This city, located in the north-west of Latvia, at the mouth of the Venta River, is one of the oldest settlements in the country. Recently, it has been developing dynamically and is considered the main tourist center of the Baltic state. The popular resort offers a luxurious vacation on a pristine beach, marked by a special award - the blue flag.
A bit of history
The port of Ventspils (Latvia), whose territory is approximately 55 thousand square kilometers, was first mentioned in 1290, when the Knights of the Teutonic Order founded a small settlement on the seashore. In the Middle Ages, it was a major shopping center due to its convenient location.
Ventspils, in which the ships were built, was completely destroyed by the Swedes and lost a large number of inhabitants during the plague epidemic. Literally from the ruins, the village was slowly recovering, but it suffered the heaviest financial damage after the First World War.
In 1991, there were changes in the political and cultural life of the resort, and now its economic development is observed. Currently, Ventspils (Latvia) is actively investing its oil transit revenues in tourism infrastructure.
Quiet resort
A large commercial and industrial center surprises with silence and tranquility. It does not at all resemble the resort towns of Latvia, where fuss reigns around the clock. Surprisingly, even in the high tourist season, from May to September, the streets of the Latvian capital of flowers are not very crowded. The colorful Ventspils will appeal to history buffs as well as lovers of splashing in the sea.
Climate and weather
The climate of the resort is temperate, passing from marine to continental. The highest summer temperature does not exceed 20 ° C, and in winter it ranges from - 2 to +7 ° C. The beach season opens in June and lasts until the end of August.
Castle of the livonian order
Charming Ventspils (Latvia), whose sights tell a story of rich history, is famous for the most famous ancient monument - the ancient fortress of the Livonian Order.
The business card of the city, which has retained its original appearance with almost no changes, appeared in the XIII century. The knights and their servants lived in a stone castle with narrow loophole windows. When the Livonian Order ceased to exist, the judicial administration was located in the citadel. In the XVII century, the Swedes, who attacked the city of Ventspils, burned the fortress, but the inhabitants reinstated their former appearance by stone.
Now the castle houses a museum that works all year round. Curious tourists will be surprised by the Ghost Basement exhibition, the Living History exposition, and after prior registration, visitors will be able to shoot a real cannon and try archery.
Live watch
The city with a mild climate is everywhere decorated with floral arrangements that delight the eyes of tourists. But the most famous work of landscape art is considered to be a luxury watch located at the crossroads of Lielais and Kuldigas streets. Beautifully decorated, they emit melodic sounds every hour, causing delight among the guests of the resort.
Ventspils (Latvia) - city of cows
It is curious, but after 2002, when the world parade of cows was held in the city, plastic sculptures painted by artists remained to delight local residents. Original art objects fit perfectly into the landscape of the tourist center and decorated its streets.
Now the number of giant horned animals is only growing every year, as well as the number of tourists.
Family oriented city
Washed by the waves of the Baltic Sea, one of the cleanest cities in the world, the most beautiful Ventspils. Rest at the resort, a significant part of which (almost 40 percent of the territory) is occupied by forests and parks, will please parents and their children. Each green corner offers visitors a huge selection of entertainment.
Seaside park, where excellent conditions for the rest of children are created, is a real paradise for kids. A lot of attractions, a children's town, the Kukushka train that will take you along a narrow-gauge road, a mini museum with samples of ancient anchors and boats - this is just a small list of what a richly picturesque place, which is a modern attraction of the resort.
Young tourists will love Piedzīvojumu parks - a real adventure park that has existed for more than 13 years. They will test their endurance on rope tracks, walk along the cable car, ride electric cars, play children's paintball, go down the trees like Tarzan on ropes. Young adventurers will even be able to experience a feeling of weightlessness by flying on a catapult. Here you can buy a subscription to all attractions or purchase a ticket for certain types of entertainment, and the provided discount system will pleasantly surprise the parents of the children.
Everyone who loves outdoor activities, goes to the country's largest sports center, promoting the Olympic movement. The complex located on the seashore includes an ice and a basketball court, a football field, a stadium, an athletics arena, an indoor skate park and a water park, open in winter. Ventspils Olympic Center boasts a hotel with a high level of service. 150 comfortable rooms are designed for short or extended stay of city guests.
Hotels in Ventspils (Latvia)
The resort offers tourists more than 43 accommodation options. You can choose hostels, villas, guest houses, hotels according to your desire and wallet. Of course, the prices for accommodation in them depend not only on the season, but also on the location. Many hotels are located both in modern buildings and those erected at the beginning of the last century, which adds to their special attractiveness. Like other cities of Latvia, which are characterized by high quality service, Ventspils will not disappoint even the most demanding tourists.
For example, the Dzintarjura and Vilnis hotels offer rooms for all comers with all amenities. The Muiza and Ostina hotels are considered a higher class, and for those who want to stay outside the city, the Pension Sarnate will come to the rescue.
Amrai Guest House, located near the center, opens the door for couples who do not want to spend a lot on accommodation.
Located near the sea, Piejuras Kempings is a cozy campsite with a kitchen, fridge and bathrooms. Two-room houses are best booked in advance. Here you can also rent comfortable tents.
The resort area of the capital of cows and flowers has long reached the European level, so travelers from around the world, including our compatriots, often come here on vacation. Here children, couples in love, people of respectable age will find entertainment. Not a single guest will be disappointed, and no one will regret a fascinating trip to Ventspils (Latvia).