Latvia & nearby (216)

Annual pilgrimage to Aglona begins as first faithful set off

The first pilgrims from Riga's St. James Cathedral have begun their journey to Aglona ahead of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary celebrations on August 15. Other Catholic congregations across Latvia will join in the coming days.

Jauns.lv · 1 Aug, 19:53

VIAA: 390 state study loans written off last year, debt collection continues in 186 cases

The annual report of the State Education Development Agency shows that 390 state study and student loans were written off last year, while debt collection is still ongoing in 186 cases.

TVNET · 1 Aug, 19:51

Kõlvart: restoring temporary border control is a necessary and justified step

Estonian Centre Party chairman Mihhail Kõlvart says Estonia should put its own security first and supports temporary border controls, arguing that the migration crisis in Spain's Ceuta shows the need to act on reality, not slogans.

ERR (rus) · 1 Aug, 19:50

Riga panorama appears on BBC weather for years — social media users offer explanations

A social media user has pointed out that BBC weather broadcasts have periodically shown a view of Riga for about ten years. Commenters have linked the image to a BBC manager’s visit to Riga and a calendar given to him as a gift.

Latvijas Avīze · 1 Aug, 19:50

Riga trolleybus driver wins hearts by carefully driving around hedgehog

A Riga resident thanked the driver of trolleybus route 22 after seeing her slow down and steer around a hedgehog on the road. The municipal company Riga Satiksme said it would pass the gratitude on to the driver.

Latvijas Avīze · 1 Aug, 18:54

Entomologist: Horseflies are thriving this summer, unlike mosquitoes

Due to low rainfall, people have enjoyed a break from mosquitoes this summer, but horseflies are doing well, according to entomologist Urmas Tartes. He explains that horsefly larvae develop in permanent water bodies, and their bites are much more painful.

ERR (rus) · 1 Aug, 17:51

Drivers discuss headlight glare on Latvian roads and the rules for high beams

A discussion on the social platform Threads has highlighted a common annoyance for drivers in Latvia — being dazzled by oncoming headlights. The conversation touched on possible causes, from high beams and bright LED lights to misaligned lamps, and recalled the official rules for using high beams.

Latvijas Avīze · 1 Aug, 17:51

Weather warning for severe thunderstorm and large-grain hail in eastern Latvia

Latvia's Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has issued a warning of a very strong thunderstorm and large-grain hail in the eastern part of the country.

LSM · 1 Aug, 17:50

Warning issued for very severe thunderstorm and large hail in eastern Latvia

The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has issued a warning of very severe thunderstorms and large hail in the eastern part of Latvia.

LSM (rus) · 1 Aug, 17:50

Survey: school preparation costs for many families exceed €500; charity campaign starts in August

A new survey shows that 64% of Latvian parents spend between €100 and over €500 on preparing their child for school, creating financial strain for many. In August, shopping centres and charity organizations will launch a support campaign for families.

Latvijas Avīze · 1 Aug, 16:52

Romantic fraud: how scammers build trust and why anyone can be a victim

Romantic scams can affect people of any education level or income, as fraudsters target emotionally vulnerable moments, such as grieving the loss of a loved one. Experts Ruta Treija and Elvis Strazdiņš discussed the issue on Latvian Radio's “Kā labāk dzīvot” programme.

LSM (rus) · 1 Aug, 16:51

Sport Science students at RSU reach compromise over qualifications

Riga Stradins University and Sport Science students have agreed on a mutually acceptable solution, preserving the opportunity to obtain both qualifications stipulated in the study contract.

LSM · 1 Aug, 16:49

Sunday to Bring Sunshine and Occasional Rain in Latvia

Sunday will bring variable cloudiness in Latvia, with skies clearing in many areas and isolated light brief rain possible.

Apollo.lv · 1 Aug, 15:56

Enniste Bridge in Järva County to be closed to traffic until late October

Starting 3 August, a section of road in Järva County will be closed to traffic due to the construction of the Enniste bridge. A detour will be in place until the end of October.

ERR (rus) · 1 Aug, 15:53

Fifteen injured in road accidents in Latvia on Friday

The State Police reported that 15 people were injured in road traffic accidents across Latvia on Friday, including five cyclists. A total of 170 accidents and 543 administrative traffic violations were recorded.

Delfi · 1 Aug, 15:52

Pāternieki border crossing remains closed; travellers directed to Lithuania

On 1 August, the Pāternieki border checkpoint between Latvia and Belarus is still closed because of technical problems, and travellers are asked to use other crossing points in Lithuania. The government has also kept an enhanced border protection regime in place until the end of the year.

Jauns.lv · 1 Aug, 14:56

Linkaits: Loss of airBaltic Would Be a Major Blow to Riga Airport and Latvia's Connectivity

Former transport minister Tālis Linkaits warns that if airBaltic were to leave or significantly reduce its operations, it would seriously affect Riga Airport and Latvia's links with the world, as the entire infrastructure is built around the national airline's transit model.

