LATVIA TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY | An adventurous road trip with break downs

LATVIA TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY | An adventurous road trip with break downs

(tranquil music) – In Latvian folklore, the goddess Laima weaves
the threads of fate. She guarantees that individuals
experience both challenges and blessings in their lives. As we embark on this
journey through Latvia, we will discover a world where the spirits of the forest dance alongside
the rhythms of modern life and where the essence of a
people is forever intertwined with the magic of their homeland. And on this trip, through Latvia, Laima definitely guaranteed our challenges with our first breakdown. (tranquil music) Welcome to Latvia. We’re here only a few minutes and we already hit the first gravel road, so it’s a very good start
for our new adventure in the next Baltic country. (tranquil music) Latvia greeted us with
some dusty gravel roads for an amazing kickoff of this trip, a promise of what was ahead of us. Latvia, I have heard
so many good things of. So many people I know have been to Riga and everybody loved it, so
expectations are really high. But I have not heard about so many people who went a little bit
off the beaten track. I think we’re gonna have
a fantastic time there. And I also think it’ll be
very interesting to get to know this country
that I’ve never been to. (tranquil music) Latvia is a nature lover’s
paradise with over 50% of the country covered by forests, and more than 12,000
rivers and 3,000 lakes. But don’t confuse having a lot of nature with being unmodern. A fun fact about Latvia is that it has one of the fastest internet
connections in the world, making it a hub for
technology and innovation. (car whooshing)
(birds tweeting) The lovely hotel we just booked an hour before our arrival was
right at the railways of the city Aluksne that
lies idyllically on a lake and was the place that
was recommended to us by everyone when visiting east Latvia. And actually being situated
right at the railway is a very good thingin Aluksne. (bells clanging) The old train to Aluksne,
affectionately known as Banitis, has been a cherished fixture of the region since its inaugural journey in 1903. This narrow gauge railway, once a vital lifeline connecting the city to the rest of the country, now serves as a charming testament to Latvia’s rich transportation heritage. Today tourists flock to Aluksne as they travel along
the 33 kilometers’ route in meticulously restored
vintage carriages. You, by the way, have a lot
of time to enjoy the landscape around you because its maximum speed is 35 kilometers per hour. (water spraying) (tranquil music) In the heart of Latvia’s Vidzeme region, the city of Aluksne was found in 1284, and has played an important role in the nation’s history, serving as a strategic
outpost for the Livonian Order and later as a hub for trade and commerce. Today the city draws visitors
from around the world with its stunning array
of architectural wanders, including the red brick
towers of the old castle ruins and the elegant facade of the new castle. But Aluksne’s appeal extends far beyond its
historical landmarks with the crystal clear
waters of Lake Aluksne on which you can enjoy
sightseeing, boat tours, rent your own boat, or just sit in a cozy cafe on its shores or even play beach volleyball. Good morning from Latvia, ooh, our first day here in this country, and we have actually a very long day because we want to visit a lot of places and the first road that we’re taking is actually quite a bumpy drive. Little did we know at that point of time what surprises these very bumpy and washed out routes
would have in stock for us. But let’s start from the beginning. Let’s start with one of the
cores of Latvian culture. Amidst the sweeping landscapes and pristine forests of
Latvia, a rich tapestry of mythology has long captured the hearts and minds of its people. These ancient tales have
been an integral part of Latvian culture for
centuries, serving as a mirror for the nation’s deepest
values and beliefs. From the heroic adventures of
the legendary hero Bear Slayer to the bittersweet love story of the goddess of the
forests and trees, Meza Mate, Latvian myths are filled with characters that embody the strength, wisdom, and resilience of the Baltic spirit. As Latvia continues to forge
its path in the 21st century, these timeless stories
remain a cherished part of its cultural heritage,
offering a source of guidance, comfort, and inspiration
to generations old and new. Nevertheless, we tried to
rely on a more modern source of guidance on our way through
the remote Latvian forests, which indeed failed us completely. (child talking indistinctly) Now the road ends and
we’re driving into nowhere. (inspirational music) Soon the road starts again. (car rumbling)
(inspirational music) So the road that we
just took was a dead end and we have to go back now. Whose fault was it? – [Travel Partner] Not mine. – Maybe my navigation fault. But the internet is not
really loading maps. So yeah, that’s how the adventure goes. Yes, who tries to find the smallest woods of the beaten track sometimes
can end up in a dead end road, but it’s always worth it somehow. And since we couldn’t rely
on our modern devices, we just trusted the Latvian gods and soon we were back on track, heading towards central Latvia and one of its most popular regions. We are now entering an area that is called the Switzerland of Latvia, so we’re very curious about that. It’s supposed to be beautiful nature, but also very beautiful little villages. The Switzerland of Latvia,
as it has come to be known, is a testament to the
raw, untamed splendor of Baltic landscape
with its rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and
