Finding Latvia in Europe map searches usually happens when someone is planning a trip and realizes they can’t quite place the Baltics. Honestly, it’s not your fault. For decades, this wedge of land was tucked away behind the Iron Curtain, but today? It’s basically the cool, understated middle child of Northern Europe.
Latvia sits right in the center of the Baltic states. It’s flanked by Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. To the east, you’ve got Russia and Belarus. But the real star of its geography is the west—over 500 kilometers of white sand coastline touching the Baltic Sea.
Where Exactly is Latvia?
If you were to put your finger on a map of Europe and look for the midpoint between Scandinavia and Central Europe, you’d land right on Riga.
It’s a maritime nation through and through.
The country covers about 64,589 square kilometers. That makes it roughly the same size as West Virginia or a combination of Belgium and the Netherlands. While it looks small on a massive wall map, once you’re on the ground, the sheer amount of untouched nature makes it feel huge. More than 54% of the country is forest. You can drive for hours and see more storks and deer than people.
Finding Latvia in Europe Map: The Neighbors and Borders
When you look at the physical boundaries, Latvia shares its longest land border with Lithuania—about 588 kilometers.
Then you’ve got:
- Estonia (North): 343 km
- Russia (East): 276 km
- Belarus (Southeast): 161 km
The maritime border with Sweden is another big part of the identity here. Ferries run regularly between Riga and Stockholm, reinforcing that Northern European vibe. It's a flat country. The highest point, Gaiziņkalns, is only 312 meters above sea level. In fact, if you go to the top, there’s a funny little story: locals once built a tower on top just to try and beat the height of Estonia’s highest peak, Suur Munamägi. They eventually tore it down for safety reasons, but the rivalry remains a classic bit of Baltic humor.
The Four Historical Stars
Latvia isn't just one big block. It’s divided into four distinct cultural regions that you’ll see marked on any detailed Latvia in Europe map:
- Kurzeme (Courland): To the west. Think rugged coasts, old fishing villages, and the "City where the wind is born"—Liepāja.
- Vidzeme: This is the heartland, containing the capital, Riga, and the rolling hills of the Gauja National Park.
- Zemgale: The southern breadbasket. It’s incredibly flat and home to the massive Rundāle Palace, often called the "Versailles of the Baltics."
- Latgale: The "Land of Blue Lakes" in the east. It’s culturally unique, with its own dialect and a strong Catholic tradition compared to the Lutheran leanings of the rest of the country.
Riga: The Baltic’s Real Hub
You can’t talk about Latvia’s location without talking about Riga. It’s the largest city in the Baltics—not just Latvia.
About one-third of the entire population lives here.
👉 See also: Yemen: Why Most People Get the Arab World’s Best Kept Secret Totally Wrong
When you look at a map, Riga sits at the base of the Gulf of Riga. This strategic spot made it a powerhouse during the Hanseatic League days. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, mostly because of its Art Nouveau architecture. There are over 800 Art Nouveau buildings in the center. Walking down Alberta iela feels like being in an open-air museum, except people actually live and work in these masterpieces.
Getting There in 2026
If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Europe, Riga International Airport (RIX) is the best-connected hub in the region. AirBaltic, the national carrier, runs a massive network. You’ve also got the usual low-cost suspects like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
By land, the Via Baltica (E67) is the main artery. It connects Prague to Tallinn, passing right through Latvia. In 2026, traveling is getting a bit more high-tech. If you’re coming from a visa-exempt country outside the EU, you’ll likely need to deal with the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). It’s basically a quick online check-in that costs about €7 and stays valid for three years. It’s not a visa, but it’s a necessary step for that "seamless" Euro-trip.
Surprising Facts About the Latvian Landscape
Most people think of the "North" as frozen. But Latvia has a temperate maritime climate.
Summers are actually gorgeous.
In July, temperatures hover around 20°C to 25°C, and the sun barely sets. These are the "White Nights." You can be sitting on a beach in Jūrmala at 11:00 PM and still see the glow of the sun on the horizon.
Conversely, winters can be biting. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop to -20°C in January. But this is when the country turns into a Narnia-style wonderland. Latvians are big on "birch sap" in the spring and mushroom hunting in the autumn. It’s a nation of foragers. If you go into the woods with a Latvian, they will inevitably find a chanterelle you missed.
The Cultural Map
The geography has dictated the history. Because Latvia is a "bridge" between East and West, it’s been conquered by everyone: Germans, Swedes, Poles, and Russians.
This created a "Baltic German" upper class for centuries, while the local Latvians kept their pagan roots alive through folk songs (Dainas). There are over 1.2 million of these songs. Every five years, they hold the Song and Dance Festival, where 40,000 performers take to a single stage. It’s a literal wall of sound.
Moving Beyond the Capital
If you only stay in Riga, you’re missing the point.
Kuldīga is home to the Ventas Rumba, which is technically the widest waterfall in Europe. It’s not tall—you could walk across it—but it’s incredibly wide. In the spring, you can actually see fish (vimba) jumping up the waterfall to spawn.
Then there’s Sigulda. Often called the "Switzerland of Latvia," it’s located in the Gauja River valley. It’s the place for bobsledding in winter and cable car rides over autumn leaves that turn every shade of orange and red.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're looking at a Latvia in Europe map and planning a route, keep these logistical tips in mind:
- Public Transport: The train system is affordable and reliable for getting to places like Jūrmala or Sigulda. For long-haul trips to the east (Latgale), the bus is often faster.
- Currency: Latvia uses the Euro. It’s generally cheaper than Western Europe, though Riga prices have been creeping up. Expect to pay about €5-€7 for a pint of local beer (which is excellent, by the way).
- Connectivity: Latvia has some of the fastest internet in the world. Even in the middle of a forest, you’ll likely have 5G.
- Entry Fees: As of 2026, the entry fee for cars into the resort city of Jūrmala has increased to €5. Don't forget to pay at the kiosks or via the app, as the cameras are everywhere.
- Language: Latvian is the official language. It’s one of the oldest in Europe, alongside Lithuanian. Most younger people speak perfect English, and many people still speak Russian, especially in the east and Riga.
Latvia is a place that rewards the curious. It’s not flashy, and the people might seem "nordic-cold" at first, but once you’re invited for a sauna or a meal, you’ve got a friend for life. It’s a country that has survived being wiped off the map more than once, and that resilience is baked into every forest trail and cobblestone street.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the current schedule for the Lux Express bus if you plan to travel between the Baltic capitals; it's the most comfortable way to move between Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius. If you're driving, download the Mobilly app—it's the universal tool for parking and train tickets across the country.