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Latvia, the Baltic Riviera,
Health Resorts
and y^atering Places
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
GIFT OF
Professor I'albone W. Grahar-
LATVIA
THE BALTIC RIVIERA
Latvia
The Baltic Riviera
Health Resorts and
Watering Places
O
Bernhard Lamey, Publisher.
Riga
Printed by the Latvian Farmer's Union Printing Office
Viciv of the Riga harbour.
Latvia
Ot the new States in Not tlieastern Kurupe, Latvia
is one of the most pietiuesque and attractive, embra-
cing as it does the Baltic provinces of Kurzeme (Kiu-
land) and Vidzenie (Livland), hotli famous for their
history, wealth and natural bcant.\-. Together with the
neighbouring countries of Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia
belongs to the group of Baltic States. By reason of
its favourable geographical location between Russia,
l^oland and the Baltic Sea, Latvia ist the junction of
the main routes in Northeastern Europe. On the one
hand, the large, excellent harbours and commercial
towns of Riga, Liepaja (Libau) and Ventspils (Windau)
constitute the meeting-place of all conmiercial circles
interested In Baltic and Russian trade; on ihe other,
1106274
The CafitU', Riga.
llic IkmUIi resorts and watcrin.i; places cf tlio coimlix'
aflorcl such a store of restful beant>- and connort. that
the tourist traffic to l.atx'ia increases from Near to .\ear.
Geographical survey. Latvia covers an area
of i^r).919 square kilometres (thereof 3S% forests).
Til, n„iik «/ iMlviif.
Old Riga: til,- Poiiu/rr-Toic
ir„
and has a population of 1.844.805 souls. Anions; the
citizens of Latvia we find 75,61% native Latvians,
3,39% Germans, 4,48% Jews, 12,32% Russians. 2,52%
Folens and others. The iiulk of tiie population is
Lutheran. The country is divided into four provinces,
namely Kurzeme with its capital Liepaja (Libau),
Vidzeme vvitii Riga as capital and metropolis of the
country (the population of Rma numering 337.000 souls),
Zemgale with its chief town jelgava (Mitau), and
La t gale with its chief town Daugavpils (Diinaburg).
Latvia is bounded on land h\ Estonia, Soviet Russia,
Poland and Lithuania, and lias a sea boundary, on the
Baltic coast, no less than 494 kilometres in leuKth. A
characteristic feature of Lat\-ia is t! e extraordi:iar.\-
wealth of ever-changing scenery; here we find the
beautiful seaside with its fine white sand and pro-
tective dunes, and there again we are impelled to
ramble for hours in the great, silent forests, or an
idyllic ri\er landscape draws us to the water's edge
) .i,:.l!n^ I. II III, Ih
to row or |)addle on the sireani. Though on the wiiole
a level country, Latvia presents a numl)er of wood\'.
hilly sections of great beautN', i)articularly in the so
called Livoniau and Courouian Suit/erland. TIk' cli-
mate is f:i\()urabl.\' influencetl b.\' Hie extensiNc forests
which are composed cliief!.\ rif piiu;. fir aiul birch trees.
Latvia is rich in rivers and lakes, man.N' thousand of
which are dotted about the landscape, including mauN'
rivers as (he Lielupi' (Courisli Aa) aiiil Ihr (i.iiii;i
Till- Lnfvini! Pnr/iainrii/ : Scwiiiia.
(I.ivLuidisli Aa), flowing silently into the mighty stream
of the iminessive river Dangava (Diina) which forms
the harbour of Riga. Along Hie cliainiels of the rivers,
following tiie winding coarse of tlie current, the tourist
meets with a variety of extreme]^• picturesque rocks,
rapids and waterfalls, as for example on the Uiina at
Koknese (Kokenhusen), the Amata and other rivers.
Communication. A dense net of traffic ways
links up tiie country in all directions. The rail-
roads, which are 2900 kilometres in length, embrace
the principal international transit and passenger rou-
tes as well as the local auxiliary railwa.\'s. The tariffs
are cheaper than in most other hairopean countries.
Riga is llu- innctioii (if (lie iiiaiii lines from Berlin,
K(n'iu), Warsaw, Aloscow and Rcva!. The traffic sy-
stem in the towns nndergoes continual development,
particulary in regard to the modern requirements of
motor traffic. Riga is also included in the North Euro-
pean air traffic net (Junkers) which also touches Ko-
nigsberg, Reval and Helsingfors. Numerous lines of
motor buses also connect the capital with the pro-
vinces.
Sport and recreation. Latvia ma>' almost he
termed the sportsman's VA Dorado, affording as it
does an opportunity to indulge in so many different
branches of ph>sical culture and diNersion. The country
is particulari\ attractive to the h u n t e r. The large,
dense forests are rich in game of all kinds, and even elks
or moose deer may be found. The lakes and bogs abound
with all kinds of atjuatic and feathered game, concealed
in mystical thickets of tall reeds. The friend t)f Nauire
should not miss the opportunit.N' to enjoy the peculiar
charm of these inuuense, kniely surfaces of water with
their rustling reed -banks and the mysterious tones of
their dying fauna. Rarticularl.N' impressive is Lake
Luban in Latgale with its peculiar beauty. Yachting
is naturally a fasourite sport in a country with so inan\'
opportunities of mdulgence. This sport culminates in the
great annual regattas on the Kisezers (Stint Lake) in
the environs of Riga, on the hilna and b.\ sea to the isle
of Runo. Boating is becoming more and more
popular, especialh' since the appearance of the light and
convenient paddle boats with which some pleasant
excursions ma.\' be made tliroiigli the luunerous lakes
atid canals in tlu' \ icinit.\- of Riga. Pedestrianism and
tramping are i^ecnliar to the xonuger peoi)le. and t'leie
are many groups of wanderers with whom contact ma.\'
be established. There is also ample scoi)e for the most
refined game of t e n n i s, considering that the interna-
tional cliauipioii M.icpherson resitlcs in Ri\;;i. Interesting
8
football iiuitclics take place every year between foieij^ii
and local teams. And in winter there is plenty of skat-
ing, icc-yachtinsi and hockey, which latter is very
popular ill Latvia.
