Latvia is a country by the coast Baltic Sea, where the largest resort town among the inhabitants of the Baltics and Russia is located - Jurmala. This city stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Riga; in the summer season, many humorous and music festivals, concerts and other entertainment events are held here for vacationers from many CIS countries.
Resort area for children and adults
Almost the whole city is one big resort area, for children there is the following list of active entertainment:
- roller skating;
- skating;
- cycling;
- sport competitions;
- adventure park "Tarzan";
- water skiing, jet skis and wakeboards;
- swimming in the pool and in the sea;
- playgrounds on coastline.
And for adults there is a huge variety of leisure styles:
- excursions to the natural beauty of the coastal city;
- hiking trips;
- cycling;
- wellness treatments and SPA;
- beach vacation;
- outdoor recreation (camping).
Where is
It is best to look for outdoor recreation, breathe the pine air and go hiking in the national parks of Priedaine and Kemeri.
Summer vacation in Jurmala means, first of all, beach activities that you can find along the entire coastline of the resort. The best beaches concentrated in the central regions of Dzintari, Bulduri, Majori. Health resorts and spa rehabilitation centers are concentrated in Vaivari and Jaunkemeri.
Jurmala Map
How to get from Moscow
Directly from Moscow to Jurmala can only be reached by car, for those who do not have their own transport, there are standard flights from Moscow to Riga, and then from Riga to Jurmala.
Travel by car
Entry to the region by car during the holiday season is paid - 2 euros, payment is made in special machines at the entrance. Parking inside the city is free.
A trip on its own from Moscow to Jurmala takes less than a day, about 15-20 hours, it all depends on the driving speed and the duration of passport control at the border.
Here are a few things to consider first:
- visa. Latvia is in the Schengen area, so you should first apply for a Schengen visa. The cost of standard visa processing costs 35 euros or 70 - to speed up the process;
- the documents. Regardless of the route, you will need documents to cross the border;
- GPS navigator- the best and safest way to choose a route for a trip and not get lost in the nooks of your native or foreign country;
- refueling. Be sure to think about where and how to fill the tank before the trip;
- regulations road traffic. Study the traffic regulations in Latvia, as a European driver, for example, should always give priority to cyclists and pedestrians.
Rail trip
In Moscow, train 001Р departs from the Rizhsky railway station, which departs at 17:05 Moscow time and arrives at the Riga passenger station at 9:17 local time. You can book and buy a ticket at any resource convenient for you or at the station ticket office; the ticket price can vary from 2 to 45 thousand rubles, depending on the ticket class and departure date.
Latvia is in the EEST +2 time zone - Eastern European time, but during the summer period (April-November) it switches to summer time EEST +3.
By plane
Every day there are flights from Moscow to Riga at any time of the day or night, the choice is very large. On or on another resource convenient for you, you can choose the time, airline, date, cost and other services and amenities. The flight time takes only 1 hour 45 minutes, and the cost of tickets is from 5-6 thousand rubles.
By bus
The "Norma-A" company bus departs every day from the Tushino station at 20:45 from Moscow and arrives at the Riga bus station at 10:15. You will spend 13-14 hours on the way, the ticket price will be 3500-4500 rubles.
From Riga to Jurmala
You can get from the capital of Latvia to Jurmala by train, which departs from the only railway station in Riga. There are three stations in Jurmala, where you can get off, depending on the area you choose to stay in: Dubulti, Sloku, Tukums.
You can also rent a bike at a dedicated bicycle parking or a rental car, which is located near the airport and train station. Or take a boat ride on the Lielupe River, the ship arrives in Jurmala at Majori station.
Stop "Jurmala" does not exist, so look in advance on the map at which stop it is most convenient for you to get off.
Districts of Jurmala
The city is conditionally divided into 12 districts, each of which has its own peculiarity, its own attractions and its own type of recreation.
- Priedaine- the village is located along the Lielupe River and is slightly distant from the Gulf of Riga. There are many summer cottages and individual cottages, the village is perfect for outdoor recreation.
- Lielupe- well suited for sports recreation, for those who like to walk and go hiking. The area is adjacent to both the sea line and the river, and on its territory there is a large nature Park.
- Bulduri, Majori and Dzintari- the most popular villages in Jurmala, because active entertainment, nightclubs, restaurants and museums, as well as beach holidays in the form of a variety of water parks and free beaches with white sand.
- Dubulti, Pumpuri, Melluzi and Asari- areas on the coast of the Gulf of Riga, which are intended for beach recreation.
- Jaundubults a very green area, here it will be most comfortable to relax in the forest.
- Sloka. The administrative center of the city is located here, there are many indoor recreational facilities.
- Kemeri. Several sanatoriums are concentrated in Kemeri and the largest national park, the area is perfect for a health trip.