Latvijas Avīze · 1 Aug, 14:55

Estonian police not planning to tackle queue place selling at Narva border

Estonia's Interior Ministry and Police and Border Guard Board are aware that spots in the queue at Narva border crossing are being sold, but have no plans to change regulations. Minister recommends avoiding travel to Russia.

ERR News · 1 Aug, 13:53

Latvia closes last border checkpoint with Belarus

Latvia shut its final operating checkpoint on the Belarusian border on Friday due to technical issues, urging travelers to seek alternative routes. Meanwhile, underground tunnels believed to be for illegal migration have been found in Lithuania and Poland.

ERR (rus) · 1 Aug, 13:52

Latvia–Belarus Border Crossing Point Still Closed

The State Border Guard has confirmed that the Latvia–Belarus border crossing point remains closed today, according to LETA.

Apollo.lv · 1 Aug, 13:51

Estonian Police Not to Actively Intervene in Queue Spot Trading at Narva Border

Interior Minister Igor Taro said police will not intervene in queue spot trading at the Narva checkpoint as it occurs in a public space, but will respond to conflicts and violations. This year, 16 reports of such trading have been received.

ERR (rus) · 1 Aug, 12:51

Rauna invites to Name Day celebrations

Rauna will celebrate its traditional Name Day on 14 and 15 August with art, music and family events.

Ziemeļlatvija · 1 Aug, 10:56

Flood clean-up continues in Talsu Municipality; most roads reopened

After heavy rains on July 20, the situation in Talsu region has stabilized, with authorities working to repair damage. Two road sections remain closed, including the P128 highway near Dursupe.

Jauns.lv · 1 Aug, 10:53

Depo shoppers discover source of annoying high-pitched sound: ultrasonic bird repellents

A woman on social media says she finally solved the mystery of an unpleasant high-pitched noise heard near some shelves in Depo stores — the sound is produced by ultrasonic bird deterrent devices. Her post resonated with many other shoppers who had heard it but could not explain it.

Latvijas Avīze · 1 Aug, 10:51

Elron raises train fares in Tallinn and surrounding areas from August 1

Train tickets in Elron’s first and second fare zones around Tallinn became 5–10 cents more expensive on August 1. The operator attributes the change to higher costs.

ERR (rus) · 1 Aug, 10:51

Rescuers Help Two People Out of Forest

On Friday, the State Fire and Rescue Service helped two people who had lost their way in a forest.

Apollo.lv · 1 Aug, 10:50

In Bauska District, seven residents change surnames, two change ethnicity record to 'Latvian'

Seven surname change applications were submitted from Bauska District in the first half of this year, all approved. Two people changed their ethnicity record from 'Russian' to 'Latvian'.

Bauskas Dzīve · 1 Aug, 10:50

Study: Latvian language training system fragmented and crisis-driven; pass rate 50–60%

The Public Policy Centre Providus has concluded that Latvia's Latvian language learning system is fragmented and often organized in response to demand spikes rather than long-term planning. In the last year and in 2024, approximately 50–60% of test takers passed the state language examination.

LSM (rus) · 1 Aug, 10:49

Medicines register now shows drug availability in pharmacies

The State Agency of Medicines has updated its Medicines Register, allowing people to quickly check with a green mark whether a specific medicine is available in pharmacies. The register also contains information on prices, package counts and pharmacy locations.

Ziemeļlatvija · 1 Aug, 09:55

Self-Planned Trip: Eight Friends Discover Croatia's Coast Beyond the Usual Routes

A group of eight friends spent a week in Kaštela, Croatia, planning their own trip and exploring the Adriatic coast away from the typical tourist paths.

Bauskas Dzīve · 1 Aug, 09:52

University of Latvia to study how digital devices affect reading and comprehension

Researchers at the University of Latvia have launched a three-year study on how digital devices affect reading habits and text comprehension. The findings will be used to develop recommendations for presenting information on digital platforms.

Bauskas Dzīve · 1 Aug, 08:53

Saturday, August 1: Warm but Scattered Showers Expected

On Saturday, temperatures across most of Latvia will reach +23…+28°C, with brief rain and possible thunderstorms in many areas. The northwest of the country is most likely to stay dry.

LSM (rus) · 1 Aug, 08:51

What to Consider When Planning Store Shelf Layout

A well-planned store shelf layout helps customers find products quickly and makes staff duties easier. This article outlines the key principles for floor planning, aisle width, product grouping, and safety.

Bauskas Dzīve · 1 Aug, 07:50

Estonian Opposition Awaits Madise's Reply as Presidential Election Looms

With a month left before Estonia's presidential election, the Center Party and Isamaa have yet to take a clear stance on Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise's possible candidacy, while Madise herself remains silent. Coalition parties have already voiced support for her.

ERR (rus) · 1 Aug, 06:53