- Address: Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia;
- Height: 368 m;
- Open: January 1986.
One of the main attractions of Riga is its television and radio broadcasting tower. The Riga TV tower is the tallest building in the Baltic, located on the island of Zakusala, which means "Hare Island" in Latvian. That's why the tower is also called the Zakyussala Tower.
general information
The first documentary mention of the need to build a radio and television tower dates back to 1967. Work began only in 1979. The construction of the tower was not an easy task and could not be completed within the agreed time. Therefore, construction was carried out in stages. Finally, at the end of the first stage, the first broadcasts began, starting in 1986. Completely construction and installation ended in 1989.
The significance of the new television and broadcasting tower was enormous. The Riga TV Tower built up significantly increased the broadcasting area and improved the signal quality. Currently, the tower provides broadcasts for more than half the inhabitants of Latvia .
Outwardly, the tower is also very remarkable - it looks like a rocket with three pillars. In two supports there are high-speed inclined rail elevators moving at a speed of 8.3 km / h. So, on the observation deck you will reach in just 40 seconds.
An interesting fact is that the tower's structure is made of iron sheets, and in the hot summer, due to the expansion of metal, its height increases by as much as 4 m!
Viewing platforms of the tower
The height of the Riga TV Tower is 368 meters. In total, the tower has 2 observation platforms: the main tower is for everyone (located at 97 m) and at the very top (at an altitude of 137 m) for special guests, which was closed, unfortunately, right after the collapse of the USSR . After the closure of one of the observation platforms, the restaurant ceased to function. But in connection with the growing popularity of the Riga Tower and Latvia in general, the restaurant can open its doors again to visitors!
The view from the observation deck is truly beautiful: all of Riga with its suburbs, the Gulf of Riga , the famous Stalin skyscraper, the building of the television center facing the tower on the same island and much more. The only significant disadvantage is that you will have to enjoy all the beauty of the surroundings through the dirty windows of the tower.
Useful information for tourists
Admission costs for an adult visitor will cost € 3.7, students will pay 1.2 euros, and pensioners - 2 euros.
Working hours:- May - September: from 10:00 to 20:00.
- October - April: from 10:00 to 17:00.
How to get there?
The best way to get to the tower is by car. from the city stop you have to go 15 minutes. Another option is to take a taxi, which will be quite inexpensive. You can also take a city bus or trolleybus (Nos. 19 and 24). Stop "Zakyusala" is located quite conveniently and close - on the bridge. From it to the tower is a direct road.