Latvia
Ventspils
Ventspils is a unique and one of the most well-groomed port cities in Latvia, where the industrial scale of the seaport is harmoniously combined with a cozy resort atmosphere and kilometers of sandy beaches. Ventspils is famous for its exemplary cleanliness, cobbled streets, green parks, funny cow sculptures and developed infrastructure for recreation by the water. This is the place where the mouth of the Venta River meets the Baltic waves, and the sea breeze and the smell of pine trees create ideal conditions for recharging and leisurely exploration of the Baltic coast.
How to get to the city
By car
The most convenient and popular way. There is an excellent highway A10 from Riga to Ventspils. The distance is about 200 km and the journey will take approximately 2.5 hours.
By public transport
Intercity buses run regularly from Riga from the Central Bus Station.
Cost: About 8.00–10.00 EUR one way. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
Ventspils most vividly feels its connection with the sea: industrial gigantism here has been turned into the main spectacular feature. The city promenade stretches along the Venta River directly to the South Pier, from where you can watch ocean freighters, tankers and tugboats entering the port from an arm's length away. The picture is completed by an embankment with a real decommissioned fishing trawler "Azova", an observation tower and massive ship anchors, reminiscent of the rich maritime history of this region.
What to see
Castle of the Livonian Order
The oldest and least modified medieval fortress in Latvia, built back in the 13th century. Inside, dusty shelving has given way to a state-of-the-art multimedia exhibition: the history of the city and port is revealed here through digital panels, projections and interactive stands. One of the oldest altars in the region has been preserved in the castle chapel, and the tower offers an excellent panorama of the Venta River and the port docks.
Southern pier and observation tower (Dienvidu mols)
A powerful stone dam almost a kilometer long, extending straight into the open Baltic. This is an ideal place for walking under the ringing sea wind and the best point in the city to watch the sunset and watch the huge tankers entering the port. At the base of the pier on land there is a real fishing seiner "Azova", on the deck of which you can climb, and at the very edge of the pier there is a red and white lighthouse and a 19-meter observation tower.
VIZIUM Science Center
The main architectural and technological phenomenon of the city, opening in 2022. The futuristic building with its mirrored, wavy roof hides more than 80 interactive exhibits and simulations. Here you can experience the power of an earthquake, go through a virtual labyrinth, control a flight simulator or test your reaction in a VR hockey zone. The place captivates both children and adults equally.
Adventure park and Lemberga hūte mountain
A grand all-season active recreation cluster built around an artificial 80-meter hill. The main summer magnet here is the exciting 800-meter-long rodel course with steep turns, as well as a ropes course, trampolines and paintball. In winter, the mountain turns into a full-fledged ski slope with lifts and a tubing track.
Seaside Museum and narrow-gauge railway "Mazbānītis"
An atmospheric ethnographic open-air museum, immersing you in the life of Kurzeme fishermen and peasants of the 19th–20th centuries. Authentic wooden manors, windmills and resin kilns are collected among the pine trees. The main feature is the operating narrow-gauge railway, on which a real captured steam locomotive from the early 20th century still runs, filling the air with steam, whistles and historical romance.
Ostgalas street promenade
A pedestrian promenade along the Venta River, where the industrial charm of the port mixes with resort comfort. Ancient boats and trawlers are moored along the paved road, there are summer cafes, and giant port cranes rise above the water. From here in the summer the excursion boat “Duke Jacob” departs, taking tourists to the very sea gates.
Blue Flag Beach and Seaside Park
A spacious beach with fine, almost white sand and a wide strip of protective dunes, the first in Latvia to receive the European quality mark. Just beyond the dunes lies the pine-tree-lined Seaside Park with wooden walkways for walks and the “Anchor Path” - the largest open-air collection of antique ship anchors in the Baltics.
Town Hall and Market Square (Rātslaukums)
Quiet historical core of the city with neat buildings of the 19th century. On Town Hall Square there is the St. Nicholas Lutheran Church and the Main Library, and on the neighboring Market Square there is an ancient clock tower with a carillon. In the mornings at the market you can buy fresh Baltic fish directly from local fishermen, homemade cheeses and pastries.
