenic seashore stretches.

Dune
Dune

Dunes in protected nature sites.

River
River

River valleys and other attractive sites by the rivers.

Lake
Lake

Protected and especially scenic lakes.

Island
Island

Islands in rivers and lakes that are accessible for visitors.

Swamp
Swamp

Swamps of different type with walking trails.

Meadow
Meadow

Floodlands by rivers and lakes.

Forest
Forest

Forests with high biological diversity and rare tree species.

Biotope
Biotope

Nature sites presenting high biological diversity and protecting specific biotopes.

Park
Park
Arboretum
Arboretum

Plantations of trees and shrubs.

Viewing tower
Viewing tower

Landscape and bird watching towers, lighthouse, church and castle towers open for visitors.

Viewing site
Viewing site

Scenic road stretches, views from hilltops, hillforts, riverbanks and seashore.

Trail
Trail

Various nature trails with environmental information.

Route
Route
Territory
Territory
Animal collection
Animal collection
Plant collection
Plant collection
Other object
Other object

Tour Type

Active tour
Active tour

All our active tours operate from May to August. Daily distances are typically from 20-55 km (asphalt, forest or gravel roads) for cycling tours, up to 15 km (4-5 hours) walking along seashore, nature trails, forest paths, asphalt, and  9-18 km, (2-5 hours) canoeing along calmer streams with some small rapids.

Read more about active tours here.

Family tour
Family tour

Attractions are chosen to keep the little ones engaged and exited. Accommodation places are comfortable and children friendly.

Read more about family tours here.

Self drive tour
Self drive tour

Our self-drive tours will help you to get to know the Baltic States deeper and take to the places  beyond the main tourism sites. We provide a detailed information and maps for each day - sites, attractions, pubs as well as practicalities. Some of our tours are with specific focus. For example, castles and manors, local life, nature trails or the Baltic sea.

Read more about self-drive tours here.

Wildlife tour
Wildlife tour

We tailor-made all our tours according the clients’ specific needs interests and fitness level. In this section we have included the samples of each type of tour to give an idea what we can offer – bird and mammal watching, mushroom hunting and botanic tours in Latvia. The tours tend to pass various biotops maximizing impressions and number of  species seen.

Read more about wildlife tours here.

Bus tour
Bus tour

Due our extensive knowledge we are capable to tailor-made the tour exactly for your groups interests. We like to encourage people to visit traditional crafts workshops, visit working farms and organize tastings of local produce. In this page you find sample itineraries for group tours however we do not run regular fixed date tours.

Read more about bus tours here.

Study tour
Study tour

Agricultural organizations, farmers and other interested persons are welcome to join one of our special interest programs and learn more about grain and vegetable growing, dairy farming, organic farming, horse breeding, food processing, forestry and fisheries in the Baltic states.

Read more about study tours here.

Public transport tour
Public transport tour

Ceļošana ar sabiedrisko transportu ļauj iepazīt Baltijas valstu pilsētas, mazpilsētas un lauku reģionus, izmantojot autobusus un vilcienus. Šajos maršrutos varat atrast informāciju par iespējamajiem sabiedriskā transporta veidiem, maršrutiem un to pakalpojumu sniedzējiem, kā arī noderīgus padomus ceļošanai ar sabiedrisko transportu.

Vairāk par ceļošanu ar sabiedrisko transportu lasiet šeit.

Other tour
Other tour

Specializations

Entity specializations

The blue symbols show specialisation of accommodations – the facilities to cater for special interests of guests. To be marked as specialised, accommodations comply with set criteria. Click on specialisation titles next to symbols to read descriptions.

Fishing
Fishing

There is a place where water tourists can spend time or spend the night on the banks of a river.  There is a pier where boats can be put into the water and then taken out of the water.  The venue offers boats and the necessary equipment, or there is a boat rental place nearby with information about the rental cost and the boats.  There is detailed information about boating routes, and services related to boats, equipment and passenger transport are offered.

Read more on fishing here.

Skiing
Skiing

The venue is less than 5 km from a well-appointed downhill skiing or cross-country skiing facility.  There is information about nearby ski trails and the services which they offer.  There are partnerships with ski trails, including special discounts on leasing of equipment and use of the trails, etc.  There are special rooms to dry clothing and footwear and to store equipment.  There is a convenient car park during winter conditions.  There is a kitchen, or dining services are offered.

Read more on skiing here.

Horseback riding
Horseback riding

The farm has horses meant for horseback riding in a specific area or along a specific route, or such services are available in a radius of 5 km from the venue.  An instructor is available, along with information about services and prices.

