Tourist Places to Visit in Kuldiga, Latvia, Europe

Tourist Places to Visit in Kuldiga, Latvia, Europe

Kuldiga is a tourist favor town with numerous renowned historical sites, museums, waterfalls and cathedrals. It comes under the Kuldiga municipality in Latvia, is situated about 160 km west of the national capital, Riga.

 

Geography of Kuldiga:

Lying between 56°58′ N latitude and 21°58′ E longitude, Kuldiga is spread over an area of 13.2 sq. km.

 

History of Kuldiga:

The old town of Kuldiga originated on the banks of the River Venta with the foundation of a fortified castle during the middle of the 13th century and also believed that, Couronians were the original settlers of Kuldiga. Kuldiga became the part of the Hanseatic League in the year 1368 and it served as the capital of the Duchy of Courland in the 17th century along with Jelgava town.

 

Connectivity to Kuldiga:

The Riga International Airport is the nearest major airport to Kuldiga, situated about 155 km away. This is the most important airport of Latvia with connections to many major European destinations such as Frankfurt, Helsinki, Paris, London, Rome, Moscow, Minsk, Istanbul and Madrid.

From airport, tourists can take taxi or bus for comfortable airport travel and also during peak season, there are many reputed travel companies offering economical bus services to Kuldiga from Riga.

For local travel, tourists can use public transportation or rental vehicles such as cars and bikes.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Kuldiga:

Kuldiga is rich in culture with many nationally renowned festivals, competitions and museums with typical historical objects and artifacts.

Kuldiga also houses both traditional and upgraded shops in the town centre. The major restaurants in Kuldiga are as follows:

  • Stenders
  • Metropol
  • Pagrabins

 

Things to do in Kuldiga:

  • Visiting Historical sites and museums
  • Walking
  • Boating

 

Places to see in Kuldiga:

The Venta waterfall:

With a width of 240 meters, the Venta waterfall is Europe’s widest waterfall, provided by the Venta River. There is an event called, the Flying Fish Show held in the spring months which attract tourists from all around the country.

 

St Catherine’s Church:

Constructed in the year 1252, the St Catherine’s Church is dedicated to the patroness of the town, St Catherine and was renovated with the baroque style wood carvings. It has a special history as it witnessed the marriage of Duke Jacob with Princess Louisa Charlotte.

 

Jewish Synagogue:

Being one of the biggest structures in Kuldiga, the Jewish Synagogue was constructed in 1875 as of the documents in ancient Hebrew. The splendid interior is the highlight of the synagogue.

 

List of other places of interest in Kuldiga includes:

  • The Historical Centre of Kuldīga
  • The old brick bridge
  • Alekšupīte Waterfall
  • The Alekšupīte
  • Liepājas Street
  • The Riežupe Sand Caves
  • Sculptress Livija Rezevska’s sculpture museum
  • The Town Hall
  • Skede Dunes Memorial
  • Ventspils Beach
  • Open-Air Art Museum
  • Holy Trinity Cathedral
  • Ventspils Museum
  • Ventspils Children’s Town
  • Edole Castle
  • Irbene Radio Astronomy Center

 

Best time to visit Kuldiga:

The months of the summer season are ideal to visit Kuldiga to explore historical sites and waterfalls.

 

Accommodation options in Kuldiga:

Kuldiga houses around 10 well known accommodation centers categorized as hotels, hostel, vacation rentals, BB and inns with latest tourist favor facilities and services including AC and 24 hour room service. Tourists can also find hotels of neighboring towns. List of the major hotels in and around Kuldiga includes:

  • Kuldigas Metropole
  • Sunny Hill Bed & Breakfast
  • Hotel Aleksis
  • Mazsalijas
  • Virkas Muiza
  • Kolonna Hotel Kuldiga
  • Jana Nams
  • Kursa Hotel
  • Ventas Rumba
  • Liepaja Travellers Hostel
  • Europa City Amrita Hotel
  • Hotel Raibie Logi
  • Hotel Juras Brize
  • Motelis Veju Paradize
  • Rezidence Kurzeme
  • Hotel of the Olympic Centre Ventspils

 

Places to Visit in Jekabpils, Latvia, Europe

Places to Visit in Jekabpils, Latvia, Europe

Jekabpils is a city located in the southeastern Latvia, around 90 km northwest of the Daugavpils city and 135 km southeast of Riga, the capital of Latvia. Krustpils and Jekabpils are the two historical parts of Jekabpils; Krustpils is located on the left bank of the Daugava River belonging to the Selonia cultural region and Krustpils is situated on the right bank the Daugava River belonging to the Latgale cultural region. The bridge over the Daugava River connects these two historical parts.