Apart from the opportunities afforded for physical
culture and sport, the towns and health resorts of
Latvia offer a rich store of intellectual stimulation and
1 he House of tIic\Black Heads, Riga.
amusement. Theatres and concerts, museums <iiid
lectures, promenades and festivities, exhibitions and fairs,
all these tend to keep the pulse of life in Latvia throb
bins. It should be borne in mind, however, that the
conditions in our health resorts and waterin.c places are
not such as preclude the possibility of complete
relaxation. On the contrary, every opportunity is
afforded of escaping; from the jjaiety of the fashionable
throng, and enjoying undisturbed tranquillity and repose.
'I'his possibility of complete rest, even solitude, amidst
tulturetl si.'rrouiidings, is otie of the most attriic(i\c
features of Latvian health resorts.
EnteriiiK Latvia. Lxteiisive faeihties in regard
to their admittance are accorded to foreigners
desirous of visiting tlie Riga or Liepaia (Libau) strand,
or the curative baths at Kenieri (Keminern) and Bal-
done. In most cases, tiie admittance visa is issued b.\'
the Latvian diph)matic representatives abroad, after the
fining out of a iiuestionnaire (in two copies free of tax).
( )nly in the cases of citizens of countries whicii iiave
not .\et conchided visa agreements with Latvia, and in
respect of the liolders of Hansen passports, is it necess-
ar,\ to refer to Riga. Procedure takes lU to 12 days
ordinarily, or 2 to .3 days by wire. The visa is valid
for a period of six inontiis. and ma\' be prolonged at the
health resort by the local police authorities. Lor the
entrance visa the citizens of the following countries pa.\
thus: I^rance, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Ro-
land, Germany, Austria, England, Lithuania and Czecho-
slovakia — 1(1 lats; Sweden — 20 kroner. Norway — ■
25 kroner, Helgiuui 12 lats. Holland 6 florins, the
Soviet Union 15 lats. the United States of America -
$ 111. and those belonging to no definite conntr.\. the so
called «Stateless' — 15 lats. Lslonian citizens are
exempted from the pa.\ ment of this visa fee.
Visitors to our health resorts do not require a special
dei)arture visa for leaving the country, as the entrance
visa serves the same purpose pro\ided the se.ionrn was
not longer than six months. ()nl.\' in case ol a longer
^ta,\ is a special departure visa necessary (costing 2
lats), wliercb.N' a certificate of the Tax l)ei)artment
regarding the |)a.\nient of Slate taxes has to be pre-
sented. Lvery newcomer has to be registered at the
police station within 2A hours. This tormalit.N is atteiided
to by the Hotel Office, the i)roprietors of boarding
houses, or the landlord as the case jn<i.\' be.
10
Routes to Latvia. Duration and cost of journey.
I. By rail.
1 st class 2 nd class 3 rd class
Berlin-Riga ... 23 hours Mk. 133.— 89.40 53.95
Warsaw-Riga . . 20 „ $ 14.— 9.60 6.10
Moscow-Riga . . 31 „ „ — .— 13.65 6,75
Leningrad-Riga . 31 „ „ — .— 10.50 4.05
Reval-Riga ... 12 „ „ 6.15 4.10 2.00
Kovno-Riga ... 8 „ „ 7.— 5.— 2.35
Copenhagen-Riga via
Warnemunde-Berlin 38 „ „ 44.25 32.30 19.40
Stockholm-Riga via
Sassnitz-Berlin . . 50 „ „ 61.95 41.15 25.60
II. By sea.
Stettin-Riga : Weekly. Duration about 42 hours.
1 st class Mk. 65. — J
2nd „ „ 54.— with board
3rd „ ., 45.— \
Steerage „ 30. — , or 20 without board
Stockholm-Riga : Weekly. Duration about 42 hours.
1 st class Sw. kr. 60. —
2 nd class ,> ,, 50. —
Steerage „ ,, 25. —
Board 3 kroner daily.
Copenhagen-Riga: Weekly. Duration about 42 hours.
1 st class Dan. kr. 70. —
2nd „ „ „ 30.—
Board 10 kroner daily.
III. By air.
Riga-Reval 2,5 hours $ 12. —
Riga-Helsingfors 4 ., ,, 18. —
Riga-Konigsberg 4 ,, „ 18. —
Currency and Prices. Besides its natural i)caiit\,
liealth-glviiiR" springs and so forth, Latvia lias the
advantage of being a comparatively cheap country.
