Riga

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See. The Birdhouse Tree of Riga A tree in Esplanāde covered in scores of colorful wooden birdhouses, an unexpected sight. Balta Kapa A big dune and blue river at the end of a 4km trail through pine forests from Saulkrasti station. Great Cemetery Once Riga's most prestigious burial ground, now a historic site with elaborate grave markers. RSU Anatomy Museum A collection of anatomical materials, including wet specimens, bones, and a complete human skeleton.

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Atlas ObscuraSep 1, 2026

The Birdhouse Tree of Riga in Rīga, Latvia

In Riga’s elegant Esplanāde, one bare tree stands out from the surrounding greenery. Its trunk and branches are crowded with scores of small wooden birdhouses, painted in an assortment of greens, yellows, reds, pinks and natural tones. From below, the collection is so dense that the boxes can initially resemble an unusual lighting installation. Look more closely and the circular entrances revea…

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The GuardianJul 10

‘As if I was on a Greek island, but without the stifling heat’: readers’ favourite cooler European coasts

From the Fanad peninsula in Ireland to the forested beaches of Finland, these are your favourite escapes without the fear of getting frazzled • Tell us about your favourite food festival – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher Saulkrasti’s long beaches and scented pine forests are an hour from Riga on the frequent local train. The forests come right down to the long, long sandy beach and the…

22 things in this story
  • Balta KapaSightBig dune and blue river reached by trail.
  • Côte EmeraudeNeighborhoodLovely part of Brittany with family-friendly beaches.
  • DinardNeighborhoodAirbnb stay in Brittany, perfect day trip base.
  • St MaloNeighborhoodOpposite Dinard, more touristy, accessible from Paris.
  • Yyteri beachSightRelaxing and uplifting 3km long sandy beach.
  • Yyteri nature trailTrailSpectacular sand dunes next to the beach.
  • HornøyaSightIsland reached by 10-minute boat trip.
  • HamningbergSightAbandoned fishing village with pristine timber homes.
  • VardøNeighborhoodTown with Steilneset Memorial.
  • SopotNeighborhoodPoland town with fine white sand beaches.
  • Sopot pierSightLongest wooden pier in Europe at 511.5 metres.
  • Monte Cassino StreetNeighborhoodStreet with a crooked house, sampled pierogi.
  • Fanad Head lighthouseSightLighthouse to visit on the peninsula.
  • BallyhiernanNeighborhoodPeaceful Atlantic beaches on the peninsula.
  • DowningsNeighborhoodGaeltacht village, a little busier than Ballyhiernan.
  • Explore 70 DegreesPlaceDiscover the pelagic circus of Finnmark on this scenic whale and bird-watching boat tour to Hornøya from Vardø!
  • Skua NaturePlaceWelcome to the ultimate wildlife boat photography experience in Varanger Our covered and heated boat ensures a…
  • Saeluhus hotelHotelStayed in bungalows with fjord views.
  • Saulkrasti stationSightTrail starts here through trees to big dune.
  • Steilneset MemorialSight
  • RathmullanNeighborhood
  • BallymastockerNeighborhood
Read the full piece at The Guardian →

Atlas ObscuraAug 6, 2025

Great Cemetery in Riga, Latvia

Established in 1773 in a location that was at the time outside Riga’s city limits, the multidenominational Great Cemetery (Lielie kapi) was once the city’s most prestigious burial ground. Members of the aristocracy, political leaders, religious leaders, business leaders, performers, artists, architects, and even a Nobel Prize laureate were buried in the cemetery. Wealthy people funded the const…

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Atlas ObscuraJul 8, 2025

RSU Anatomy Museum in Rīga, Latvia

In 1920, the scientists Gaston Backman and Jēkabs Prīmanis at the University of Latvia began assembling a collection of anatomical materials to be used for teaching and research at the university. This collection would grow over two decades and would eventually contain thousands of items. Rīga Stradiņš University made the collection available for public viewing in 2020, and the collection is no…

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