Bike Tours in Latvia: The Best and the Rest

Latvia is a rewarding destination for cycle touring, combining flat to gently rolling terrain, vast forests, and almost 500 kilometres of Baltic coastline. Riga is a natural starting point, with Art Nouveau boulevards, riverside paths, and the UNESCO-listed Old Town. From the capital, riders can head west to the sandy beaches and wooden villas of Jūrmala, or follow the Gulf of Riga north through Saulkrasti and the Vidzeme coast.

Gauja National Park, east of Riga, is a highlight, with sandstone cliffs, river valleys, and the castles of Sigulda, Turaida, and Cēsis. In the west, Kurzeme offers quiet roads to Kuldīga, home to Europe's widest waterfall, and on to the fishing villages and wild beaches around Cape Kolka. In the southeast, Latgale's Land of Blue Lakes rewards riders with hilly lanes, lakeside villages, and a distinct cultural character.

Late spring to early autumn is the best touring season, with long daylight hours around midsummer, although rain gear is advisable. A touring bike, gravel bike, or sturdy hybrid with wider tyres suits the mix of asphalt, gravel, and forest tracks. Cyclists should carry lights, tools, water, and offline navigation, as services in rural areas can be sparse. Accommodation ranges from hotels and guesthouses to rural homestays and campsites. Green, spacious, and refreshingly uncrowded, Latvia offers a laid-back Baltic cycling experience with plenty of variety along the way.

Tempted? Why not take a look at one or more of the amazing bike tours below.

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Also check out:

• Arctic2Africa: Alee Denham (of cyclingabout.com)'s epic adventure which goes through Latvia. Follow him on social media.
• The Best and the Rest: Bike Tours in Estonia, Bike Tours in Lithuania