Latvian currency, the lat. is equal to a gold franc. Its
relation to other currencies is as follows (allowing for
the fluctuation of foreign currencies): CJne lat (5il Lat-
11
\i;in rbis) — 1 S\\ iss franc — 0.80 Gcniian Kciclismark=
5.5 French francs = lOd Enjjlisli currency = 5 Italian
lire = 0.70 Swedish kroner = 6 Czecho - Slovak
kronen — 0.5 Dntch florins = 7.5 Finnish marks = 1.3
Polish Zloty := 12 Estonian marks — 2 Lithuanian lits =
0.4 Chervonetz. Single bed-room in Riga in better class
hotel from Ls 3 upwards, and a double-bedded room
The Criilni/ I'vsl Office, Rii^n.
hum l.s h upwards. Tlic followin.n arc llie a\'era.ue
prices for hoanl in ki;<a: hinncr, soup .ibuut 1' cent-
imes, and lor each course, sa.\ from '^o ceulimes to
l.s 1.40. Supper a la carte from 2 to 3 hits. Prices are
lower in the provinces; in Cesis (Weiideii) for instance a
room may be had in an hotel for 2 or 3 lats. At the
I^iga seaside a room in an hotel or in pension costs
from 50 to 65 lats i)er mouth according to localit.\-, while
board involves from 5 to I.S lats i)er da.\' according to
ipialitw I'"urnislicd \illas uia.\ be had for as small a
12
sum as 2U0 lats per season, tlioush the larsor and more
comfortable villas in the best locality cost up to 1500
lats for the season. Boarding-house prices are lower in
the Livonian Switzerland (Slgulda) than at the strand.
In the health resort of Baldone rooms ma> be had for
even one lat per day. Board and lodging in the
Beautiful Parks, t/ic liiiigs of tlie City.
sanatorium involves only 4 to 6 lats a day. Prices are
slightly higher in Kemeri (Kemniern).
Inquiries and Railway tickets. Information and
tickets may be obtained from the City Office
of the I.atvian State Railways, situated at 36 K:i|-
ku iela, Riga. Telephones 20339 and 21540. Open also
on Sundays from 9 lo 11 a. m. Further, on application
to the B a 1 1 i s c h e r L 1 o y d Travelling Agency.
22 'I'irgouu iela, Riga, telepiione 21550. Iiifi)rmation re-
garding airway service is given by the L a t v i a n Air
Navigation Company, Hotel Bellevue. 33 Rainis l).)ule-
13
vard. Riga, phone 20651. The office of the International
Sleeping Car Company is situated at 8 — 10, Liela
Smilsu iela, Riga. Phone 91713. Branch at the railway
station Riga I. Telephone 91737.
The best and most exhaustive information regarding
Latvia as a destination for tourists is to be found in ilie
«Fiihrer durch Lettlaud . pulilishcd h\ H. I.amey, M) Hri-
\ibas iela. Riga.
7 lie Nniiiitiiil Opi'ia House.
14
Riga
riie straiiiier who visits Latvia for tlie benefit of
liis health or for recreation, will surely not miss the
opi;)ortunilv of inspecting; the country's beautiful capital,
the famous old city of l<ii;a, one of the principal
Manseatic centres on the Baltic seacoast, which Napo-
leon called a «Subnrb of London»; the more so as all
the main hues from abroad leads the foreianer first to
Riga, from where he proceeds farther to his d.stinalion.
Consequently, some hints will now be given for the
inspection of Riga.
With a population oi 337,000 souls, Riga is by far
the principal of all the cities in the Baltic states, and
has always been the intellectual and commercial centre
of the whole territory bordering on the Baltic Sea.
Riga is the seat .of the Government and of the central
government offices and institutions. Numerous large
industrial and commercial enterprises and credit institut-
ions are also located in Riga. This is Latvia's princip-
al port, the junction of railway traffic between Western
Europe and Russia, and tlie s at of the foreign diplomatic
and consular representatives.
The railway lines from Kovno, Warsaw, Moscow,
Leningrad, I^eval, Liepaja (Libau) and Ventspils (Wiii-
dau) meet in Riga, wliis is above all a magnificent
harbour with navigation to and from all the leading
European ports. There is an aerodrome on the Spilve
plain, near the suburb of llgeziem. Air passengers
convei'ed free of charge by motor car to the aerodrome
15
•WS!*''
Riga's Art Miiscuvi.
from the office of the Latvian Air Traffic Company.
Special river boats convey passeny:ers to the \im\
strand, to .lelgava (Mitau) and up the Dau«a\a (Diina).
Hotels and Restaurants: St. Petersbnrj;; Hotel,
Hotel de Rome, Hotel Frankfurt on the Main.
Imperial Hotel, Hotel Ijelievue, Otto Schwartz R.-
sianrant, and the restaurant established in .the Small
Wolirman's park.
Objects of Interest: Tlie Castle on tiie Oiina
ciuay, built in tiie year 151,5 on tiie site of
stronRliolds of the ancient Order; today the residence of
the State i'resident, and also accomodates the National
Art Museum, the National Historical Museum, the Record
Office and other cultural institutions. St. Mar y's
Cathedral (Dom), the oldest church in Riv;a. mostly
notliic. with uKiiiuificcnt cross-aisle anti interestin.u
tombs. In tiie \icinit.\ of tiie cathedral is tiie Herder
Place with tiie monument in niemors of the j^reat
Scholar. The House of Parliament, (convenes
16
Univirsitas Latviensis.
at 5 p. m., on Tuesdays and Fridays during the session)
admittance by permit from the adjutant. The Hall of
the Blackheads, the most interesting secular
structure in Riga, in the style of the Dutch Renaissance
of the XVII century, erected as a Union-house of the
old Merchants' Association «L6bliche Kompagnie der
Schwarzen Haupter»; used today for concerts and
social functions. St. P e t e r's Church with the famous
steeple, the landmark of Riga, the highest wooden steeple
in Europe, in beautiful Renaissance style. The Powder
Tower, a remnant of the old fortifications of the town,
accomodates today the War Museum. The National
Opera House and the National Dramatic Theatre,
imposing structures in the avenues. St. Jacob's
Church, opposite the House of Parliament, of early
gothic architecture, is the Roman Catholic Cathedral-
church. T h e Q u i 1 d H a 1 1 s, large and small, in the «old
city».
