Valmiera is the largest town of the historical Vidzeme region of northern Latvia, and while certainly off the beaten tourist track, the city's many outdoor activities and cultural attractions, particularly the Valmiera Theatre, make this economically developing city a unique center for culture.
The Valmiera Theatre -Valmieras teātris- was built in 1885 as an active amateur theatre by the Valmiera Association of Latvians, and by 1919 became a professional, traveling theatre with regular shows and a steady audience. Today the theatre is among Latvia’s finest, a regular prize-winner at the annual Latvian theatre contest, and globally the theatre has been increasingly recognized as a center for the performing arts.
Seating inside is intimate. The building also houses a small café, and there is access for disabled people.
The Theatre offers behind-the-scenes tours, meetings with popular actors, shopping at the theatre boutique and an opportunity to enjoy coffee in the pleasant café atmosphere.
Tickets are available at the theatre box-office orhere.
Here is some more information about the theatre by theOfficial Latvia Tourism Portal.
In addition, in the city you can ice-fish at the Gauja River, visit the Valmiera history museum, or check out the Olympic centre where athletes train for a variety of different sports, including basketball, football, running and ice-hockey. Pending the weather (winter is extremely cold) there are a variety of sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Here is the website for theValmiera Tourism Information Centre, where English is spoken and maps, guides, souvenirs, books and free internet access are available.
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