Travel guide Ogre

A small and beautiful town called Ogre is located almost in the middle of Latvia. Ogre? Yes, you understood correctly. But nothing to worry – there are no monsters or cannibals in the town as you could misunderstand by the name. On the contrary, it is a very peaceful town. The only thing that could give a cause to think about the monsters is a vide forest all around the city and Ogre’s Blue Mountains, but no monster has ever been seen there. Maybe someone has seen strayed Latvian blue cow in Ogre’s region, but that is another story.

In fact, Ogre city’s name is closely related to the river Ogre and there are several legends about its name. In past times, there used to be a lot of eels in the river Ogre. And one legend says that the name of the river (from which this town could derive its name) is Russian origin (угри[ugri], meaning eels). And the legend says that Catherine the Great of Russia was the one who gave the river this name. The last indication to why the Ogre has this particular name could bet thanks to the railway station, which name was Oger.

In 1861, Ogre started to develop and became popular as a rest area, especially after Riga – Daugavpils railway construction started. It was also time when the first recreational centre was built there. Besides, also business and trade were developing. In 1874, first summer visitors settled in Ogre, and their numbers was growing considerably every year. Soon, Ogre received the rights of a village. Beautiful Ogre region became one of the most favourite resting places and tourist sites. In these times, Ogre had even more visitors than the seaside city Jūrmala.

Although the sea is about 40 km further to north, tourists were enjoying the fresh and healing air of the pine forest, which could resemble the sea scent. Visitors loved walking in the area of Blue Mountains, they liked to visit cafés and different relaxing events. In 1928, Ogre was granted the rights of a town. Unfortunately, during the Soviet industrialisation period there were some big factories built and Ogre lost its popularity as a resort centre.

Ogre is a great place to live. It is situated very close to Riga, its infrastructure is developed, but at the same time – environment is clean and friendly, there is a beautiful view, fresh air, a forest for walking, a river and lakes for fishing and swimming. Ogre offers various opportunities for different sport activities too. This is a great place to make a good foundation for child development – School of Arts, School of Music, Sport Centre, etc.

Nowadays Ogre becomes more popular also for tourists. So, if you are coming to Ogre, you definitely should see:

• Ogre’s centre (Brīvības Street) – although it is quite small and it does not take much time to go all around it, you have to see it for sure! There is a peaceful pedestrian part and a small and lovely park in the beginning of Brīvības Street (starting from the Railway station). If you go further, you can find a sculpture for Bear Eric – darling for every child in Ogre. On the opposite side, there is a very elegant and beautiful house “Kūrmāja”, which was built in 1926 as a café and a boarding house with a specially made palm tree garden. Local musicians used to play there in the evenings and this house was visited by famous and well-known artists. But now, there is a jewellery
  and souvenir shop. Also in this street you can found cafés where you can enjoy delicious and tasty food.

P.S. We suggest that you to taste the potato pancakes with sour cream!

• Arched bridge (feature picture) – the bridge was built in the late 1960s. It is the only arched bridge in Latvia (94 m long and 4,5 m wide). You can see a truly beautiful view from there. Don’t know how to get there? Ask any local and he or she will show you!
• Ogre’s Blue Mountain – The nature park near the town of Ogre is a popular place for leisure, hiking and, in the winter, cross-country skiing. Most of the park’s area is covered with coniferous trees that are on a long and comparatively narrow line of hillocks with steep sides. Come and check if you can smell the fresh sea air how it smelled in the past.
• Ceramic workshop “Sproģi” Address: Viestura aleja 6 – this ceramic workshop offers an opportunity to see how clay clumps turn into beautiful things. And also you can try and make something by yourself.
• Club “Hauze” Address: Brīvības street 1 – if you want to relax, dance, eat sushi, play billiards, or any other board games, then you definitely have to go to club “Hauze”. The atmosphere is very friendly and cosy.

Ogre is one of the greenest towns in Latvia and it is very appropriate for those who love to relax in nature. But if you want to experience something different, you have to go to our capital city Riga. There, you can find a variety of art exhibitions, cafes, bars and clubs, shops suitable for many different tastes.

Also certainly you should go to the popular resort town Jūrmala. It is rich and interesting with its architecture and cultural monuments. And don’t forget about the sea. Latvia is famous for its sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets which are really romantic.

P.S. The cheapest way to travel from one city to another is by train.

We are waiting for you, so come to visit us!

Written by Kristiāna Zariņa, AEGEE-Ogre