Educational Institutions: The University with
about 6000 students. The Conservatoire and
17
the Academy of Art. The State historical-
ethnographical Museum, displaying a unique
collection of Latvian national costumes. The State A r t
Museum w hicli possesses the most complete collec-
tion of original works of Latvian artists. The Municipal
Art Museum with its numerous souvenirs of the
Great War and of the Latvian War of Independence.
The D o m Museum with collections of different
scientific bodies, including some items of great historical
interest.
Tours and Excursions: In the line of the
old city fortifications, around the <vold city» along
the so called Town Canal, we find the avenues, with
the Bastei hill (Basteibcrg) affording an enchanting view
of the cily below. Further, the Brivibas (Freedom)
boulevard and the avenues around the Russian
Cathedral; tiie Wohrman's Park, which is a blaze of
flowers in spring and summer, beautifully laid out rose-
garden, symphony concerts in the Park in summer. The
Vicstur Garden, with its sturdy old trees towering high
and forming an arch, above the time-trodden pathways;
modern tennis courts. The Mezaparks (Forest Park),
beyond the towti, easily and conveniently accessible by
motor-bus, is a suburb oi villas in a forest cf tall pines
on the banks of the Kisczers (Stint Lake). Water sport
of all kinds. Boarding houses affording comfortable
accomodation at reasonable rates.
The Baltic Riviera
In close proximity to Riga is the Riga seaside, and
there is hardly another European metropolis so ideally
located as to afford such a splendid opportunity cf
abandoning the bustle of the city and entering almost
immediately into the refreshing, healtln' atmosphere of
the sunny beach. Barely half an hour's journey by
rail, and we find ourselves on the long, narrow stretch
of land, twenty kilometres West of Riga, and fifteen
kilometres in length, between the sea and the river
Lielupe (Courish Aa). In this picturestjue, woody region,
2 to 3 kilometres in width, with its high dunes, idyllic
forests and parks, is a line of townlets known collectiv-
ely as the Riga Strand. Here, in a comparatively small
area, one finds all that the heart may desire: Fashionable
watering places and health resorts, typical strand life,
sport, symphony concerts conducted by well known
-foreign managers, quiet corners, cosy, comfortable
boarding houses, revivifying quietude and invigorating
forest air. The Riga strand is easily accessible from the
city, so that businessmen, civil servants and all who are
19
Bird's eye view of the Riga shore.
employed in town, can go down to the seaside and
enjoy the pure sea air for a couple of hours every day.
In mid-summer, when the season is at its height, there
are trains from Riga every half an hour. Those who
have the time to spare, should not miss the opportunity
of going down to the seaside by one of the boats of
the Augsburg Shipping Company. Aii service to the
strand is also being arranged.
The names of the different townlets at the seaside,,
some of which form almost a complete whole, aie in
geographical succession: P r i e d a i n e (Kiefernhalt),
Bulli (liullen), Bulduri (Bilderlingshof), Kdin-
b u r g, M a j o r i (Majorenhof). Dubuiti (Dubbeln),
M e 1 1 u z i (Karlsbad) and A s a r i (Assern). The
climate at the strand may be described as a temperate
woodland-maritime combination. The temperature of
the seawater averages 18 degrees Celsius, and the
salt contents of the Riga Gulf about 0.7%. The stroke
of the waves is not so powerful as in the open sea, but
is nevertheless invigorating. Tlie beach is level and
20
.1,
The beach, Riga Strand.
sandy: it is the children's paradise. The high dunes,
crested with tall pines, fringe the other side of the
beach, parallel to the sea, and afford protect'-"*^ from
the wind.
It is therefore evident that the Baltic watering place
'Riga Strand» is particularly adapted to the re-
quirements of all who suffer from the effects of o\'er-
work, and who need rest and recreation. It is an ideal
resort for convalescents, and persons suffering from
anaemia, rheumatism or nervous disorders. Warm
sea-baths may also be had, besides river bathing in the
I-iehipe (Courish Aa) for those whose constitution cannot
stand seabathing. The river Lielupe is also the scene
of all kinds of aquatic sport. Special provision is made
for invalids and iuffereis at the Riga Strand, where we
find some large Sanatoria of modern construction and
equipment, as for example the «Marienbad» Sanatorium
(Principal Dr. Th. v. Dotticher) in Majori (Majoren-
hof) and Sanatorium <cKdinburg« (Dr. Fischmann), which
adopt all curative methods as mineral and carbonaceous
21
Dunes at Biga Seaside.
haths, mud and peat compresses, ultra violet rays and
electrical treatment. Medical specialists reside at the
Strand during the season. Fees from 10 to 20 lats per
consultation.
Visitors to the Baltic health resort and watering
place «RiRa Strand » may either stay at one of the
S/),i);,/ ;7/Al.
22
Bathing ill the Riga Gulf.
inimeroiis first class Pensions (boarding houses), or
rent a furnished villa for the whole season. There are
Af_ ■
nim
X
■a^i.
