Geography-related words and place names form an important part of mastering any new language. In Latvian, these words not only help you get around but also enhance your understanding of the culture and landscape. Here are some essential geographical terms and place names in Latvian to help you navigate this beautiful Baltic nation.

Jūra – Sea
The word “jūra” is used to refer to a large body of salt water that is often connected to an ocean but can also be entirely or partly surrounded by land.
Latvijai ir garša piekrastes līnija pie Baltijas jūras.

Upe – River
“Upe” refers to a natural stream of water that flows continuously towards an ocean, sea, lake, or another river.
Daugava ir viena no garākajām upēm Latvijā.

Ezers – Lake
An “ezers” is a sizeable inland body of still water surrounded by land, typically freshwater.
Latvijā ir daudz skaistu ezeru, piemēram, Lubāns.

Mežs – Forest
The term “mežs” is used for a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.
Gaujas Nacionālais parks ir slavens ar saviem plašajiem mežiem.

Kalns – Hill
“Kalns” denotes a naturally raised area of land, not as high or craggy as a mountain.
Turaidas kalns ir populāra tūristu apskates vieta.

Kalni – Mountains
Used in the plural form, “kalni” stands for chains or ranges of mountains.
Latvijas augstākie kalni atrodas Vidzemē.

Pilsēta – City
“Pilsēta” is a large human settlement with complex systems for sanitation, utilities, land usage, housing, and transportation.
Rīga ir Latvijas lielākā pilsēta un galvaspilsēta.

Ciems – Village
The word “ciems” refers to a small settlement or community that is typically larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town.
Cēsis ir viens no skaistākajiem ciemiem Latvijā.

Sala – Island
“Sala” is a piece of land surrounded by water that is smaller than a continent and larger than a rock or sandbar.
Jūrkalne ir populāra sala Latvijā, kas atrodas Ventspils tuvumā.

Līcis – Bay
The term “līcis” describes an indentation of a shoreline, usually a body of water, between two headlands.
Rīgas līcis ir vieta, kur daudzi dodas atpūsties vasaras sezonā.

Leja – Valley
“Leja” denotes an elongated depression in the Earth’s surface that is usually between hills or mountains.
Gaujas leja ir pazīstama ar savām gleznainajām ainavām un kultūrvēsturiskajiem objektiem.

Pludmale – Beach
A “pludmale” is the pebbly or sandy shore of a sea or lake that is washed by the waves.
Jūrmala ir slavena pilsēta Latvijā ar garām baltām pludmalēm.

Learning these geographical terms and place names in Latvian will help you to connect more deeply with the local landscapes and culture, and to communicate effectively while exploring Latvia. Whether discussing the beautiful Riga Bay or the picturesque Gauja Valley, these words will be your guide to experiencing Latvia’s natural beauty.