Liepaja is a city of successful changes, where people who have lived here between the Amber Sea and the lake for more than 750 years have always been tough and clever. The charm of the city lies hidden in its special atmosphere. Perhaps the city of Liepaja is a bit reserved and rough, but it’s also noble and rebellious.
First mentioned in 1253 as a small Curonian settlement, Liepaja was the site of a fortress built by the knights of the Teutonic Order in 1263. During the Great Northern War, Liepaja was conquered by Charles XII of Sweden, but after the end of the war, the city was in Polish possession. In the Third Partition of Poland, in 1795, it was captured by Russia.
Modern Liepaja has important industries producing steel, agricultural machinery, linoleum, sugar, canned fish, textiles, and shoes. It is a base for deep-sea fishing and has several schools, including a college of navigation and a branch of Riga Polytechnic Institute. After Latvia joined the European Union in 2004, the city became a popular summer holiday destination for foreign tourists.
GPS: 56° 30′ 42″ N, 21° 0′ 50″ E
Liepaja is a city located in western Latvia, on the Baltic Sea. It is the largest city in the Kurzeme Region and the third-largest city in the country after Riga and Daugavpils. It is an important ice-free port.
Liepaja has its own airport and there are Air Baltic flights to/from Riga in just 30 minutes. Riga International Airport offers many direct flights to Europe and Asia, including cheap Ryanair, Air Baltic and Wizz Air routes. It is located 220 km east of Liepaja city.
There are two main roads leading to Liepaja. One is the A9 from Riga, the other is the A11 from Klaipeda. Other roads are the P111 to/from Ventspils and many regional roads.
Liepaja is connected by bus with Riga (several times a day), Klaipeda, Palanga, Ventspils, Kuldiga, and other towns and smaller villages in the Liepaja region. The bus station is located some distance from the center.
A nice and relatively fast train runs twice a week to and from Riga. The train to Riga also stops in Skrunda, Saldus, Dobele and Jelgava. On the train, you can watch a DVD movie or drink a cup of coffee from a vending machine.
Latvia’s very own version of Alcatraz, but without the water, the sharks or the view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The ominous brick building has been witness to some ghastly crimes over the past century. www.karostascietums.lv
It has many unique qualities that are sure to please everyone. Its well-preserved interior masterpieces, artwork, 13-meter high sacred altar and one of the biggest organs in the world creates outstanding music.
The oldest electric tram line on the territory of the Baltic States curves from north to south through the residential areas of the city. The Liepāja tramway was put into service in 1899. Liepāja was the first city in the Baltics to introduce the most modern means of transport of the time. It is also worth noting that this nature-friendly form of public transport is available in only three cities in Latvia.
The market is located right in the center of town. The pavilion of the market was designed by the architect Melvil and opened in 1910. The pavilion had an innovative shape for the time. Did you know that the St. Peter's Market Pavilion was recognized as one of the most beautiful market pavilions in Europe?
Since the city is one of the most beloved holiday resorts in Latvia, the best time to visit is in the spring or summer. Between January and April, the climate is harsh. It rains about 14% of the time in April and January is extremely cold.
The restaurant is located in the center of Liepaja, but away from the bustle and noise of the city. It’s a good place to hide from the outside world. The restaurant is located on two floors, where you can organize banquets, seminars, business dinners, and family celebrations. It is possible to book the whole restaurant or parts of it.
The restaurant is known for its international cuisine and friendly service. Every customer who walks through the restaurant's door is either a friend or will become one. Whether it's a quick lunch in the middle of the day or a cozy evening with friends over a glass of wine, "Upe" always guarantees the right atmosphere and service.
People have noticed that the restaurant here serves well-cooked potato pancakes, bacon and BBQ ribs. Ordering good stuffed pancakes is what most visitors recommend. According to the guests, the craft beer is delicious. Order the great coffee that is offered here. In the evening you can listen to live music.
The cooks in this restaurant do their best to provide good fish to visitors. This place is known for its delicious wine. The cozy atmosphere of Roze Restaurant allows customers to relax after a hard day's work. The service here is said to be nice.
The 4-star Hotel "Amrita" is probably the best choice for your visit to Liepaja during your leisure or business trip. The hotel offers 83 comfortable, fully renovated guest rooms (the last renovation was completed in November 2019).
Centrally located Hotel Liva is Liepaja's largest hotel and is within walking distance of Liepaja's main attractions. Liepaja's sandy beach is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel’s own Restaurant Upe is one of the city's top restaurants.
Opened in 2007, the hotel is located in one of the most beautiful cities in Latvia - in the Kurzeme region of Liepaja, and offers modern yet comfortable accommodation. The hotel's leisure center includes a sauna, whirlpool and solarium so you can relax. In the surrounding area, you will find a range of attractions and activities, such as cycling.
The hotel offers a well-equipped business center, free Wi-Fi, conference and meeting facilities, and a business lunch menu in the restaurant. The hotel is within walking distance from Liepaja's main attractions and is a good choice for culture lovers who want to explore Liepaja's Old Town.
