The unique city of Liepaja with its fine, white sandy beach is on the coast of the Baltic Sea. It is the third largest city in Latvia with a population of eighty thousand. A westerly wind, with a higher than average occurrence than in other parts of Latvia, has earned the city the name ‘The City Where Wind is Born’.

Liepaja beach has Blue Flag status.  White sand, various opportunities for recreational activities and lots of beach bars for refreshment.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1.    J. Čakstes Laukums – a square full of joy and laughter, where old and young, big or small can enjoy the fountains. Come here in the evening when the fountains are illuminated and see a play of light and water!

2.    Karosta, where Tsarist military elegance sits side by side with Soviet time harshness, is especially charming in autumn. The Northern Breakwater protects Liepaja port from storms and sand. You are welcome to walk its 1800 meters!

3.    Did you know – the origin for Latvian rock music is in Liepaja? Next to the open-air concert hall “Pūt, vējiņi!” there is a six-meter tall sculpture ‘The Ghost Tree’ , which commemorates the legendary Latvian rock group ‘Livi’. By pressing a button on one of the surrounding benches rock music will start to play.

4.    Listen to the biggest mechanical organ in the world in St. Trinity Lutheran Cathedral, and climb the tower to see a panoramic view of Liepaja.

5.    Peter’s Market is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike, for seasonal produce from farms near and far. Fruits from the forest and the sea, home baked fresh bread and cakes, flowers, herbal teas and much more. The pavilion of Peter’s Market is recognized as one of the most beautiful market pavilions in Europe.

Inspired by the sea and rustling wind, music is born from different rhythms. Liepaja offers all types of music at live music evenings in its city coffee shops and beach bars, or maybe at some of the classical music concerts.

The Liepaja Anthem “City where wind is born” is depicted by bronze sculptures located along the whole length of Kurmājas Prospect. By contrast the ‘Walk of Fame’, is located in the Rose Square, in the city center. Here you can see fifty-seven bronze plaques with the handprints of Latvian musicians.

GASTRONOMY

Liepaja is a city which welcomes guests and cares for their well-being.  Everyone knows when they have good food, people are happy and open to adventures. A vast range of bars, coffee shops and restaurants can be found in Liepaja.

1. Try the Liepaja dish ‘Liepajas Menciņi’ available only at the best Liepaja bars and restaurants. This dish is served in an original clay pot and includes smoked cod, potatoes, onions – all cooked following an old recipe from south Kurzeme.

Liepaja cruising presentation.pdf