Jurmala is the main resort in Latvia. The city has grown from a fishing village and has become a popular tourist destination in recent decades. Now its development is as fast as ever. The climate of the Baltic coast is specific, so it is difficult to call Jurmala a beach resort in the usual sense. However, tourists come here not only during the 2 hot months, but also during the rest of the year. The area is characterized by tranquility, and visitors appreciate it.
The combination of coastal dunes and inland forests made the local nature unusually colorful. Pedestrian streets, including Jomas, stretch from sandy beaches. There are not so many old buildings in the city, but the existing ones are carefully monitored. Modern objects also appear, for example, the tower in the Dzintari park - one of the most unusual observation platforms in the world.
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What to see and where to go in Jurmala?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Jurmala beaches
The city is located on the Baltic Sea. The water here, even during the season, does not warm up more than + 20- + 22 ° C. However, the beaches of Jurmala are full of tourists. Swimming is comfortable for about two months a year. The beaches stretch for 32 km. They are covered with fine light sand. The most popular ones - Dzintari, Majori, Dubulti and Bulduri, are named after the districts. Most have the Blue Flag award for cleanliness and comfort.
Dzintari Concert Hall
The most popular concert venue in the city and one of the most popular in the country. At this place, events have been held since the century before last. But there was no full-fledged building for a long time. The construction of the large hall took place in 1962. In 2006, it was reconstructed. The stage became five-level, which expanded the possibilities of its use. More than 2000 spectators can be in "Dzintari" at the same time.
Jomas street
A visiting card and the first association with Jurmala among tourists. Its name translates as "sand waves". Not long in 1999 was named after Pushkin. The street was founded in the 19th century and is pedestrianized. The end points are Majori station and Jurmala globe. Jomas is a venue for concerts and festivals. Here you can not only walk, but also sit in one of the many cafes.
Dzintari Forest Park
Located in the city center. There is something to do on the territory for both active recreation lovers and those who prefer leisurely walks. For the former, a skate park, sports zones, and ski tracks have been created in winter. The second is to walk through a pine grove or relax among rare plants in warm weather. The park has a unique observation deck all year round - a tower with 12 balconies.
Observation Tower by ARHIS Architectural Bureau
The main attraction of "Dzintaru Mezaparks". Traditionally, it is included in the lists of the most unusual and interesting observation platforms in the world. The height is about 38 meters. The structure was built of metal and wood. The tower looks light due to its "porous" structure. Consists of stairs and 12 balconies. Illuminates in the evening. Each of them offers a beautiful view of the surroundings.
Jurmala City Museum
The composition of the exhibitions is similar to the museum of local lore. However, the emphasis is on the tourist features of Jurmala. The exposition tells about the development of the city from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the present day. Among the interesting sections, a collection of swimwear, finds raised from the seabed, and postcards stands out. The tour guides also talk about merchant and military ships sailing the Baltic Sea in the past.
Art studio Inner Light
An unusual art gallery is located in the house of the artist Vitaly Ermolaev. Some time ago, the master patented the composition of paints. Using his own method, he creates paintings in the style of light painting. Under certain lighting conditions, the canvases become voluminous and it seems as if additional details appear from under the top layer. This completely changes the look of the picture.
House of Aspazia
The name is derived from the pseudonym of the former mistress of the house. Elza Pliekshane was a poet and playwright. She lived here with her husband until her death in 1943. The building gradually fell into disrepair until it was restored in the 90s. Not only the blue and white façade was repaired, but the interior was also restored. A museum was organized under the roof of Aspazia's house - a branch of the local art museum.
Holiday complex Kristapa and Augusta Morberg
An unusual castle in the Gothic style appeared in the city in the first half of the 19th century. It was built of wood and covered with iron. There is a botanical garden on the territory of the dacha complex. The collection contains rare and exotic plants. The previous owners bequeathed the property to the University of Latvia. Now the object is available for excursions, and is also rented out for events, including weddings.