Fountain "Frigate "Whale"" (Fregāte "Valzivs")
A unique engineering and art installation on the renovated Great Square. The fountain imitates the silhouette, deck and masts of an ancient sailing ship from the time of Duke Jacob. In the evening, with illumination and water mist, the design looks especially impressive and futuristic.
Lake Būšnieku ezers
A protected corner of nature on the northern outskirts of the city for those who are looking for absolute silence. An 8-kilometer walking and cycling path has been laid around the pine lake, and a 187-meter wooden walkway has been built across the swamp, leading to an observation tower for observing rare birds.
For trips with children, Ventspils is perhaps the best location in the Baltics. Two huge children's playgrounds with hundreds of play complexes and absolutely free entry have been built here, and the green Seaside Park offers a ride on a real historical narrow-gauge train Mazbānītis. The well-kept sandy beach has held the Blue Flag quality mark for years - it is equipped with comfortable wooden decks for strollers, sports grounds and clean recreation areas.
Where to stay
Piejuras campings
An excellent accommodation option right in a pine forest near the Primorsky Park and the beach. The huge green area offers cozy wooden cottages, places for campers and tents. Ideal for those who want to fall asleep to the sound of pine trees and sea surf.
Telegraphs
stylish and modern boutique hotel in Ventspils, located in the heart of the historical city center. The hotel is housed in a carefully restored historic former city telegraph building, where 19th and 20th century industrial charm blends harmoniously with minimalist Scandinavian design and modern comfort.
The city is constantly developing and surprises with modern facilities. Its new architectural dominant feature is the futuristic VIZIUM Science Center, a scientific and educational complex with dozens of interactive simulators and VR zones. And for lovers of active recreation, “Mount Lembergsa” has grown right within the city - a man-made hill, where in the summer there is an all-season rodel, a rope park and downhill trails, and in the winter there are full-fledged ski slopes with lifts.
Where to eat
Skroderkrogs
The most famous and colorful establishment in Ventspils, decorated in the style of an old sewing workshop. It serves generous portions of traditional Latvian and European cuisine: juicy meat dishes, baked knuckle, pancakes and fresh Baltic fish.
Kupffer Nams
A cozy cafe in a historic wooden building in the heart of the Old Town. A great place for a hearty home-cooked lunch or a coffee break with the freshest local pastries and desserts.
Burgerbars
A popular location for lovers of quality street food. Juicy craft burgers, great selection of subs, ribs, and a casual downtown atmosphere.
Windau Coffee
An atmospheric coffee shop near the embankment with proper specialty coffee, hearty breakfasts, bruschetta and a soulful interior.
Ventspils positions itself as a “state within a state” with its own special character and even its own money. There is a joke currency in the city - vents, which travelers can earn in advance by completing game tasks on the city website. Accumulated venti are accepted for payment in all key places: they can be used to pay for tickets to the castle of the Livonian Order, a water park, museums, or receive discounts on attractions and hotel accommodations.
Places map
👀 What to see
🛏️ Where to stay
🍽️ Where to eat
Additional info
Practical information
- Transport in the city: Ventspils is a pleasure to get around on foot or by bike - it has one of the best and longest networks of bike paths in Latvia, connecting the center, the park and the beach.
- Currency and payment: The official currency is Euro (EUR). Cashless payments work everywhere, from hotels and restaurants to parking by the sea.
What else should be included in the program
- Concert Hall "Latvija" (Koncertzāle "Latvija"): A music center with unique acoustics and architecture right on the city's Great Square. The building is impressive both from the outside and from the inside, and in front of it there is a beautiful fountain "Fregate "Valzivs"".
- Blue Flag Beach: A wide strip of fine quartz sand with clear water, equipped with comfortable walkways, changing cabins and playgrounds.
Photos
Live here
No one from the community has marked this city as home yet.
Have been here
Mark your own city in My places →