Latvia Adventures

Drone Photography in Latvia: Best Aerial Views to Capture

Sunday evening above Riga old town from birdview perspective showcasing Drone photography in Latvia

Drone photography in Latvia is gaining popularity thanks to the country’s natural diversity and scenic contrasts. Whether you’re filming dramatic cliffs, thick forests, or historic towns, Latvia offers it all. Its relatively flat landscape allows you to get clear, far-reaching panoramic views. The variety of terrain within short distances makes it easy to plan an efficient route. In addition, Latvia’s relaxed airspace (compared to many EU countries) allows hobbyists to capture unique aerial footage. If you’re passionate about drones, nature, and travel, then drone photography in Latvia should definitely be on your bucket list.

Riga from the Sky: Historic and Modern in One Frame

Start your aerial adventure in Riga, Latvia’s capital. It offers a rich mix of modern buildings, ancient rooftops, and green parks. Drone photography in Latvia wouldn’t be complete without flying over the Daugava River or circling around the Old Town’s church spires. The best time to capture Riga is at sunrise or during golden hour when the city’s red roofs and river reflections shine the most. Just be careful—there are restricted zones, especially near the airport, the Parliament, and embassies.
Top drone-friendly spots in Riga include:

  • AB Dambis and the National Library area

  • Mežaparks and Ķīšezers Lake

  • Zunda Canal and the TV Tower surroundings

  • Daugavgrīva Fortress (on the outskirts)

Gauja National Park: Latvia’s Aerial Gem

Drone photography in Latvia reaches a new level at Gauja National Park. Located in the Vidzeme region, this protected area offers river bends, castles, caves, and endless trees. From above, the Gauja River carves a dramatic path through lush landscapes. The sandstone cliffs of Līgatne, the aerial cable car in Sigulda, and the ruins of Krimulda create excellent visual interest. Fall is the most spectacular season, with vibrant foliage turning the entire park golden.
Best Gauja Park locations to fly over:

  • Turaida Castle and surrounding valleys

  • The Serpentine Road near Sigulda

  • Ērgļu Cliffs and the Gauja meanders

  • Devil’s Rock (Velna Ala) near Līgatne

The Coastline: Cape Kolka to Jūrmala

Latvia’s coastline stretches over 500 kilometers and includes dunes, lighthouses, fishing villages, and untouched beaches. Cape Kolka is especially photogenic from the air—it’s where two bodies of water collide: the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea. For softer visuals, fly your drone over Jūrmala’s pine-lined beaches, wooden villas, and calm waves. Coastal drone photography in Latvia reveals the quiet magic of its shores.
Notable coastal drone spots:

  • Cape Kolka and its dramatic shoreline

  • Jūrmala during early morning mist

  • Engure Lake and its birdwatching towers

  • Saulkrasti’s White Dune viewpoint

Castles and Manors: Aerial Stories of the Past

Latvia has over 100 castles and manors, and many of them look majestic from above. Flying your drone over these structures gives you a new perspective on medieval and Baroque architecture. The symmetry of Rundāle Palace, the location of Bauska Castle between two rivers, and the forested backdrop of Turaida Castle are all visually powerful.
Best castles for drone footage:

  • Turaida Castle in autumn or spring

  • Rundāle Palace from a safe distance

  • Cēsis Castle with surrounding medieval town

  • Bauska Castle where two rivers meet

  • Koknese Castle Ruins on the Daugava

Forests and National Parks Beyond Gauja

Besides Gauja, Latvia has other beautiful parks perfect for drone flying. Kemeri National Park offers boardwalks over bogs and magical foggy mornings. Slītere National Park, in the far northwest, has coastal forests and lighthouse views. These areas are less crowded, giving you freedom and quiet time to fly safely.
Top off-the-beaten-path forest areas:

  • Kemeri Great Bog Boardwalk

  • Slītere Cape and forest canopy shots

  • Lielupe River wetlands

  • Forest lakes in Latgale region

Latvia’s Lakes and Waterways from Above

With over 12,000 rivers and 2,000 lakes, Latvia is a paradise for drone pilots who love water landscapes. The symmetry, reflections, and fog over the lakes create dreamlike footage. Some lakes, like Alūksne, have small islands or churches that add depth to your compositions.
Aerial lakescapes to visit:

  • Lake Alūksne and its pedestrian bridge

  • Lake Lubāns with its bird sanctuaries

  • Ķīšezers at sunset with orange skies

  • Lake Usma and its pine-covered islands

Unique Rural Landscapes and Villages

Drone photography in Latvia isn’t just about nature—it’s also about its cultural countryside. Red barns, hay bales, windmills, and wooden farmhouses dot the landscape. Visit Latgale for wide open fields and Orthodox churches or explore Zemgale’s flat farming region. Flying over these places offers peaceful, pastoral visuals.
Rural locations for storytelling shots:

  • Latgale’s hill farms in early spring

  • Smiltene with its mill and ponds

  • Rural churches near Ludza

  • Traditional villages around Kuldīga

Drone Laws and Flying Tips in Latvia

Before flying your drone, understand the local regulations. Latvia follows EU drone rules. Most small drones (under 250g) are exempt from registration unless they have cameras. Still, flying near people, events, or cities without permission is not allowed. Always check airspace maps and weather before takeoff.
Quick tips for drone use in Latvia:

  • Fly below 120 meters

  • Avoid flying over private property or gatherings

  • Use drone apps like Droniq or AirMap

  • Carry extra batteries for long nature hikes

Seasonal Perspectives for Better Results

Each season changes Latvia’s landscape dramatically. In winter, castles and forests become snow-covered fairytales. Spring brings bright green meadows and blossoming trees. Summer reveals deep greens, lakes, and coastlines. Autumn delivers rich golds and reds, perfect for romantic footage.
Ideas for each season:

  • Winter: Fly during blue hour for icy blues

  • Spring: Capture rivers flowing with melted snow

  • Summer: Use polarizing filters for strong colors

  • Fall: Focus on mixed forest colors from above

Drone photography in Latvia opens the door to sights few travelers ever see. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just starting out, this country offers safe, beautiful, and accessible landscapes for aerial visuals. With careful planning and respect for nature, your drone can reveal Latvia’s best-kept secrets from the sky. Don’t just visit Latvia—see it from above.