Weather and climatic conditions
Latvia is located in a temperate climatic zone, therefore Jurmala in summer is a warm, but not hot city. It is rainy enough here at any time of the year, the amount of precipitation, on average, can reach 70 mm per month, but at the same time precipitation is favorably alternated with sunny days... The climate here is considered the mildest and most beneficial for blood vessels and lungs, although lovers of hot and dry resorts may not be suitable.
Water temperature
Many tourists go to the resort, not knowing how cool the sea is in Jurmala, but the general climate of the resort is in perfect harmony with the water temperature in the Gulf of Riga. It can fluctuate from month to month, the water begins to heat up by the end of May or even by mid-June. The maximum temperature is + 18 ... + 22 ° С daily. It may seem that it is too cool, but such water is considered the most useful for swimming, so it is recommended to go on vacation to Jurmala from the end of June to the end of August.
Air temperature
The average maximum air temperature in the hottest month (July) fluctuates around +22 ° С, but at high humidity of 80-85% it is felt as + 27 ... + 30 ° С. This combination creates a warm, sometimes hot, but not stifling effect, perfect for vacationers. During December-February, as a rule, snow falls and lasts until early March, while the air temperature does not drop below -10 ... -15 ° C. In winter, in Jurmala, the average minimum temperature in the coldest month (February) is only -7 ... -8 ° С.
Top attractions in Jurmala
From museums to natural parks and cultural historical values this city will not leave any ruler bored, everyone will find objects of interest for themselves.
- Jurmala Museum under open air is located at the very beginning of the city, where the Lielupe flows into the Baltic Sea. This museum is free and you can learn a lot about the life of fishermen in the late 19th century.
- Even if you are not religious, it is still worth noting the Gothic Evangelical Lutheran churches of Dubulti and Bulduri.
- White Dune in Priedain - natural monument, the dune is special in that it is perpendicular to the sea line and a beautiful view of the river opens from here.
- Concert Hall "Dizntari", which hosts almost all the most popular concerts and festivals in Jurmala.
- The Livu Water Park, the largest in Europe, is ideal for visiting with children.
- Ragakapa Natural Park and Kemeri National Park are considered the most mysterious and beautiful sights of Jurmala. A visit to them carries a cognitive and health-improving meaning, thanks to the pine trees and the salty sea air.
Latvia is famous for the fastest internet in the world. It surpasses the United States and the United Kingdom in speed.
Majori, Dzintrai, Bulduri and other beaches
The beaches of Jurmala, famous for their white quartz sand, are European-style clean and well-groomed. Out of 11 villages in Jurmala, Dzintari, Bulduri, Majori, Jaunkemeri and Dubulti have a blue flag - a sign of cleanliness and compliance with international sanitary standards. The sea level is quite shallow almost along the entire coastline - it takes a few minutes to get to the depth.
- Majori has a large stage for festivals, a sports field for various sports entertainment, as well as a river pier.
- The beaches of Jaunkemeri, Kauguri and Vaivari are equipped for people with disabilities.
- In Dzintari, a concert hall rises right on the shore.
- Bulduri Beach is more suitable for a relaxing holiday and an even tan.
Almost along the entire coastline of 25 kilometers there are coastal cafes and restaurants, small swimming pools, waterslides, rent of water skis, motorcycles. Every summer season, local or international sports competitions (for example, volleyball and tennis) and races are held on the Jurmala coastline. In winter, the beach turns into a snowy ski bridgehead.
Leisure
Among a large number possible options the most interesting ones are worth noting, like the adventure park “Jūrmalas Tarzāns” in Dzintari. This park is equipped with obstacles on the ground and on the branches of trees, and is equipped with imitation of wild natural conditions.
For lovers hiking trips there is a large Kemeri National Park with trails through the swamp and Rogakapa Natural Park for a walk or jog through the pine forests.
In Priedaine, there is the Jurmala Water Ski Park, and in the Majori sports ground, you can go rollerblading. You can also rent a bike in any area of Jurmala and pave cycling route with the help of a consultant at the tourist information support bureau.
Jeans were invented by the Latvian tailor Yakov Jofis, who was once asked to sew a pair of tight pants for a lumberjack.
Jurmala nightlife
Despite the fact that Europeans do not like to work after 6:00 pm and on weekends, most of establishments in Jurmala works around the clock. At night, you can catch transport, rent a car or bike, attend a concert, cinema, street performers on the beach or on the main street of Majori. On the main site of Jurmala https://www.visitjurmala.lv/ru/delai/meroprijtij/ you can track the list of all events.
Among the nightclubs and bars in Jurmala, which are located along the entire coast and in the central regions, the Black Magic bar is worth noting because of its interesting interior design. Also, almost every hotel has a night bar and a dance floor.