Read more on horseback riding here.

For parties
For parties

There is a room for celebrations with tables, chairs and benches for the necessary number of guests.  There is a kitchen to prepare and serve food, complete with dishes and silverware.  Dining is possible, and there is a car park for guests.  There is equipment to play music or to have live musical performances.  The venue has a partnership with event organisers.

Read more here.

Seminars
Seminars

There is a separate room for seminars and coffee breaks or luncheons, or a seminar room in which there is room for a table to serve coffee.  There are appropriate furnishings, and the room is appropriate, as well, complete with the equipment that is needed for seminars.  There are breaks for meals or some coffee.

Read more on seminars here.

Wellbeing Tourism
Wellbeing Tourism

This leisure offer is meant to provide you with emotional, physical and spiritual good feelings.  Peace, quiet, expansive areas, fresh air, pampering yourself, a healthy lifestyle, moderate activities, an aesthetic environment, the proximity of nature – all of these are skilfully merged to provide you with harmonic enjoyment, balance your inner world, and renew your energy.

Read more on wellness here.

Wellbeing TourismRural SPA
Rural SPA

Hotels, estates and guesthouses with spa services are in the countryside and offer high-quality spa procedures and relaxing rituals so that you can pamper and restore yourself.  Added value is provided by fresh air, lovely natural and countryside landscapes, and the sounds of nature.  The venues also have equipment for outdoor activities such as bicycles, boats, poles for hiking, trails, designed routes for walking, as well as bicycle trips in the nearby area.

Wellbeing TourismCity SPA
City SPA
Wellbeing TourismSauna Experience
Sauna Experience

Sauna experience restores the body in physical and spiritual terms.  The sauna ritual is an adventure at various levels – healing and purifying the body, concentrating on emotions, learning about yourself, and even experiencing a positive change in your consciousness.  Sauna rituals are offered by certified and experienced experts, and the rituals make use of gifts from the environment – branch and plant switches, scrubs and body masks from natural and local raw materials.  Herbal teas are also offered.

Wellbeing TourismSilence and Peace
Silence and Peace

These weekend homes offer unbothered peace in the countryside.  The surroundings are sparsely populated, and other holidaymakers will not disturb you.  Silence, expanse, privacy, fresh air, the sounds of nature and the surrounding landscape – all of these will calm your mind and restore your strength and vitality.   Enjoy nature thanks to trails, wooden pathways and viewing platforms.  Accommodations offer maps of the surrounding area, as well as other useful information.

Wellbeing TourismNature for Health
Nature for Health

This offer is for those of you who choose a healthy lifestyle, as well as those of you who are looking for yourselves.  We offer various activities, camps and retreats in the countryside, including environmental therapy programmes, consciousness and peace practices, yoga, meditation, gifts from nature, herbal teas, activities to learn about plants, as well as fresh and healthy foods.

For children and teenagers
For children and teenagers

One or more cradles and chairs for children, a playground, and special offers for children if dining is offered.  Facilities meant for children’s activities are child-friendly.  There are special offers for kids such as games, attractions, creative workshops, rental of children’s sports equipment, etc.  The territory of the venue is safe for children.

Read more here.

By the sea
By the sea

The venue is no less than 5 km from the sea, with information to show where the sea is located (the venue is on the seashore, the sea is across a road, etc.).  There are descriptions about the local seashore (sandy, rocky, grassy), about bathing locations and about how well-appointed the beach is.  There is information about leisure opportunities on the seashore – volleyball, trips in fishing boats, etc.  The venue may offer sunning chairs, sun umbrellas and beach towels.  The venue has a map or description as to how to get to the sea.

Read more here.

Active leisure
Active leisure

An extensive and special offer in the countryside for children and teenagers of various ages and with various interests.  People can learn about life in the countryside and enjoy leisure and recreation in a safe and healthy country environment. 

Beautiful sights
Beautiful sights
Birdwatching
Birdwatching

The venue is close to places that are important for birds (migration routes, etc.).  There are bird watching towers, platforms or blinds at the venue or nearby, with informational materials about the birds and how they can best be spotted.  A guide to birds is available, along with telescopes or binoculars.  The owners are informed about bird watching and counting events in the nearby area, as well as about the activities of the Latvian Ornithological Association.  Transport is provided from the venue to the bird watching location, with an early breakfast and a packed lunch for participants.