A Ri<tmiyani nii t/ic Dune .
rnnierous beautifully located and well furnished villas
to choose from. Bulduri (Bilderlingshof). Edinburg and
23
Majori (Majorenhof) are the most luxurious and
fashionable resorts, both scenes of extravagant gaiety
during the season. Bulli (Bullen), Melluzi (Karlsbad)
and Dubulti (Dubbeln) are quieter places, where
strawberries grow in abundance, adding a
Oik- of the koinfurlahlc H tels
palatab'c uelight to the attractix lI\ peaceful
surroundings.
For particulars appl.\- to the Inquiry Office
of the Riga Strand Municipality, Dubulti, Melluzu iela 24.
Accomodation: Bulduri: Hotel liulduri. Pen-
sion «Tainieiivilla . Pension <.Strandhof>-; Kdinburg: Ho-
tel Kurliaus, Hotel lidiiibiirg. Pension Kcwitscli. Pension
24
Baihtiiif Cabins.
Qaika, Pension Nelsbach, Pension Kaplan; Majori: Ho-
tel Sea Pavilion, Hotel Majori, Pension Mischke, Pen-
sion Kramer; Dubulti: Hotel Europe, Pension Nicis;
Melluzi: Pension Ananjew; Asari: Hotel Kurliaus.
1
1
NV
K:.?*«ik. .,_..•»«—-• — ; \ -^i%.,;
s
^HHgH^H|M|^^HgB|j|»H^WMp^g^^t^^^^^^^«^q^
*!k2J''^-~.^
.Iqiialic spurts vii the lii'Cy.
25
'lAM) '
L E rsiM<iaflo
• J MOSKflU
Liil>(tjn (Lihau) : Harbour vieiv.
Baltic Watering place Liepaja
(Libau).
The importance of Liepaja is appreciated generally
because of its industry and trade, and cliiefly because
Liepaja is an excellent Latvian seaport, the largest after
Riga. One also bears in nn'iid the naval port created
there b.\' Russia. Hut all this constitutes only one side
of the medal. For instance, it is not generally known
that Liepaja (Libau) is also an ideal bathing place and
health resort. The town is adniirabl>- located between
the sea and the <«Sniall Lake». With its broad avenues
and long rows of foliferoiis trees fluttering in the pure-
sea air, Liepaja is bathed in sunshine in spring and
summer. W'itii exuberant forests all around, with its
level sunn^' beach of fine wiiite sand, Liepaja was des-
tined to become a p()i)ular bathing place and heallh
resort. In contrast to the Riga Strand which is washed
b.\' the more gentlu waves of the Riga (iulf, the Lie-
28
Lnl-aja (Lihait) : The Kurhaus Park.
paja Strand is open to the surging, invigorating waves
of the Baltic Sea. Tlie salt contents average 6.94 per
mille, and even 8 per thousand in a strong south-easter.
The pure, ozonous wood and sea air is an excellent
tonic. The medium temperature during the year is 8,2''
Celsius. In summer the temperature averages 19,4"
Celsius (Zoppot 15,5" C). The temperature cf the
water in the open sea in June is 13,1", in July 15,5*^ and
in August 16,7*^ Celsius.
Apart from its natural curative properties, as light,
air, sunshine and water, Liepaja also possesses a highly
modern hydropathic establishment where differert
artificial means of curing are employed, as warm sea-
baths, baths of pine-needle extract, carbonaceous baths,
electrical treatment, ultra violet rays, vapour and mud-
baths. These methods have been successfully adopted
in cases of nervous disorders, neuralgia, heart disease,
stomach trouble and affections of the alimentary canal,
chlorosis, chronic rheumatism, paralysis, debility caused
by mental or physical over-exertion.
29
lifpaja (Li! nil/: On tlie iito/e.
Tliere is also a masnificcnt Casino ( Kurhaiis-) witli
reading-rooms, music-rooms and so forth, in the miujle
of a beautiful park. Theatrical performances, concerts,,
halls and other amusements are afforded at the Kurhaus
or Casino durinji the season.
In close proximity to Liepaia. directly on the beach
and surrounded by woodland, the villa suburb of Ber-
naten is now being created. And this is the inauRuralioiv
of what is going to be an attractive and popular water-
ing place. Although the number of visitors to the Lie-
paja bathing place is not large today, it is nevertheless
increasing from year to year.
Prices are reasonable in Liepaja. Board and lodging
may be estimated thus: a furnished room costs Ls 12
per month, an unfurnished room about six lats. Dinner
of three courses in a Pension or boarding house, — on
an axeragc one kit. and even clieai)er if served reguhirl.\'.
The bathing tax is very low.
Ample opportunity is afforded in Liepaia for all
kinds of sport. 1 lie so called Small Lake^, which is
30
b\- no means sniail, ci)vei'in.si as it does a kilometre-
wide expanse, is an idea! centre for boating and yaelit-
ing.
Liepaja is accessible by rail from Riga or direct
through Lithuania. The former route is preferable, as
there is a change of trains travelling via Lithuania.
There is also regular steamship service from the German
p(Tts in the Ba'tic Sea.
Hotels: Kurhaus, Petersburg, Rome, Kronstadt,
Kiirope, Berlin.
Objects of interest: Dramatic Theatre
and Opera house. Aspasia Park and Frederick Gardens^
An excursion to the ruins of Grobin Castle is also to be:
recommended.
Bcninteii near Lic/iija (l.i.'niuj.
State Mud and Sulphur Baths
Kemeri (Kemmern).
