
Koka Varde, Riga
Koka Varde, or "Wooden Frog," is a distinctive craft store nestled in an unassuming old building on Lacplesa Street in Riga. Established in 2003 by Guntars and Evija Andersons from the Sigulda region, this shop has become a local favorite for its unique and eco-friendly wooden products. The name "Wooden Frog" originates from one of the first items crafted by the Andersons, setting the theme for their store's focus on wooden artistry.
The store stands out for its selection of originally designed eco-friendly wooden articles, produced in their small family workshop located in Sigulda, Latvia. Beyond wooden items, Koka Varde also offers an impressive collection of famous black ceramic pieces by Aivars Ušpelis, a renowned Latvian ceramicist.
Koka Varde is more than just a craft store; it serves as a cultural showcase featuring woodcarvings and other crafts from artisans across the Baltic region, Europe, and Scandinavia. The store's inventory includes a wide array of products ranging from souvenirs and toys to more functional items like utensils. Additionally, customers can find other gift-worthy items such as musical instruments, linen, and various decorative household goods, making Koka Varde a treasure trove of unique finds in the heart of Riga.
The store stands out for its selection of originally designed eco-friendly wooden articles, produced in their small family workshop located in Sigulda, Latvia. Beyond wooden items, Koka Varde also offers an impressive collection of famous black ceramic pieces by Aivars Ušpelis, a renowned Latvian ceramicist.
Koka Varde is more than just a craft store; it serves as a cultural showcase featuring woodcarvings and other crafts from artisans across the Baltic region, Europe, and Scandinavia. The store's inventory includes a wide array of products ranging from souvenirs and toys to more functional items like utensils. Additionally, customers can find other gift-worthy items such as musical instruments, linen, and various decorative household goods, making Koka Varde a treasure trove of unique finds in the heart of Riga.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Riga. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Koka Varde on Map






Sight Name: Koka Varde
Sight Location: Riga, Latvia (See walking tours in Riga)
Sight Type: Shopping
Sight Location: Riga, Latvia (See walking tours in Riga)
Sight Type: Shopping
Walking Tours in Riga, Latvia
Create Your Own Walk in Riga
Creating your own self-guided walk in Riga is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches and Cathedrals
One great thing about Riga is that the majority of its religious sites are concentrated in the historic center. A variety of faiths found in the Latvian capital is fairly broad for such a small country and includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Lutheran, to mention but a few.
The 13th-century Riga Cathedral is perhaps the most significant house of prayer in the city. The imposing mix of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The 13th-century Riga Cathedral is perhaps the most significant house of prayer in the city. The imposing mix of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Riga Old Town Walking Tour
The area that is home to present-day Riga has hosted inhabitants since the days of the Vikings. With a sheltered natural harbor nearby, the River Daugava made Riga a stop on the Vikings' Dvina-Dnieper trade route to Byzantium.
Trade allowed the area to flourish, and the Livs, a Finnic tribe, settled it. In the early Middle Ages, the town's economy revolved around fishing, trading, and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Trade allowed the area to flourish, and the Livs, a Finnic tribe, settled it. In the early Middle Ages, the town's economy revolved around fishing, trading, and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Art Nouveau Architecture Walk
An architecture lover in general and that of Art Nouveau in particular will find plenty to look at in the quiet center of Riga. Jūgendstil (Latvian: Art Nouveau) architecture makes up roughly one third of all buildings in the heart of Latvia's capital. In fact, the city boasts the highest concentration of Art Nouveau structures anywhere in the world.
Constructed during a period of rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Constructed during a period of rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Traveler's Choice of 12 Uniquely Latvian Souvenirs from Riga
Reemerged after regaining independence in the early 1990s, Latvia is anxious to reveal its beauty to the outside world. The country's capital Riga is a good showroom for the country's cultural riches and traditions. Here's the list of the unique Latvian products to look for while in...