50 Incredible Photos of Riga in Winter

Last updated on March 10, 2023 By Heather Hall 23 Comments

I never liked winter until I moved to Riga, Latvia. Sure, playing in the snow was fun as a kid, but digging out my car and commuting to work was another matter entirely. Teeth chattering behind the steering wheel, I dreamed of warmth and sunshine and planned my vacations accordingly. To say that I was worried about the long dark months of Northern European winter looming on the calendar was an understatement. I stocked up on gear and hoped that I’d survive the below zero temperatures. Then I arrived and found a charming old town and plenty of activities to help me enjoy even the most inclement weather. Still think it’s crazy to spend winter in Riga? These 50 photos should convince you otherwise!

riga in january — A snow-covered view of Riga from the spire of St. Peter’s Church

three brothers riga — Riga’s Three Brothers brace one another against the cold.

riga in december — I passed through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, through the sea of whirly twirly gumdrops…

But there’s more to the city than Old Town! Central Riga boasts a wealth of UNESCO-listed Art Nouveau architecture, elegant theaters and churches, and extensive parks just waiting to be explored.

riga snow — The domes of Riga’s Orthodox cathedral glisten gold in a field of white.

riga bastejkalns park — In winter, Riga’s parks are picture perfect.

latvian national opera house riga — The show goes on at the Latvian National Opera House no matter the weather.

Riga railway bridge on a winter evening — Riga’s railway bridge glows electric blue in the dark.

If you ride tram 7 to the end of the line at Dole, there is a nice promenade along the Daugava River. Locals come here to enjoy sunny days and watch the city’s flock of swans glide effortlessly through the ice floes.

Across the river in Riga’s Agenskalns neighborhood, residents slide through a cross-country skiing course in Uzvaras Park and take refuge from the chill in the Latvian National Library.

riga soviet memorial — The moon rises over the Victory Memorial to the Soviet Army, one of the city’s more controversial monuments.

The moon shines between St Peter's Church and the House of the Blackheads in Riga, Latvia

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50 reasons why you will want to travel to Riga in winter // #Latvia #Baltics #traveltips

Comments

Megan says

February 12, 2016 at 1:24 pm

Yes! This is why I love Riga so much! I have been so many times, but NEVER in summer. I think I adore it too much in winter (okay, I’m sure I’d enjoy summer too!)

Random q- you around March 3?

Reply
- Heather Hall says
  
  February 12, 2016 at 1:36 pm
  
  I think Riga is fabulous year round 🙂
  
  I’ll be here March 3. Are you coming to town?
  
  Reply
  - Megan says
    
    February 12, 2016 at 1:43 pm
    
    yes! but literally for just the night! i have a 7am flight out the following morning 🙁 i arrive at 8pm in riga lol. if you’re around and want to meet for a drink- ill be there!
    
    Reply
    - Heather Hall says
      
      February 12, 2016 at 1:55 pm
      
      Let’s do it! Email me when it gets closer and we can sort out the details.
      
      Reply
      - Megan says
        
        February 12, 2016 at 1:59 pm
        
        Sounds good to me! Keep you posted 🙂
Andrea says

February 12, 2016 at 2:18 pm

Stunning photos! I’m kinda regretting my post on not liking Riga. I have a feeling I would love it if I went back. I really want to return now.

Reply
- Heather Hall says
  
  February 12, 2016 at 5:56 pm
  
  I’m all for giving places a second chance! Sometimes they just don’t click the first time around. Hope you make it back soon!
  
  Reply
Jess @UsedYorkCity says

February 12, 2016 at 4:58 pm

omg, Heather, these are gorgeous!!! truly looks like a winter wonderland from a story book! the older i get for some reason, the more i LOVE traveling in the winter–there’s something about bundling up to explore a new place (without all the tourists you have to battle with in the warmer months!) that’s such a special experience.

Reply
- Heather Hall says
  
  February 12, 2016 at 5:51 pm
  
  Thanks, Jess! I had so much fun walking around the city with my camera! Often, there was nobody else around and it felt like I had the whole city to myself! Special indeed 🙂
  
  Reply
Marie @ To Europe And Beyond says

February 13, 2016 at 4:10 am

Lovely pictures! Especially the one with the sun glaring directly at the lens. Good work!

Reply
- Heather Hall says
  
  March 3, 2016 at 10:16 am
  
  Thanks, Marie! Riga is a wonderful muse 🙂
  
  Reply
kami says

February 18, 2016 at 2:48 pm

Wow, these are just the prettiest! I’ve been three times in Riga yet never in winter time – huge mistake as the city looks like right from the fairy tale! I so want to go there next winter!! Thanks for sharing these stunning pictures!

Reply
- Heather Hall says
  
  March 3, 2016 at 10:19 am
  
  Thanks so much, Kami! If you want to see Riga covered in snow, January is the best month to plan a visit. And the Christmas market stays open until after the Orthodox holiday!
  
  Reply
Mom says

February 21, 2016 at 4:58 am

I’m going to miss not coming to visit this year. Riga is a lovely city. Easy to get around and so many beautiful and interesting things to see. So many good restaurants and cafes. I loved both my visits, summer and winter. I had a great tour guide which made my visits extra special. 🙂

Reply
- Heather Hall says
  
  March 3, 2016 at 10:12 am
  
  I sure wish you could visit again this year! I have so many great new places to take you!
  
  Reply
Jeremy says

March 1, 2016 at 5:07 am

Seems like a more sophisticated version of Canada … looks like a great place to go to get online work knocked out, but have European luxuries at your fingertips!

Reply
- Heather Hall says
  
  March 3, 2016 at 10:08 am
  
  Riga is actually a great destination for digital nomads and expats because it has some of the best free wifi in the world!
  
  Reply
Agness says

March 2, 2016 at 9:03 pm

I must admit that Riga is extremely beautiful in winter! Such a great city to walk around and have some nice local coffee to warm you up! 🙂 How long did you stay there?

Reply
- Heather Hall says
  
  March 3, 2016 at 9:39 am
  
  Thanks, Agness! I’m so lucky that I get to live here! 🙂
  
  Reply
Laura Vasarais says

March 8, 2016 at 5:49 am

Lovely photos of Riga in the winter. Thank you so much for sharing. It is a great place to visit.

Reply
- Heather Hall says
  
  March 10, 2016 at 8:57 am
  
  Thanks, Laura!
  
  Reply
Natalia says

October 16, 2018 at 5:37 pm

This is so amazing!!!! I am planning now a trip to Riga and you made me fall in love with it!!!! Cannot wait!!! Thank you! Amazing pictures!

Reply

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Interview with Heather from Ferreting Out the Fun - Gamin Traveler says:

April 1, 2016 at 1:17 am

[…] countries. If you want to know why Heather loves living in Riga so much, be sure to check out this photo essay of the beautiful city covered in […]

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50 Incredible Photos of Riga in Winter

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