How big is the city of Jurmala in Latvia?
Jūrmala is a resort town stretching 32 km (20 miles) and sandwiched between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe River. It has a 33 km (21 miles) stretch of white-sand beach, and a population of 49,325 in 2019, making it the fifth largest city in Latvia.
Where is the skate park in Jurmala Latvia?
The Dzintari Forest Park ( Latvian: Dzintaru Mežaparks) is located near the centre of Jūrmala, with 200 year old pine groves surrounding the park. For leisure there are walkways that weave within the park connecting a skate park, 3 children playgrounds, a cafe, a roller-skate path (with skiing available in winter)]
Who was the Soviet leader who lived in Jurmala?
While Latvia was part of the Soviet Union, Jūrmala was a favorite holiday-resort and tourist destination for high-level Communist Party officials, particularly Leonid Brezhnev and Nikita Khrushchev. Although it has many amenities such as beach-houses and concrete hotels remain, some have fallen into disrepair.
Where did the town of Jurmala get its name?
The name Jūrmala stems from Latvian jūra (“sea”) and mala (“edge”, “side”, “margin”), thus “seaside” in English. In 1920, soon after Latvian independence, the town of Rīgas Jūrmala (“Seaside of Riga”) was established.
What was the peak of the development of Jurmala?
The peak of the Jūrmala area’s development was the opening of the Riga – Tukums railway in 1877 (which still passes through Jūrmala) that gave a great boost to the numbers of visitors, and thus a boost to the development of the town as a resort. Jūrmala also gained a reputation as a health spa.
Is the beach in Jurmala safe for children?
Jūrmala’s beach is 33 km (21 mi) long, covered with white quartz sand. The shallow coastal waters are suitable and safe for children. The beach is equipped with playgrounds, small benches, football fields and volleyball courts, as well as descents for prams and wheelchairs. In spring and autumn amber pieces can be found on the beach.
When did Jurmala get its reputation as a spa?
Jūrmala’s reputation as a spa destination began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Wealthy landowners began the tradition of relaxing at the seaside, and Russian army officers came here to rest after the Napoleonic Wars, returning later with their families.