Travel the environmentally friendly way and experience Latvia's unique nature and architecture
When travelling around Latvia, we invite you to have a great time in an environmentally friendly way. Every trip becomes more interesting when you plan it yourself, use public transport, and then cycle or walk through various scenic routes to discover the magic of Latvian cities and the beauty of untouched nature. Cycling and walking are not only healthy but also a great way to enjoy Latvia’s unique charm at your own leisurely pace.
Public transport from Riga – trains and buses
Riga is a great starting point for trips to any region of Latvia, as most travellers first arrive in Riga. As such, the public transport infrastructure is well developed and enables you to reach any city or region, as well as continue your journey by bike or by foot. Trains are adapted for transporting bicycles, making it easier to easily get to major cities and more distant places, such as Daugavpils, Rēzekne, Cēsis, Valmiera, Liepāja, Valka, Salacgrīva and others. More information about train schedules, routes and bicycle transport options is available on the “Passenger Train” website. Buses are modern and comfortable, providing convenient and fast transportation to the chosen travel destination. Some intercity buses, such as Lux Express and Ecolines, also offer space for bicycles. Latvia is designed for environmentally friendly travel, whether it’s public transport + your own bicycle or public transport + a bicycle rental at your planned destination.
Travelling by bike
The best time for cycling in Latvia is from May to October. Latvian cities offer well-developed street infrastructure, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. In rural areas and in nature, cycling offers excellent opportunities for long and varied multi-day routes. Cycling routes offer superb natural vistas and cultural and historical heritage – the Baltic Sea coast, verdant forests, deep ancient river valleys, historic castles, manors, churches, museums and ancient old towns with unique architecture. From Riga, it’s so convenient to take day trips to popular tourist attractions or nearby cities by train, such as Jurmala, Sigulda, Jelgava, Ogre or Tukums. To make the trip on these routes more speedy, you can rent a bike in Riga, then take the train to the planned location and immediately go on a bike tour.
Cycle paths and road infrastructure
Cycling conditions in Latvia are diverse. Safe bicycle paths have been installed in large cities. In recent years, cycling has become a popular means of transportation, leading to improved cyclists' safety and respect between drivers and cyclists. When cycling on country roads, there are narrower roads that lead through forests and fields, as well as wider gravel roads. Road surfaces can vary, depending on the quality of their maintenance and weather conditions. All around picturesque natural landscapes, rich forest areas, managed fields, fragrant meadows and refreshing lakes.
Cycling tourism in Riga
Exploring Latvia by bike can start right in Riga, with its extensive network of bike paths, allowing you to explore almost the entire city, so cycling is an ideal way to travel and explore different neighbourhoods of Riga easily and safely. For example, Mežaparks is one of the largest and most popular parks in Riga, offering spacious green areas and various activities. Both banks of the Daugava offer excellent cycling routes – both the views of Old Riga from Pārdaugava and the bike path from Old Riga to the Ķengarags promenade. You can also reach the beaches of the Gulf of Riga and various coastal attractions by bike. Here are some additional ideas for exploring Riga by bike, such as exploring the Art Nouveau style in the quiet centre, which is one of the symbols of the city, or visiting Daugavgrīva Island (Buļļu Island), which is also the largest island in Latvia and a popular Pierīga beach, a place for relaxation, sunbathing, walking and swimming. We recommend visiting Anniņmuiža – the manor house you see today was built at the end of the 19th century. Ķīpsala is an island in the Daugava full of contrasts with an impressive view of Old Riga and beautiful wooden architecture. One unusual neighbourhood is Āgenskalns – its architecture and streets resemble a quiet and peaceful small town. Of course, you should visit Āgenskalns Market, which is a hidden gem preserved by local enthusiasts. On the right bank of the Daugava, at the mouth of the sea, there is the Mangaļi Peninsula and the Mangaļsala jetty. This area has a military and strategic history. Sarkandaugava has a special ancient aura. Dauderi Park, which is one of the oldest in Riga, and the Latvian Culture Museum “Dauderi” are places that you should see. The route through Biķernieki, Šmerļa and Jugla forests will be more suitable for those who like to take things easy and go for leisurely Sunday rides.
