National Library of Latvia

Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka

Nicknamed the Castle of Light, this dramatic modern glass structure rises on the left bank of the Daugava. Its architecture, viewing gallery and exhibitions make it a highlight of contemporary Riga.

Things to do

• Admire the Castle of Light — Take in the striking angular glass silhouette designed by architect Gunārs Birkerts, inspired by Latvian folklore about a sunken castle rising from the water.
• Ascend to the viewing gallery — Ride the elevator to the upper floors for panoramic views across the Daugava River toward Old Town's spires.
• See the People's Bookshelf — View the towering glass wall of donated books carried hand to hand by thousands of Latvians during the 2014 opening chain.
• Explore rotating exhibitions — Browse the library's changing displays on Latvian literature, history, and cultural heritage across multiple gallery floors.
• Walk the Akmens Bridge for the view — Cross the Stone Bridge (Akmens tilts) for the classic postcard shot of the library glowing against the river.
• Visit the reading rooms — Step into the light-filled atrium and quiet reading halls that anchor the building's vast interior.
• See it lit at night — Return after dark when the structure is illuminated, living up to its Castle of Light nickname over the water.

Food to try

• Rye bread (rupjmaize) — Dense, dark Latvian sourdough rye is a national staple often served with butter or as the base for open sandwiches.
• Grey peas with bacon (pelēkie zirņi ar speķi) — A hearty traditional dish of stewed grey peas with fried pork and onions considered a symbol of Latvian identity.
• Sklandrausis — A sweet Latvian tart of rye pastry filled with carrot and potato paste, seasoned with cinnamon and caraway.
• Riga Black Balsam — A bitter herbal liqueur invented in Riga, often sipped straight or mixed into coffee and cocktails.
• Smoked fish — Baltic sprats and smoked salmon reflect Latvia's coastal traditions and appear widely in markets and cafés.
• Café stop nearby — Pause at a riverside or Old Town café across the bridge for coffee and a slice of local honey cake.

Local customs & good to know

• Books were passed by hand — When the library opened in 2014, thousands formed a human chain to carry books from the old building, a proud moment in Latvian civic memory.
• Keep quiet in reading areas — This is a working national library, so lower your voice and respect study spaces beyond the public exhibition zones.
• Combine with an Old Town visit — The library sits across the Daugava from Riga's medieval center, an easy walk over the Stone Bridge to pair modern and historic sights.
• Check opening hours and events — Exhibition access and the viewing gallery follow set schedules, and the venue often hosts concerts and cultural events worth planning around.

Nearby

• Riga Castle — 1 km
• Riga Old Town — 1 km
• St. Peter's Church — 1 km
• Kalnciema Quarter — 1 km