The seaport of Riga is considered one of the 3 largest Latvian ports on the B altic Sea. The rest are Liepaja and Ventspils. It is recognized as the largest passenger port in the state.
How the port appeared and developed
Due to its location, Riga was and is considered to be the center of trade on the sea. At the end of the 15th century, when the time of regular transportation across the sea began, the port was moved from the river Ridzene to the Daugava. And then cloth, minerals, iron, and also fish were exported from the center. In the 19th century, a pier was built in the west and east. Since the beginning of the 20th century, timber exports began to be carried out on a large scale through the port of Riga. This place was built in 1965. 20 years later, one of the largest terminals in the Soviet Union at that time was built on the island of Kudzinsala.
Today, the port in Riga has a length of 15 km along the borders of the Daugava River. The area itself has an area, including the water area, of 6348 hectares.
What attractions can be found
There is plenty of entertainment here. There are 3 nature reserves in the area, namely the small island of Milestibas, as well as Kremeri andVecdaugava. About ten species of birds nest here, including those that are under protection. There is a lighthouse on the pier on the east side. A modern lighthouse has been located here since 1957. During the First and Second World Wars, the lighthouse building was damaged, after which reconstruction was carried out. And the first lighthouse was erected on this territory in the 16th century.
You can also find Royal Stones here. The first one says that Emperor Alexander II paid a visit here in 1856. The other one shows the arrival of Tsar Nikolai Alexandrovich at the end of the summer of 1860. Travelers like to walk along the embankment and take pictures by the sea so that they can remember the beautiful place.
Transportation of goods and passengers
This place is required for import, recognized as a point of transportation for goods. The cargo is fuel, mineral fertilizers, various containers, chemical. cargo. The cargo turnover of the place was constantly increasing, the maximum was reached in 2014, after which the figures began to decline. Every day there is a passenger-and-freight ferry between Stockholm and Riga (a company from Estonia handles these transportations).
How to get there
The terminal (passenger) is located near the city center. There are several options to get there:
- On foot, which will take about 15 minutes from the Freedom Monument.
- You can ride the tram (numbers: 5, 6, 7, 9), the stop is called "Kronvalda Boulevard".
- Take the bus from the hotel.
