Everywhere in Latvia has a story to tell – be it of the hardships faced during one of the many occupations or the invigoration it experienced after the country gained independence, each town has its own tale. A nation proud of itself is epitomised in Central Riga with the Freedom Monument, a striking tribute to the independence of Latvia that was erected in 1935 and a very important site to the Latvian people – it’s also one of the most distinguished monuments in Europe today and is held in the highest of regard.

Other areas of interest to tourists include Riga itself, which is seen as one of the most beautiful cities in the Baltic States, with winding cobbled streets and Art Nouveau architecture along with the Unesco World Heritage Old Town region, it really is a stunning city that just keeps on surprising visitors with all manners of beauty. From the Warriors’ Cemetery through to the Historical Museum of Latvia – and with many other attraction in between – Riga is a city that everyone should visit at least once, and a collection of excellent restaurants and bars mean that once the day of sightseeing is over, the night can be enjoyed into the early hours.

Elsewhere there are places such as “the Switzerland of Latvia” – Sigulda, easily accessible from Riga and full of areas of interest and splendour, along with a health spa and winter sports centre. Travel to the Gulf of Riga and sea the resort of Jurmala – over 30km of towns spread along sandy beaches and pine forests, a popular area for tourists and natives alike.

Latvia has a history that could make it seem unattractive to some people, and the scars left from the days of Communism are still healing, but looking past this surface is a wonderful country for all who visit, and the ever-increasing tourist trade in the region is testament to this fact.