Accommodation and meals
If you are traveling on your own, then a seaside vacation in Jurmala will not do without renting an apartment. The most expensive type of accommodation is renting apartments and hotel rooms. Then there are sanatoriums and rehabilitation centers, where you can order not only an overnight stay, but also a list of health procedures. A more budget option would be guest houses and hostels. Such housing is rented on the principle of a commune (dormitory) has common kitchens, showers and sometimes common rooms for a company of up to 20-30 people. For outdoor recreation in Jurmala there are several campsites - these are small tourist bases located either on the banks of the Lielupe River or in the depths of pine forests.
Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in Latvia. Smoking in public places is punishable by a fine.
Car rental and transport
In Jurmala, in addition to hiking, of course, there are other ways of getting around:
- Taxi. Taxis in Latvia are of the European type, they are all with "checkers", each car has a printed phone number and tariffs for the trip, landing and for 1 km / h. On average, a taxi costs 1.5 euros for landing and half euros for 1 km / h, plus 10 euros per hour for waiting.
- bike. The rental price is 1-2 euros per hour;
- public transport. An unlimited ticket for a day costs 5 euros, without it a single trip costs 1-2 euros;
- car rental. The average cost of renting a car can cost € 20-30 per day.
Cafes and restaurants
Jurmala abounds in restaurants and cafes, both in the city center and along the coastline. Majori, Bulduri and Dzintari are the most expensive areas Jurmala, so there are more restaurants and classic cafes here. The beach has 25 kilometers of beachfront café bars and restaurants with nightclubs. Throughout the city, you can meet more simple cafes and bakeries, as well as bistros are popular in Jurmala. In the bistro you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner, in the manner of a business lunch, almost all establishments have vegetarian cuisine and their own pastries. During the season, most cafes and restaurants open a summer terrace.
The famous medicinal alcoholic drink "Riga Balsam" is an invention of the inhabitants of Latvia. The balm contains 24 different medicinal herbs and infused in oak barrels.
Baltic resort hotels
Shopping
During excursions and visiting museums, you will come across an abundance of souvenirs, but the focus of tourist shopping is on Jommas Street. This pedestrianized street is the most old street Jurmala, it is located in the village Majori. There are many different shops, boutiques and cafes, as well as souvenir shops and street exhibitions of artists and other craftsmen.
In Jurmala, anyone can find the perfect way to relax: there is something to see, where to go, where to swim, lie down or go for a ride. The resort in a European way tries to take care of all possible interests, from active to passive. That is why it is worth getting here at least once in your life in order to fall in love and come back again.
Jurmala is without a doubt the most advertised and famous resort in Latvia. Like all seaside towns that are popular with tourists, it has grown by as much as thirty-two kilometers along the coast of the Gulf of Riga. So now it is quite possible to talk about "Big Jurmala", which includes once separate settlements: Kemeri, Dzintari, Bulduri, Lielupe, Majori, Jaundubulti and others. Life in the main Latvian resort is completely dependent on the seasons. In summer it is crowded and noisy. And at other times the town freezes and finally begins to live "for itself", and not for holidaymakers. But this does not mean at all that the rest in Jurmala is exclusively summer. In this article we will tell you all about the most famous What is the climate there, how to get there, where to stay, where to eat and what to do - read below. We will also provide prices in Jurmala. You can come to the resort in an organized way by purchasing a tour package.
Where is Jurmala located and how to get there?
This town is located just twenty kilometers from the capital. Therefore, rest in Jurmala is also attractive because you can quickly and easily get here. To Riga they make regular flights airplanes "Aer Baltic" and "Aeroflot". From Moscow, St. Petersburg and others major cities In the western part of Russia, shuttle buses and tourist buses travel to the capital of Latvia. But you won't be able to get directly from Riga airport to Jurmala. We'll have to go to railway station from where trains depart quite often in the direction of Tukums or Sloka. Travel time is less than half an hour. The train makes stops in all satellite villages of Jurmala.
A minibus in the same direction departs from the main railway station. In summer, a direct express bus runs from Riga Airport. The ticket costs three euros. A trip on the "New Wave" boat will be unforgettable. It departs from the Riga Castle and arrives at resort village Majori. This path is the longest (two and a half hours), but very interesting.
An excellent road leads to Jurmala from Riga, and the way to own car will take about twenty minutes. Before entering the city, you will have to pay a resort tax of two euros. But if you have booked a hotel or sanatorium, you do not need to purchase a pass.
Weather in Jurmala
The climate of the Baltic Sea coast is not warm. But rather shallow and warms up well. Holiday season in Jurmala is short. It opens solemnly at the end of May. And it ends in mid-August, but if the weather permits in Jurmala, then at the end of the month.
