Ogre, Latvia

Capital City

With a population of just 22,757, Ogre is a sleepy backwater, hardly the bustling metropolis some might expect of a Latvian state city. The city's claim to fame is its status as a former health resort, though these days it seems to suffer from a persistent bureaucratic headache. Ogre's location alongside the Daugava and Ogre rivers is charming, but the long, cold winters common to this part of the Vidzeme region are not for the faint of heart. Those seeking a quiet, affordable alternative to Latvia's capital Riga may find Ogre suitable, but anyone expecting excitement or modernity should look elsewhere.