When i think off  the place i grew up , i see my summer memories of my youth always involving days spent along the river, riding bikes or just quick dips in cool water and hours basking in the sun. Yes, i know perfect none the less. Every time i go back there i remember what it was like to be a kid. 🙂

Life, adulthood and city living have made this childhood utopia increasingly difficult to find. For those seeking a similar experience, here its is, Latvia’s prettiest town named Kuldiga.

 

|  WAR NEVER TOUCHED KULDIGA

There exists no pre-fab high rises or modern design, the tiny tangle of chocolate-box streets perfectly preserved relics of  «old Latvia».  A town set in the past, and more than deserving of it’s beauty.

Wonderful little red roof community is surprisingly empty ,  the streets wandered more by cats than curious tourists, a beautiful town that feels at times yours, and yours alone to discover. It is quite unlike any place in the country and an absolute must for those wanting to explore Latvia beyond Riga.

 

| THINGS TO DO IN KULDIGA

As one would expect from a sleepy town such as Kuldiga, there isn’t really a huge amount of things to do. Instead, this is a place that should be explored slowly, with walks along pretty cobblestone streets, lazy afternoons along the river, and cooling dips in the frigid waters of the Venta waterfall. This is the perfect first stop off summer road trip in Latvia.

 

My absolutely favourite ways to past the time…

 

| EXPLORE THE CHARMING STREETS

Colourful houses lined with windows offering glimpses into local lives, flowers wild and cherished proudly hunging from every door, shadows and light calling to explore each and every street that you shall pass. This town requires no route, you’ll turn a familiar corner before you ever really get lost.

 

| OLD TEXTILES 

You will stumble upon the entrance to a wonderful room filled with old handlooms and thick blankets and fabrics in colourful patterns all created in the traditional way.  The patterns, time, and skill put into making these is remarkable and they are available to purchase. The craft of weaving is still taught in schools, and it’s great that this is being kept alive.

 

| TAKE A DIP IN THE RAPIDS

Europe’s widest a mighty 270m across can actually be found in the centre of this tiny Latvian town.

At only around 2 meters tall, the ‘Ventas rumba’ it may not be quite what you will envision but on an uncharacteristically warm morning, you will discover that its height is actually what provides its most rewarding feature – a chance to cool off in its rapids.

 

If you’re fortunate to be in Latvia during spring, i’m absolutely encouraging you to visit Kuldiga for salmon spawning season when you can see the hardiest fish in the world swimming upstream and leaping up and over the waterfall. Note that the easiest way to access this part of Kuldiga is by crossing the brick bridge and taking the path from the car park, which will take you over a small wooden bridge laden down with lover’s padlocks, and down to the river.

 

 

 

| ENJOY THE LOCAL FESTIVALS

Built in 1874, the two carriage wide ‘Old Brick Bridge’ is the longest of its kind in Europe, and whilst it forms a picture postcard backdrop, particularly on a summer’s day, edged by the green grass and with a clear blue sky as its backdrop. Crossing it becomes an entirely different experience on Midsummer’s Eve when the annual ‘Nude Race’ takes place! 😉 For those interested in learning a little more about Latvian culture, without any nudity required, you should time your visit to Kuldiga with the annual Kuldiga Festival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

| VISIT THE KULDIGA SAND CAVES

Located just a few kilometers outside of Kuldiga, are the Riežupe Sand Caves, a labyrinthine network of manmade tunnels created in the 18th century. Covering more than 2 kms, although only 460m are open to the public, this cave system is the largest in Latvia and the perfect place to explore if grey skies replace the blue.

 

| WHERE TO EAT IN KULDIGA

For a town so small, Kuldiga punches well above its weight in terms of places to eat with a mixture of local and more international cuisine on offer.

 

Here is a few places I absolutely recommend!

 

Goldingen Room | Probably the coolest spot in town, Goldingen Room has got its hipster credentials down pat.

Exposed brick, distressed wood and cool accents – its menu is also top notch.

Artisan pizzas, pasta dishes and modern takes on traditional favourites. It’s also got a wonderful outdoor seating area in the main square for those warmer days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bangert’s Restaurant | Fine dining at a really good price. The menu is pretty meat and fish heavy, but they can cater to vegetarians on request. Lovely setting at the edge of the river.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residence Kafe | Fantastic coffee, great craft beer and a lovely beer across the waterfalls.

This is a must-visit for an afternoon pick me up, pst…..

the cakes look dreamy with  the sunset to watch over the river.

 

 

 

 

 

The Marmalade | Light bites, delicious treats and good coffee, The Marmalade is such a cosy spot.

During the colder months, i’ll couldn’t think of a better place in town to warm up after a few hours sightseeing.

 

| WHERE TO STAY IN KULDIGA

The standard of accommodation on offer in town is excellent, with guest houses and hotels within minutes of the main square.

2 Baloži | If you don’t get upset by the calming sound of pigeons cooing, then I’m highly recommend it.

This place has the name ‘2 pigeons’ for a reason!

A small guesthouse with good-sized rooms, nice furnishings and buffet breakfast served in Goldingen Restaurant across the road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kuldigas Metropole | If you prefer more of a standard hotel-setup, then consider the Metropole.

Open since 1910 and located on the main street, it has modern rooms and

facilities and lots of space, and continues to be very popular choice amongst visitors.

 

 

 

Guesthouse Ventas Rumba | With a prime location by the river, this cheap and cheerful guesthouse

has great views of the old bridge and waterfalls.

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