Liepaja, shrouded in extraordinary history, full of secrets and charm, is waiting to be discovered. From the mysterious Karosta Prison to its vibrant cultural life, you’ll find an unrivaled mix of history and nature. See how many interesting monuments and places to visit there.
Located on the western coast of the Baltic Sea, in the Courland region, Liepāja is the third largest city in Latvia. Right on Lake Liepaja, there is a port city.
Karosta Prison
Karosta Prison is the only military prison in Europe open to tourists. It is recognized as the most unusual and surprising hotel in the world.The building was originally intended as a military hospital but was never used for this purpose. It was adapted to function as a detention centre for short term disciplinary action. The building retained this function until 1997 when the last prisoners left their cells. During this whole time, nobody had ever escaped from the prison.
Even though the government changed, the purpose of this establishment remained – a place to break people and suppress their free spirit. Those imprisoned were revolutionaries, sailors of the Tsar’s Navy and non-commissioned officers, German deserters, ‘enemies of the state’ during the Stalin era, soldiers of the Soviet army and the Latvian army.
Karosta Prison can currently be seen only on a guided tour. During the tour, visitors will see the prison that practically has not changed since the time of the Tsar, find out about its history, see the prison cells and the solitary confinement cell, as well as hear interesting and spooky stories about prison life.
Those looking for adrenaline can experience the reality show “Behind the Bars” and try to escape from the “Escape Room”. For completely fearless types a night in a prison cell is just the thing to experience.Karosta Prison also has a Visitor Centre, a Soviet era buffet and a souvenir shop.
Liepāja Northern Breakwater
Liepaja Northern Breakwater is one of the most important tourist spots in Liepaja. This long stone breakwater protects the harbor and offers a wonderful view of the Baltic Sea. You can walk along the pier, watch the fishermen and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views. If you love the sea and nature, visit Liepaja Northern Breakwater and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Church of St. Nicholas – Liepāja
This church, constructed in the 17th-century Russian style, was built as the cathedral church for the Russian navy stationed in Liepaja. Tsar Nicolas II himself was present at the cornerstone laying ceremony in 1901. During the first World War, all of the church’s moveable items were transferred to Russia, and the church was converted to a Lutheran church after Latvia’s independence in 1918. During Soviet occupation, this section of the city of Liepaja was sectioned off as a secret Naval quarter, where only the military was allowed. During this time, the church was used as a gymnasium and a movie theatre. Today the church is operated by the Latvian Orthodox Church, under the Russian Orthodox church.
.
Liepāja Museum
Liepāja Museum is one of the largest regional museums in Latvia. It contains many unique exhibits, including the Grobiņa stele – the Scandinavian ornamented column, which was found in Priediena ancient graveyard and dates back to the 7th–8th centuries. In the museum, visitors will find also other testimonies of the cohabitation of Scandinavian settlers and Couronian in the Grobiņa vicinity.
Oskara Kalpaka Bridge
In its more than 100 years of existence, the bridge has survived two wars and different owners, which have affected its operation. The bridge was blown up during World War I, but was rebuilt after the war, only to be damaged again in 1926 by the steamship Narne. The bridge was rebuilt again, but it also suffered during World War II when the invading Soviet army shelled the port of Liepaja.
Liepaja Beach
In summer, it is worth visiting the beautiful white sand beach in Liepāja, which has been marked with the official Blue Flag. There are changing cabins, lifeguards and toilets available, as well as excellent beach bars offering fruit cocktails, ice creams and snacks. The beach is also a favorite place for kiteboarders and windsurfers.
Liepaja Seaside Park
Liepāja Seaside Park is one of the largest dendrological parks in Latvia with more than 140 local and foreign tree species. It is 3 km long and offers wide recreational and walking opportunities for the whole family. There is a number of noteworthy interest objects in the Park – concert stage Pūt, vējiņi!, the Swan Pond with fountains, a small island and bridges, the memorial site to Liepāja rock band Līvi – musical and illuminated environmental design object Spoku koks (Ghost tree), as well as the biggest drums in Latvia, reminding that Liepāja is the capitol of Latvian music.
There is also the NBA basketball court in the Park constructed as a gift from the famous basketball player Kristaps Porziņģis, who was born in Liepāja. The Park is located on the sea coast with a wide beach area, which has got the Blue flag award certifying its good quality. It is also the first beach in Latvia, which is adapted for people with visual and movement impairment, therefore it is possible for people with visual and movement impairment to get to the water and even enjoy a swim, using the special equipment available at the Rescue station.
