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Latvian National Library

Latvian National Library

Highlight • Monument

Latvian National Library

Recommended by 89 hikers out of 90

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Location: Vidzeme, Latvia

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Best Hikes to Latvian National Library

4.8

(26)

133

hikers

1. St. Peter's Church, Riga – Riga Central Market loop from Torņakalns

15.4km

03:58

70m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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2. St. Peter's Church, Riga – Small Guild (Mazā Ģilde), Riga loop from Torņakalns

8.65km

02:14

50m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

3.0

(1)

hikers

3. Akmens Bridge (Stone Bridge) – Latvian National Library loop from Old Riga

5.11km

01:18

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Wandlitz

July 9, 2018

Opposite the old town, on the left bank of the Daugava, rises the building of the Latvian National Library - also known as the Castle of Light - one of the most impressive cultural buildings in Latvia.
liveriga.com/de/6461-lettische-nationalbibliothek

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Lutz - Berlin

April 18, 2019

The visit is worthwhile because of the architecture, inside as well as outside. You can also go up to the viewing platform. In addition, the cafeteria is pretty good.

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Naxxos

July 23, 2019

The Latvian National Library, founded in 1919, received a respectable new building in 2015 on the banks of the Daugava River.

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1Fritz-Marc 🚴🥾🏊🌲

September 7, 2019

In 2015, this building was rebuilt for Latvia, futuristic. 500 employees should be employed here.

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Achim Hempelmann

March 15, 2019

You just have to see this when you are in Riga.

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Achim Hempelmann

September 8, 2019

One of the landmarks of Riga, you must have visited once.

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Fabe56

October 28, 2021

The National Library of Latvia was founded in 1919, while this new building opened in 2014 following a project supported by UNESCO.

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Birgit 🦁

September 14, 2024

The library is definitely an eye-catcher, located right on the waterfront.

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Beyond the Horizon

October 28, 2024

The Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka, known as the “Castle of Light,” rises majestically on the banks of the Daugava River in Riga. This architectural masterpiece, designed by Gunārs Birkerts, opened in 2014 and symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and culture. With its distinctive shape, the building recalls the Latvian folk legends of the “Glass Mountain,” offering not only an impressive visual presence but also innovative interiors for culture and education.

The library combines various reading rooms, including an impressive collection of Latvian folk verses, the so-called “Dainu skapis,” which are part of the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The interior is characterized by a spectacular bookcase that rises up through the central atrium and acts as the symbolic “spine” of the building, connecting all levels.

Equipped with the latest technology, the library serves to digitally archive and preserve Latvian cultural heritage. It is not only a place to read, but also a lively cultural centre with regular events and workshops that makes Latvian history and literature accessible to everyone.

A visit is not only worthwhile for literature enthusiasts - the interplay of architecture and culture makes the Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka an inspiring place in Riga that reflects the creative and intellectual side of Latvia

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Schapp u. die Kegelrobbe🏃🦭🌲🌞🇩🇪

September 25, 2025

The Latvian National Library was founded in 1919, while this new building was opened in 2014 following a UNESCO-supported project.

Translated by Google •

Schapp u. die Kegelrobbe🏃🦭🌲🌞🇩🇪

September 25, 2025

Opposite the Old Town, on the left bank of the Daugava River, stands the building of the Latvian National Library – also called the Castle of Light – one of the most impressive cultural buildings in Latvia.

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 10 m

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Wednesday 12 November

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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Vidzeme, Latvia

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Latvian National Library

1. St. Peter's Church, Riga – Riga Central Market loop from Torņakalns

2. St. Peter's Church, Riga – Small Guild (Mazā Ģilde), Riga loop from Torņakalns

3. Akmens Bridge (Stone Bridge) – Latvian National Library loop from Old Riga

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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