Beyond the Christmas market — snowmobiling, husky sledding, and a proper Latvian sauna. Real, bookable winter activities most first-time visitors never hear about.
The three standout winter-specific activities near Riga are snowmobiling through the forests outside the city, husky sledding across the countryside, and a traditional Latvian sauna to warm back up afterwards — none of which are available in summer. Pair any of these with the Christmas Market or a January/February value trip.
A guided snowmobile ride through snowy forests just outside Riga, with hotel transfer included — no experience or gear needed. The most straightforward way to get outside the city and into real Latvian winter.
Check AvailabilityDrive your own husky-pulled sled (or wheeled cart if snow cover is low that week) through the Latvian countryside — a genuine dog-sledding experience without travelling to Lapland.
Check AvailabilityA traditional sauna session on a floating platform on the Daugava, with a cold-water dip in between rounds if you're brave enough — the classic Latvian way to warm back up after a day outdoors.
Check AvailabilityHusky sledding is also bookable through Viator, if you'd rather compare or already have a Viator account. Viator doesn't currently list a Riga-based snowmobile tour, so GetYourGuide is the better source for that one specifically.
Riga Husky Sledding on Viator →Visiting for the Christmas markets? See our Christmas Market guide. Chasing the cheapest possible trip instead? Our January & February guide covers pricing and weather in detail. Some husky and snowmobile tours run near Sigulda — see our Sigulda guide for the wider area. For warmer-weather adventure tours (kayaking, ATV), see our outdoor adventures guide.
Yes — guided snowmobile tours run in forests just outside the city through the winter months, typically with hotel transfer included and no prior experience required.
Yes — several operators run husky sledding tours from Riga, with a wheeled-cart alternative on years when snow cover is thin. It's a genuine dog-sledding experience without needing to travel as far as Lapland.
A traditional Latvian sauna session typically alternates between the heat of the sauna and a cold-water plunge or dip, sometimes with a guide leading the ritual. Floating sauna experiences on the Daugava River add city views to the mix.
Yes — beyond being the cheapest, quietest time to visit (see our January & February guide), winter unlocks activities that simply don't exist in summer, like snowmobiling and husky sledding in the surrounding countryside.
Ready to plan a winter trip?
Last updated: July 2026. Tour availability depends on snow conditions and may be replaced with an alternative activity by the operator — check current details before booking.