Insect watching
Insect watching
Botanical
Botanical
Mammal watching
Mammal watching
Mushroom picking
Mushroom picking

The territory around the venue is appropriate for mushroom hunting.  The venue offers information about edible and inedible mushrooms, along with a guide or handbook to mushrooms.  The owners can accompany the guests or provide a knowledgeable guide.  They are familiar with the surrounding area and can describe it so that guests do not get lost.  Guests can be provided with a map of the territory, and the venue has the necessary baskets or buckets to collect mushrooms.  The owners can recommend recipes or offer a chance to cook the mushrooms on site.

Canoeing
Canoeing

There is a place where water tourists can spend time or spend the night on the banks of a river.  There is a pier where boats can be put into the water and then taken out of the water.  The venue offers boats and the necessary equipment, or there is a boat rental place nearby with information about the rental cost and the boats.  There is detailed information about boating routes, and services related to boats, equipment and passenger transport are offered.

Cycling
Cycling

There are marked or tested bike routes in the area.  The venue offers maps of the routes, and it either offers bikes for rent or works with a company which does so, also making sure that the relevant equipment is available.  The venue offers precise information about the type and number of bicycles that are available, as well as about the rental cost.  There is a locked place to store bikes, and maintenance and repair services are available.  The venue offers a way of transporting the baggage of bike tourists, and it can provide breakfast and dinner.

Walking
Walking

The venue is in a rural and environmental territory that is appropriate for walking, complete with nature, education or simple walking trails.  Hiking routes are marked.  The owner can serve as a guide.  If there are multi-day hikes, the venue must offer a guide who is familiar with the area, will take responsibility for the safety of guests, and is familiar with first aid.  The venue offers a way of transporting the baggage of bike tourists.

Agriculture
Agriculture

This is an actual farm, fishing operation or crafts operation where people can learn about the county life, about farms and their operations (grain growing, plant growing, gardening, etc.).  Tours of the farm are available, and guests can take part in various tasks on the farm.  The venue can offer tastings and purchase of various foods such as cheese, honey, wine, etc.

Castles and manors
Castles and manors
Local lifestyle
Local lifestyle

Piedāvājums “Lauku dzīvesveids” ļauj iepazīt mūsdienu dzīvi laukos kopā ar vietējo cilvēku, vērojot ikdienas norises vai iesaistoties tajās visdažādākajās jomās- dārza veidošana un kopšana, mūsdienu dizaina amatniecība, veselīga pārtika, inovatīvu produktu ražošana, arhitektūra un vide, zaļais dzīvesveids, ražas un tradīciju svētki, tirgi un festivāli.

Agri Heritage
Agri Heritage

The offer of agro-tourism and historical heritage involves farms that are open to visitors, interactive museums, private collections and other places where people can learn about life in the countryside and the historical heritage that is linked to agriculture.  Visitors will learn about manufacturing processes from start to finish.  This can involve modern farms which offer visitors a look at their work and their history.  The aspect of historical heritage also includes the effects of all kinds of eras and cultures – those that have left tracks in present-day lives in the countryside and agricultural work.

Heritage gardens
Heritage gardens

These are gardens, botanical gardens and plant collections open to visitors and showing horticulture and gardening traditions, historical varieties of fruit, vegetables, herbs, ornamental trees, bushes and flowers. In specialized gardens visitors may also learn about historical cultivars, their use, and achievements of local plant breeders. Historical gardens reflect influences from different historical periods and cultures. They are often located near estates, museums or homesteads and form a part of their history.

Food
Food

Services

The green symbols describe amenities, services and activity facilities available at each accommodation. Several symbols for the most demanded services/facilities appear when you open an accommodation's site (provided, the respective services/facilities are available there).

Nature protection

Environment/territory protection type

Biosphere Reserve
Biosphere Reserve
Strict nature reserve
Strict nature reserve

Strict nature reserve are locations that are untouched by human activity and that ensure the undisturbed development of natural processes. Their aim is to protect and study uncommon or typical ecosystems and their components.

Read more about strict nature reserve here.

National park
National park

National parks are large areas which typically contain important natural formations, areas that have been untouched by humankind, various kinds of landscapes, diversities in biotypes, a wealth of cultural and historical monuments, and specific aspects of their local cultural environment.

Read more about national parks here.

Nature park
Nature park

Nature parks are territories which present the natural, cultural and historical values of a specific region and are appropriate for leisure, education and information.

Read more about nature parks here.

Protected landscape area
Protected landscape area

Protected landscape area are territories which are distinguished by unique and diverse landscapes of particular beauty.  The aim is to protect and preserve Latvia’s cultural environment and landscape in their diversity, as well as to ensure the preservation of an environment which is appropriate for public leisure and tourism and which is managed on the basis of procedures which are environmentally friendly.

Read more about protected landscape areas here.

