Spend the “remote lockdown” in Ventspils
29.10.2021 - 14:10
Due to the new restrictions, a large section of society in Latvia have decided to replace the “stay-at-home lockdown” with “remote lockdown”, spending the remote work or leisure time at inspirational places in Latvia and even abroad. The Tourism Information Centre (TIC) of Ventspils encourages you to spend this special time, taking in the peace and beauty of the shore of the Baltic Sea.
At the time when the leisure and entertainment opportunities are limited, it is important to find a way to recover one's strength and boost up the energy levels. One of the best ways, and currently also the safest way, of recovering the strength is to take a walk in nature.
Drawing strength from nature
One of the principal reasons to visit Ventspils is the sea, where to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, to free your mind, and to take in the might of nature also during the cold season. The Blue Flag Beach of Ventspils stands out with the sandy, wide, and clean shoreline. Moreover, there are 10 different wooden footbridges that ensure access to the beach. The footbridge No. 5, for instance, leads to an environmental object, which is definitely worth an Instagram photo - a sculpture depicting the contour of the territory of Latvia, located at the top of the dune. The Grey Dune Area, on the other hand, can be accessed through the footbridge No. 10, which is also especially appreciated by dog-owners. The Southern Pier Promenade leading to the lighthouse is a perfect place for walks all year round. The unruly waters of the sea and the impressive gateway to the sea can be best observed from above - the observation tower or the platforms of the exhibited fishing vessels "Azova" and "Grots".
In order to appreciate the beauty of untouched nature - a beach surrounded by a steep coast and a pine wood - both the locals and city guests visit Staldzene, which is a historical fishing village only 10 km away from the centre of Ventspils and a popular place to take walks. The steep coast of Staldzene is the highest one in Latvia. In 2021, it was recognized as the geo-site of Latvia.
Right beside the shore, there is a wide and well-maintained Seaside Park perfect for leisure and walks in fresh air for the entire family. In addition to the great number of paths and trails, two special trails wind their way through the park - the Anchor Trail, which features the largest collection of anchors in the Baltic States with a total of 35 anchors of different sizes on display, and the Jungle Trail appreciated especially by children, where they can climb and crawl just like in a real jungle.
Those fond of longer walks will appreciate the nature trail of the Lake Būšnieki with a total length of 8 km. The Lake Būšnieki is covered by Natura 2000, the network of protected areas in Europe. A footbridge stretches along the marshy shore of the lake, revealing a bird observation deck at the end of it. Equipped with 10 training devices appropriate for all age groups, there is a Health Trail set up in part A of the shore. Furthermore, 7 new wooden fish sculptures are located around the lake. In order to take a breather during the walk and to appreciate the surroundings, well-maintained picknick areas are arranged on the lake shore.
Getting inspired by the city highlights
Enjoy the beauty of the well-maintained urban environment in the parks and squares of the city and discover a wide range of city highlights, one of them being the square "Lielais laukums" in the very heart of the city, distinguished by its particular appeal in terms of the landscape and architecture. It is also a home to the Concert Hall "Latvija" and the fountain "Frigate "Whale"", which add to the beautiful and modern features of the square. In the dark, it lights up, creating pleasant atmosphere and urging one to stay there just for a little while longer. Discover all ten fountains in the city, figural flower sculptures, as well as the expositions of the Cow Parade, using the map of walking routes developed by the Tourism Information Centre.
Not far from the city centre, there is a park called "Reņķa dārzs". Right beside the park, there is a pond with a fountain in the middle, surrounded by ducks. No less exciting are the environmental objects designed especially for children, which include fairy tale characters, sculptures of domestic animals, playground equipment "The Grasshopper" and "The Ladybug", and a set of swings. This park is especially popular among active leisure enthusiasts, who use the convenient paths for running and the Nordic Walking and do not miss the opportunity to use the open-air training equipment.
The centre of the old town of Ventspils - the Town Hall Square - is surrounded by the St. Nicholas Evangelical Lutheran Church, the International House of Writers and Translators, the Main Library, the Children's Library, and the Digital Centre. On the Market Square, on the other hand, one can observe the Carillon Bell Tower. The street markets are open every day, with increased trading especially on weekends.
The Promenade of the Ostas-Street is distinguished not only by its bright colours, but also by the wide panorama of the river Venta, the gateway to the sea, the historic port warehouses, the impressive collection of buoys (a total of 14 spar buoys and floats), and the exhibited pilot boat "Rota", which was operated in the Port of Ventspils for long years. At the entrance to the small fishing port, you will discover the "Lighthouse of Love" - an environmental object designed especially for newlyweds.
Ventspils offers a wide range of leisure activities also for children. There are 38 playgrounds at different locations across the city and two children's parks - the Children's Town and the children's park "Fantāzija" in the district of Pārventa, which are equipped with attractions for children and teenagers of all ages. Both parks can be visited free of charge.
The hill "Lemberga hūte", however, reveals the most amazing view in the entire region of Kurzeme. When standing next to the sculpture of a red deer, one can take in the impressive panorama of the city of Ventspils, the surrounding woods, and the Baltic Sea. The hill "Lemberga hūte" is located at an altitude of 50 m above the sea level, whereas the length of the hillslope is 240 m, while a total of 385 steps lead to the top of the hill. This ski hill is unique, as it was created artificially, and its height and the length of the hillslope are increased every year.
The city highlights can be discovered quickly and conveniently by bike, given that the total length of the cycling paths winding their way through the city has already reached 65 km! For more information on the cycling routes, click here. For more information on bike and electric scooter rental points, click here. If you intend to spend the "remote lockdown" in Ventspils, we invite you to take a look at the offer of accommodations in Ventspils - for more information, click here. Also, there are plenty of take-away and food delivery opportunities in Ventspils - for more information, click here.