Kemeri ranks foremost among the mineral baths
in Latvia. In fact its renown has spread far beyond
the confines of the conntry, and thousands of visitors
come from all parts of the world year by >ear to be be-
nefited by the healing properties of the Kemeri springs.
This health resort lies on the Riga Ventspils railway
line about 45 kilometres from Riga, and is conveniently
and easily accessible. It is located in the midst of a
large wooded park, secluded from the rough winds. As
it does not lie directly on the beach, Kemeri has another
hi llir l\iiil>ark.
32
ll'uiulid ['atlis ill Kufpayk.
;^"rcat advantage, namely an extremely mild climate..
However, a short tram-ride through the forest brings
one to the bread and breezy beach, thus affording an
opportunity for sea-bathing if desired. But the po-
pularity and renown of Kemeri lie in its unparalleled
mineral springs. The curative properties of this
delightful health resort are both natural (Alkaline
sulphur water and sulphurous' peat-mud) and arti-
ficial (Sulphite, sulphur-conifer extrakt, carbonaceous
and sulphuretted hydrogen baths, ultra violet rays etc.)
There are eight mineral springs in Kemeri, two of which
come in for consideration. The analyses of two springs
are as follows:
Spring I
0.0019
0.005351
Kalcium chloride
Natrium chloride .
Natrium iodide . .
Natrium sulphate
Ammonium chloride
0.000023
0.12237
0.005082
Spring IV
0.002325
0.005864
0.0000023
0.120916
0.005076
33
llvdropatliic Est<il>/is/iiii( iit.
I. Class Balli-iriiiiii.
34
Hall III the Hydrofialiiu k^iaiiii!.Iiiiicut.
'Calcium sulphate . .
Calcium liydrophosphate
Calcium hydrocarbonate
Calcium hydrosulpliide .
Alagnesium hydrocarb. .
Ferrohydrocarboiiatc
Maugano hydrocarbonate
Metasilicic acid
Free carbondioxide . . .
Free sulpliide (f hydrogen
Total .
The sulphurous springs at Kemeri belong to the
category of cold springs ( + 7.2" C.) and are luirivalled
Spring I
1.71994
0.00017
0.08314
0.030217
0.20861
0.01336
0.006206
0.0157
0.528
0.0255
2.753
Spring IV
1.721224
0.00001708
0.094849
0.026582
0.207918
0.013996
0.006493
0.01586
0.526
0.02503
2.681
35
for their strong contents of sulphur, sulphide of hydrogen
and carbonic acid. The radioactivity of Spring No. 1
is equal to 1.08 (Mache). The springs have proved
remarkably effecacious in the following cases:
Rheumatism of the muscles and joints, gout, nervous
disorders, organic nervous affections (Neuralgia,
neuritis), paralysis and spinal diseases, women's diseases,
menstruation disorders, diseases of the female genital
organs, exudation after pleurisy, appendicits, wounds,
atonic ulcers and chronic skin diseases, scrofula, ostitis,
tubercular joints, chlorosis, syphilis in the chronic stage
with complications, diseases of the genital organs,
catarrh of the uterus, bladder and of the prostate gland,
chronic poisoning as lead and quicksilver poison.
Prices are moderate in Kemeri. A small baths tax
is levied.
For particulars apply to Dr. E. Dzinters, Director
of the Baths Administration. His consulting hours are
from 9 a. m., to 3 p. m., daily.
Accomodation: Pensions Kurhaus. Bach, Behr-
mann, Qrube, Neumann and W aldeck.
36
One of the many vlianning spots iicur Baldmu-.
State Mud and Sulphur Baths
Baldone
This is the oldest health resort in Latvia. Its fame
dates back to the middle of the XVllI. century. Baldone
lies on the banks of the river Keckava, amidst a
fragrant forest of coniferous trees. It is 34 kilometres
distant from Riga, and 15 kilometres from the Ikskile
railway station with which it is connected b>' a narrow
gauiie line. There is also a direct Rijia-Baldone autobus
service during the season. Tiie mineral spring of this
small but pleasant resort are, like the Kemeri springs,
included in the categor.\ ot cold, alkaline sulphurous
waters, and are very similar to the latter both in respect
of the analysis and effect. Peat.\' earth is also employed
for curative iMuposcs, as it cont.iius a high i)crcentage
37
of chlorine and iron. The analysis of the sprin.i; is as
follows: (To 1000 parts of sulphur-water)
Sulphate of Soda 0.0064
Calcium .... 1.7452
Masnesiuni . . 0.1458
Natrium chloride 0.0058
Bicarbonate of calcium 0.3345
Ferrous oxide 0.0011
Argillaceous earth O.OUII*^
Silicic acid 0.0148
Free carbonic acid 0.1401
Free sulphide of h>'drogen 0.0142
The curative properties of the Baldone sulphurous
springs have been manifested in cases of chronic rlieu
Miatism of the muscles and joints, gout, neuralgia,
sciatica, paralysis and spinal diseases, neurasthenia
and hysteria, chlorosis, scrofula, rachitis, ostitis, chronic
cutaneous diseases, syphilis, chronic metal poisoning,
women's diseases, piles etc.
Baldone is also an excellent Air Resort, amidst
enchanting surroundings, and may therefore be recom-
mended in general as a summer holiday resort. River
bathing in the Keckava. f^rices and fees in Baldone
are extremely moderate. Single bedrooms may be iiad
in private houses from 1 lat upwards per da\'. Full
board and lodging in the Sanatorium cost onl.\- 4 to u
kits per day.