Nature reserve
Nature reserve

Nature reserves are territories which have not been affected by human activities to any significant degree, or which have been transformed over the course of time but contain specifically protected wild plants and animals, as well as specifically protected habitats.

Read more about nature reserves here.

Nature monument
Nature monument

Nature monuments are individual natural formations – protected trees, dendrological areas, alleys, geological and geo-morphological natural monuments and other rare elements of nature of scientific, cultural, historical, aesthetic or ecological value.

Read more about nature monuments here.

Micro restricted area
Micro restricted area
Protected sea territory
Protected sea territory

This is to protect biotopes at the bottom of the sea, as well as different species of birds. At this time, the Cabinet of Ministers is considering these new protected marine territories.

Read more about protected sea territories here.

Certificates and ratings

Rating

One eye
One eye

Attraction site of regional importance, worth stopping by while touring one of the regions of Latvia: Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Zemgale, Latgale.

Two eyes
Two eyes

One of the "Top" attraction sites in Latvia, a "must see" when touring the country.

Three eyes
Three eyes

One of the "Top" attraction sites in the Baltic countries a "must see" when touring the Baltic countries:  Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia.

Security

Warning - visit can be dangerous
Warning - visit can be dangerous
Visit not possible/recommended
Visit not possible/recommended

Quality (LC)

LC Quality certificate
Cat 1
Cat 1

Minimum facilities for Country houses
Basic facilities and amenities, electrical power, drainage. Rooms are not large, with simple furnishings and furniture – beds, chairs and coat hangers. Washing facilities in a bathhouse or in an outbuilding. Dry toilet in the house or in an outhouse.

Minimum facilities for Self-catering cottages

Basic facilities and amenities, electrical power, drainage. Rooms are not large, with simple furnishings and furniture – beds, chairs and coat hangers. A kitchen or kitchenette in the cottage or in another building, in shared use with other guests. Washing facilities in a bathhouse or in an outbuilding. Dry toilet in the house or in an outhouse.

Cat 2
Cat 2

Modest Country houses
Washing and WC facilities in the house, usually shared with the host family or with other guests. The rooms are larger and better furnished than in the previous category. There is an open area for recreation by the house.

Modest Self-catering cottages

The cottage contains bedrooms and washing facilities. A kitchen may be in the cottage, combined with a living room or in another building, in shared use with other guests. Kitchen equipment includes electric or gas cooker, a fridge, inventory for preparation and serving food. The rooms are larger and better furnished than in the previous category. There is an open area for recreation by the house. Information available on things to see and do in the vicinity.

Cat 3
Cat 3

Good Country houses
Living room can be shared with the hosts. Washing and WC facilities can be shared by all guests, or facilities for private use next to bedroom. Cozy interior. Surroundings well kept, with garden furniture, a picnic spot or similar. Good quality holiday activity facilities and equipment.

Good Self-catering cottages

The cottage contains bedrooms, a living room with a TV and audio equipment. Kitchen furnishings and equipment are better than in the previous category. Rooms are spacious and convenient. Cozy interior. Surroundings well kept, with garden furniture, a picnic spot or similar. Good quality holiday activity facilities and equipment.

Cat 4
Cat 4

Very good Country houses
Separate entrance. All rooms – bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom – spacious and well appointed. En-suite bathroom and WC facilities. TV and audio equipment in bedrooms or in a living room. Good choice and quality of activity facilities. Spacious and well kept open areas for recreation.

Very good Self-catering cottages

All rooms – bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom – spacious and well appointed. Good quality furniture and furnishings. En-suite bathroom and WC facilities. TV and audio equipment in bedrooms or in a living room. Good choice and quality of activity facilities and equipment. Spacious and well kept open areas for recreation.

Quality

Quality standards for hotels and castle/manor accommodations are set by the Hotel and Restaurant Association. They award 1-5 stars , where 5 stars stand for the highest standard. Camp sites in the Baltic countries are not graded.

*
*

1 star (Category I) hotel:
- reception desk from 7:00 till 22:00 or on request;
- minimum size of single bed – 90 x 190 cm, double bed – 140 x 190 cm;
- bed linen changed after 5 nights of stay as well as after the guest’s stay at hotel;
- at least one toilet for every ten rooms that do not have en-suite toilets;
- at least one bathroom for every ten rooms that do not have en-suite bathrooms;
- room, where breakfast service available, breakfast with cold dishes.

Read more about Hotel Classification here.