 

Geography of Jekabpils:

Jekabpils coordinates with 56°29′58″ N latitude and 25°52′42″ E longitude and sprawls over an area of 26.284 sw. km.

 

History of Jekabpils:

Krustpils is the older settlement than Jekabpils as it originated around the Krustpils Castle before the 15th century and the Jekabpils settlement was founded by the Old Believers from Russia during the 17th century. These two towns combined in the year 1962. Jekabpils was the site of a Soviet air base.

 

How to reach Jekabpils?

As like most Latvian cities and towns, Jekabpils is served by Riga International Airport situated around 150 km away from the centre of Jekabpils operating flights from and to prominent European cities including London, Moscow, Rome and Frankfurt.

There are frequent buses playing between Riga and Jekabpils, served by both public and private transport companies. Jekabpils is also connected to Riga by train.

It is advised for tourists to book private vehicle for airport travel through online prior to reaching the airport.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Jekabpils:

Jekabpils is home to many historical churches, museums and exhibition centers as well.

Jekabpils also houses many modernized shops with branded products as well as typical colorful traditional handicraft products.

The famous food corners in and around Jekabpils are listed below:

  • Viesu nams – cafe Liepas
  • Bauskas Tirgotjas
  • La Tour de Marie
  • Kafejnica Saulgozi
  • Kuksu Muiza

 

What to do in Jekabpils?

  • Visiting historical sites
  • Shopping
  • Walking

 

Tourist attractions in Jekabpils:

Krustpils Castle:

The Krustpils Castle is the most important tourist attraction in Jekabpils, located in the Krustpils historical part. This medieval castle was built between 1255 and 1297, by Archbishop of Riga. This is still good in condition, open for public.

 

Old Believers Church:

There is a church in Jekabpils, called the Old Believers Church which may be constructed during the 17th century by the Russian immigrants.

 

Memorial museum of Rainis:

The Memorial museum of Rainis is located in Tadenava, around 50 km away from Jekabpils. Rainis was one of the renowned Latvian poets.

 

Other tourist attractions in and around Jekabpils include:

  • Struve Geodetic Arc
  • Jekabpils city council
  • Strūves Park
  • Ormaņkalns
  • Memorial museum “Riekstiņi”
  • Rundale Palace Museum
  • Tervete Nature Park
  • Bauska Castle
  • Virgin Anna Roman Catholic Cathedral
  • Dobele Castle
  • Zviedru Cepure
  • Cinevilla
  • Jelgava Palace
  • Simeon’s and St. Anna’s Orthodox Cathedral
  • Jelgava History and Art Museum
  • Holy Trinity Church
  • Dobele Evangelical Lutheran Church

 

When to visit Jekabpils?

The months between June and October will be best to travel historical Jekabpils.

 

Where to stay in Jekabpils?

There are only four well facilitated hotels in Jekabpils, on this point; tourists can reach neighboring cities such as Tukums, Jelgava, Bauska and Smarde for more facilitated hotels and healthy hospitality services. The reputed hotels in and around Jekabpils include:

  • Hotel Luiize
  • Citrus Spa
  • Daugavkrasti
  • Hercogs Jekabs Hotel
  • Hotel Tukums
  • Hotel Kungu ligzda
  • Hotel Bauska
  • Struteles Mansion
  • Ferienhaus Kalna Straumeni
  • Ferienhaus Lidakas
  • Guest House Jankrasti
  • Villa Anna Hotel
  • Jaunmoku Palace Hotel
  • Balta Maja Guesthouse
  • Recreation Center Brize

Jurmala Tourist Places to Visit in Jurmala, Latvia, Europe

Jurmala Tourist Places to Visit in Jurmala, Latvia, Europe

Jurmala is the fifth largest city in Latvia covering a total area of 100 sq. km. It lies between the Lielupe River and the Gulf of Riga, around 25 km west of the national capital, Riga. Jurmala is widely renowned for its 33 km long white-sand beach and Art Nouveau style wooden homes which were earlier housed by many renowned Russian Kings.