It should be said that most of all precipitation falls at the beginning of autumn, which does not take long in the Riga seaside. But the summer is really warm. The climate in Jurmala is suitable for those who cannot stand the heat. Even in July, the thermometer rarely rises to +28. Spring comes to Jurmala in mid-March. Winters are very cold and windy here.
When to go to Jurmala?
During high season (July) the resort is very crowded. Prices rise, and crowds walk the streets. Travel agencies from all over Latvia direct their tours to Jurmala: weekend, wellness, excursion (along with sightseeing in Riga) and so on. If you like a more or less secluded, relaxing holiday, avoid coming here in July. A noticeable decline in the number of holiday-makers is observed already in the first ten days of August. The last month of summer can bring unpleasant surprises with the weather, but it's worth the risk. Jurmala pleases in August warm sea... And the average air temperature this month is twenty-one degrees.
August at the resort is full of events. Instead of Russian shows - KVN, "Yurmalina" and " New Wave", other concerts and festivals are held in" Dzintari ". In particular, the humorous program" Evening Kiev "is on tour. In mid-August, the Summertime festival takes place in Jurmala. From September, resort life in Jurmala has quietly calmed down. A short revival occurs only on the Christmas and New Year holidays ...
Garden City
This colorful epithet is often given to Jurmala. If some ancient cities are called "open-air museums", then the main Latvian resort is called a park. Rest in Jurmala disposes to contemplative pastime, leisurely walks along the dunes or the water's edge. In addition to carefully planted flower beds, there are many pine trees, which, like sentries, guard the coast.
The beaches in Jurmala are sandy. Basically, it was they who gave glory to the resort. Because this sand is quartz, white. Every year the beaches of Jurmala are awarded the highest award for livability and cleanliness - Blue flag... Entering The Gulf of Finland very smooth, so that parents can be calm about their bathing child. Jurmala itself was conceived as a fashionable resort. The main type of local development is two-story mansions, small masterpieces of wooden architecture of the nineteenth century. The "Big Jurmala" includes fifteen villages. The most glamorous section of the pedestrian street Jomas, as well as the coastline from Majori to Bulduri.
Wellness holiday
In Jurmala there is not only the sea and a lot of entertainment to boot. There are also mineral springs... Their water is used internally, and in sanatoriums (of which there are plenty at the resort) baths, showers and other spa procedures are practiced. Sloka bog, which is located near the village of Kemeri, supplies the health resorts with therapeutic mud. Health tours in Jurmala all year round. Of course, the most crowded sanatoriums are in the summer, as vacationers want to combine treatment with swimming in the sea. The most famous health resorts of the resort are "Belarus", "Yantarny Bereg", "Jurmala-Spa" and "Baltic Beach Hotel". Mud and water treatment is combined there with physiotherapy procedures, massages (Ayurvedic, Thai, aromatic, volcanic stones), cryo, halo and speleotherapy. The health resorts successfully fight against neurological, gynecological diseases, problems of the musculoskeletal system and the cardiovascular system.
Beaches in Jurmala
Sand treatment (psammotherapy) is practiced at the resort everywhere, and not only in sanatoriums. In any case, rest in Jurmala by the sea will be wellness. After all, the sand here is not simple, but quartz. And no matter where you stay, everywhere: in Asari, Dzintari, Bulduri, Dubulti, Vaivari, Lielupe, Pumpuri, Melluji - velvet dunes surrounded by green pine trees are waiting for you. Looking for maximum comfort on the beach? Then visit one of the beach clubs. "Jurmala-Spa" is not only four hundred meters of the purest sand, but also a lot of entertainment for children and adults. The Seagull Family and Havana Club Lounge beach complexes offer first-class service, restaurants and cafes.
Things to do in Jurmala
You will not be bored in this Latvian resort. There is no need to introduce the Dzintari Concert Hall - every citizen of the CIS knows it. But there are other entertainments as well. In the sanatorium "Yantarny Bereg" excursions to the former
Jurmala is the largest seaside resort in Latvia, which, undoubtedly, everyone has heard of at least once in their life.
Jurmala is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, in the Gulf of Riga (Riga seaside). The Baltic Sea is, of course, harsh, in the hottest summer season it warms up to a maximum of + 20 - +22 degrees Celsius. That is why swimming in the Baltic is not very comfortable, you can only plunge and swim back and forth. Bathing, namely bathing, and not the beach season in Jurmala lasts only two months, from July to August, if you are lucky with the weather, sometimes even September.
However, despite the relatively cold sea, a lot of tourists and local residents, Jurmala attracts like a magnet. And all this thanks to the healthy and fresh air of the pine forest, and when the smell of fresh pine resin is mixed with the sea breeze, the air is filled with simply fabulous aromas. Also Jurmala beckons to itself with its famous sanatoriums and SPA centers, and, of course, the main pearl - clean, wide beaches with white quartz sand.
