Urban Beekeeper Valdis Janovs Cultivates Rooftop Hives in Riga

In spring and summer, many Latvians retreat to their country homes for fresh air, but in Riga, hotelier Valdis Janovs creates natural delights in the city. Riga City Council keeps hives at the town hall, but Valdis is the most active beekeeper in the city, maintaining 14 rooftop hives and a community at Latvian Television. For him, beekeeping nurtures both spirit and palate.

Six years ago, Valdis left finance to open Hotel Janne in Āgenskalns, a historic Riga neighborhood. He restored a wooden house from 1888, designed by architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns, and expanded to adjacent buildings. The hotel features antique décor and furniture restored by Valdis himself. Guests from around the world enjoy the hospitality, alongside the bees.