I'or further particulars apply to Dr. Kleinberg,
Director of the iiaths Administration.
Accomodation: Dr. Kleinberg's Sanatorinm,
Pension Morrisonshol, I't-nsion liDMun.
38
■><• V
Sii;ii/dti (Scgetvnld) Stall
Livonian Switzerland
Sigulda (Segewold), Krimulda (Kremon),
Turaida (Treyden).
One of tlie most beautiful landscape features of
Latvia is the id>llic and picturesque section of billy
country alouK the banks of the river Qauja, embracin:^
the districts of Sisulda, Krimulda and Turaida,
collectively known as the «Livonia;i Switzerhiiid \ Ot
course, this appellation is not intended to imply a replica
of the Thurin^ian forest and the spur of the Jura
Swiss scenery, but rather recalls the enchanting vistas
!)t the Thuringian forest and the spur of the Jura
mountains, with the same exuberant woodland vegeta-
tion, restful, undulating landcape and winding pathways.
History and Nature combine to make the Livonian Swit-
zerland romantic and attractive.
39
Castle Ruins, Sigii/da {Segciuold).
The communication is very good; SiKulda station
is readied in just two hours by rail from Riiia. on tlic
road to Estonia.
Accomodation is availaliic in «Livonian Switzerland"
at all times, but it is advisable, when the season is at
its lieisht, to order rooms in advance by telephone froni
RiRa. Comfortable accomodation is afforded at different
first class establisiiments, as for example. Hotel Sijjnlda,
Hotel Kukurs. tiie Scliweizerhaus. the Pensions Friedit
and Naclitii;a] and .it Villa Carnicn. Moderate prices.
Sigulda (Seiicwold), as nicntioned abo\'e. is the
rail\\;i\' station (if l.ivonian Swit/crland. Here we see
a «rand castle, formerly the residence of !-*rince Kra-
potkin, now i?i the possession of the Latvian Authors'
and .loiniialists' Association, witii accomodation for
visitors. Beautiful i)ark and castle Kronnds, with
romantic ruins of mediaeval structures. l\iscinatinK:
view of llic (iiiuia \all.\ and (he opposid' liills. One
40
I'ifiv of t/ic Oaiija I'alliv,
c;iiiii()t resist tlic impulse to descend iiilc tl e viillx and
wander aloiiy the riverside. An orisinal i.Npe of ferry
takes us to the other side of tiie river. Opposite Si-
.ijulda lie the distriets of Krimulda and Turaida with
flieir romantic ruins and restored castles. i5ut while in
Sisulda one should not omit to inspect the m.\ sterioiis
caves, as Ciutman's Cave (referred to in the ley,end of
tlie Rose of Turaida), the IX'vil's and the Raven's
Caves.
Krimulda (Kreiuon) is reached b.\ traversin.vi a
cool and shady forest. Mere we see the ruins of ancient
strongholds, and the new castle which accomodates the
Latvian Red Cross. Hard by the ruins of the Cathedral
Castle is the Hotel «Schweizerliaus», where comfort-
able accomodation is offered, in the environs of Kri-
mulda we come across the remnants of ramparts datinji
from the times of the ancient pagans and Liivs.
Turaida (Treyden) greets us from afar with the
sturdy aspect of the main tower, rising loftily from the
41
ruins of its old C ;i t ii e d r ;i i castle w hicii w as
destio\cd by fire in 1776. llic new castle is toda.\' a
convalescent and recreation home for teachers.
']"he whole region nf Lixonian Switzerland has been
declared a National I 'ark, with no restrictions to tiie
freedom of movemenl of visitors.
Ver.\' picturestiue too is the quaint little town of
Ces is (Wenden). a short distance from Livonian Swit-
zerland by rail. This town, which is spread out toda.\
so cosily at the base of the Castle hill, was the scene
o\ many fierce fi.t;ht in the distant past, as evidenced b.\
the artistically beautiful ruins of the stronghold dating
from the XVi. centur>-. With obvious pride the inhabi-
ti ills of Cesis are wont to relate the storx' how, four
centuries ago, the people of Cesis having to choose
betweeii surrendering to the wild iiordes of l\an the
Terrible, and perishing, preferred the latter and put
guiii)o\vder in their cellars.
liiKiKlii ( Inyiltit) Ciisl/r
M
Cat/ieciral Castle Ruins, Cents (Weudeii).
Cos is is also a popular summer resort. All around
arc attrartiv summer villas, dottin«; the wooded slopes
of tlie hilly landscape.
On the same line, more in the direction of the Est-
onian frontier, lies the little town of Valmiera (Wol-
mar), which derives its name from the Danish Kiny
Waldemar who conquered the pagans there. According
id the legend, the Danish flag fell from heaven at that
|ilace. Valmiera is the only town in Latvia which
escaped the ravages of the (ireat War. This town is
ranked among the most beautiful spots in Vidzeme
(Livland).
43
Oger
riiis forest and air resort witli its cliarniiii^ coloii>-
of villas now in process of restoration, is an ideal
summer residence. There is a whole number of comfort-
able boarding houses and refined Pensions for the con-
venience of those who do not possess a country house
of their own. Tiie liealtli resort is located on the banks
of the river ORer whicii, ilioush not very deep, is a
rapid stream. In the total absence of dust, the climate
is fresh and healtli\, for which reason Oger is the
favourite resort of consumptives. Only 34 kilometres
distant from Riga, on the Riga-Daugava railway line,
Oger is easily and convenienth' accessible.