cascading waterfalls. This area has become a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts,
offering a wide range of activities, such as
hiking, cycling, and kayaking amidst the stunning backdrop
of Gauja National Park. But the Switzerland of Latvia is more than just a natural wonderland; it is also a region steeped in history and culture from the Gothic
spires, its famous castles to the traditional craft and
folklore of the local villages. And our drive through
Little Switzerland started with visiting the town Cesis, which is an attraction by itself. (lively music) In the rolling hills of northern Latvia, the historic town of Cesis
has long been a magnet for travelers seeking
to uncover the secrets of the Baltics’ medieval past. Founded in 1206, Cesis
was once a major center of the Livonian Order, a
powerful military organization that dominated the region for centuries. Today, the town’s rich
history is on full display at the iconic Cesis Castle,
a sprawling fortress complex that dates back to the 13th century and has been carefully
restored to its former glory. (singers vocalizing)
(lively music) Cesis also has an international
renowned concert hall. The stunning venue of Vidzeme has been masterfully integrated
into the restored ruins of a 19th century church. With its world-class acoustics
and diverse programming, the concert hall has become
a beacon for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts
from around the globe. Hand in hand with the concert hall, Cesis also developed a
great culinary scene. Rumors has it that Cesis has
some of the best restaurants in all of the Baltic states. (car engine rumbling) We were now off to
really explore the heart of Latvia’s Switzerland and had planned to stay
two days in the area. And we were so stoked due
to the beautiful landscapes that were surrounding us. (inspirational music) Who travels knows travel
plans are made for having to change them due to
unforeseen circumstances. (tires squealing) So this is officially the first real issue that we’re having with
our car, with the IVECO, which is actually part
of the original car. We heard a very strange noise
when we were driving in gravel and stopped and in the
beginning couldn’t see anything and then eventually we stopped again because it was very strange but then also came back
a little bit on asphalt. And look what we found. This part came off and that belongs here above the wheel. Crazy. We also have no tools with us beginners. No, actually not, didn’t
think I will need them. With the motorcycle, I always carry some. And I think it came off because we drove a lot
of gravel the last days, and the screws were just so
loose that when we stopped now and saw that it was loose, it
was only attached to one screw and I could screw out this
one screw with my fingers because it was so loose. So it’s just the screws
that didn’t really hold, I guess the gravel was
already too much for that. So now we will try to not
drive any gravel roads no more until we are in Riga
or maybe at a workshop or somewhere at the Bow Market where we where we can
buy actual new screws or where someone can
help us to put this on. This is not the first time
I have been losing screws in parts of my vehicle due to
driving on extreme washboard for hours and hours, days and days. In Argentina on my world trip, my motorcycle front brace came off, and I had to continue
without them for hundreds of kilometers until I
reached the next small town. And to you guys remember when I nearly lost my
pen on (indistinct) road? Well, seems like driving a motorcycle or driving a camper van is
not so different after all. So we’re in this lovely town
now and this lovely area that is actually not that far from Riga, like one and a half hours, and it’s supposed to be very beautiful. And we thought about
maybe even camping here or spending some time here. But due to our little incident, we decided to go to Riga now quick because it’s Friday and we would prefer that
someone checks under there also if there’s nothing damaged or so. So we want someone in a workshop to check. And if we don’t go today, all the workshops are
gonna be closed on Sunday, so we’re gonna head to Riga today. Maybe we can still make it to a workshop. It’s already later in the afternoon, so probably not that
easy, but we will see. Otherwise we go tomorrow morning. (tranquil music) The historic town of Ligatne with its red-roofed houses
and cobblestone streets has long been a favorite
destination for Latvians seeking to escape the stress of the city life and reconnect with nature. Ligatne has a cable ferry that has been transporting
passengers across the Gauja River since the 19th century,
a family-owned vinery, nature trails where you can
find bears, wolves, and lynx and the Ligatne paper mill village, a beautiful preserved 19th
century industrial complex that offers a fascinating glimpse into Latvia’s rich cultural heritage. And not to forget the
surrounding lush forests. I think you get the idea
why we wanted to stay here and spend a whole day exploring the area, but instead we found ourselves on these roads straight to Riga. On the way to the capital city Riga, I was trying to find a
place that would be able to fix our car and furthermore check all the
other screws were being loose and there was only one that was still open on
this late Friday afternoon and looked as if they could accommodate a bigger vehicle like ours. And we literally arrived five minutes before they were about to close. So we were not too hopeful. – Oh my sister.
– That’s perfect. Oh, I’m so happy.
(Lea chuckling) (upbeat music) Oh my God. Oh my God. This place was the best thing that had happened to us all day. They were repairing all
the firefighter trucks and ambulances of Riga
and our car was fixed and all screws tightened
within a few minutes. That’s cool, huh? – This is good.
(metal clanging) – I have never seen
