Midsummer near Riga by the river: grill, birches, sunset
On Līgo night the sun in Riga sets at 22:21 and rises at 4:29. Between those times at the houses there are the river, birches for a wreath, a grill and a deck under string lights.
- 22:21sunset on 23 Junein Riga, over the river from the deck
- 4:29sunrise on 24 Junefrom the river bank
- 2houses side by sideup to 8 people together
- EUR 100a night on holiday datesper house, on Airbnb
Līgo evening in Priedaine
Jāņi by the river is simple: in the afternoon birch branches for the wreath from the grove, in the evening meat and cheese on the deck, the sunset over the Lielupe and the bright night until sunrise. The Jūrmala seashore is over the bridge, but by the river it is quieter.
The house rules stay in place at Jāņi: no loud music and no parties, the other house and the park are next door. Singing, sitting by the grill and waiting for the sunrise are fine; ask the host on Airbnb about a bonfire, an open fire without agreement is not allowed.
If two families or friends come, book both houses: a shared lawn and volleyball court, each with its own deck and bathroom.
Two houses, one company
Saulriets with a hammock between the birches and Lavanda with a sleeping loft stand a few dozen metres apart. Each sleeps four and has a kitchen, its own bathroom and a grill; Lavanda already has charcoal and tools.
In Midsummer week the price is the holiday-date price. The dates go early: book both houses on Airbnb for the same nights while they are free.
Midsummer on the water
The park next door is open on holidays too, weather permitting; the prices are the park's.
- A SUP board at sunrise1 seat, per hourEUR 10
- A kayak for twoper hourEUR 15
- A pedal catamaran4 people, per hourEUR 20
- A rowing boat4 seats, per hourEUR 20
- Volleyball and basketballat the housesfree
Holiday opening hours: waterskis.lv.
What to bring for Midsummer
- Meat, cheese and beer from Riga: the shop in Priedaine is small, and across the river there are holiday queues
- Charcoal for Saulriets (Lavanda has it) and fire tools
- Mosquito repellent: a bright night on the river bank is a mosquito night
- A warm jacket and a blanket for waiting for the sunrise
- Wreath material grows in the grove: birches and meadow flowers
- The Vivi app if you come by train: on holidays trains run to the weekend timetable
Getting here for Midsummer
By car along the A10 from Riga in 30 minutes; on Midsummer afternoon there is a jam at the bridge towards Jūrmala, but the turn to Priedaine is before it. No Jūrmala pass is needed, parking is at the house.
By train 22 minutes to Priedaine and 15 on foot. On holidays Vivi runs to the weekend timetable: vivi.lv. The route and a map: Getting here.
Questions people ask
Can we light a bonfire at Midsummer?
Only by agreement with the host in the Airbnb chat and in the place meant for it. There is a grill at each house.
Can we play loud music until morning?
No. The house rules say quiet from 22:00 and no parties; the other house and the park are next door. Singing by the grill and waiting for the sunrise are fine.
How many people can celebrate?
Four in one house, eight in both. The houses do not suit a bigger group.
When should I book for Midsummer?
As early as you can: the Midsummer weekend is the first to go in the Airbnb calendar. The price on holiday dates is the holiday price.
Is the park open at Midsummer?
Usually yes, weather permitting. A SUP at sunrise is a Midsummer morning tradition you can try here.
Read on
- Cabin near RigaFrom Riga without a car: the train and a 15-minute walk.
- Jūrmala with kidsWith children: the loft, volleyball, life vests.
- Romantic cabin near RigaMidsummer for two: the sunset from the hanging chair.
- Riverside cabin in LatviaThe river, kayaks and the sunrise from the water.
Midsummer by the river
Both houses are booked on Airbnb, each separately for the same nights.