Resort Town of Jurmala

Jurmala is a resort town west of Riga, with white sand beaches stretching nearly 20 miles and sandwiched between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe River. While Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union, Jurmala was a favorite holiday-resort and beloved tourist destination for high-level Communist Party officials. Although many amenities such as beach-houses and concrete hotels remain, some have fallen into disrepair, Jurmala remains a tourist attraction with its long white-sand beach facing the Gulf of Riga and romantic wooden houses built in the Art Nouveau style. The town is well-known for its natural treasures – the mild climate, sea, healthy air, curative mud and mineral water. The allure of Jurmala lies in its almost 20-mile long white sand beach, large pine forests and the natural border of the city – the river Lielupe. A drive of about 30 minutes will take you to Jurmala, where after a short panoramic drive you will pass the Dzintari Concert Hall, built in 1960, where the popular festivals are held in the summer, and the railroad station. Take a walk around town and learn about the most distinguishing architectural feature in Jurmala - the prevalence of wooden houses dating from the 19th and first half of the 20th century. Most of the buildings were built by Baltic German and Latvian architects. The architecture of Jurmala typically falls into classicism, national romanticism, and modern styles. The town has an official list of 414 historical buildings under the protection of the state. There is plenty to do in town; the long, main pedestrian street offers an opportunity to people watch and an assortment of friendly cafes and restaurants as well as shops and green areas. Head to the beach and experience the freshness of the Jurmala sea-side. Perhaps you will want to use your free time to dip your toes in the water and take a walk along the shore.