Kuldīga Municipality: Old Town, Rivers and Culture

Historic sites, river landscapes and routes through forests and bogs give Kuldīga Municipality many different facets. In Kuldīga, the Old Town meets the water; other destinations lead to Suiti traditions, sand caves and nature trails. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on culture and history, walks or activities on the water.

Kuldīga: Old Town and River Landscape

Kuldīga’s Old Town largely preserves the street layout from the time of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. It lies at the confluence of the Venta and the smaller Alekšupīte stream; this location contributes to its picturesque character. The confluence and the Ventas Rumba waterfall are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. A stay here lets you take in the historic urban fabric and striking waterscape together.

The Kuldīga District Museum also explores the town’s history. In the Bangertu Villa, the “Kuldīga Before Us” exhibition presents Kuldīga’s history; the villa also hosts changing art and history exhibitions. Another indoor exhibition, “The Apartment of a Wealthy Kuldīga Resident in the Early 20th Century,” offers a glimpse into the home of a wealthy town resident of that period.

Riverside and Nature Trails

The hiking trail along the Venta follows the river’s left bank to the new bridge in Kuldīga. The easy route is 2.4 kilometres long; the extended route to the Old Bridge covers 5.4 kilometres. Along the way, enjoy views of nature, opportunities for birdwatching and vistas of the waterfall. The section between Pils iela and Vienības iela is illuminated, making it suitable for evening walks. Check in advance whether the lighting is currently working.

The routes in the Riežupe area focus on landscapes and caves. They pass through the Venta Valley Nature Reserve and Riežupe Nature Park, whose character is shaped by hillside and ravine forests, sandstone outcrops, and rare plant and animal species. The Riežupe Sand Caves form a two-kilometre-long labyrinth, 460 metres of which are open to visitors. The caves are closed from November to March because bats hibernate there. Check seasonal access before planning your visit. The labyrinth was dug by hand over three generations; more than 100 years ago, its white sand was used in glass production in Iļģuciems.

The Žibgravas Nature Trail is 1.5 kilometres long and runs through hilly woodland alongside the winding Kauliņupīte River. Information boards cover plants and animals, as well as legends and riddles related to the Suiti dialect. The Kalnansu Bog Trail offers a different landscape: its roughly one-kilometre-long boardwalk leads through the forest to a raised bog and the “Bezdibenis” bog lake. The boardwalk is considered suitable for wheelchair users and parents with strollers. In August and September, the raised bog offers a glimpse of its biodiversity and wild berries, including cloudberries, bilberries, bog blueberries, cranberries and lingonberries.

A total of 121 bird species have been observed in Rudbārži Forest Park and its surroundings. The former manor park covers 9.6 hectares and includes native plants as well as 57 introduced species. The “Birders” trail combines a visit to the park with a challenge: use a map to find stations featuring bird images and QR codes. Ask locally whether the game is available.

Suiti Traditions and History in Alsunga

Crafts, cuisine and architectural history come together in Alsunga. Alsunga Crafts House has permanent exhibitions of a Suiti living room, a kitchen and Catholic priest’s vestments. It also hosts the Suiti workshops “Austuve” for weaving and “Suitu Ķēķis” for cuisine. By prior arrangement, individual excursion routes through Alsunga can include tastings of traditional Suiti dishes.

The Livonian Order Castle in Alsunga was built in 1372; its complex took shape gradually from the 14th to the 18th century. Parts of the eastern wing’s cellars, the southern wing and two defensive towers have survived. The castle is a national architectural monument. A permanent interactive exhibition includes sound installations, video projections, a virtual reality installation and puzzles about brooches and the Suiti collar pattern. Confirm whether the exhibition is available before your visit.

More Excursions and Activities

In Skrunda, the easy “Skrunda Loop” covers about 16 kilometres, passing sights and exploring the surrounding landscape. During bird migration, waterfowl stop at the fishponds along the route, offering opportunities for birdwatching. The “Deportāciju piemiņas vagons – muzejs” museum is housed in a railway carriage and features a permanent exhibition of photographs, letters, memoirs, documents and personal belongings of deportees. You can collect the key for your visit from the attendant at Skrunda railway station and return it there afterwards.

Water activities are another option: the Venta is navigable by boats of all kinds, and its banks have well-equipped facilities and campsites set up by water tourists. Check river conditions and the relevant facility before setting off. In Skrunda, VentaSUPe rents SUP boards with life jackets and waterproof bags. In Kuldīga, Mārtiņsala is the only official swimming area; it has beach volleyball courts, children’s playgrounds, picnic and campfire spots, as well as changing rooms and toilets. The lifeguard service is seasonal—ask before your visit whether it is operating.

Discover more destinations: Kuldīga, Padure, Vārme, Renda, Ķimale, Vilgāle, Veldze, Īvande.

For the broader travel overview: Latvia.