Cycling routes in Latvian nature
Our website provides a concise overview of cycling travel options with directions to specific routes. Additionally, a map has been published on the Balticcycling.com portal, highlighting the most popular routes in Vidzeme, Zemgale, Kurzeme and Latgale, as well as Green Paths, which covers the whole of Latvia. Cycling routes have been carefully planned in all regions of Latvia to satisfy even the most demanding travellers. Here are some recommended cycling routes in different regions of Latvia: From Gauja to Daugava (72 km). The route includes the most exciting and significant sightseeing attractions of four counties – Līgatne, Amata, Ogre and Skrīveri. Their diversity will take you to a world of sensations, taking you through historical trails and introducing you to enterprising people, allowing you to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The small town of Sēlija (95 km). Plan several days to explore Sēlija, which you will definitely remember as one of the most magical cycling holidays. Sēlija is captivating for its landscape, the hospitality of the local people and its sincere simplicity.
Cycling trails in Ķemeri National Park. The beautiful sights of Ķemeri National Park include bogs and sulfur-containing mineral waters, shallow coastal lakes rich in birds, humid deciduous forests and dunes covered with ancient pine forests, floodplain meadows and herbaceous bogs.
Daugava Bends (128 km). The route includes both architectural gems, such as churches, castles and fortresses, and natural landscapes in one of the most beautiful sections of Latvian rivers in the upper reaches of the Daugava, travelling along both the right and left banks of the Daugava in the Daugava Bends Nature Park, which is included in the Latvian national UNESCO list.
Ainaži - Valmiera (85 km). The route can be started from Valmiera station, where the Riga – Valga train runs. The sections of the Green Railway and their connections in nature are signposted. The route leads through fields, forests, swamps, across rivers, as well as the Ainaži pier. In Puikule, the route intersects with the (Lāde) Limbaži - Rūjiena green road. Valmiera, using the LatEst Velo route, is connected to the Ieriķi – Gulbene green road.
Bicycle rental in popular tourist cities:
In Riga, “Gandrs”, “Nextbike” and “Bicycle rental”
In Alūksne, “Velo osta”
In Cēsis, “Eži”
In Daugavpils, “SunCity”
In Jelgava, “Kanclers”
In Jēkabpils, Jūrmala, “Velo Par”
In Kuldīga, “Raxti”
In Krāslava, “Velonoma and veloremonts”
In Liepāja, “Gandrs”
In Ogre, “Zilie kalni”
In Rēzekne, “Electric scooter and bicycle rental”
In Salacgrīva, “Easy Ride”
In Sigulda, “Sigulda Adventures”
In Talsi, “Jaunzvīņas”
In Valmiera, “Eži”
In Ventspils, “Veldzes nams”
Travel information
Important
Before embarking on a long bike ride, it is advisable to have a first aid kit, ensure your phone is charged or take a charger. Remember – in emergency situations, call the 24/7 phone number – 113.
Water and food
Latvia offers high-quality drinking tap water and many drinking water filling points both in Riga and elsewhere. Latvia has an extensive network of larger and smaller grocery stores, making it easy to restock food and water supplies during your trip, allowing you to take a minimum amount of luggage when travelling by bicycle and on foot, so that it is less tiring.
Health and safety
To ensure your safety, always wear a helmet when travelling, which is especially important if you are travelling on major highways or small country roads. To protect yourself from tick bites while travelling, it is important to use insect repellent and wear appropriate clothing, such as light-coloured clothing on which ticks are easily visible, wear a shirt or blouse with tight-fitting sleeves and a close-fitting collar. Choose clothing made of synthetic, smooth fabric – it is harder for ticks to attach and it is easier to notice and remove the tick. If a tick attaches itself, it must be removed properly. If there is redness at the site of the bite or you experience other health problems, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Tourist information centres and accommodation
When travelling around Latvia, visit local tourist information points, where you will find extensive and high-quality information. These centres provide detailed maps, routes and valuable recommendations for accommodation and dining. There are various guest houses and campsites available in Latvia, offering cyclist-friendly accommodation. You can choose accommodation in places located close to cycling routes.