 

Geography of Jurmala:

Jurmala is geographically positioned between 56°58′ N latitude and 23°45′ E longitude.

 

History of Jurmala:

Jurmala was earlier part of Riga, called as Rīgas Jūrmala. It began developing as a spa town in the end of the 18th and the beginning of 19th centuries and it gained higher reputation with the inauguration of the Riga – Tukums railway line in the year 1877 which resulted more visitors towards Jurmala. Jurmala achieved the city status officially in the year 1959.

 

How to reach Jurmala?

Jurmala is served by Riga International Airport, located about 25 km away from the heart of Jurmala with schedule flights to prime European cities such as London, Moscow, Helsinki, Minsk, Budapest, Oslo, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Rome, and New York in USA.

For travelers’ convenience, there is bus service arranged between Riga Airport and Jurmala since 2008. Tourists can also reach Jurmala by train from Riga Airport which takes around 30 minutes.

For local travel, tourists can use a taxi or bus or rental vehicles such as car or bike.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Jurmala:

Jurmala was the birth place of one of the renowned poets of Latvia Imants Ziedonis.  The major festivals and competitions held in Jurmala include:

  • New Wave
  • Singing KiViN
  • The Jurmala International Piano Competition
  • The International Academic Music Competition

Shops are abundant and the famous food corners in Jurmala are:

  • De Gusto
  • Bar & Grill 36.Line
  • Sue Asia
  • Lighthouse Grill

 

Things to do in Jurmala:

  • Day tours
  • Swimming
  • Surfing
  • Windsurfing
  • Waterskiing
  • Sailing

Places to see in Jurmala:

Jurmala Beach:

A 33 km long beach of Jurmala is the first preference of tourists visiting the place during the summer months. The beaches feature football fields, playgrounds, benches and offers surfing, windsurfing and other water sport activities.

 

Dzintari Concert Hall:

The Dzintari Concert Hall was constructed on the site of the Eidenburg amphitheater. Jazz, classical, rock and pop music performances can enjoy here.

 

Horn Gardens:

The Horn Gardens is the prime recreation centre in Jurmala, witnessed the first Latvian symphonic music concerts and it was also the site of Jurmala’s first movie show.

 

List of other places of interest in Jurmala includes:

  • Livu Akvaparks
  • Dzintari Forest Park
  • Jomas Street
  • Kemeri National Park
  • Jurmala open-air museum
  • Majori Ice Skating Hall
  • Jurmala City Museum
  • Eiropa Hote
  • Art Studio ‘Inner Light
  • Dendrologic Park of Bulduri Gardening College
  • Kemeri Sanatorium Building
  • Raga Kapa Nature Park
  • Dubulti Lutheran church
  • Kemeri Love Islet
  • Sulphur Water Spring Lizzard

 

Best time to visit Jurmala:

Between May and September is the best time to visit Jurmala for beach exploration.

 

Accommodation options in Jurmala:

Jurmala has lot for the stay of visitors coming from the different regions of the world. Other than luxury resorts and hotels, Jurmala houses many hostels and camping options for budget travelers. The prominent hotels in Jurmala are listed below:

  • Baltic Beach Hotel
  • Hotel Jurmala Spa
  • Villa Joma Hotel
  • KRC Jaunkemeri
  • Amber Spa Boutique Hotel
  • Hotel Melnais Starkis Guesthouse
  • TB Palace Hotel & Spa
  • Alve Spa Hotel
  • Daina Spa Hotel
  • Balta Puce Hotel
  • Kempinski Kemeri Palace Resort
  • Rigas Licis Hotel
  • Boutique Hotel & Restaurant MaMa
  • Light House Hotel
  • Eiropa Hotel Deluxe
  • Priedes Guest House

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Jelgava, Latvia, Europe

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Jelgava, Latvia, Europe

Jelgava is a city situated in the central part of Latvia between 56°38′54″ N latitude and 23°42′50″ E longitude. It belongs to the region of Zemgale holding a population of 64,000 inhabitants. The Rastrelli Palace and the Academia Petrina are the major landmarks in Jelgava.

