Latvia
Riga, the Gauja Valley and an endless Baltic coast.
Where do you go when you want to head off with the kids, the car and the tent? On this page we've gathered everything about Latvia for you: what there is to see, where to camp and what you need to know on the way.
Compiled and checked by Arjan (Zuidlaren) · sources are given with the text · updated 20 October 2026 · About this site
Introduction
To Latvia with the family
Latvia is in the middle of the Baltic. Riga has a beautiful old town, and an hour's drive away is the forested valley of the Gauja with castles and caves. On the coast you will find long sandy beaches, for example at Jūrmala.
Overview
In brief
- Travel time
- 7–10 days (our estimate)
- Best time to travel
- jun–Aug (our estimate · Full table)
- Distance from London
- ± 2,250 km to Riga (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
- Driving days
- 3 driving days (our estimate)
- Tolls and vignettes
- No vignette for passenger cars (Details and source)
- Paying
- euro
- EU member
- yes
Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).
Practical
Good to know
Money and payments
You pay with the euro. With a map and contactless pay works in cities, supermarkets and larger campsites usually easily. Nevertheless, have some cash with you for small campsites, market stalls and parking machines (our experience).
More about costs and saving money
Photo: Avij · Public domain · all photo credits
Language and handy words
A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:
- Labdien: good day
- Paldies: thank you
- Lūdzu: please
- Uz redzēšanos: goodbye
Documents and border
This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.
Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)
More about what is compulsory in the car
Photo: Horizon206 · CC0 · all photo credits
Health and safety
Take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, on the back of your health insurance card or available from your health insurer): it gives you necessary care in public healthcare under local conditions. Travel insurance is still wise, for example for repatriation. The European emergency number is 112.
Source: europa.eu (EHIC)
Photo: Friedrich Haag · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Traffic rules that matter
The per mille limit is 0.5, and 0.2 for everyone with less than two years of driving license. You also drive during the day with low or daytime running lights. From 1 December to 1 March winter tyres are mandatory. Mandatory in the car: warning triangle, warning vest, bandage box and fire extinguisher. Children under 150 cm drive in an approved child seat. You don’t need a vignette.
Source: ANWB
More about tolls and vignettes
Photo: Igor123121 · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Best time to travel
June to August. At midsummer (23-24 June) the whole country celebrates (our assessment).
Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.
🚗 Getting there & distance from Utrecht (NL)
- Destination
- Riga
- Distance
- ± 1,835 km (one way)
- Driving time
- ± 19.6 h (one way)
- Route via
- NL → DE → PL → LT → LV
- Fuel (estimate)
- ± € 452 (return)
Estimate for the return trip: 6.5 l/100 km Euro 95 at each country's average price (EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, price date 19-10-2026). - Vignettes
- none
- Tolls
- Distance-based tolls in Poland: not calculated, see the official toll operator.
Route: OSRM/OpenStreetMap, calculated 21-10-2026, without breaks or traffic. 2026 vignette prices from the official sellers, checked 21-10-2026. For an 8-day trip, 7-day vignettes count twice.
On the road by car
Tolls and vignettes
| What | Price passenger car | Where to arrange it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road vignette | none for cars (only commercial vehicles over 3,000 kg) | No action needed | Latvian road charge law price checked Oct 2026 |
Destinations
Most beautiful places in Latvia
Sigulda and the Gauja
A wooded valley with Turaida Castle and sandstone cliffs.
Kurzeme coast
A quiet coast in the west, with Kuldīga and the wide Ventas Rumba waterfall.
Where are you going?
Regions explained
Riga
The largest city of the Baltic States, with old town and many Art Nouveau buildings, common world heritage. There is a large central market in old Zeppelin halls.
Source: UNESCO: Riga
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Gauja and Sigulda
A river valley with sandstone cliffs, caves and castles like Turaida. You can go canoeing and hiking there; also called 'Latvian Switzerland'.
Source: turaida-muzejs.lv
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Coast and Kurzeme
Long, quiet sandy beaches on the Baltic Sea, from Jūrmala near Riga to the wild coast of Courland in the west.
Source: latvia.travel
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Rundāle
A baroque palace with a large French garden in the south, close to the border with Lithuania.
Source: rundale.net
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
On the road
Suggested route by car
A route of 7 to 10 days, often between Estonia and Lithuania (our assessment). Check the travel times in your route planner.
- Days 1-3: Sigulda and the Gauja Valley.
- Days 4-5: Riga and the zoo.
- Days 6-8: the Kurzeme coast.
- Day 9: Rundāle on the way to Lithuania.