**
**

2 star (Category II) hotel:
- at least 40% of rooms with private bath / shower and toilet available;
- reception desk from 7:00 till 24:00 or on request;
- bed linen changed after 4 nights of stay as well as after the guest’s stay at hotel;
- size of beds: single – 90 x 190 cm; double – 140 x 190 cm;
- floor area of shower / bathroom and toilet inside – at least 3.3 m2;
- at least one toilet for every ten rooms that do not have en-suite toilets;
- at least one bathroom for every ten rooms that do not have en-suite bathrooms;
- room, where breakfast service available, breakfast with cold dishes;
- separate public toilets, if there are 20 or more guest rooms.

Read more about Hotel Classification here.

***
***

3 star (Category III) hotel:
- all floors, with the exception of two, shall be accessible by lift from the same floor as reception desk;
- equipped conference hall;
- Internet availability at the lobby;
- bed linen changed after 3 nights of stay as well as after the guest’s stay at hotel;
- all rooms with shower and toilet;
- floor area of shower / bathroom and toilet inside – at least 3,8 m2;
- minimum room floor area: 10 m2 – single room, 15 m2 – double room;
- size of beds: single – 90 x 190 cm; double – 140 x 190 cm;
- breakfast room or cafeteria and restaurant;
- lunch and dinner served at restaurant;
- separate public toilets for men and women.

Read more about Hotel Classification here.

****
****

4 star (Category IV) hotel:
- high quality furniture and equipment in common style;
- all floors, with the exception of one, shall be accessible by lift from the same floor as reception desk;
- separate service elevator;
- several equipped conference and seminar rooms are available;
- minimum room floor area – 12 m2 single room, 17 m2 – double room, at least one apartment two room – 40 m2; three room – 55 m2;
- bed linen changed after 2 nights of stay as well as after the guest’s stay at hotel;
- minimum size of single bed – 100 x 200 cm, double bed 140 x 200 cm, 210 cm long available;
- mini bars;
- Internet and e-mail connection in the guest rooms;
- bed linen changed after 2 nights of stay as well as after the guest’s stay at hotel;
- at least 4 toiletries with the exception of soap and shampoo for each guest;
- breakfast with a range of hot dishes;
- a la carte restaurant.

Read more about Hotel Classification here.

*****
*****

5 star (Category V) hotel:
- high quality exclusive furniture and equipment in common style;
- all floors shall be accessible by lift from the same floor as reception desk;
- several conference halls with catering possibilities;
- purchase of exclusive gifts and souvenirs;
- ice machine or option of having ice in guest rooms;
- minimum room floor area – 13 m2 single room, 18 m2 – double room; apartments 2% of all rooms – 2 room – 40 m2; three room – 55 m2;
- air conditioning in all rooms;
- minimum size of single bed – 100 x 200 cm, double bed 150 x 200 cm, 210 cm long available;
- bed linen changed daily;
- bathrobe per guest;
- Internet and e-mail connection in the guest rooms;
- towel drier;
- at least 5 toiletries with the exception of soap and shampoo for each guest; ballroom or night-club;
- several a la carte restaurants;
- hairdresser and beauty salon if more than 100 rooms;
- indoor swimming pool and / or fitness or health centre as well as changing rooms and shower facilities and / or sauna and relaxation area;
- a playground or room for children and a special menu for children is available in hotels for families.

Read more about Hotel Classification here.

Level of difficulty

Easy
Easy
Moderate
Moderate
Difficult
Difficult

Professional


LC member
LC member

Accommodations marked with this symbol are "gold" members of the Latvian Country Tourism Association "Lauku ceļotājs".

Member of Farmers Parliament (ZSA)
Member of Farmers Parliament (ZSA)

Farmers Parliament (ZSA) is a member organisation / industry association for farmers in Latvia.

The Union was begun by 134 farmers in 1999 to ensure that the comercial farmers of Latvia are represented in communication with the government. The organisation has grown ever since and has become the largest farmers’ organisation in Latvia and one of the most influential unions in the country, reaching nearly 900 members, who together produce more than half of Latvian total agriculture produce. Farmers Parliament negotiates with the government and national organisations and institutions on behalf of Latvian farmers, as well as represents Latvian farmers’ interests at European Union level being a member in European Farmers umbrella organisation COPA/COGECA. 

Environmental protection

Symbols describe nature protection level/type

Green Certificate
Green Certificate

The "Green Certificate" eco-label marks those accommodations, complying with strict criteria of environmental and service quality. Click here for more details on eco-labelled accommodations.

