Daugava is the largest river of Latvia. It starts in Russia, in Valdajs elevation, not far from Volga source - one of the largest rivers in Europe. The word “Daugava” in the language of ancient Balts means rich in rivers. Outside Latvia - in Belorus, it is called Zahodnaja Dzvina, while in Russia - Zapadnaja Dzvina. Daugava is 1005 km long (352 km in Latvia). The ancient part of Daugava is between Kraslava and Daugavpils, where Daugava flows in ten large arches, making beautiful scenery. There is Adamova’s path in Kraslava, which is a great place of attraction for tourists. In Riga, at the bridges, Daugava is 700 m wide, however, as it approaches the sea, its width is 1.5.km and depth - 8-9 meters.
The river Gauja starts in the territory of Latvia, in Vidzeme elevation. Its total length is 452 km (it is the longest river in Latvia). The most beautiful scenery from Valmiera to Murjani (ancient vale of Gauja) is in the territory of Gauja National Park. On the banks of the river Gauja, the Devon sandstone rocks can be observed (Sietiniezis, Red Cliffs, Eagles Cliffs). These places have become very popular among the tourists. Gauja’s eddies are dangerous, because the river changes its base. Sigulda is an outstanding tourism city and lies on the banks of Gauja (there is also the world famous bob-sleight route in Sigulda).
The river Venta starts in Lithuania, in Zemaitija elevation. There are rapids at Kuldiga and the widest waterfall in Europe ; 2 meters high Venta rapid. In the river mouth, it is 150 – 200 meters wide and very deep and therefore, a port was built in Ventspils. Lielupe is the second largest river in Latvia. It starts at Bauska city in the place where two rivers Musa and Memele meet. Lielupe is 119 km long. It has more than 250 tributaries. At the time of spring floods, the river very often overflows, reaching 4 km width at its lower.
Earlier it was a tributary of Daugava, but since 1755, has been flowing into Riga Sea Gulf. The most ancient part of Lielupe is Bullupe that flows into Daugava.
The Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is one of the most recent and shallowest seas in the world. The deepest point (470m) is to the north of Gothland. The coastline of the territory of Latvia is 490 km long. Irbe channel links Riga Gulf with the central part of the Baltic Sea (between Kolka horn and Saaremaa island). The Baltic Sea is a typical inland sea with about 250 inflowing rivers. Therefore, it has the least salty water in the world (approximately 7 – 8 per mille). The sea currents and waves shape the coast of the Baltic Sea and Riga Gulf. There are about 40 fish species in the Baltic Sea. After the autumn storms, it is possible to find small ambers at the seafront.