Jurmala is not a city in the usual sense of the word and not a station, it is a seaside, consisting of summer cottages, which by now have already turned into districts of the modern center. That is why deciding in the schedule public transport you will not find such a station as Jurmala, stations are named after villages, so there are such settlements as Priedaine, Lielupe, Bulduri, Dzintari, Majori, Dubulti, Valteri, Yaundubulty, Pumpuri, Melluzi, Asari, Vaivari, Sloka, Kauguri, Jaunkemeri, Kemeri.
All these areas of Jurmala stretch along the coast, forming 32-kilometer beaches washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea.
The central region and station of Jurmala is Majori. It is here that one of the most famous and oldest streets of Jurmala, Jomas, and the legendary concert hall "Dzinatri" are located. We will tell you about our walk in Majori and its sights in one of the following articles, read here.
On white sandy beaches Jurmala is full of life in summer, people sunbathe, swim, go in for sports and play active beach games. The place for this kind of entertainment is just great. And in the autumn-spring periods, the beaches of Jurmala are favorable for hiking along the water's edge and cycling. Tourists and locals in the off-season, they just walk on the sand or play sports and breathe in the fresh sea air.
Someone feeds seagulls, someone takes pictures, someone plays active games, while others just sit on benches and admire the sea.
By the way, they start sunbathing and sunbathing in the dunes of Jurmala since May. For us personally, the entire Baltic coast is good at any time of the year. In the autumn-winter period, it is pleasant just to walk along the coast along the sea, enjoying the tranquility, silence and fresh air. In the spring you can sunbathe so that in the summer there are no traces of clothes on your body, and in the summer you can enjoy the soft, warm and not exhausting rays of the sun.
In Majori, central area Jurmala, the sun-drenched beaches in summer are simply crowded with vacationers, and restaurants and cafes on the streets are filled with people. If you are looking for a quieter place for a secluded family vacation, in order to enjoy the sound of the sea waves, admire the sunset and breathe in the freshest and cleanest pine-sea air, then you have a direct road to the beaches of Jaunkemeri.
There are many cafes, restaurants, hotels, health centers, private mansions and cheerful sculptures along the coast.
The famous Big Turtle sculpture at the entrance to the beach in Majori. A favorite place for photo shoots among tourists and one of the most beloved monuments of the inhabitants of Jurmala
Along the southern border of Jurmala stretches sandy coast the river Lielupe, which attracts lovers of fishing, rowing and sailing ships and other sports.
Several beaches of Jurmala are annually awarded with an international award - "Blue Flag". This flag signifies the quality of water, safety and amenities of beaches that meet the highest criteria.
On the beaches of Jurmala there are all the amenities necessary for recreation, benches for rest, cabins for changing clothes, playgrounds, places for playing volleyball and football are equipped, and in the summer there are lifeguards and water bike rentals are open.
Of course, I live in Moscow, but while traveling in the Baltic countries in the summer, I certainly could not help but visit Jurmala and swim in the Baltic Sea. I spent three days in it and all three days explored the beaches of Jurmala, I was wondering if there is a big difference between them, and whether there is such a long set of depth everywhere. Having rented myself a room in the private sector from ordinary people for 8 units of the Latvian currency (unfortunately I forgot how she calls it exactly, but at a rate of twice the dollar), I had a short distance to the coast. But the distance did not play a particularly big role, because all the same, every time I went to new beach... And now, having found out what they are here, I want to tell you about the beaches of Jurmala.
And so is Majori beach, one of the most famous in Jurmala. It is all covered with white quartz sand, it looks beautiful and useful, as they say, and it is convenient to walk on it. A blue flag flies over this beach. This flag is a confirmation that the beach meets all the highest international standards. By the way, the same flag flies over the Jaunkemeri beach. What I liked very much here is that the beach is equipped with special equipment for disabled people and people with special needs. There are always a lot of people here and always fun, these two beaches are the most popular in Latvia, there are always a lot of young people who play volleyball, swim, ride jet skis, but at the same time there are enough families with children who just came to sunbathe and swim. There are also a lot of people sitting in the coastal cafes and restaurants. The entrance to the water here is very shallow, and to go somewhere up to my neck, I had to walk for about five minutes. Also, despite the fact that it was summer, the water was cool, although for swimming and relatively normal, but wait for local beaches the warm sea is not worth it, only you will be disappointed in vain.
In general, Jurmala itself has a coastline length of twenty-six kilometers. All the beaches of Jurmala are covered with white quartz sand, so the previous beaches that I mentioned are not unique in this regard. A nice feature is also the fact that all beaches are free and equipped with all the necessary attributes of a beach holiday.
In general, the coast of the Gulf of Riga is considered great place in order to come to rest on these beaches with children. After all, here they can safely run and swim in the water, and you will not need to worry all the time that they will go to the depth, because here you need to try very hard for this. Also, various beach sports games are often held here, especially in Dubulti and Dzintari, so you can even get to the games of professional teams.