Natura 2000
Natura 2000

NATURA 2000 is a network of nature protected areas of European
importance. It has been established to protect rare and endangered
plant and animal species and their habitats (biotopes) in Europe.
In Latvia the network was based upon the existing nature protected
areas, adding 122 new sites. It means that every EU country develops
its own system of NATURA2000 sites as a part of the whole
NATURA2000 system. Thus, NATURA 2000 sites are nature
protected areas of European scale and importance.

Read more about NATURA 2000 here.

Specially protected nature territories
Specially protected nature territories

Specially protected nature territories of national importance in Latvia.

Latvian eco-product
Latvian eco-product

Latvian Ecoproduct is Latvian Organic Agriculture product.

  • Organic food products are produced on the basis of natural biological processes going on in the soil, plants and animals.
  • Products label “Latvian Ecoproduct" is competent to be used only by the producers certified according to organic agriculture demands.
  • Production, processing, packaging, transporting and marketing of the “Latvian Ecoproduct” is under strict control.
  • The “Latvian Ecoproduct” is completely natural and healthy product. It strengthens human health, contributes to recovery after illness, increase one`s energy and vitality.
EU organic farming certificate
EU organic farming certificate

The logo and the labelling rules are an important part of the organic regulations. With this regulatory framework the European Union provides conditions under which the organic sector can progress in the line with production and market developments, thus improving and reinforcing the EU organic farming standards and import and inspection requirements.

The main objective of the European logo is to make organic products easier to be identified by the consumers. Furthermore it gives a visual identity to the organic farming sector and thus contributes to ensure overall coherence and a proper functioning of the internal market in this field.

The labelling rules facilitate controls by authorities and bodies designated or recognised in accordance with Regulations. They also clarify the obligations of economic operators in respect of marking the organic goods they produce. The common organic symbol is protected from being used on non-organic products throughout the EU. This enhances fair competition in the market, and of course, consumer protection.

The use of the logo and correct labelling is obligatory for all organic pre-packaged food produced within the European Union. In certain cases, it is also possible to use it on a voluntary basis. This means that non pre-packaged organic food produced within the EU or organic products imported from third countries might display the new logo. Next to the new EU organic logo, consumers are informed about the place where the agricultural raw material used in this product have been farmed and a code number of the control authorities is also displayed.

More information: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/index_en

European flower
European flower

To qualify for the EU Ecolabel, products have to comply with a tough set of criteria. These environmental criteria, set by a panel of experts from a number of stakeholders, including consumer organisations and industry, take the whole product life cycle into account - from the extraction of the raw materials, to production, packaging and transport, right through to your use and then your recycling bin.

This life cycle approach guarantees that the products’ main environmental impacts are reduced in comparison to similar products on the market.

Fitness-for-use criteria also guarantee good product performance.

More information: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/index_en.htm

 

Culture and history

Latvian cultural site
Latvian cultural site

Cultural monuments form a constituent part of cultural and historical heritage and are most commonly encountered as cultural and historical landscapes and individual territories (ancient burial sites, cemeteries, parks, sites of historical events, sites of activity of prominent persons), as well as individual burial sites, building complexes and separate buildings, pieces of art, equipment and items having historical, scientific, artistic or any other form of cultural value, the future preservation of which is crucial regarding the national and public interests of Latvia, as well as international interests.

Read more about cultural sites here.

Latvian Heritage
Latvian Heritage
Latvian Heritage cultural mark is awarded to those tourism entrepreneurs who use and promote Latvian traditional heritage in tourism.
Latviešu virtuve
Latviešu virtuve

The symbol "Latvian cuisine" marks typical Latvian foods, carrying on traditional tastes and recipes and favoured by Latvians as everyday or festive meals. The symbol shows the origins of Latvian foods - they are natural and are harvested in gardens, fields, forests, meadows, rivers, lakes and the sea.

EU Geographical indications and traditional specialities

The following EU schemes encourage diverse agricultural production, protect product names from misuse and imitation and help consumers by giving them information concerning the specific character of the products:

  • PDO (protected designation of origin),
  • PGI (protected geographical indication)
  • TSG (traditional speciality guaranteed)

promote and protect names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs.

Protected Designation of Origin
Protected Designation of Origin

Protected Designation of Origin - PDO:  covers agricultural products and foodstuffs which are produced, processed and prepared in a given geographical area using recognised know-how.

Protected Geographical Indication
Protected Geographical Indication

Protected Geographical Indication - PGI: covers agricultural products and foodstuffs closely linked to the geographical area. At least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation takes place in the area.

