Golden Autumn in Latvia. Where to go and what to experience?
The golden autumn in Latvia is both inspiring and surprising – nature turns bright golden and reddish tones, the air smells of autumn leaves and the mornings become cooler. During this time, Latvia turns into a fairy tale, tempting you to go outside and enjoy both natural landscapes, cultural events and romantic relaxation.
Autumn in Latvia, just like any other season, offers countless recreational and entertainment opportunities for every traveller. This guide will provide recommendations for what to experience during the golden autumn, emphasising picturesque nature trails, but also not forgetting about events in the cities and spa relaxation on cool autumn evenings. Get inspired by autumn adventures in Latvia!
Before you go, we recommend checking the website of the relevant regional tourism information centre or municipality – there are often special holiday route promotions, for example, orienteering games in the area or on nature trails, which are a great way to discover new adventures.
Golden autumn in nature – picturesque trails and parks
Autumn is the perfect time to go out into nature and enjoy the magnificent landscapes. Latvian forests and parks turn into galleries of yellow-pink leaves at the beginning of autumn. Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Latgale and Zemgale – in each region you will find beautiful places to enjoy autumn. Here are some particularly picturesque autumn stops suitable for walks or bike rides.
When the golden leaf season arrives, the Gauja National Park turns golden orange, and the trails around Sigulda are covered in a blanket of falling leaves. Here you can encounter autumn at every step – take a walk along the Sigulda and Turaida Museum Reserve, the Krimulda Manor Park or the Līgatne Nature Trails. The aerial cable car offers a breathtaking view of the multi-coloured treetops. It is not for nothing that thousands of autumn lovers visit Sigulda every year – here autumn truly unfolds in all its glory.
The vast pine and oak forests of Tērvete Nature Park transform into a golden wonderland in autumn. The trails created in the park lead through the Fairytale Forest with wooden sculptures and a miniature village, which is especially popular with families. The trails take you to the Tērvete Castle Mound and castle ruins, from where the autumn colours are especially bright and visible from miles around.
The Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk also becomes a magical place in autumn with amber-coloured marsh plants and overgrown lakes. In the early mornings, wisps of fog curl over the marsh and the cries of cranes sound – it feels like you are in another world. The trails and viewing platforms created here allow you to safely explore the marsh landscape and watch birds that are preparing for migration. Viewing the sunrise while crossing the marsh in special shoes with a guide will remain in your memory as one of the most special autumn events.
Continuing on, you will reach the Ancient valley of Abava nature park, which is sometimes called the Switzerland of Kurzeme because of its hilly landscape. In autumn, you can admire the vineyard fields, visit the waterfalls and caves of the Imula and Abava rivers. Small towns – Sabile, Kandava – acquire a special charm against the background of autumn leaves. If you are planning an autumn trip, plan time for the Abava ancient valley – the magnificent landscapes and enjoying wine on the Sabile wine hill is a great experience.
Another autumn wonder is the cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs of the old town of Kuldīga, which look like they are from a postcard in autumn. The banks of the Venta River shine, framed by golden leaves, and the widest waterfall in Europe – the Venta Rumba – is delightful in autumn. A walk along the Venta Rumba and over the cobbled bridge on an autumn day, followed by a cup of hot tea in a cosy Kuldīga café – what could be better?
A more primitive atmosphere prevails around Lake Engure, where you can go for a leisurely walk, watching wild horses and cows grazing in the autumn meadows. The lake is also home to many waterfowl – in autumn this is a great place for birdwatching, as many species gather here before leaving for warmer climes. In the evening you can also enjoy wonderful sunsets over the lake, when the sky and water shimmer in pink tones.
Not only in the forests, but also by the sea you can feel the magic of autumn. The rocky Vidzeme Shoreline with hundreds of larger and smaller stones is a special place to walk in autumn. The contrasts of the grey-blue sea and colourful trees, the gusts of autumn wind and the sounds of the waves help clear your head from everyday worries. This unique coast in autumn really allows you to feel the magical breath of autumn. Meanwhile, on the Kurzeme coast, you can go to the Jūrkalne cliffs in autumn – watching the storms and waves there is an impressive experience, which you can then compensate for with a warm cup of cocoa in a nearby tavern.
