Hello. One of the beautiful places I visited this year was the Rhododendron Park in Riga. This park is located in a beautiful forest in Latvia, just 20 minutes from Riga. It is the home of colorful rhododendron plants that bloom in various hues. There are dozens of plant species growing here. It's actually best to visit this park during the summer months because, every year in May and June the flowers bloom in a rainbow of colors. When I visited however, there weren't many flowers.
The entrance fees are €3 for adults, €2 for pensioners and students and children can enter for free. The presence of crowds at the ticket counter suggested that there were times when queues formed. However, we noticed that due to the staff not being particularly attentive, it was possible to enter without purchasing a ticket. Paying the entrance fee seemed to depend entirely on the visitors consciences.
I grabbed my coffee and began a peaceful walk. I think there were other living creatures among the visitors who didn’t seem as peaceful to me. Mosquitoes for instance, were quick to bite my arms. If you plan on coming this way, I strongly recommend bringing insect repellent spray. The park is magical, beautiful, very quiet and serene. It's a very relaxing place.
Benches are placed along the walking paths. Although it's not summer yet, rhododendrons are still in bloom along the way and they smell beautiful. Information boards provide details about the different rhododendron species. The garden was established by Rihards Kondratovičs, a professor who loved flowers. He spent 60 years studying these plants and cultivating their stronger and more beautiful varieties. This garden is the only private rhododendron garden in the Baltic countries. It houses 76 different wild rhododendron species and a total of 269 distinct cultivated species.
I had to find a mosquito-free spot to sit and enjoy my coffee. While walking along I also came across different flowers, such as hydrangeas. Eventually I reached a lush green area with lovely benches, where I took a break. It was a wonderful spot. This park is a great place for walking and is therefore at the top of my list of favorite spots. Many flowering bushes can be found here, as well as an observation tower and a small pond. If you're planning to visit on a weekend, I recommend going either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as it tends to get very crowded.
With a leisurely walk, I reached the park's pond. There cheerful and eager-to-interact ducks entertained us. However, I think there isn’t much entertainment in the park aside from watching the ducks and running around for children. Therefore if you decide to visit this park, I recommend planning your route to include a more child-friendly destination.
I spent about an hour and a half in the park. It's certain that you should visit this place at least once. Rhododendrons, these enchanting plants, never leave anyone indifferent. And if you're looking for a photography spot, Rhododendron park is considered one of the 10 best photography spots in and around Riga.
In the evening I headed to nearby Jūrmala to watch the sunset and escape from the mosquitoes for a while. The easiest way to reach Jūrmala is by starting from Riga. First you need to travel to Riga and from there, you can find various methods to get to Jūrmala. If you’re traveling by car, the distance from Riga to Jūrmala is 15 km. However, there is an entrance fee to Jūrmala (1 Latvian Lat, approximately €1.40). This fee is paid at automatic machines located at the city entrance. The machines only accept 1 Lat coins, so make sure you have enough change with you. After payment you must place the receipt in a visible spot in your car. otherwise, you could face a hefty fine from the police.
During summer especially on a sunny day, the queues to pay the entrance fee can be quite long. Alternatively you can take a taxi to Jūrmala, which costs about 15 Lats (€20). Train travel is another great option for those who want to enjoy the surrounding natural scenery and prefer a more comfortable journey than taking a minibus.
I walked along the path leading to the beach, passing near the Dzintari concert hall. There are many small stalls and cafes on the beach where you can buy drinks and snacks. And the luxurious vacation complex Havana Club Lounge is located here. This complex offers a variety of amenities such as a swimming pool, sun loungers, gazebos, a stage, a hookah bar and the well-known Red Lobster restaurant. The beach is a fantastic spot offering an experience that caters to every taste.
I brought some bread with me because the seagulls in Jūrmala, just like the pigeons in Italy, always seem happy to see bread. The sunsets over the sea in the evenings are magnificent. Sitting on a bench and watching the sun slowly disappear over the horizon is a magical experience and the photos you take look like true works of art. During summer, the sun sets as late as 11 pm, allowing you to enjoy the sunset for an extended period.
Walking along the seaside was very relaxing. Both locals and tourists enjoy walking along the beach throughout the year. In winter walking along the snowy shore offers a refreshing experience, while in summer you can do more than just walk. You can also ride a bicycle. However, the sea tends to be cold during summer and the weather is unpredictable with occasional rain.