Traditional Speciality Guaranteed
Traditional Speciality Guaranteed

Traditional Speciality Guaranteed - TSG:  highlights traditional character, either in the composition or means of production

Belonging to a brand

Latvijas valstiskuma ceļš
Latvijas valstiskuma ceļš

Simtgades zīmes pamatā ir bezgalības simbols apvienots ar skaitli 100, kas apliecina mūsu apņēmību piepildīt Latvijai vēlēto saules mūžu un nodot vēstījumu par mūžīgu mīlestību pret to. 

Agrotourism
Agrotourism

Agro-tourism farms produce various things, and visitors who sign up in advance can learn about modern farming methods.  Agriculture is an important and traditional component of Latvia’s economy, with farming and food manufacturing representing 2.1% of gross domestic product. The sector includes crop farming, vegetable farming, fruit farming and livestock breeding.  Agriculture in Latvia depends very much on weather conditions and the fertility of soil.  These circumstances differ from one part of Latvia to the next.  57% of Latvian soil has fertility under 38 points, which is the minimal fertility level to ensure commercially sustainable farming.  Here, too, climate is of importance.  Latvia’s vegetation period is just 180-190 days long, with frost in the spring and the fall, with air temperatures dropping below freezing point.

Agrotourism
Crop production

More than 23,000 farms of various sizes engage in crop farming in Latvia, mostly growing wheat, rye, barley, triticale, oats, groats and rapeseed.  In 2016, there were 716,000 ha of sown farmland in Latvia, which is the largest use of area since 1990. Total grain output in 2016 was 2.7 mln. tons (37.8 cnt / ha) – the second largest amount produced in the territory of Latvia after 2015 record-breaking harvest. Farmers also grow potatoes and vegetables in open land areas.

Agrotourism
Livestock production

Livestock production in Latvia involves cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, pigs, horses and other animals. Dairy and meat farming are most important.  In 2016, farms involved in the dairy sector with 139,095 dairy cows made 6182 kg milk output. Most of the cattle in Latvia are from the Charolais, Hereford, Limousin and Angus breeds, with Simmental and Highland breeds becoming more popular, too. The meat production sector in Latvia has developed in a stable way, with a separate herd-book and an oversight system, as well.  There are 982 herds of meat cattle in the oversight system at this time. 

Agrotourism
Fruit farming

Fruits and berries in Latvia have a special and specific taste that is typical of this climactic zone. Fruit tree and berry bush plantation area (including strawberries) in 2016 made up 7614 ha. Apples are grown on 3950 ha of land, ribes and blackcurrants (944 ha), sea buckthorns (811 ha), strawberries (515 ha), high blueberry (299 ha), quince (275 ha), raspberries (230 ha), pear trees (180 ha) and cherries (160 ha), plums (113 ha), aronia (94 ha) and gooseberries (43 ha).

Agrotourism
Vegetable farming

In 2016, vegetable industry in Latvia occupied 8135 ha of open land and 57,9 ha of covered area. The most common vegetables to be produced include cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, onions, beets, pumpkins, courgettes, radishes, rutabagas and turnips.  There are 38 ha of covered hothouses (glass or plastic) producing a total of 13,600 tonnes of vegetables (cucumbers and tomatoes).  Potatoes are grown on 27,700 ha of land, with total output in 2016 of 491,600 tonnes.

Agrotourism
Fish farming

In the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga 60 433 tonnes of fish (European sprat, Atlantic herring, cod, flounder, etc.) were caught in 2016. In the high seas, 12 ships were fishing - catching a total of 54 221,7 tons of fish and snow crabs.
245 tons of fish (lamprey, bream, esox, tench, zander, etc.) were caught in inland waters in 2016, the volume of grown aquaculture production was 1416 tons and 732 tons was sold. In Latvia there are 156 recognized aquaculture enterprises (85 of them economically active), who had the right to engage in fish farming for their consumption in food and the cultivation of juvenile fish for reproduction of resources. In these aquaculture plants for production were used 816 ponds with a total area of ​​4957 ha, 1245 swimming pools with a capacity of 15 228 m3 and 35 recirculation systems with a volume of 5765 m3. The main fish species raised and marketed in both fresh and processed form were carp and crucian carp, trout, wels catfish, Atlantic sturgeon, etc.

Silver Suitcase
Silver Suitcase

The suppliers who are marked with the Senior-friendly sign “Silver Suitcase have prepared the special bonus for card holders – either in the form of discount or some extra service. Most of the special Senior  price-discounts you can find in off-season products / services.

If you contact the provider for your Senior holidays  - do not forget to mention that you have a Seniors Silver Suitcase Member card. 

To obtain the Senior member card, please contact a rural tourism organisation or a senior organisation in your country or contact Eurogites, the European Rural Tourism Organisation http://eurogites.org/ . The member card discount is valid only for the card holder and one additional person he or she is sharing the accommodation with. 

