Valmiera, Latvia

Capital City

With a population of just 22,812, Valmiera is a modest city in Latvia's Vidzeme region. While it boasts a rich history and cultural offerings, the reality is that bureaucratic headaches are a persistent issue. The city's location 107 kilometers northeast of the capital Riga means it's a bit off the beaten path, though the Gauja River running through town provides scenic natural beauty. Valmiera does have a strong educational system, with over 4,000 students attending its schools and a university. However, the long, cold winters common to this part of the Baltics are not for the faint of heart. Overall, Valmiera seems best suited for hardy, resilient types seeking a slower pace of life in a small European city.