• Discover the oldest medieval convent style fortress in Latvia –
  Ventspils Livonian Order Castle
• Enjoy the first Blue Flag beach in Latvia
• Explore Latvia’s dramatic Baltic coastline and the seaside towns
  of Kolka and Jurkalne

Ventspils is one of the oldest cities in Latvia. The first building on this site was the Ventspils Livonian Order Castle. First mentioned in historical documents in 1290, this castle is the oldest ‘convent’ style fortress in Latvia, created in the style of four living quarters joined by a thick wall. It was remodeled in the 15th Century after Ventspils joined the prestigious medieval trading organisation of the Hanseatic League and became more prosperous.

Located at the mouth of the Venta River, which flows into the Baltic Sea, Ventspils is one of the busiest ice free ports of Eastern Europe. During the Soviet times, this port was one of the most important in the USSR. Walk along the Venta River promenade and you will discover first hand the progress this city has made since becoming free from Soviet occupation. In fact, testament to Ventspils progress since this time came in 1999 when it was the first city in Latvia to receive the esteemed Blue Flag for its beaches. It is no surprise then that many of the activities available in Ventspils revolve around the water; swimming, sunbathing and watersports. Sections of the beach are even reserved for surfers and nudists.