Pumpuri Beach is suitable for lovers aquatic species sports. Here they are engaged in windsurfing and kitesurfing, for this, just everything contributes, waves, wind. I was only windsurfing and having already had a little experience before that I got a lot of pleasure riding here.
Jaunkemeri's beaches are already quieter, there are no particular waves and noise, and you can calmly sit on the shore enjoying the emerald sunset, read a book or just listen to the sea, if you are a person who likes it. The beaches are full of restaurants, and they have a wide variety of cuisines: Ukrainian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Latvian, Italian and many others.
In general, I can say that all the beaches in Jurmala are good, everywhere here pure water, sand as well, and by the way it is cleaned here every day, so you won't find bottles and all kinds of rubbish on the beaches of Jurmala. This city is suitable for all age groups. You can come as a youth company, as a couple, and a family with small children, or even take and drag yourself to Jurmala, as I did and did not regret in the end.
Jurmala - largest resort Baltic States, located on the shores of the Gulf of Riga and stretching along the coast for 30 km. It consists of 15 villages, the most famous of which are Bulduri, Majori, Dubulti, Dzintari, Jomas, Vaivari and Jaunkemeri. From the moment of its foundation, Jurmala, without any exaggeration, was considered the best resort Riga seaside and received the richest Lithuanian nobles, the highest military echelon and representatives of bohemians. Today it has become much more accessible, but has not lost its charm at all.
Jurmala is a unique combination of three recreation areas - sea, forest and cultural. Here rest those who are attracted by the mild climate, healing sea air, a combination of ample opportunities for health recovery with a variety of entertainment.
How to get to Jurmala
The easiest and most convenient way to Jurmala is through Riga (read how to get to it). The resort is located just 20 km from the international airport, which receives daily flights from many cities in Russia and Europe. Electric trains, buses and taxis run from the Latvian capital to the coast.
From the railway station "Riga-Passenger" to Jurmala 1-3 times per hour depart commuter trains Latvian railways(office site). The city is strongly stretched along the coast, and the train makes 10-12 stops there. The first platform is called "Priedaine", the last - "Sloka", the station in historic center near the main attractions - "Majori". Trains run from 6:00 to 23:30, a ticket costs 1.05-1.40 EUR (during rush hour and high season it is more expensive), on the way - about half an hour. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Buses 22 and minibuses 222 and 241 run between the airport and the railway station. They depart every 10-30 minutes from car park P1 opposite the airport. The fare is 2 EUR or 1.15 EUR (if you buy a ticket in advance at an information desk, press kiosks or vending machines).
Buses and minibuses of companies Nordeka (off site.) And Talsu Autotransports depart from the station "Riga-Passenger" and the bus station from 7:30 to 21:00. They go very often during the season, you can easily find a seat and pay for the fare upon boarding. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs 1.50-2 EUR.
Near the airport there is an official taxi stand of the companies Baltic Taxi Lidosta and RedCab (official website). A trip to the center of Jurmala will take about 20 minutes and cost 15 EUR.
Search for flights to Riga (the nearest airport to Jurmala)
Districts of Jurmala
Jurmala became whole not so long ago resort town... Once it was a chain of villages stretching along the coast, and even earlier - fishing villages. Then they turned into districts, each with its own history and atmosphere.
The most active tourist life is in full swing in Majori. This part of the resort attracts guests with old buildings, restaurants, shops and souvenir shops of Jomas Street. In neighboring Dzintari, there is a concert hall of the same name, where significant musical events are held, and earlier also the summer KVN festival, which moved to Svetlogorsk. Also worth a look there for the wooden buildings of the beginning of the last century. And in the Bulduri area there are historical quarters built up in the Art Nouveau style popular in Europe.
Most of the hotels are concentrated in Majori, but the prices are quite high. Cheaper accommodation is worth looking for far from the center.
In the districts of Priedaine in the east of the city and Kemeri in the west, you can calmly and usefully relax in the fresh air. In the first one there is a natural monument White Dune, from where you can see the Lielupe River, in the second - a national park and several balneological sanatoriums. You can also get medical treatment in the remote from the center of Jaunkemeri, Vaivari and Pumpuri.
For lovers active rest and tourists with children should pay attention to the Asari and Lielupe districts. The first has large park recreation - attractions, sports equipment rental and other entertainment. In the second - a water park and yacht clubs, where you can rent a boat, yacht or water skis.
Transport
One of the main types of public transport in Jurmala is electric trains from Riga. They run frequently, run through the resort, and stop in almost every area. The fare is 0.80-1.50 EUR. You can also move around the city by route taxis and buses. There are 8 regular routes in the schedule (one more runs in summer), but they cover all areas of the city. Transport runs from 5: 30-6: 30 to 20: 00-23: 30, during the season additional late flights are added to some directions; one trip will cost 0.70-1.40 EUR.
