Location and Historical Background
Daugavpils lies in southeastern Latvia along the wide curve of the Daugava River, close to the borders with Lithuania and Belarus. The surrounding landscape is flat, open, and shaped by water, forests, and railways. Today, visitors are struck by the city’s scale, its fortress, industrial heritage, and a strong sense of being somewhere distinctly different from western Latvia.
The city was first mentioned in 1275 as a Livonian Order settlement known as Dünaburg. Legend says it was founded where the river forced travelers to stop—and history forced them to stay. Due to its strategic location, Daugavpils quickly became a key military and transport hub.
The Three Greatest Blows to the City
The Polish–Swedish Wars (17th century)
Throughout the 1600s, Daugavpils was repeatedly attacked and occupied as regional powers fought for control of Livonia. Fortifications were damaged, trade disrupted, and the population suffered from constant instability.
Napoleonic Wars (1812)
In 1812, Napoleon’s campaign against Russia swept through the region. Daugavpils became a major military site, and although its fortress limited destruction, the city endured shortages, disease, and civilian hardship.
World War II and Soviet Militarization (1941–1991)
Daugavpils was heavily affected by World War II, including the destruction of its Jewish community during the Holocaust in 1941. Under Soviet rule, the city became highly militarized and industrialized, altering demographics and isolating it culturally from the rest of Latvia.
The Golden Age of Daugavpils
Daugavpils’ golden age came in the late 19th century, when it became a major railway and industrial center of the Russian Empire. Rapid growth, new infrastructure, and military investment transformed the city into one of the region’s most important urban hubs.
Why Daugavpils Is Worth Visiting Today
Modern Daugavpils is slowly redefining itself. Its fortress has become a cultural center, street art is emerging, and museums celebrate diversity rather than deny it. The city offers insight into Latvia’s eastern identity—complex, layered, and deeply European.
In summary, Daugavpils is not a destination for easy sightseeing. It’s a destination for understanding.
Tourist Information and Must-See Sights
Estimated Prices
- Average lunch: €8–12
- Mid-range hotel (per night): €60–100
- One beer (0.5 l): €4–5
- One coffee: €2.50–3.50
The most interesting areas include the fortress district, city center, riverbanks, and cultural quarters.
Must-Visit Places
Daugavpils Fortress
The only fully preserved 19th-century fortress in Eastern Europe, now home to museums, galleries, and creative spaces.
Mark Rothko Art Centre
An internationally significant art center dedicated to Mark Rothko, born in Daugavpils, blending global art with local context.
Daugava River Promenade
A quiet riverside area offering space for reflection and understanding the city’s geographic importance.
Final Summary
Daugavpils won’t entertain you—it will inform you. Come open-minded, walk slowly, and leave with a deeper understanding of Latvia’s eastern edge and its uncompromising history.