Daugavgrīva Lighthouse: A Beacon of Riga's Maritime History

Explore Riga's maritime history at the Daugavgrīva Lighthouse, a beacon of guidance and a symbol of the city's enduring connection to the sea.

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Lighthouse

The Daugavgrīva Lighthouse, located in Riga, Latvia, has a storied past, with the first structure dating back to the 17th century. The current lighthouse, built in 1957, stands as a vital navigational aid and a symbol of the city's rich maritime heritage.

A brief summary to Lighthouse

Riga, LV

Local tips

Climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the Daugava River and the Bay of Riga.
Visit the lighthouse in the evening for a beautiful sunset view.
Explore the surrounding area, including the Daugava River and the nearby beaches.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Riga city center, take tram number 5 or 7 towards Daugavgrīva. Get off at the final stop and walk towards the lighthouse. A single ticket for public transport costs €1.15 if purchased in advance or €2 if purchased from the driver. A 90-minute ticket costs €1.50.
Taxi

From Riga city center, a taxi ride to the Daugavgrīva Lighthouse will cost approximately €6-€10, depending on traffic and the taxi company. Taxi fares generally start at €2.50, with a per kilometer price of €0.70. Consider using ride-hailing apps like Bolt or MOBI.
Car

From the city center, follow the A1 towards Daugavgrīva. Parking is available near the lighthouse. Parking fees in Riga vary depending on the zone, with rates ranging from €1.00 to €5.00 per hour in the city center. Free parking may be available outside the city center.

Discover more about Lighthouse

The Daugavgrīva Lighthouse, situated at the mouth of the Daugava River on the Bay of Riga, has been a guiding light for ships entering and leaving the port of Riga for centuries. The strategic location has made it a focal point in numerous historical events, leading to the construction, destruction, and reconstruction of several lighthouse towers over time. The first lighthouse was erected by the Swedes in the early 17th century as a basic stone structure with a signal fire. Over the centuries, it was replaced by wooden and cast-iron towers, each serving its purpose until war or storms brought them down. A cast-iron lighthouse, built in 1863 with optics from Chance Brothers of Birmingham, was destroyed during World War I. Another reinforced concrete lighthouse, constructed in 1921, met the same fate during World War II. The current lighthouse, built of reinforced concrete, began operations on February 2, 1957. Its black and white horizontal stripes make it a distinctive landmark. Visitors can climb the 150-step spiral staircase to enjoy panoramic views of the Daugava River, the Port of Riga, and the Riga skyline. The Daugavgrīva Lighthouse is not just a functional structure but also a testament to Riga's enduring connection to the sea.