Discover the diversity of Latvia

Over the course of history, four main regions have emerged in Latvia: Courland (Kurzeme), Livonia (Vidzeme), Semgallen (Zemgale) and Letgallen (Latgale). The regional differences can be observed in the nature and architecture as well as in the customs and everyday culture of their inhabitants.

During this year's summer school, each themed week will be dedicated to a specific region of Latvia.

• Week 1, 08.07.2024-14.07.2024: Courland area

  Kurzeme (Courland) is a historical region in western Latvia, which at various times was part of the Livonian Order, the Polish-Lithuanian Union and the Russian Empire

  09.07.2024, 15:00-17:00	Guided tour through Āgenskalns
  11.07.2024, 09:00-19:00	Day trip to Kuldiga (160 km)

• Week 2, 15.07.2024-21.07.2024: Letgallen area

  Letgallen is a historical region in the east of Latvia, closest to Russia and furthest from Riga. It is the only region in Latvia where there are villages. Latgalian is spoken here. In 1561, the Latgale region was ceded to Lithuania and from 1569 it was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which resulted in the victory of the Counter-Reformation in the region and the consolidation of Catholicism for the local population. There are still settlements of Russian Old Believers in Letgale today.

  16.07.2024, 15:00-17:00	Guided tour of Moscachka, the Moscow suburb
  18.07.2024, 09:00 - 19:00	Day trip to Varakļāni

• Week 3, 22.07.2024-28.07.2024: Semgallen area

  Semgallen is a historical region in the south of Latvia, bordering Lithuania.

  23.07.2024, 14.00-17.30	Guided tour of Torņakalns
  25.07.2024, 09:00-19:00	Day trip to Abgunstes muiža or Rundāle Castle

• Week 4, 29.07.2024-04.08.2024: Livonia area

  Livonia is a historical region in the central and northern part of Latvia, which also includes Riga; from 1629 to 1710 it was part of the Swedish province of Livonia.

  30.07.2024, 17:00-19:00	Guided tour through Grīziņkalns
  01.08.2024, 09:00-19:00	Day trip to Ligatne