Former bathhouse of E. Ratsene
The construction of the bathing establishment was completed in 1916. The bathhouse welcomed customers all year round, offering a large selection of herbal and extract baths. After the war, the building was given over to a clinic. In the 80s, a major reconstruction was carried out and the external design was significantly changed. Later they tried to return the original design in order to preserve the historical value of the building. The entrance is not available for tourists.
Dubulti Lutheran Church
Built from 1907 to 1909. The building belongs to the typical representatives of the Riga Art Nouveau style. There are also some details of romanticism. In addition to believers who regularly attend services, the church is also interesting for tourists. There are three reasons - the architecture in general, the tower towering over the surrounding area, and concerts of organ music. The church also has two choirs. Their performances are scheduled for several months in advance.
Statue of Lacplesis
Installed in 1954 ode. Dedicated to the hero of Latvian folklore. Lachplesis is called a dragon slayer and is credited with all sorts of feats. His name translates as "tearing the bear". According to legend, residents of Jurmala wanted to present the sculpture to their sister city. And originally depicted was a completely different character. For unknown reasons, the present was not accepted, and the authors of the project remade the statue, giving it a new meaning.
Globe of Jurmala
It appeared on Jomas Street in the early 70s of the last century. The unusual monument serves as a meeting place. In 2015, it was seriously damaged during street construction work. The globe had to be dismantled. In the process of restoration, difficulties arose: it was made by a method that is no longer used. For this reason, changes were made to the design. Already in 2016 he returned to his usual place.
Sculpture "Turtle"
Installed in the Majori area at the entrance to the sandy beach in 1995. The size of the turtle is impressive. It is completely cast in bronze according to the project of the artist and sculptor Janis Barda. Tourists and locals alike love to be photographed next to the monument. It is durable and is not afraid of the constant encroachment of the public. Different meanings are attributed to sculpture. Some associate it with the unhurried flow of life in Jurmala.
Jurmala Open Air Museum
They have been working on the implementation of this project since the 70s of the last century. A real fishing village has been created in the open air in memory of the past of Jurmala. Tourists have access to master classes on knitting sea knots and repairing nets. Tasting of fish is also traditional, which is prepared right here in small smokehouses. All objects are authentic and brought from different regions of the country. Admission is free on Tuesdays.
Livu Water Park
The largest water park in the north of Europe. The interior design of the three-story building is decorated in a Caribbean style.The territory is divided into zones: "Paradise Beach", "Captain Kid's Land", "Tropical Forest", "Shark Attack Zone". The entertainment facility is open all year round. Guests are offered about 40 attractions. Some have age restrictions. There are additional services, such as visiting a cafe.
White dune in Lielupe
An unusual natural monument is located near the Priedaine station. The features of the dune are its absolutely white color and perpendicular position in relation to the coastal line. Researchers estimate that her education took 150-200 years. The reason for the appearance of the dune is the breakthrough of the Lielupe River in 1757. The channel was restored, but an elevated sandy strip with a length of about 800 meters remained.
World's End in Lielupe
Natural landmark in the vicinity of Jurmala. It is a coastal area by the bay, accessible via the dunes. It is believed that the water is warmer here. In addition, the depth is gaining momentum immediately, which significantly distinguishes the "Edge of the World" from other places for swimming. There is no organized crossing to the other side. Although enthusiasts find unusual ways. There is a nudist beach nearby.
Ragakapa Natural Park
The territory of the park is covered with dunes and pine forest. Sandy hills stretched for about a kilometer. And some trees are up to 300 years old. For the convenience of tourists, several hiking trails have been created. They have distinctive features, but each has viewing platforms. The most popular trails are: Natural, Pine, Vegetable, Insect Trail.
Kemeri National Park
Created in 1997. The area is more than 38 thousand hectares, of which about 2 thousand are in the Gulf of Riga. The territory is divided into 3 sections. People live in the buffer zone, and the other two are guarded and specially guarded. According to legend, the area received its name from the name of the forester. He lived in the 16th century and maintained a guesthouse. The park has a wide variety of flora and fauna, there are mineral springs and walking trails.