the car from down here. It’s very cool. I’m a little bit happy that we managed our
first little breakdown. That was not a proper breakdown. It’s a new car, we’re
just getting into it. We basically have no
clue about that vehicle and it’s fantastic because we all have to relearn
basically from the scratch. And I guess this was one of
the first parts of relearning. We fixed it with the help of the workshop. I think we could have also fixed it alone if we would’ve had the screws. But also, you know, every
time something happens to your car, you get a
little more insights. Thank you for working
overtime on a Friday evening to get us going again. (upbeat music) (boat engine rumbling) Welcome to beautiful Riga. We made it here yesterday
after our little car problem. Doesn’t matter so much because
now we have a whole day here and it’s gonna be lovely I think. We’re about to explore Old Town now, and I will take you with me. At the heart of Latvia’s vibrant capital lies Riga’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic district with its winding cobblestone streets, colorful medieval buildings and soaring church spires
was founded in 1201 and Riga quickly grew into a major center of trade and commerce. (tranquil music) In walking distance of Riga’s Old Town, you can find my personal
highlight of the city, the Central Market. I’m at the big Riga market now and shopped actually already
some nice things for tomorrow. And you see the atmosphere
here, super nice. I thought it’s kind of
touristic, but it’s actually not. The Central Market of Riga is housed in five Zeppelin hangers from the 1920s. These enormous structures, which once housed German
airships during World War I, were repurposed in 1930 to create one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Today the Central Market is the place for buying Latvian
delicacies of fresh food with over 3,000 vendors
offering everything from fresh produce and
artisanal cheese to smoked meats and traditional handicrafts. If you can only try
one restaurant in Riga, I would recommend the lovely
Tails, which is more high end but situated right in
Riga’s Art Deco quarter. This compact district boasts one of the highest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world. The origins of this quarter
date back to the 1920s and 1930s when a new generation of Latvian architects
emerged eager to experiment with the latest styles and
techniques from across Europe. The result was a stunning
array of buildings that blended the sleek
geometric forms of Art Decor with the rich ornamentation and craftsmanship of
traditional Latvian design. (lively music) (upbeat music) The further north you travel in Europe, the less you might think
about a beach vacation but Latvia is indeed famous
for its beautiful seaside. So we were on our way to Jurmala, Latvia’s most famous beach
resort only 30 minutes from Riga. (birds cawing) Jurmala translates to seaside in Latvian and this stunning stretch of coastline spans over 30 kilometers. Jurmala first gained
popularity in the 1830s when wealthy aristocrats from
across the Russian empire began flocking to the area
to enjoy its mild climate, mineral springs and therapeutic mud baths. Word of Jurmala’s
healing power soon spread and the town’s golden age
came in the early 20th century when it was home to a
vibrant community of writers, painters, and musicians
who helped established it as a cultural hub of the Baltic region. I have to admit that I was not
too keen on visiting Jurmala as it sounded very popular to me, but I was surprised how
beautiful it really was and definitely worth to go. But we were still looking
for a little more quiet part of the coast. So we only spent a little time on Jurmala and went further on because
the weather was not so good. And as you can see, the sun came out now and we’re only half an hour further. There’s a nature reserve and we thought we were
gonna check out some of the more remote beaches here, and look already how
beautiful this view is. Very curious now about the beach here. (tranquil music)
(feet pattering) (waves pounding) And most funny thing, what
feels like the middle of nature, there is like a coffee vending machine. Well, I guess that’s nice. (tranquil music)
(ducks quacking) Oh, they think we have food. – You think so?
– Of course. Why else you think
they’re all coming to us? (tranquil music) (inspirational music) (lively music) When I had planned our route
through Latvia, for me, there were roughly three
areas I wanted to go to: the forest region that
stretches all the way from Riga to the Russian border in the east, and that the Little Switzerland
of Latvia belongs to, the beaches in the north and west, and the more central southern
region that was supposed to be more open with fields and farms, but therefore promise to
offer some cultural treasures in the middle of its countryside. Latvia has a lot to offer. It has actually a bigger
touristic infrastructure in some parts than Estonia has, and is probably a much more
popular travel destination, like, for example, all
these beaches close to Riga. I mean, you really can go there and have like a full-on
proper beach vacation, while in Estonia, places,
at least from my feeling, it was really much more still nature. And Latvia too, as soon as
you get off the beaten track, you see that in the videos also. The Latvian flag, which
features a white stripe between two maroon stripes
is one of the oldest flags of the world, dating
back to the 13th century. Latvia has been inhabited since 9000 B.C. with Baltic tribes settling
