For many Latvians, the house in the country is the ultimate battery recharger, where long summer days are spent tending the tomatoes and splashing in the pond. Few do it with more style than Dita Balčus and her daughters, who have turned an old aristocratic pile into a hotel and cultural hotspot.

The Covid 19 crisis is more than just a medical issue, as many people face poverty and hunger in the economic downturn. Fortunately, one young Latvian is organising his peers to help those most in need.

With over half the country covered by forest, trees are a vital part of Latvia’s economy and national identity. Meet a man who also finds art, music and poetry in the woods.

Sadly, crises in families leave far too many children in urgent need of care. But one Latvian municipality has come together to make sure that no youngster ever has to go to an orphanage.

Almost 30 years have passed since Latvia’s Lenin statues were consigned to the dustbin of history. But in one intriguing corner of Riga, Vladimir Ilyich lives on…

In the Bible, God is said to have made Adam out of clay, showing how vital pottery has been to humans since time immemorial. Meet a Latvian couple who are shaping beautiful things from this sticky earth and spreading lots of good vibes.

There’s an old saying that the person who builds a better mousetrap will be very rich indeed. But what about revolutionising the way pianos are made? Meet someone who has done just that…

Latvia has many wonderful craftspeople, who continue to make beautiful things despite the toughest time for business in many years. Here are the stories of three hardworking masters of their trade, who have some perfect Christmas gifts for your friends and family.

On November 18, Latvians will fly their maroon and white flag with pride to celebrate Independence Day. Now, meet a man who dared to raise the banner during the Soviet occupation, epitomising his people’s unbreakable spirit.

Every nation has its heroes, and for Latvians, there is none greater than Lācplēšis. And a new English-language edition of the Bearslayer epic is about to be released, complimented by fantastic artwork from an unexpected quarter.