Where to stay
Camping
Where do you camp?
Camping in the Gauja Valley
On the Gauja there are campsites and campsites, also for canoeists. Follow the rules of the national park.
Source: likumi.lv
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Campsites on the coast
On the Baltic Sea there are campsites in the dunes and forests, often quiet (our experience).
Source: latvia.travel
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)
Outings
With kids
Rundāle Palace
The gardens are big enough to run around in; inside you see how nobles used to live.
Source: rundale.net
Outings
Fun activities with kids
Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.
Our favourites
Līvu Akvaparks
A large indoor water park on the coast near Riga, with an outdoor section in summer.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Photo: Raul Cortez999 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Piedzīvojumu Parks Tarzāns
According to its own website, the largest adventure park in the Baltic States, with climbing courses and toboggan run.
🎟️ Tickets & prices → official website
Photo: Iscream icecream · CC0 · all photo credits
Summer bobsleigh on the bobsleigh track
With the summer bob on wheels down the real bob track. Weekends April–September in good weather (according to website).
🎟️ Tickets & info → official website
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Rīga ZOO
A zoo in the wooded Mežaparks.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Photo: Trogain · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
KLIKK
According to its own website, the largest covered family theme park in Latvia, with 260 meters long, two-storey electric cart track, trampoline zone with climbing wall, skate park, Nerf Arena and network labyrinth. Located in Sigulda, so good to combine with the summer bob and Tarzāns. Closed on Mondays.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Steven Lek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Rundāle Palace
A baroque palace with a large French garden.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: Scotch Mist · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Tours and tickets in Latvia
Bookable tours and entrance tickets in this country. Prices and availability are set by the provider; check the conditions before you book. (Ad · affiliate link)
- Private Trip to Sigulda and Turaida from Riga
🎟️ Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → - Full Day Private Tour to Cesis and Sigulda from Riga
🎟️ Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide →
Winter
Winter sports in Latvia
Latvia has small ski hills in the Gauja valley, near Sigulda and Cēsis.
Ski areas (checked on the official websites, October 2026)
- Žagarkalns (Cēsis): Ski hill on the edge of Cēsis. Website: zagarkalns.lv
Ski pass: Lift ticket adult €20 (1 hour) to €25 (3 hours) (price list checked on 20 October 2026). Source: Žagarkalns: cenas - Sigulda: Town in the Gauja valley with ski hills and a bobsleigh track. Website: sigulda.lv
When we checked on 20 October 2026, most 2026/27 prices had not yet been published; see the ski area's website for current rates. We only quote amounts that appear in an official price list.
Renting skis: at home or on the spot?
At the ski areas above you can rent skis, snowboards and boots from rental shops by the lifts or in the village; you can often book online in advance. We do not quote rental prices, because we found no official price lists for them.
Renting on the spot saves carrying and car space, and you can swap boots that pinch. Renting at home or bringing your own gear makes sense if you combine several ski areas, already know which boots fit, or the area is small with little choice.
Winter packing list
Pack layers (thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof jacket and trousers), ski socks, gloves, a hat, goggles and sunscreen. A helmet is strongly recommended for children.
Insurance
Check whether your travel insurance covers winter sports; it is often a separate add-on. Also check mountain rescue and transport after an accident (for example by helicopter). Some ski passes include mountain insurance, as in Bansko.
Winter tyres and snow chains
- Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Latvia
- Only tyres with the snowflake symbol (3PMSF) count as winter tyres. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Latvia
- Minimum tread depth: 4 mm. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Latvia
More rules per country: winter tyres and mountain passes.
🏨 Stay in Sigulda on Booking.com*🎟️ Winter tours nearby on GetYourGuide*🚗 Rental car (ask for winter tyres) via DiscoverCars*
* Affiliate link: if you book through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Rules
Rules, fines and quiet places
Wild camping, fines, camper stops, quiet places, smoking, alcohol and nature rules in this country, only with a verifiable source.
