As every country, Latvia has its own big and legendary stones across country. Almost in every region you can find a giant stone somewhere in forests or out on fields.

Most of them are called “great stones” (dižakmens), and are cultural protection. But some of them were damaged during Soviet era, when government didn’t care about natural artifacts.

Thanks to author of this image: rolands.lakis

More information about Latvia:

- Latvia information blog – StartLatvia.com

- Explore maps of Latvia

- Prices in Latvia and Riga

- Weather in Latvia and Riga

- Places to visit in Latvia

Small dogs are getting more and more popular in Latvia, now almost every time you walk the park or suburbs of Riga, you will see either a family with children and small doggy (like Pugs) or stylish dressed girl with cat-like creature barking beside her.

Thanks to author of this image: Alexey.B.

This is a memorial to Latvians, who left to Sweden in times of Soviet invasion in 1940s. Jurkalne (Jūrkalne) is located at the West coast of Latvia, between cities of Liepaja and Ventspils. A windy place with steep coastal line – a perfect place for dynamic lift if you’re into paragliding!

Thanks to author of this image: Nicolas Mertens

Navy ships in port of Liepaja, West of Latvia. We have like dozen of Naval force ships and some helicopters to mainly help in search&rescue missions in Baltic sea.

Thanks to author of this image: AldisB

Lately air balloons in Latvia are getting more popular, with air balloon festivals taking place near Sigulda town and other locations during summer time. If you feel like riding one, be prepared for about 150 to 300 UK pounds out of your wallet (~200 – 400 Euros). More here: http://www.gaisabaloni.lv

Thanks to author of this image: ievinya

Harbour passage in Ventspils town, Western part of Latvia, in Courland district. This city is one of the stops on route from Kolka peninsula to Liepaja city. Not much to see in Ventspils, mostly the industrial port (take industrial photo shoots) and old town with many restaurants and shops.

Thanks to author of this image: ievinya

Cesis castle in Latvia, town of Cesis (Cēsis). It’s a small and quiet town in the center part of Latvia. Be sure to walk around the ruins of Cesis castle and take interesting pictures. More about Cesis – www.cesis.lv.

Thanks to author of this image: AldisB

View on St. Peters church in Riga, Latvia. Actually if you get close to it and stand still looking up on it, you will get the feeling of tower falling on you. Specially if clouds are moving fast in sky ;) By the way, tower of St. Peters church was destroyed during wars of 20th century.

Thanks to author of this image: peeet1000

The Castle of Bauska is at the Memele river (Mēmele) in Latvia, town of Bauska. This town is close to Lithuanian border. Castle was built in 15th century, and is one of few things to see in Bauska.

Thanks to author of this image: Santa D.

Song Celebration in year 1928, taking place in Saldus town. Last year, in 2008, Latvia witnessed nationwide Song and Dance Celebration in Riga. If you were among the lucky travelers to visit Riga during this event, you probably remember it as a fantastic show of culture and music of Latvians.

Thanks to author of this image: Ēriks