Is wild camping allowed in Latvia?

Yes, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is officially allowed in Latvia, unless it is explicitly prohibited. The Latvian people are very friendly and tolerate wild campers. However, some points should be considered.

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Written by: Phil

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Last researched: Winter 2021/2022

As in Estonia and Lithuania, wild camping is also permitted in Latvia. However, in addition to the general rules of conduct for wild camping, a few more points should be observed to avoid possible problems.

Staying overnight in nature reserves and national parks is only permitted to a limited extent
Staying overnight on private property is only allowed with the owner's permission
Staying overnight in towns or urban areas and near houses is prohibited

Since wild camping is allowed in Latvia and is also frequently used by the Latvian population, there are even isolated places where dry toilets are available.

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Tips and tricks for wild camping in Latvia

Many areas of the country are only very sparsely populated or not populated at all. So if you are looking for a holiday in the middle of untouched nature, you will find it in Latvia. The small country has everything to offer from coasts to extensive grasslands and dense forests, which will make the heart of a nature lover beat faster. Since wild camping is also permitted here, spending the night in the middle of this nature is no problem. We have collected a few points here to help you prepare a little for your trip to Latvia.

Roads
The roads in Latvia are in bad condition in many places. This is especially true in rural areas and on little-used roads. For this reason, you should pay special attention to the road surface, especially at night.

Accidents
Due to the partly bad road surfaces, there are frequent accidents in Latvia. If you are involved in an accident with a Latvian vehicle that is not insured, the Motor Insurer's Bureau of Latvia can help you to get compensation for the damage.

Emergency phone numbers
In addition to the general emergency number 112, Latvia has a hotline for tourists in difficulty +371 67 18 18 18 and a hotline for general information and emergencies +371 11 88.

Traffic rules
In the period from 01 December to 31 March, you must drive in Latvia with winter tires. There is also a year-round obligation to drive with lights on during the day.

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10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Latvia

Together with Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia forms the Baltic States and the capital is Riga. But what else do you know about Latvia? What makes the market place of Riga special or what is special about Karosta prison? We have put together the answers and more facts for you here.

Fact #1 - Crocodile Harry
Arvīds Blūmentāls was born in 1925 and moved to Australia in 1951 to hunt crocodiles, hence his nickname Crocodile Harry. He is said to be the model for Crocodile Dundee.

Fact #2 - Special Spa
In Riga there is a very special spa, the Beer Spa. Here you can enjoy, among other things, a relaxing bath in a tub full of warm beer while drinking a chilled beer.

Fact #3 - Personal distance
Latvians have a very pronounced attitude towards personal distance. For them it is quite normal to keep several metres distance from other people. So don't take it personally when visiting.

Fact #4 - The Karosta prison
You always wanted to spend a night in jail? The Karosta prison is now a hotel, here you can experience a night like in a Soviet prison.

Fact #5 - The Flag
The flag of Latvia is one of the oldest flags in the world. It was first mentioned in 1279 and was created when a wounded tribal leader is said to have been lying on a bed and his blood coloured the corners of the sheet red.

Fact #6 - Women
According to a study, Latvian women are the largest women in the world. The largest men in the world come from the Netherlands, but Latvian men still come fourth.

Fact #7 - Baron Münchhausen
Hieronymus Carl Friedrich Baron von Münchhausen was a German nobleman, also known as the Liar Baron von Münchhausen, who has his own museum in Latvia.

Fact #8 - Espionage equipment
One of the first spy cameras was invented in Latvia by the Baltic German Walter Zapp. His company Minox is still associated with the classic spy cameras.

Fact #9 - Marketplace in Riga
The Riga marketplace is one of the largest markets in Europe. The market halls, which were formerly used as a zeppelin hangar during the First World War, are special.

Fact #10 - Water
If you like being by the water, Latvia is the perfect destination for you. In addition to the 500 km long coastline, there are almost 12,000 rivers and 3,000 lakes.

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

Warning triangle Yes
Safety vest Yes
First aid kit Yes
Replacement lamp set No
Spare tyre / repair set No
Fire extinguisher Yes
Tow rope No
Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Not nationwide, but there are isolated exceptions.
Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? Yes

Information

Is the tap water potable? No
Socket type: C+F
Energency numbers: 112
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Languages: Latvian
Country licence plate code: LV

Average prices, in €

Price coffee rounded: 2.00
Price beer rounded: 2.50

Entry conditions for animals

You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. Yes
Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. No
In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). No
The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No

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