Autumn is also special in Latgale. Rāzna National Park allows you to get to know the natural and cultural-historical treasures of the land of lakes – in autumn, when the trees turn bright colours, the landscapes become especially beautiful. The shores of Lake Rāzna, Mākoņkalns and the islets of Ežezera – these are places to enjoy the autumn peace of Latgale. It is also worth visiting the Pilskalnes Siguldiņa nature reserve – the trails created in the ancient valley lead through ravines and forests formed by the waters of melting glaciers. The autumn silence and range of colours on these trails will allow you to feel the harmony of nature.
In addition to the places already mentioned, there are many other autumn pearls. For example, the Ogre River promenade with a magnificent view of the bends of the river – it is especially beautiful here in autumn, as the river banks are ablaze with the colours of the leaves. The Raunas Health Trail leads along the banks of the Raunas River through white sandstone outcrops and forest landscapes – a great place for an autumn walk in nature. In the Koknese castle ruins and park, colourful leaves wrap around the walls of the ancient castle, creating a romantic atmosphere. Meanwhile, the autumn landscapes of Alūksne Pilssala and Tempļa kalns, together with the lake panorama, are breathtaking all year round.
Autumn events and festivals
Autumn in Latvia isn’t just for enjoying nature, but also seeing the events each city has on offer. Many cities and regions hold festivals, fairs and cultural events in autumn, which have become an annual tradition. These events provide an opportunity to feel the local atmosphere, taste autumn’s bounty and spend time in a pleasant atmosphere.
At the end of September, Latvia celebrates Michaelmas Day, or the harvest festival. These are cheerful fair days, during which you can buy local goods in market squares and city centres – cranberries, apples, honey, autumn flowers and crafts. For example, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum traditionally hosts the Michaelmas Day Fair in September with Latvian handicrafts and performances by folklore groups. These events allow you to experience the ancient traditions of the autumn seasons in a modern and attractive way.
Autumn is also a time of opera, theatre premieres, concerts and other cultural events. The Riga International Film Festival (Riga IFF) takes place every year in October, offering excellent films and premieres to cinema lovers. The annual festival Poetry Days in honour of the poet Rainis’ birthday in early September also creates a special artistic atmosphere in Riga and elsewhere – poetry readings take place in parks, streets and special events in cafés. If you are in Riga, be sure to visit the traditional contemporary cultural forum White Night.
Romantic getaway in autumn – spas, manors and cosy evenings
The dark evenings and cooler weather of autumn also encourage you to seek warmth and cosiness. After active walks in nature or sightseeing in the city, it is nice to return to a warm place where you can relax and pamper yourself. Spa centres and resorts in Latvia are especially attractive in autumn – they become small oases where you can take refuge from the autumn rain and winds. A spa hotel can be a great place to go on an autumn holiday with your loved one and enjoy comfortable rooms, relaxing treatments, delicious meals and leisurely spending time together.
The oldest and most popular resort town by the sea in Latvia – Jūrmala – is a classic choice for a leisurely autumn vacation. There you can enjoy an autumn walk along the seashore and go to a warming sauna and swimming pool complex. Many spa hotels located in Jūrmala offer a wide range of treatments and are a great choice to enjoy the proximity of the sea and quality service. In Sigulda, Ventspils and Liepāja, there are wonderful spa hotels surrounded by picturesque views, while the silence of the night allows you to enjoy the starry sky.
If you are looking for a special and harmonious place, Vidzeme country estates and recreation complexes near nature are a great choice. In Latgale, on the banks of picturesque lakes, there are resorts that offer both private villas and spa centres surrounded by forests. Lovers of romance on the Kurzeme seaside will also like the opportunity to spend the night in unusual glamping, holiday homes with a hot tub and a sauna. Imagine – warm water in a hot tub, a view of the sea and the smell of autumn all around.
Autumn Menu
After a day of adventures in the autumn-saturated nature, it is worth stopping by a cosy café or restaurant, where peace, candlelight and seasonal flavours reign. At this time, many places serve special autumn dishes created from local produce – pumpkin soups, wild mushroom sauces, home-baked rye bread, freshly baked apple flatbread and drinks with fragrant herbs.
Autumn is also the time of Restaurant Week – this gourmet festival takes place not only in spring, but also in autumn, offering the opportunity to taste exquisite dishes at affordable prices. Local markets and home-grown shops are filled with tempting treats this season – freshly squeezed juice, colourful candies, jams, pickles, dried and smoked products, which bring with them the taste of home and childhood.
Finally, remember that the golden autumn in Latvia is relatively short – it usually starts at the end of September and lasts until mid-to-late October (depending on the weather). So use this time to enjoy everything that autumn has to offer to the fullest.