Show all rules (21)
Wild camping and fines
- In the forests of Latvijas valsts meži (LVM) you may stay overnight briefly at any suitable place, following the code of conduct, municipal rules and the rules of protected areas. LVM recommends using equipped rest sites and leaving as little impact as possible. Source: lvm.lv
- With a camper or caravan you may stay overnight in the forest or at a tourist site for at most 3 nights; longer only at specially arranged places. Discharging camper or caravan waste water into nature is prohibited. Source: lvm.lv
- During the forest fire danger period campfires in forest and bog are prohibited, except at fire places set up at recreation sites. LVM suggests using a gas stove instead of a campfire. Source: lvm.lv
Nature rules: drones, fishing, picking and dogs
- In state forests you may pick wild berries, mushrooms, nuts and medicinal plants as you wish, except protected species. Outside towns and villages dogs may only be off the lead if you can control them; follow municipal rules. Swimming in water bodies in quarries and mineral extraction sites is prohibited. Source: lvm.lv
Alcohol
- Drivers: 0.5 per mille, as in the Netherlands; 0.2 per mille for drivers with less than two years' licence. Source: anwb.nl
Emergency numbers and breakdown
- Emergency number: 112. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Latvia
- Green card: recognised, but not mandatory. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Latvia
Health, drinking water and ticks
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid here for medically necessary, state-provided care. It is not travel insurance. Source: European Commission: European Health Insurance Card
- Tap water is not safe to drink; boil it first or use bottled water. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Latvia
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE): ECDC reported 11.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021 (EU/EEA average in 2022: 0.81). Protect yourself against tick bites; ask your doctor about vaccination. Source: ECDC: annual epidemiological report on tick-borne encephalitis 2022
Money and mobile
- Currency: euro. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Latvia
- Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere; there are enough cash machines in the cities. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Latvia
- Withdrawing cash with a debit card is not always free in the eurozone; ask your bank which cash machines are free. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Latvia
- You can pay contactless with a watch or phone. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Latvia
- Within the EU you pay no extra roaming charges thanks to 'Roam like at home'. Source: Council of the EU: 'Roam like at home' and the Western Balkans
Fuel and LPG
- For LPG you need the dish (schotel) adapter, a filling nipple for your tank inlet. Source: Prins Autogassystemen: refuelling LPG
Winter tyres and mountain passes
- Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Latvia
- Only tyres with the snowflake symbol (3PMSF) count as winter tyres. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Latvia
- Minimum tread depth: 4 mm. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Latvia
Children in the car
- Children under 150 cm must be in a suitable child car seat. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Latvia
- If a child sits rear-facing in the front, the airbag must be switched off. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Latvia
Rules and fines may change and confuse by municipality. Each line contains the source; see if you're in park management before you go. This isn't legal confuse.
All countries compared: rules, fines and quiet places → · Smoking and alcohol by country → · Practically by country →
Local cuisine
Food to taste
A few dishes you can try with the whole family:
Show all dishes (4)
Pelēkie zirņi
Grey peas with bacon and onion, a traditional dish.
Rupjmaize
Dark rye bread, sometimes as a dessert with cream and berries.
Jāņu siers
Cheese with caraway seeds, eaten around midsummer.
Debesmanna
A light pink semolina pudding with berries.
Look further
Discover more
Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.
Show all tips (3)
Rundāle Palace
A baroque castle with a large French vocational garden in the south of Latvia, not far from the border with Lithuania. Good to connect with transit to the south.
Source: rundale.net
Camping in Latvia
Campsites are often simple, with modest but clean sanitation facilities; Some have no drinking water, so take water bottles with you. Free camping is allowed in the countryside and in national parks (sometimes for a small fee); on private property only with permission.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Latvia
Nature management
The Latvian nature conservation authority manages the national parks like Gauja and informs about ways and rules.
Source: daba.gov.lv
Camping & on the road
Rules worth knowing
Camping in Gauja National Park
The park has its own rules of protection; Some activities are permitted only with written permission. Camp on the pitches in the park. Source: likumi.lv: rules for Gauja National Park
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Sources
Where does this information come from?
- likumi.lv: rules for Gauja National Park
- UNESCO: Riga
- turaida-muzejs.lv
- latvia.travel
- rundale.net
- rigazoo.lv
- ANWB (traffic rules)
- ACSI Eurocampings: Latvia
- daba.gov.lv
Checked on 14 October 2026. "Our estimate" is personal advice, not official information.
Affiliate disclaimer: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book or buy through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Our experiences and tips remain independent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette in Latvia?
No, no vignette for passenger cars. Prices, where to buy it and the official source are in the ‘Tolls and vignettes’ block on this page. To tolls and vignettes
Can you wild camp in Latvia?
Allowed in the countryside and in national parks (sometimes for a small fee); on private land only with permission. (source: ACSI Eurocampings)
What is the best time to travel to Latvia?
June to August. At midsummer (23-24 June) the whole country celebrates (our assessment).
How far is Latvia from London?
From London to Riga it is about 2,250 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 3 driving days (our estimate).
What must you carry in the car in Latvia?
Must be carried: warning triangle, safety vest, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher. Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our Traffic rules & equipment page. To traffic rules · ANWB
Which travel documents do I need for Latvia?
This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.