Karosta Prison

Lonely Planet review

A detention facility until 1997, today ghostly Karosta Prison offers a variety of tours. Originally built as an infirmary in 1900, the Soviets, Nazis and most recently the Latvians used the place as a military prison. Graffiti left behind by former inmates reveals the horrors incurred doing hard time here.

Supposedly haunted, your tour guide will be happy to try to explain the unexplainable - light bulbs that mysteriously screw out of their sockets, doors that open without assistance and sudden eerie chills that descend upon a heated room. If you're craving some serious punishment, or just want to brag that you've spent the night in Latvian jail, sign up to become a prisoner for the night. You'll be subjected to regular bed checks, verbal abuse by guards in period garb and forced to relieve yourself in the most disgusting of latrines. It's a very different experience, all right. For more details, check the website.