Zirņu sala (Pea Island) is located in Salaspils county, next to Riga Hydroelectric Power Plant and Darzini area.
It is infamous construction site of a little town, which has started in late 2000s, but never been finished.
Today it is an uninhabited zone with illuminated streets and even some built houses just next to Riga's border.
Photo of ghost town was taken by guest photographer Viktores.
You wouldn't believe but this photo was taken in color mode a few days ago :) For me it looks more like it was taken right after Second World War by a fighter pilot flying over Riga :)
Tobago Casino is located in the basement of Hotel Riga, but it is closed since 2008 already. The reason why I write about this forgotten place is its name Tobago, an island in Caribbeans. Not many people know that predecessor of Latvia, The Duchy of Courland, was the owner of this colonial island in 17th century and settled it. In other words, Latvia was one of the first colonizers of Americas.
NASA satellite photo of winter in Latvia and neighbour countries Estonia, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Sweden. A short ice free strip in the gulf of Riga is made in order to make possible ferry traffic. Psst, Riga is in the very center :)
The part of Riga, where Daugava river flows into Baltic Sea, is heavily industrialized by ship yards, silos and warehouses. One of such neighborhoods is called Voleri. The Southern part of Voleri, the peninsula Krievu Sala (Russian Island) is depicted on this picture.
Guest aerophotographer: leegenda Take similar pictures during Riga airplane tours
Zaķusala (Hare Island) is the land strip washed by Daugava river in the middle of Riga. In the past Zakusala island was split into two smaller islands, which both were densely populated. Here were a lot living houses, shops, warehouses and even an hotel. Nowadays Zakusala is home for Radio and TV facilities like TV Tower and TV Center (at the background). The name of the island comes from population of hares which can be found here. By the way, foxes can be found as well :)
The left arm of Daugava river has its own name Maza Daugava (small Daugava).
Three Riga skyscrapers in this picture are (from left to right): Former House of Press, Saules Akmens, TV Building on Zakusala Island
Photo is taken in Lucavsala looking towards sea.
Check the Left Arm's picture taken 4 years later with a new building.
The Lucavasala Monument to 400 russian soldiers fallen down here in July 10, 1701 during the Great Northern War. The Russian forces tried to cover the retreat of Russian-Saxon army, but the whole battalion was destroyed by Swedes. The writing is in pre-reform russian langues is Памяти 400 русских войновъ геройски павшихъ при защитѣ острова "10 іюля 1701 года"
Kayakers training in waters between Lucavsala and Zakusala. This area is quite empty and difficult to reach, only the river police come sometimes to check what is happening :) On the background is the highest tower in EU :)
Lucavsala is an island in the middle of Riga on Daugava river. Despite its very vantage location Lucavsala remains very undeveloped area in geographical center of Riga. It is fully occupied by gardens and small summer houses. Riga TV Tower can be seen from any point on Lucavsala, which is the tallest tower in European Union.
Actually Zunda is the same river as Daugava, just Kipsala island is located between them. Zunda's length is about 2km. Right bank (Kipsala) is mostly green, but left bank (Ilguciems) is full of industrial facilities, like docks, factories and other works which industrial waste flows into the river. Despite water pollution Zunda is home for many beavers, ducks, swans and other animals.
Rīgas radio un televīzijas tornis (Riga TV and Radio Tower) is a major city sight, built in 1985 by soviet engineers. It is built on Zaķusala island, which is located in the geographic middle of Riga. Riga Tower is 2nd tallest concrete tower in Geographic Europe and 10th in the World. Observation floor is open almost everyday. By The way, it is possible to rent TV Tower for private or company party :)
To say it more precisely, Ķīpsala island is expanding its border, not Riga :) I didn't see before, how such embankment are being built. It's a long and hard work, especially during such cold and windy weather it is getting even more diffucult. Brrr.. :) Photo was taken at place where Zunda river separating from Āgenskalna līcis (Agenskalns Bay) and Daugava river :)
For most people of Riga word Ķīpsala means only Expo Center and its surroundings. But actually it is a whole neighbourhood on island in the middle of city. Now Kipsala goes through fast renascence, but still there is a lot of slum, forgotten houses and poor people despite high prices for land.
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The part of Riga, where Daugava river flows into Baltic Sea, is heavily industrialized by ship yards, silos and warehouses.
