Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) Riga

Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) Riga

Highlight • Historical Site

Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) Riga

Recommended by 46 hikers out of 48

Save

Location: Vidzeme, Latvia

Save

See hikes here

Take Me There

Routes here

Best Hikes to Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) Riga

4.8

(24)

225

hikers

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

8.00km

02:05

50m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.9

(15)

110

hikers

2. House of the Blackheads, Riga – St. Peter's Church, Riga loop from Riga

9.11km

02:21

40m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

hikers

3. St. Peter's Church, Riga – Riga Old Town (Vecrīga) loop from Rīgas Centrālā stacija

6.25km

01:37

40m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Tips

🚴Björn🚴

October 9, 2024

The Powder Tower (Latvian: Pulvertornis) in Riga is a fortified gunpowder depot from the 17th century and part of Riga's city fortifications.

Translated by Google •

Beyond the Horizon

October 25, 2024

The Powder Tower in Riga, a historic building from the 17th century, is more than just a silent witness to time. As part of the former city fortifications, it was once used to store gunpowder and thus secured the city against invaders. The original tower that stood on this site was the so-called "Sand Tower", built in the 14th century. This secured access to the city along the "Great Sand Road", an important trade route. But the Sand Tower fell victim to the wars, and so the Powder Tower was built in the 17th century, which has survived to this day.

What fascinates me about this massive tower is the mix of military history and today's peaceful use. In the 1930s, the tower was given an extension that houses the Latvian War Museum. A short walk through the old walls impressively shows how Latvia's history has manifested itself in stone - from the time of the Teutonic Order through the wars to the Soviet era.

Today, the tower acts as a quiet sentinel over the busy streets of Riga. It is bustling with activity, but once you stand in front of the old building, you can almost feel the history emanating from the thick walls. I find it particularly impressive how well-preserved the structure is, and how it blends seamlessly into the modern city.

Despite the peace today, the tower reminds us that Riga was not always so quiet. Every stone of the Powder Tower could tell of the fierce conflicts that took place here over the centuries. If you are interested in history, you should also take the time to visit the Latvian War Museum - an exciting journey into the past of this fascinating city.

Translated by Google •

Micha

May 10, 2025

Beautiful tower with museum

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 20 m

Weather

Monday 15 December

7°C

2°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Vidzeme, Latvia

Other Popular Places to Check Out

House of the Blackheads, Riga

Riga Old Town (Vecrīga)

Latvian Academy of Sciences

Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms)

Līvu Square

Roland Statue in Riga

Akmens Bridge (Stone Bridge)

St. James's Cathedral (Riga)

St. John's Church (Rīgas Svētā Jāņa Baznīca)

Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Riga

St. James's Cathedral

Latvian Academy of Sciences

Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) Riga

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

2. House of the Blackheads, Riga – St. Peter's Church, Riga loop from Riga

3. St. Peter's Church, Riga – Riga Old Town (Vecrīga) loop from Rīgas Centrālā stacija

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️