F YEAH LATVIA

18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au

17. Latvia’s Song and Dance Festival is epic. The weeklong festival began in 1873 and is held every five years. It features thousands of singers and dancers from all over Latvia. It’s a major celebration of Latvian culture and spirit. The last one was held in 2013, so if you wanna catch the next one you’ll have to wait a few years. (via 18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au)

16. You can visit a Cold War-era radio telescope. It’s called Irbene and it’s really cool. Irbene Radio Astronomy Center is the world’s eighth largest radio telescope. During the Soviet Era it was called “The Starlet” and was used to spy on Western adversaries. Now it’s used by astronomers for scientific purposes. (via 18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au)

15. Jūrkalne seashore bluffs are the perfect spot to reconnect with nature. The beaches have gone largely untouched by humans, making them totally authentic and beautiful. See if you can spot blue cows from nearby farms, go paragliding or just take in the scenery. (via 18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au)

14. An entire national park was established just because this gorgeous lake exists. Rāzna National Park was created to protect Lake Rāzna and its surrounding region. The park offers breathtaking landscapes and a look at the Latgale Region of Latvia. (via 18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au)

13. With a beautiful “Blue Flag” beach and a quaint village, Liepāja is the ideal retreat. When you tire of the beach, explore the Northern Fort labyrinths by torchlight, hang out at one of the city’s music clubs or go on a creepy tour of the Karosta Prison. (via 18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au)

12. The layout of Cēsis Old Town has been preserved since the Middle Ages. The romantic town features medieval ruins and cobbled streets. The Cēsis Museum of History and Art is one of the oldest museums in Latvia. (via 18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au)

11. Gutmans Cave is the highest cave in Latvia, the largest grotto in the Baltics and features inscriptions that date to the 17th century. Everyone loves a cave, right? (via 18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au)

10. Rundāle Palace looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. The palace was once the summer residence for Ernst Johann Biron, Duke of Courland. Today, the baroque palace welcomes guests to tour its rooms, check out exhibitions at its museum and explore its lush gardens. (via 18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au)

18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au

8. Cape Kolka is the “meeting place of two seas.” It’s desolate, dramatic and super pretty. The most northerly part of the Cape sits at the divide of the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea. The cape is a summer hotspot for swimmers and surfers, and is known as a viewing spot of migratory birds in spring. (via 18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au)

7. The Aglona Basilica is absolutely stunning. The basilica has stood since 1780, houses paintings and sculptures, and is a unique work of art itself. (via 18 reasons Latvia is Europe’s best kept secret | News.com.au)