Sport in Latvia: what to watch and how to take part

A visitor can approach Latvian sport in two ways: follow an organised competition or make physical activity part of the route. Riga has the widest choice of major indoor events, Sigulda is the centre of Latvia's sliding sports, and marked trails and waterways extend across every region.

The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for national sport policy. The Latvian Olympic Committee represents the Olympic movement, while recognised federations organise individual sports, national teams and domestic competitions.

Latvia adopted a new Sport Law on 18 June 2026. As at this page's 24 July review, the official legal database records it as promulgated but not yet in force, with commencement scheduled for 1 August 2026. Its provisions cover governance, financing, the Sport Register, children's and youth sport, parasport and adapted sport; use Likumi.lv for its current status.

Sources: Ministry of Education and Science: Sport , Latvian Olympic Committee , Likumi.lv: Sport Law adopted in 2026

Ice hockey has an established federation structure covering men's, women's and youth competitions as well as Latvia's national teams. Domestic league games and international fixtures may be available during a visit, particularly in Riga and other cities with ice arenas.

Use the Latvian Hockey Federation match centre for the current competition, date and venue. Teams, rosters and national-team arrangements change frequently, so confirm the arena and authorised ticket channel for the specific game.

Sources: Latvian Hockey Federation: current matches

Basketball is another practical spectator option. The Latvian Basketball Union publishes national-team information and material for the country's main men's and women's competitions, while competition sites provide current schedules and results.

International and club games are often concentrated in Riga, but clubs also play in cities including Ventspils, Liepāja, Ogre and Valmiera. Do not assume a familiar team name identifies the venue: check the game listing and ticket information for the date of the visit.

Sources: Latvian Basketball Union

Latvia's football calendar includes the national men's and women's teams, the Virslīga, women's football, youth competitions, futsal and beach football. The Latvian Football Federation publishes current fixtures, competition information and stadium details.

Football schedules are seasonal and venues can be confirmed close to the match. Follow the competition page for the latest kick-off time and use the organiser or club's authorised sales link for tickets.

Sources: Latvian Football Federation

The Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track is Latvia's principal venue for bobsleigh, skeleton and luge training and competition. Opened in 1986, the artificial-ice track has 16 curves and is used for national and international sport.

Visitors can usually view the complex, while recreational rides operate through separate seasonal offers. Competition days, maintenance and professional training can limit access, so check the Latvian National Sports Centre service page before travelling. Prices and ride types shown on older tourism pages may no longer apply.

Sources: Latvian National Sports Centre: Sigulda track

Organised sport in Latvia also includes Paralympic and adapted disciplines. The Latvian Paralympic Committee represents Latvia within the international Paralympic movement, and the 2026 Sport Law expressly distinguishes parasport and adapted sport.

Use the committee and the relevant federation for current competitions, athletes and public events. The existence of adapted sport does not confirm step-free access, accessible seating or assistance at an ordinary venue; check accessibility directly with that venue before buying a ticket.

Sources: Latvian Paralympic Committee , International Paralympic Committee: Latvia , Likumi.lv: Sport Law adopted in 2026

The cards below are starting points, not a fixed calendar. Open the responsible organisation's current listing, then confirm the venue, ticket terms and journey home.

Sources: Latvian Hockey Federation: current matches , Latvian Basketball Union , Latvian Football Federation , Latvian National Sports Centre: Sigulda track

Latvia offers everything from short boardwalks to long-distance coastal and forest routes. Jūrtaka, Latvia's section of the E9 Baltic Coastal Hiking route, runs for about 581 kilometres and is divided into day stages with varying surfaces, accommodation and transport options.

Gauja, Ķemeri, Slītere and Rāzna national parks contain shorter marked routes, including boardwalks and forest paths. Route surface, seasonal closures and public-transport access vary considerably. Check the Nature Conservation Agency for protected-area notices and the route operator for stage-level logistics.

Sources: Nature Conservation Agency: national parks , Baltic Coastal Hiking: Jūrtaka

Cycling options range from Riga promenades and resort-town paths to greenways, regional roads and international EuroVelo routes. The official tourism cycling map describes more than 150 marked options, but this is a map inventory rather than a guarantee of separated infrastructure.

Outside the largest cities, road shoulders, traffic, gravel and surface quality vary. A route described as scenic is not automatically suitable for every rider, so inspect the route surface, elevation, traffic exposure and train or bus rules before committing to a long stage.

Sources: Latvia.travel: travel by bike

The Gauja is one of Latvia's best-known paddling rivers, with routes through forested banks and sandstone outcrops near Cēsis and Sigulda. Other established choices include the calmer Abava and routes on the Lielupe, lakes and waters around Riga and Jūrmala.

Water level, current, wind, weather, equipment and the final transport connection must be checked for the intended section. Hiring equipment does not confirm that a route or weather conditions are suitable; ask the operator about recent obstacles, experience requirements and collection arrangements.

Sources: Latvia.travel: popular rivers for boating , Latvia.travel: active holiday

Winter options can include the Sigulda sliding track, cross-country skiing, small downhill centres, indoor ice arenas and skating at sites that have been officially opened. Natural snow, lake ice and river conditions are never guaranteed.

Check the current weather, municipal or operator safety information and equipment requirements before travelling. Never treat a frozen lake as a public skating site unless the responsible authority has declared that specific ice safe.

Sources: Latvian National Sports Centre: Sigulda track , Latvia.travel: active holiday

Use these destination guides to combine a sport or active day with the rest of the trip.

Sources: Latvian Hockey Federation: current matches , Latvian Basketball Union , Latvian Football Federation , Nature Conservation Agency: national parks