Pleasurable excursions may be made in the surround-
ings of Oger amidst enchanting old forests of spicy
pine trees. There are also man.\' objects of historical
interest, as the old Latxian Castlc-hills in llic environs
<'f Oger.
Accomodation; Pension Wolfer/ and nnmerous
hoarding houses.
41
Oil the Banks uj the Di,
The Daugava Valley
P^avi^as (Stockmannshof), Koknese
(Kokenhusen).
TliLTC, wlicrti tlie itii:<lit\ DiiiiKava (Diiiia) lireaks
llirouiili the liiut'stonc liarrier wliicli runs as a liill.\'
laiiRt.' from Estonia straiv.lit into the territor.\' of Lithua-
nia, is one of the most pietiu-esque spots in Latvia.
112 kilometres distant from Riv:a is tiie station of Pla-
vii.ias on tiie Riy;a-l)au;j.avi)ils line. In Plavinas is a
45
t■^^
I'trse Valley.
clieerfiil coiintr.N imi, wiiorc one nun' rest ovcniiiiiit.
On the follovvinK day one nia.\' tour down the banks of
ihe Daugava or travel by boat to Koknese. It is advis-
able to make further inquiries in the latter eoiuiection
beforehand, at the City Office of the Latvian State
l<ailwa\s, at .¥> Kalku iela, Riv;a. The trip in a small
boat (ii|i to 15 persons) costs 4(1 hits, and in .i lart;:e
boat (up to 25 persons) 5ii hits. Between the .ureal and
lugged limestone rocks, the Daugava Rapids wend (hiii
way, unfolding to the tra\cllrrs the most eiicliauting
vistas. Attention is drawn in particular to the ■ Slabu-
rags^- or j-'illar-stone, which is a high rock of tuffa
ceous stone. Shining droi)s of water trickle coutinualh
down its rugged surface. Thereloie it is also known
as «'riie Weeping Rock, and is the siibiecl ol mau.\
legends. Anothei- beanliful section of llu' Daugava
\'alle\' is to be fiMMul at the luiutidn dl the I'eise, ami
46
Koknrsc Gi,s//c Rii!)is.
particularly the district of Koknese with its old ruins
and steep banks. Comfortable accomodation for a lonj^er
stay in this region may be found in ideall.\' located villas
in Koknese and its environs.
47
Courish Switzerland
ftCoiniancl — God's own little couiitr\!- 'i'lius tiiis
provinct; is st>led in the i.atviaii folksong. And indeed,
a special blessing is bestowed upon this tract of land
which rests, as it were, in the very lap of Nature. Those
Tin- l,,;,'ii!,l K,ni,!,nn in the C'ni/n (,/ ('(,iin\/i S:<'ilzn/,uid.
who ilesire In enter iiitn the heart of Courland should
udi oiiiii lo \isit liie Loiirish Suit/eihind- where one
nKi\ listen to the VOii-e of Nature amidst sublime rural
tramniillitN . Traselliu'^ ina\ not be so comfortable in
lliis |);iit I J Ihe eomitr\ as it is c'Isl-w here, but the
i\(Uiisite lIkmui of (he \ iruinal si.i'ni'i'\ and restful
48
couiilr.N lite aitoitls ample recompense. Cuurisli S\\ il-
/.erlaml is located in the Abava valley between Kan-
«Ja\'a (Kantian) and Sabile (Zabeln). In the qnaint old
town of Kaiidava we find a snlplmrons spring, the
curative pro|iertics of which are available to the poorer
classes, the more so as the cost of liviniii; is extremely
low in Kandava where eheerfni accomodation may be
obtained in private li jhj;-. rJaturallv; Kandava Is
preferred b.\' all who wonid rather avoid the excitement
and bustle peculiar to the fashionable health resorts.
'I'owerinsi above the town are the rnins of an ancient
castle and an historical castle hill. One of the most
beautiful excursions to be made in Latvia is from Kan-
dava through the Abava Valley to Sabile and the
adjacent valleys of Anunul and luunul. A vij^orous
pedcstrain can accomplish this tour in the space of two
days.
^Lnlviaii JVatioiml Coslnwes, — picturesque mid attractive.
Concluding Remarks
In the forfj^oiii.;'. icsiitiiO we have eiideax'oured to
portray some of llic rural scenes and health-givin.<
sources to be fnmid in l.at\ia, a country deservedly
lerttied «The F^altic i\i\ iera . We have v;iven the
reader a niriital nictiire of the imaUeiahle beauties of
Nature which e\cn a world euiifla'.;ratioM could not
obliterate.
The extensive forests, the l.iiiiiiuu waxes on the
:aiid> shore, the picturesiiue rixers and creeks, hilly
landscapes and romantic ruins, Lharniin:.i little \illas
and elaborate sanatoria, j;aiel.\' a'ld solitude, altogether
a well attuned combination of Nature and Lnllure is
available in Lat\ ia to suit the most divergent tastes.
50
It ib (iiily 1),\ u iliicssiii;; tlic iiiiMiilold j;l<)rit'b ol llic
iiuiiierous perfect masterpieces by Nature's most
delicate brusli, and by experiencing the revivifying
influence of Latvia's licaltli resorts tliat one can testif.\'
io tile appropriateness of tlie appellation «'riie f3altic
Riviera-, which has been given to Latvia by thousands
of visitors from all parts of the world. Therefore, in
bringing this short paragraph to a close, we extend a
cordial welcome to all who would like to experience
the jo.\ s of a real LJaltic holiday.
51
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