Private taxi in the country is completely eradicated, all taxis are official.
Several taxi companies operate at the resort, but prices are practically the same. The fare consists of the fare for the boarding (2 EUR) and each km (0.64 EUR). Payment is strictly according to the counter, but it is better to check the amount with the driver before the trip. The car can be caught on the street or called by phone. In the first case, the taxi driver may try to raise the price; in the second, no additional payments are provided.
Almost all historic districts, parks and natural areas recreation in Jurmala are equipped with bike paths. It will not be difficult to find a rental point, there are many offices in the city, including the international NextBike. The rental price is 2-3 EUR per hour and about 10 EUR per day.
Jurmala maps
Connectivity and Wi-Fi
In Jurmala, it is worth buying a local SIM card - communication of Russian companies will cost more. There are 3 main Latvian mobile companies operating here - LMT, Tele 2 and Bite. The former has excellent coverage, but communications are expensive, so tourists usually choose from the latter two. On Tele 2, the cheapest SIM card costs 6 EUR, a minute of conversation with Russia - 0.56 EUR. The tariff includes unlimited calls and SMS within Latvia and 100 Mb of the Internet. When registering a prepaid tariff plan Bite 1 (2 EUR per month), you can call home for 0.29 EUR per minute, send an SMS - for 0.07 EUR.
The packages are sold in the salons of mobile operators and other retail outlets. No documents are required to connect.
There will be no problems with access to the Internet - there are many free access points installed here - in Bulduri, Majori, Dubulti, Dzintari and Sloka. You need to find Lattelecom in the list of available networks and watch a small advertisement in your browser. Good speed internet will be available within 30 minutes. To extend the session by half an hour, you will have to watch another commercial.
Jurmala beaches
It is comfortable to sunbathe and swim in almost every district of Jurmala. The beaches in Majori, Dzintari, Bulduri and Jaunkemeri periodically receive the Blue Flag, confirming their cleanliness and safety. The coast is shallow White sand, garbage is cleaned every day. The water is clean and clear, but much cooler than in the southern seas. It is convenient and safe to rest with children - the entrance to the water is very smooth, to get to a decent depth, you need to walk about 5 minutes. The entire coast is equipped with changing cabins, showers and toilets, and benches are installed in some places. Along beach area many parking lots, wooden paths for bicycles and wheelchairs lead to the sea.
There are no paid beaches in the resort, rental of umbrellas and sun loungers costs 5-7 EUR.
The nature of recreation in different areas is different. The coast in Majori is always crowded, noisy and fun. For those who want to kick the ball, a football goal has been installed, there are sports equipment rental offices. Those who want to sunbathe in silence should choose the beaches of Dubulti, Bulduri or Jaunkemeri. The latter has a well-developed sports infrastructure - pedal boats, motorcycles and other equipment are rented. Those who go in for kitesurfing and windsurfing or want to try these sports should take a look at the coast in Pupuri. You can play beach volleyball in almost every area, but you will have to take care of the net yourself.
The resort has not only sea beaches... There are several yacht clubs on the Lielupa River, yachts, water skis and other equipment are available for rent.
Treatment
Jurmala attracts vacationers with its curative climate, mineral springs and good sanatoriums. Now there are not so many health resorts here as in Soviet times, but the air is still saturated with phytoncides and iodine. Water of different composition and degree of mineralization is extracted from local springs. In addition to mineral water, hydrogen sulfide water is used here, as well as peat and sapropel mud.
The prices in the wellness centers are moderate - a double room costs from 90 EUR per night. This amount includes accommodation, three meals a day and a whole range of procedures.
Among the diseases for which treatment in Jurmala sanatoriums is indicated, there are diseases of the kidneys, heart, nervous system, respiratory system, metabolic disorders and others. Depending on the diagnosis, the patient is prescribed special nutrition and procedures - hydrogen sulfide and pearl baths, massage, mud therapy, lymphatic drainage, paraffin therapy. Some health resorts have their own mineral springs right on the territory. The most famous health resorts in Jurmala - "Yantarny Bereg" and "Jaunkemeri" - are located in national park Kemeri.
Jurmala hotels
The choice of accommodation options in Jurmala is great - resort hotels, spa centers, boutique hotels, hostels, apartments and even mobile homes. The latter are great thrifty tourists- prices per day start from 25 EUR. The cost in general depends on the area and proximity to the sea. The most expensive hotels are located in Majori and Dzintari on the first coastline - up to 900 EUR for two per night. On the outskirts, you can find a hotel near the coast for 30-60 EUR.
The resort has widespread cottages and villas for 4-6 people. The price range is large - 50-1000 EUR per day.
