Liepaja Getaway.
A weekend on Latvian western coast.
1. Riga- Liepaja. The road trip.
As the drive from Latvia's capital to one of the most interesting cities on the West coat takes around 3 hours, I would recommend making stops on your way.
Stop 1. Jaunpils Castle.
A unique medieval ensamble. Besides beautiful architecture, there is a medieval pub, occasional festivals and a hotel. It is definitely a lot of fun to explore.
Stop 2. Jaunpils Church.
Located right next to the castle ensamble, the medieval chrurch is absolutely beautiful in it's simplicity.
Stop 3. Jaunpils Beer.
After a short drive from the Jaunpils city, you will arrive to the Jaunpils Beer - brewery, restaurant and shop. It's a cosy family-run place which offers tours (make sure to call them and book in advance).
Stop 4. Rudbāržu muiža.
The pmanor house (built 1883) is a beautiful building worth a short stop. Keep in mind that it is not a fully touristy facility and it is not permitted to go imside.
2. In Liepaja. Home for the night.
Once you have arrived, check in at one of Liepaja's best hotels. My personal picks - Art Hotel Roma Liepāja and Promenade Hotel. This time we stayed at the first one.
Cosy rooms, friendly staff, DE-Li-CI-OUS breakfast and an art gallery on site.
3. Touring Liepaja.
Liepaja is definitely about the sea and music. So plan out a few hours and tour the city. Your "must" stops:
- Latvian Musicians’ Walk of Fame
- Concert hall Great Amber
- Art Nouveau architecture (Peldu iela 44, Friča Brīvzemnieka iela 53, Graudu iela 44 and 46)
- Liepaja Theatre
- The gorgeous churches - Liepājas Svētās Annas Evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca and Holy Trinity Cathedral liepaja
- Liepaja Beach (incl. he city name on the beach)
- Peter’s Market Liepaja
- Boulangerie - for a coffee break
4. For dinner and for drinks in Liepaja.
Since our hotel of choice was Art Hotel Roma, the decision was made to walk to the second best pick for dinner and drinks - Piano Restaurant at Promenade Hotel.
* other great alternatives are Spikeris 53 and MO Liepaja
5. Just outside Liepaja.
Travelling as a hedonist, means you will wake up slowly, have champagne and a luxurious breakfast in bed, get ready and drive to a beautiful destination, because it is the weekend and you deserve it!
This time we drive slightly outside of Liepaja center, to see a few unusual sights. Although these places might not have always been joyful and shiny, it is absolutely beautiful there now, and the historic context can only make your visit even more so mysterious
1. Northern Forts & Karosta - a former Russian Imperial and Soviet naval base on the Baltic Sea. On the steep dunes and the seafront you will see part-demolished fortifications scattered around, creating unusual sites to explore and beautiful views all-round. You can read more on the history of the place here.
2. St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Naval Cathedral - one of the most beautiful churches in Latvia, the construction of which was open by the Tsar Nikolai II in 1901.
3. The Northern Breakwater - a spectacular place, which becomes even more so during the bad weather. A must-visit destination for a walk or a picnic.
6. Liepaja - Riga. The road trip.
And lastly, picturesque stops for the road back home:
Stop 1 - Jurkalnes Stavkrasts. The highest seaside bank in Latvia. With beautiful pine trees, dunes an wide beaches - it's the best Latvian nature has to offer.
Stop 2 - Edoles Castle. Gothic Revival castle situated on the banks of Ēdole Lake. You can have a beautiful walk around or even spend the night there.
Stop 3 - Rumene manor. Although the manor house is mainly used for private events, they also offer luxurious stays and spa rituals. Call in advance to find out whether any events are taking place, and if not, come there for a beautiful walk or a spa ritual.
*Special thanks to our partners:
Art Hotel Roma and Hotel Promenade.