 

Geography of Jelgava:

Jelgava is situated on the right bank of the Lielupe River at an elevation of 3.5 meters, about 40 kms southwest of Riga, the capital of Latvia.

 

History of Jelgava:

Jelgava derives its name from the Livonian word ‘jālgab’ (town on the river) and the German name of Jelgava is Mitau. During the 10th century, the settlement of Jelgava originated between the Lielupe and Driksa rivers. Jelgava served as the capital of the combined Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, and the Courland Governorate until the dissolution of the Russian Empire in 1918.

 

How to reach Jelgava?

The Riga International Airport is the closest airport to Jelgava, situated about 45 km away from Jelgava taking around 40 minutes by bus and costing 1,5Ls. This airport is the major airport of Latvia operating flights to and from Eindhoven, London, Moscow, Manchester, Brussels, Minsk, Helsinki, Hamburg, Rome, Frankfurt and many other important destinations.

Jelgava is connected to Riga by train costing about 1,45Ls and taking around 50 minutes.

Trolley buses are ideal for local travel and also tourists can use taxi to get around.

 

Culture and Food in Jelgava:

The Gederts Eliass Jelgava History and Art Museum is the main cultural centre in Jelgava describing the rich history, art and culture of the region.

There are food corners abundant with both traditional and international dishes. Tourists can also visit inbuilt restaurants of the hotels.

The major food corners in Jelgava are listed below:

  • Hercogs
  • Madara
  • La Tour de Marie

 

Must see in Jelgava:

Academia Petrina:

The Academia Petrina or the Jelgava Gymnasium is the symbol of Jelgava as Latvia’s oldest higher educational institution. The Duke Peter von Biron was the founder of the Academia Petrina, founded in 1775. Now it has been converted as the Gederts Eliass Jelgava History and Art Museum.

Rastrelli Palace:

Located in the centre of Jelgava, the Rastrelli Palace was constructed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the 18th century. Now it is used as the Latvian University of Agriculture.

 

Baroque church of St. Anne:

The Baroque church of St. Anne is a historical church located in the Jelgava city known for its beautiful construction.

 

List of other places of interest in Jelgava includes:

  • The Villa Medem
  • Trinity church tower
  • Jelgava History and Art Museum
  • Virgin Anna Roman Catholic Cathedral
  • Simeon’s and St. Anna’s Orthodox Cathedral
  • Holy Transfiguration Poustinia
  • Rundale Palace Museum
  • Tervete Nature Park
  • Dobele Castle
  • Bauska Castle
  • Zviedru Cepure
  • Cinevilla
  • Bauska Town Hall
  • Dobele Evangelical Lutheran Church

 

When to visit Jelgava?

Throughout the year is best, especially the summer months are best to trip Jelgava.

 

Where to stay in Jelgava?

As like many Latvian cities, Jelgava houses less accommodation centers and for better hospitality services, tourists can refer the hotels of the Riga city which is around 40 km away from Jelgava. In the below list, first 4 hotels in are in Jelgava and the remaining hotels are in the neighboring towns of Jelgava. The prominent hotels in Jelgava include:

  • Zemgale
  • Hotel Jelgava
  • Recreation Center Brize
  • Aitinlauvas
  • Hotel Tukums
  • Motel Brencis
  • Hotel Kungu ligzda
  • Hercogs Jekabs Hotel
  • Ferienhaus Kalna Straumeni
  • Ferienhaus Lidakas
  • Villa Elizabete
  • Guest House Jankrasti
  • Villa Anna Hotel
  • Jaunmoku Palace Hotel
  • Balta Maja Guesthouse
  • Atputa Ozolniekos
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