The beautiful European country with 12,000 rivers – more than any other

This beautiful country is home to 12,000 rivers and 3,000 lakes, making it one of the most water-rich countries in .

Lying on the shores of the Baltic sea, Latvia’s rivers stretch an astonishing 23,612 miles. Together with water reservoirs the rivers and lakes cover 3.7% of the country, and only 17 of its rivers are longer than 60 miles.

has has an abundant network of rivers due to its relatively flat terrain, which is largely shaped by glacial activity.

This creates numerous low-lying areas with poor drainage, leading to a dense network of rivers flowing across the landscape.

The Daugava River is Latvia’s largest and is the main river which flows through the Latvian capital.

The scenic river has been an important trade route for centuries, connecting the Baltic Sea to the heart of Europe thanks to its strategic location.

Stretching an impressive 630 miles in length, The Daugava starts in the Valdai Hills of it then flows through , Belarus, and Latvia and into the Gulf of Riga.

Measuring at 74 miles long, the Lielupe River is Latvia’s second longest river which has proved important for the country’s economic development and has been used for international water sports.

Formerly known as Buļļi this Central Latvian river is often used for international water sports.

To the west you will find the Venta River and the Venta Rapid in Kuldīga, the widest waterfall in Europe.

Spanning 249 metres, this waterfall may be less well-known but it is no less a natural wonder.

In the summer you can go for a refreshing dip or cross the rapid on foot. You may even catch fish in the river swimming against currents and jumping over the fall.

With rows of colourful houses and charming lanes with preserved relics of ‘old Latvia’ Kuldīga is arguably Latvia’s prettiest little town.

Believed to be over 780 years old the anicent town is even in the list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.