Establishments offering the Senior- products expose stickers at the entrance, in the accommodation premises or other, as appropriate.

Silver Suitcase
Wheelchair

Wheelchair accessible - sites that is fully accessible, no ledges, barriers, wheelchair toilets available, etc..

Silver Suitcase
Walking aid

Walking aid accessible - sites that is fully accessible, no barriers, lifts instead of stairs, no wheelchair toilets but handgrips. 

Silver Suitcase
Walaking stick

Walking stick accessible - sites that has some barriers but no stairs, no special toilets but with handgrips.

Silver Suitcase
No speccial accessibility

No special accessibility - stairs, no special toilets, no hand-grips.

Silver Suitcase
Very fit

Very fit - sites and activities for fit people with sports, cycling or walking.

Hiker-Friendly
Hiker-Friendly

The “Hiker-Friendly” label marks those tourist services in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia where hikers are welcome, their needs are understood and respected. These companies offer specialized services for hikers, for example: information about the route, drinking water, first-aid kit, charging electronic devices, facilities to wash, clean and dry clothing, footwear and other hiking gear.

Cheese master
Cheese master

This sign is awarded to dairy farms and cheese production facilities that produce excellent cheese, are open to visitors, offer cheese tasting and their produce for sale. Also country pubs and restaurants with locally produced cheese on their menu are holding this sign.

Flavours of Livonia
Flavours of Livonia

"Livonijas garša" apvieno Latvijas un Igaunijas uzņēmumus - pārtikas ražotājums un ēdinātājums, kas savā ēdienkartē izmanto vietēji audzēto pārtiku, kas seko vietējām pārtikas audzēšanas un ēdiena gatavošanas tradīcijām, kā arī stiprina Latvijas un Igaunijas kopīgā kulinārā mantojuma identitāti, popularizē Livonijas valsts vēsturisko nozīmi Igaunijas un Latvijas kopīgajā virtuvē un garšā šodien.

Flavours of Livonia
Producer

 Food producing farms that strenghtens the identity of Latvia's culinary heritage and where the cooking tradition goes back to the Livonian period.

Flavours of Livonia
Catering

 Food service providers - cafes, taverns and restaurants that follow the local cooking tradition, highlighting the regional cuisine of the region, with its distinctive features dating back to the Livonian era.

Cider Road
Cider Road

The Cider Road invites you on a journey to discover the varied world of cider in Latvia – cider types, cider drinking traditions and nuances of cider-making. You are invited to gardens and cideries, from the wondrous spring, adorned with apple blossoms, to autumn, filled with the aroma of ripe apples; you will visit owners that serve genuine Latvian cider at their guest houses as well as have the opportunity to discover different tastes at cider celebrations. Making cider is a lifestyle, and cider makers share the conviction that this refreshing drink deserves both a place on solemn occasions that represent our country, and at the dinner table to enrich and enhance the taste of food.

Cider Road
Cider Maker

Making natural cider from apples grown in Latvia. Nurturing local cider-making traditions and popularising cider culture.

Cider Road
Pub

Cafés, pubs and restaurants serving cider made by Latvian cider makers and popularising cider culture.

Rye Road
Rye Road

Rye has the highest nutritional value of any cereal, and when its grains are made into delicious foods and drinks, they retain the strength of nature. In Latvian homes rye bread has always been a staple dish, earning it a place among the things, places, and ideas considered Latvian symbols today. The Rye Road invites you to visit rural entrepreneurs who make rye bread, using traditional or family recipes perfected from generation to generation, make various dishes from rye bread or rye flour and serve them to their guests. The owners demonstrate the bread-making process to the visitors, allow them to attempt to make their very own loaf of bread, offer healthy and delicious rye grain dishes, drinks that retain the strength of the rye grain, and tell them about the traditions regarding rye and bread.

Rye Road
Baker

Farms and bakeries. Baking rye bread according to traditional, generation-honoured and new recipes, while upholding bread-baking traditions.

Rye Road
Caterer

Catering service providers: cafés, pubs and restaurants serving rye bread with their dishes and/or baking it themselves. Offering traditional dishes that are made with rye bread or rye flour.

Rye Road
Craftsman

Making various crafts and design pieces related to rye and the bread-baking process.

Rye Road
Grower/producer

Growing rye varieties suitable for baking traditional rye bread.

Awards

Award "Host of the Year"
Award "Host of the Year"

The “Host of the Year” title is awarded each year to three country tourism farms for quality, improved offers, good responses from clients and other criteria used by the board of the Association.