Jurmala Tourist Places to Visit in Jurmala, Latvia, Europe

Jurmala Tourist Places to Visit in Jurmala, Latvia, Europe

Jurmala is the fifth largest city in Latvia covering a total area of 100 sq. km. It lies between the Lielupe River and the Gulf of Riga, around 25 km west of the national capital, Riga. Jurmala is widely renowned for its 33 km long white-sand beach and Art Nouveau style wooden homes which were earlier housed by many renowned Russian Kings.

Geography of Jurmala:

Jurmala is geographically positioned between 56°58′ N latitude and 23°45′ E longitude.

History of Jurmala:

Jurmala was earlier part of Riga, called as Rīgas Jūrmala. It began developing as a spa town in the end of the 18^th and the beginning of 19^th centuries and it gained higher reputation with the inauguration of the Riga – Tukums railway line in the year 1877 which resulted more visitors towards Jurmala. Jurmala achieved the city status officially in the year 1959.

How to reach Jurmala?

Jurmala is served by Riga International Airport, located about 25 km away from the heart of Jurmala with schedule flights to prime European cities such as London, Moscow, Helsinki, Minsk, Budapest, Oslo, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Rome, and New York in USA.

For travelers’ convenience, there is bus service arranged between Riga Airport and Jurmala since 2008. Tourists can also reach Jurmala by train from Riga Airport which takes around 30 minutes.

For local travel, tourists can use a taxi or bus or rental vehicles such as car or bike.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Jurmala:

Jurmala was the birth place of one of the renowned poets of Latvia Imants Ziedonis. The major festivals and competitions held in Jurmala include:

New Wave
Singing KiViN
The Jurmala International Piano Competition
The International Academic Music Competition

Shops are abundant and the famous food corners in Jurmala are:

De Gusto
Bar & Grill 36.Line
Sue Asia
Lighthouse Grill

Things to do in Jurmala:

Day tours
Swimming
Surfing
Windsurfing
Waterskiing
Sailing

Places to see in Jurmala:

Jurmala Beach:

A 33 km long beach of Jurmala is the first preference of tourists visiting the place during the summer months. The beaches feature football fields, playgrounds, benches and offers surfing, windsurfing and other water sport activities.

Dzintari Concert Hall:

The Dzintari Concert Hall was constructed on the site of the Eidenburg amphitheater. Jazz, classical, rock and pop music performances can enjoy here.

Horn Gardens:

The Horn Gardens is the prime recreation centre in Jurmala, witnessed the first Latvian symphonic music concerts and it was also the site of Jurmala’s first movie show.

List of other places of interest in Jurmala includes:

Livu Akvaparks
Dzintari Forest Park
Jomas Street
Kemeri National Park
Jurmala open-air museum
Majori Ice Skating Hall
Jurmala City Museum
Eiropa Hote
Art Studio ‘Inner Light
Dendrologic Park of Bulduri Gardening College
Kemeri Sanatorium Building
Raga Kapa Nature Park
Dubulti Lutheran church
Kemeri Love Islet
Sulphur Water Spring Lizzard

Best time to visit Jurmala:

Between May and September is the best time to visit Jurmala for beach exploration.

Accommodation options in Jurmala:

Jurmala has lot for the stay of visitors coming from the different regions of the world. Other than luxury resorts and hotels, Jurmala houses many hostels and camping options for budget travelers. The prominent hotels in Jurmala are listed below: