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Daugavpils

Daugavpils, Augsdaugava, Latvia

Discover Daugavpils: Latvia's City of Forts and Flavors Nestled in the southeastern corner of Latvia, where the Daugava River flows wide, lies Daugavpils (Daugavpils, Augšdaugava, Latvia), a city steeped in history and b…

#City#Cultural center#Historic sites#River Daugava#Eastern Latvia

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Daugavpils.

Top Hotels in Daugavpils

Top Flights to Daugavpils

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Daugavpils.

Tours

Daugavpils Fortress

Explore the historic fortress of Daugavpils, which dates back to the early 19th century. It is one of the best-preserved fortresses of its kind in Europe.

Latgale Zoo

A small but charming zoo showcasing regional fauna and flora.

Church of Saints Boris and Gleb

Visit the stunning Orthodox church known for its beautiful architecture and serene ambiance.

Shopping

Daugavpils Marcis Center

A popular shopping destination with a wide range of shops and boutiques.

Outdoor

Stropu Lake Recreation Area

A beautiful recreation area offering swimming, picnic spots, and outdoor activities by the lake.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Daugavpils.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

78850.0

Languages

Latvian, Latvian, Russian

Average weather

Daugavpils

Jan

-3°-8°

Feb

-2°-8°

Mar

3°-4°

Apr

10°1°

May

17°6°

Jun

21°11°

Jul

23°13°

Aug

22°12°

Sep

16°8°

Oct

10°3°

Nov

3°-1°

Dec

-1°-6°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Daugavpils.

What people love

Daugavpils, located in the Augšdaugava region of Latvia, offers several pros for travelers:

Architectural Heritage: Daugavpils boasts a rich history reflected in its diverse architectural styles. Visitors can explore the Daugavpils Fortress, which is one of the best-preserved fortification ensembles in Northern Europe.
Cultural Diversity: The city is known for its cultural diversity, with a mix of Latvian, Russian, Polish, and Belarusian influences. Travelers can experience this unique blend through local cuisine, traditions, and festivals.
Nature and Outdoor Activities: Surrounding Daugavpils are picturesque landscapes, including lakes, forests, and nature reserves. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, and boating.
Art and Museums: Daugavpils is a hub for art and culture, with numerous museums and galleries showcasing local and international artists. The Mark Rothko Art Centre, dedicated to the famous abstract expressionist painter, is a must-visit for art lovers.
Affordable Travel Destination: Compared to other European cities, Daugavpils offers affordable accommodation, dining, and transportation options, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Overall, Daugavpils provides a unique blend of history, culture, nature, and art, making it a rewarding destination for those looking to explore Latvia beyond its more well-known cities.

What to know

Daugavpils, located in the Augšdaugava region of Latvia, is a city with its own unique charm and attractions. However, like any destination, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when traveling to Daugavpils. Here are some cons to keep in mind:

Limited tourist infrastructure: Daugavpils is not as popular of a tourist destination compared to other cities in Latvia, such as Riga. As a result, the city may have limited tourist infrastructure in terms of accommodation options, restaurants, and English-speaking services.
Language barrier: While many people in Daugavpils may speak some English, the predominant language spoken in the city is Latvian and Russian. This could potentially pose a challenge for travelers who do not speak either of these languages.
Safety concerns: Like in any city, travelers should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Certain areas of Daugavpils may have higher crime rates, so it is advisable to stay vigilant and be cautious, especially at night.
Limited transportation options: Daugavpils is not as well-connected in terms of transportation compared to larger cities like Riga. Public transportation options may be limited, and getting around the city could be more challenging for visitors.
Limited tourist attractions: While Daugavpils has some interesting landmarks and cultural sites, the city may not offer as many tourist attractions or activities compared to other popular destinations in Latvia. Travelers looking for a wide range of things to see and do may find Daugavpils to be relatively limited in this regard.

Overall, while Daugavpils has its own unique characteristics and attractions to offer, travelers should be aware of these potential cons before planning a trip to the city. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Daugavpils is the second-largest city in Latvia, located in the southeastern part of the country along the banks of the Daugava River. The city has a rich and varied history, marked by its strategic geographical position, which has made it a focal point of various regional powers throughout the centuries.

Early History

The area around Daugavpils has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The city itself traces its origins back to the 13th century when the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, a military order, built a castle near the present-day city in 1275. This castle was initially named Dünaburg.

Medieval to Early Modern Period

Throughout the medieval period, Dünaburg was a significant stronghold and trade center. It frequently changed hands among various regional powers, including the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Russian Empire. The city was often at the forefront of military conflicts due to its strategic importance.

17th and 18th Centuries

In the 17th century, Dünaburg was a part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. During the wars between Sweden and Poland, the city was occupied by the Swedish army in the early 1600s. However, by the late 18th century, Dünaburg came under the control of the Russian Empire following the partitions of Poland.

19th Century

Under Russian rule, the city became known as Dvinsk. It developed rapidly in the 19th century, especially after the construction of the St. Petersburg–Warsaw railway in the 1860s. This railway significantly boosted the city's economic growth and led to an increase in its population, turning Dvinsk into an important industrial and commercial hub.

20th Century

During World War I, Dvinsk was heavily affected, and after the war, the city became part of the newly independent Latvia and was renamed Daugavpils. During World War II, the city was occupied by Nazi Germany, and its Jewish population suffered greatly during the Holocaust. After the war, Daugavpils was incorporated into the Soviet Union until Latvia regained independence in 1991.

Significant Historical Figures

Solomon Mikhoels: A prominent Soviet actor and director, born in Daugavpils in 1890. He was an influential figure in Yiddish theater.
Mark Rothko: Although not born in Daugavpils, the artist was born in the region, and the city hosts the Mark Rothko Art Centre dedicated to his work.

Important Landmarks

Daugavpils Fortress: This is one of the most significant landmarks in the city. Built in the 19th century, it is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Eastern Europe.
Church Hill: This area features several important religious buildings, including the Daugavpils Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter's Chains and the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Boris and Gleb.
Mark Rothko Art Centre: Located within the Daugavpils Fortress, this museum and cultural center celebrates the life and works of the abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko.

Daugavpils today is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and historical heritage. It continues to be an important cultural and economic center in Latvia.