For Ventspils, the wide stretch of dazzling white sand south of the Venta River is its main treasure. During the warmer months, beach bums of every ilk – from nudists to kiteboarders – line the pristine Blue Flag sands to absorb the sun’s rays. It's backed by a belt of dunes and a lush manicured park.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
21.78 MILES
On a little hill, the proud white 1645 church looks mundane outside but inside is a national treasure: the towering 17th-century altarpiece is a…
16.43 MILES
This Cold War–era site contains a large radio telescope now run by an academic institute and used for astronomical studies. Hidden in the forest 24km…
1.08 MILES
This blocky building doesn't look obviously castle-like from the outside, but the 13th-century interior is home to an entertaining interactive local…
26.8 MILES
The namesake castle is the centre of everything in this hamlet. It’s part manor house, part fortification dating to 1264. It has a park-like setting and a…
0.79 MILES
Extending out into the Baltic Sea, the Southern Promenade follows a breakwater with thrilling views of huge freighters passing close by. The walk is…
28.82 MILES
Take the plunge into Suiti culture at this welcoming museum. Learn about their clothes, customs and song.
0.62 MILES
For centuries, life in Kurzeme revolved around seafaring and fishing. Occupying vast parkland territory, this museum features a collection of fishing…
Nearby Latvia attractions
0.62 MILES
For centuries, life in Kurzeme revolved around seafaring and fishing. Occupying vast parkland territory, this museum features a collection of fishing…
0.79 MILES
Extending out into the Baltic Sea, the Southern Promenade follows a breakwater with thrilling views of huge freighters passing close by. The walk is…
1.08 MILES
This blocky building doesn't look obviously castle-like from the outside, but the 13th-century interior is home to an entertaining interactive local…
4. Monument to Krišjānis Valdemārs
1.13 MILES
The monument is dedicated to the Latvian writer and educator who empowered thousands of Latvian peasants by setting up the first naval school.
1.24 MILES
This sculpture ensemble by Ojārs Feldbergs looks like a stone garden designed by aliens.
1.38 MILES
Visitors can learn about the handicrafts of Kurzeme in this 18th-century school building. Watch local artisans spin yarns (literally) and clay bowls,…
7. Nicholas Evangelical Lutheran Church
1.42 MILES
Built in 1835 on stately Rātslaukums, this church isn’t ‘St Nicholas’ because the house of worship was named for Tsar Nicholas II when he donated loads of…