in the region around 3000 B.C. From the 13th to the 16th century< Latvia was part of the Livonian Confederation before it came under Swedish rule in the 17th century. In the 18th century, Latvia was annexed by the Russian empire and remained part of it until the early 20th century. Similar to its neighbor Estonia, Latvia was striving for independence in the aftermath of World War I, and the Russian Revolution but getting under the Soviet-Nazi occupation from 1940. In the late 1980s, together with Estonia, Latvia was at the forefront of the Singing Revolution, a nonviolent resistance movement against Soviet rule that led to Latvia's independence in 1991. (lively music) Latvia is home to some of the most spectacular Renaissance castles in northern Europe. One of the most impressive examples is Yel Gava Palace, a baroque masterpiece that was built in the 1730s, but we only drove by Jelgava because we had chosen to visit another castle. And this is the town road that is leading to the castle. It's supposed to be very close, but not much going on here, not even a sign. So this is crazy. This castle that we're going to is supposed to be huge. There's no signs for it, nothing. We have been arriving pretty much on a very bad gravel road. So now we will see. We think that this road might go just to the castle. We think that after the trees here, it might just appear magically. (wind blowing) (lively music) (birds tweeting) (tranquil music) Rundale Palace is a baroque masterpiece, which was built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Dukes of Courland. And it's widely regarded as one of the finest examples of its kind in northern Europe. Designed by the renowned Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli who also created Saint Petersburg's iconic Winter Palace, Rundale Palace is often referred to as the Versailles of the Baltic states. Surrounded by a sprawling French-style garden with geometric flower beds, sculptures, and fountains, Rundale Palace offers a glimpse into the extravagant world of the Latvian nobility. So that was one of the most important castles here in the Baltic states. And it's kind of our last stop here in Latvia because now we're going to an accommodation, still in Latvia, and tomorrow we are already going to Lithuania. So stay tuned and I think our recommendation tonight might be nice again. We initially had planned to camp, but the open fields of the area and lack of tiny forest roads, like on our first part of the trip, didn't make camping very attractive. So we decided to book another accommodation because we found one that seemed to enrich our stay more than just being by ourself in the van. And we indeed found a hotel we loved most in all of our stay with also a quite reasonable price for how nice the accommodation was. If you have to choose one hotel in the Baltic states to stay at, I would choose Hotel Mikelis. (birds tweeting) (tranquil music) Hotel Mikelis occupies a beautiful restored 19th century house and is the perfect place to indulge in nature with a creek flowing right by your accommodation. It also stands as a testament to one man's lifelong passion for preserving and celebrating the country's automotive history. Mikelis Spendicks has dedicated his life to seeking out and restoring Latvia's most iconic and significant vehicles. At the heart of the hotel lies the Old Barn exhibition, a space filled with over 100 vintage cars and motorcycles, each one a masterpiece of engineering and design. From sleek Art Deco-inspired roadsters to rugged military vehicles that saw action in World War II, the collection spans more than a century of automotive history and offers a fascinating glimpse into Latvia's past. You even find cars that were used in movies like James Bond. (lively music) Hotel Mikelis is not only for vehicle lovers. On the grounds, there are plenty of old barns showing old handcrafts and the history of the former farm, which gave us a deeper insight into the whole region and connection to the place and Latvia's history. I have to admit, Latvia, of the Baltic countries, I think will stay in my mind as the country where we probably missed out on the most, or at least where I have a feeling where we missed out on the most because we had planned to visit so many things and go to so many areas, and in the end, it got a little bit short due to our little issue that we had with the car. And that's traveling too. You know, you have all these plans, you have it figured out, you have these beautiful areas you want to go to and that you want to see, and then something with your vehicle happens or you get sick or something else happens, and you have to change your plans completely. Laima, the goddess of fate, provided us with an adventure in Latvia. She opened the doors to old palaces and castles, to picturesque towns and a metropolitan capital city, but also to pristine beaches, wild forests and remote roads off the beaten track where we would not meet a single soul for hours. Laima, the goddess of fate, also provided us with challenges, bumpy washboard roads, places where navigating with maps became impossible, and the first breakdown of our camper van ever that led us straight into the arms of the most friendly Latvian people. If you plan a journey in Latvia, make sure to leave enough space for Laima's directions. And now it's already time, time to say goodbye, Latvia and hello, Lithuania. (lively music) Guys, this was our journey to Latvia and that means there's only one Baltic state left to visit. If you liked the trip in Latvia and the nice guys in the workshop who helped us through our misery, give this video a thumbs up and comment and stay tuned for our road trip in Lithuania. The country we had heard the least beforehand maybe even surprised us the most. Find out how we ended up at the most beautiful lake, how I barely could sleep in our van, and why we were surrounded by thousands of crosses when it's time to Got2Go. (lively music) (bike engine roaring)
Embark on an adventurous Road Trip through Latvia – including our first break down. Latvia, a gem of the North!