There are not many "star" hotels here. Only 4 hotels have 3 *, a night in a double room costs 70-90 EUR. You can stay in one of the 8 "fours" for 60-160 EUR per day. Prices for a double room in 5 * hotels start from 150 EUR. Most upscale hotels include breakfast. For those who prefer to cook on their own, there is a large selection of apartments with a kitchen.
Jurmala cuisine and restaurants
Latvian national cuisine is simple and satisfying. Everyday meals use cabbage, potatoes, beans and gray peas. The latter, cooked with smoked meats, is also served at Christmas. In Jurmala's Latvian restaurants, this dish can be tasted at any time of the year. The most popular meat is pork - it is used for boiling jellied meat, baked, and added to vegetable dishes and soups. Not last place v national cuisine is occupied by fish, and due to its location on the Baltic coast, the choice of fish delicacies is very large here. You should definitely try "silkyu pudins" - herring casserole with potatoes. The most famous of the desserts is “bubert” with semolina, whipped cream and cranberry sauce.
Latvian cuisine is famous for soups made from rather unexpected ingredients and their combinations - beer, bread with dried fruits or whipped cream, and others.
There are many catering establishments in the resort - coffee shops, pizzerias, sushi bars, cafes and restaurants of different cuisines of the world. There is also the notorious fast food - the best way for budget tourists - a snack for one will cost 2-4 EUR. Breakfast in a modest cafe will cost 15-20 EUR for two. You can dine in middle-class restaurants for 40-80 EUR. The most expensive luxury establishments are concentrated on st. Jomas, the average bill for a dinner for two persons can go up to 150 EUR.
Guides in Jurmala
Entertainment and attractions
There are several districts in Jurmala with interesting buildings from an architectural point of view. In Dzintari, there are many wooden buildings of the early 19th century, built in Jugendstil, Neo-Gothic and Romanticism - with turrets, balconies, openwork carvings and other decor. The most famous of them is the holiday complex of Kristaps and Augusta Morberg - a blue castle made of wood and metal. Now it belongs to the University of Latvia, and excursions are conducted around the territory and the adjoining garden of rare plants. Also for the sake of beautiful architecture it is worth going to central Majori.
Those who want to get acquainted with the history of the resort should look into the Jurmala City Museum. There are practically no antiquities and archaeological finds, but there is a large collection of antique ladies' bathing suits. Among the exhibits are also items raised from the bottom of the Baltic Sea. The exhibition "Ships in the Abyss" is dedicated to sunken merchant and military ships and the history of Latvian shipping.
The Jurmala open-air museum contains many items of fishing life. Whole houses and huts from all over the country were brought here. Their walls are hung with nets, hooks and other tackle. Also here you can see fishing boats, smokehouses, anchors and much more. There is practically no props - all things were used for their intended purpose, and the buildings were transported entirely. It is better to go here with a group excursion - in addition to examining the exhibits, you can learn to knit sea knots and repair nets, and at the end - taste smoked fish with beer and listen to folk songs.
The exposition in the health resort "Amber Coast" is dedicated to the history of spa treatment in Jurmala. It features photographs, documents and antique medical equipment.
The national park of the same name is located near the Gulf of Riga in the Kemeri region. Tourists are attracted here unique nature- swamps, sand dunes, river and sea coast get along well with each other. There are several routes along the territory, you can walk along the lake or marshes, watch birds, ride a canoe or take a sulfur bath.
Jurmala for children
The resort is great for families with children. In addition to beaches, museums and architecture, there are several interesting parks in which young travelers will definitely not get bored.
In the center of Jurmala there is the largest Northern Europe water park - "Livu" (office site). The rides are equipped in a three-story building and operate around the clock. The territory is divided into 4 zones, which accommodate more than 40 slides - from the smallest to the most extreme. It will be interesting for kids to frolic in the play complex "Captain Kid's Island" with ladders, fountains and water cannons. For adults there are wave pools, "running river", jacuzzi, saunas and other relaxation.
Fans of outdoor activities should go to the Dzintari forest park. There are rope trails between the pines. Such entertainment is more suitable for older children - you need to climb great height and move from one tree to another on swaying logs and thin ropes. For toddlers, there are playgrounds with swings and carousels.
July
August
September
October
November
December
Jurmala's climate smoothly transitions from maritime to continental. Summer is warm and mild extreme heat does not exist, but water compared to south seas may even seem cool. The short beach season starts in mid June and ends in the second half of August. It often rains at the beginning and end of summer.
The weather is good in early autumn and late spring. Although it is not yet possible to swim, tourists come here to admire the nature and enjoy the peace and quiet. There are not many people at this time, and prices are lower than in the high season. Winter lasts from mid-November to March, with severe frosts and snowfalls.
