Swedish Gate (Zviedru Varti)

The basics

With so many other Old Town landmarks around the Swedish Gate, it’s a common stop on most Riga Old Town walking tours. Don’t expect to linger too long at this historic site, just enough to hear an account of its history and significance before moving on. To save time retracing your steps, combine a visit to the Swedish Gate with other popular nearby landmarks, such as the Three Brothers and Riga Cathedral.

Things to know before you go

• The streets around the Swedish Gate are lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it an excellent area to head to for a break from sightseeing.

• There is little information about the gate’s history near it; read up in advance or listen to an audio guide when visiting on your own.

• While there is a restaurant of the same name (Zviedru Vārti), it is not located inside the gate’s building but on Torna Iela, just near the gate.

How to get there

The Swedish Gate is located on the northern end of Riga’s old town, so walking will be the best way to visit if you’re already in the historical center. To reach the gate from elsewhere in Riga, board either the #5, #7, or #11 tram and alight at the stop for the Latvian National Theater; from there, it’s a quick 5-minute walk.

When to get there

While you can see the Swedish Gate anytime, visiting mid-day won’t be as impressive as going in the morning or evening. Not only is the old town bound to be busier around midday in the early afternoon, but the gate will be covered in shadow from nearby buildings.

Old fortifications of Riga

Even though the Swedish Gate is the last remaining gate from Riga’s old city walls, it’s not the only part of the fortifications still standing. A short walk from the gate, you’ll see a tall brick wall and tower that looks surprisingly new, thanks to 20th-century restorations. Just beyond this wall stands the Powder Tower, which hosts the Latvian War Museum and even has cannonballs stuck in its walls.