In Latvian folklore, the Goddess Laima, weaves the threads of fate. She guarantees that individuals experience both challenges and blessings in their lives.
As we embark on this journey through Latvian , we will discover a world where the spirits of the forest dance alongside the rhythms of modern life, and where the essence of a people is forever intertwined with the magic of their homeland. And on this road trip through Latvia, Laima deffinitely guaranteed our blessings – and our challenges.

00:00 Intro to the country Latvia and the Road Trip
00:57 Welcome to Latvia – General Information
02:21 Alūksne – a gem in the North-East of Latvia with a famous Railway
04:23 Latvia Mythology and Background
5:53 Lost in Latvias Forest!
07:05 The Switzerland of Latvia
08:08 The historic town Cēsis
09:34 Driving off-road in the Switzrland of Latvia
10:43 First Break Down with our van!
12:50 Stop in Līgatne
14:50 Race to finding an open workshop to fix the van
16:18 Riga, the capital of Latvia and the best things to do
18:45 Jūrmala, the most famous Beach Resort of Latvia
20:06 Looking for secret small beaches
22:06 The different Regions of Latvia
23:07 Latvia History
24:14 The famous castles of Latvia – visiting Rundāle palace
26:12 The best place to stay in Latvia – Hotel Miķelis and its spectacular car collection
28:41 Latvia conclusion and preview of the next adventure

// NEW EPISODE OUT MONTHLY EVERY FIRST THURSDAY 19.30 CET

// Time of the journey: July-August 2024

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// Driving our customized IVECO Daily 4×4 Camper Van (“The Bus”)

//Filmed with:
Drone: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Camera: Sony Alpha A7 rIII
2 x Go Pro Hero 8
DJI OSMO Pocket
Iphone 14
Tripod: Manfrotto BeFree
Tripod Iphone: Joby GorillaPod
Editing Program: Final Cut Pro X

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