Kuldīga

Kuldiga (Kuldīga) is a picturesque town on the Venta River in the Kurzeme region (formerly Courland) of western Latvia. Its old town was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.

Understand
With the smaller Alekšupīte River running through its old town centre, it is known as "The Latvian Venice". Indeed the river flows alongside the walls of many of the town’s houses. Like Ventspils, Kuldīga's streets are all made of various kinds of cobblestone.

Local authorities aim to make the old town of Kuldiga an important international tourism destination, to attract domestic and foreign tourists and contribute to the sustainable development of the town. The tourism resources of the town are based on its historical and cultural heritage and the Venta River which is one of the largest and most picturesque rivers of Latvia.

The historic and architectural heritage of Kuldiga is well preserved. In the park near the Kuldiga district museum fragments of the stone wall and the cellar of the first Kuldiga castle, built in 1242 by German knights, have been preserved. Later Duke Jacob’s castle (ruined in 1701) was situated there as well. Today it is a sculpture park. The old brick bridge across the Venta, built in 1874, is one of the longest of its type in Europe.

The Old Town Hall was built in the 17th century. The cellar of the building was the first prison in Kuldiga. The oldest wooden building in Courland was built in 1670 near the Town square on the banks of the River Alekšupīte.

The town square was an old assembly place for people. Traditional cultural heritage is part of everyday life in Kuldiga with textile workshops and celebrations of national festivals. There are also more contemporary events such as the annual running competition on the Alekšupīte (River of Aleksis) and the ‘naked people run’ over the historical bridge on the Venta River at Midsummer night.



Get in
There are several daily buses, taking 2-3 hours from capital Riga and frequent bus connections from nearby Ventspils and Talsi. Check 1188.lv for details.

Get around
Most of Kuldīga's attractions are within walking distance.

Only the sand caves are 4-5 km north of the Ventas River bridge. You might want to try hitch-hiking there, but people can be hesitant to take you along the way, because it is mostly families and couple going there. Alternatively, take a local taxi, which usually are available near bus station ("Maxima" or "Rimi" supermarkets)

See
Most of the main attractions are close to each other and easily reached by foot, except for the sand caves.



Go next

 * Check out the nearby attractions of the Kurzeme region.
 * Alsunga – A tiny but proud village just about 20 kilometers away, most known for its unique folklore and "sklandrauši" (carrot cakes), a famous snack in all of Latvia. Recipe has not changed from medieval times, usually sold by street vendors in the village streets in summertime.
 * Jurkalne – A beautiful white-sand beach with high shore. Spectacular sunset over the Baltic sea, excellent for summer camping and kids.
 * Liepāja – Named "the city of wind", and the southwestern most city of Latvia. Famous for its sandy beach, numerous music events, and the largest organ in the world. It features modern architecture and a long history along with the formerly secret Soviet military neighbourhood of Karosta (literally: War Port).
 * Ventspils – A modern and artistic sea resort city in the north-west part of Latvia, has many things to see, and is one of the tidiest places in the region. A long-stretching beach and recreational park provide everything for a relaxing holiday week or weekend. It gets its prosperity from the huge ice-free port, which is the busiest port in the Baltic states, and the oil transit business.
 * Saldus – An important cultural, educational, business and trade centre that boasts a very active cultural life, with local musicians, poets, painters and artists. It is home to a music school (1946) and an art school (1984).
 * Tukums – A town some 70 km west of Riga. Not that exciting, but known for its affinity with roses and the Rose Festival, as well as the nearby Cinevilla, a dummy city and now theme park.