Kurzeme Region (or Courland) is one of Latvia’s five regions, located in the Western part of the country, on the shores of Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea. The region is recognized for the historic and cultural heritage, the beautiful coast with white beaches, a blend of pebbles and sand, the green forests and the lovely towns. Kurzeme has been connected to the sea from ancient times.
Latvian people were skilled sailors, built their ships and even had a national naval school. Kurzeme is a magnet for visitors worldwide due to the open sea, the marvelous sea breeze, the beauty of the unspoilt nature and the stunning natural landscapes. This part of Latvia is home to Ventas Rumba, the widest waterfall on the continent; in autumn and spring you can watch the amusing game fish play while trying to jump upstream. If you like birdwatching, The Kolka Horn is perfect for your hobby, especially when the birds migrate. Kurzeme in an area with many rivers and a few of the biggest lakes in Latvia: Usma and Engure.
Tourists will also be drawn to the numerous nature parks that host a variety of birds and plants and a lot of natural sights that haven’t been brutally reached by civilisation. Some places give the opportunity of seeing wild horses and deers. Another nature gem is the Riezupe Nature Park, home of the longest labyrinth of human-made caves in the country.
The traditional dishes in Kurzeme are fish, Sklandrausi (vegetable tart), potato or carrot filling rye pies, Biguzis (honey and berries dessert), black bread pudding, Bukstiņputra (barley porridge). You can come across farms where the owners will show you everything about the fish smoking process, give you a sample of some homemade cheese or teach you how to make Sklandrausi at home. You may also want to take a wine trip, taste different types of wine at the farm and get familiar with the production process; Sabile Wine Hill is a very famous vineyard of the area. You don’t want to miss visiting Saldus and its factory and taste the delicious Gotina bonbons.
Book a table at some of these next places and live a truly Latvian experience: Skroderkrogs, Bangert's Restaurant, Black Pig, Juras brize, Bermudas, Pastnieka Maja, Martinelli, Skrundas muiza. Don’t miss Barons Bumbier's, Pagrabins, Olive, Restaurant Kolumbs, Bugins, Vecais Kapteinis, Metropol. Kurzeme has accommodation for all tastes and budgets: Promenade Hotel, Hotel Raibie Logi, Liepaja Travellers Hostel, Roze, Skrunda Manor Hotel, Hotel Kolumbs, Europa City Amrita Hotel, Porins. You may also want to consider Liva, Chill Inn, Fontaine Hotel, Hotel Vilhelmine, Jurnieka Ligzda, Helvita Hotel, Martinelli, Martas Nams, Guest House Spicite, Sunny Hill Bed & Breakfast. Your holiday in Kurzeme will be a truly wonderful adventure.
If water activities are part of your hobbies, you can take romantic boat trips on the rivers of Barta, Venta, Irbe or Abava or even on the lakes. Enjoy the beauty of the nature as you pass through different landscapes and the local hospitality. The region’s coastline is perfect for windsurfing and kiteboarding lovers, due to its wind and waves. Another great idea for outdoor activities is going cycling in Slitere National Park and the seaside villages; you can feel the fresh breeze, take in all that clean air and admire nature’s work. Kurzeme has kept its traditions over the years, and people value their culture.
In the Northern villages, locals still speak Livonian and organize festivals where they celebrate their heritage. If you happen to visit Liepaja, don’t miss the international festivals: Summer Sound and Karosta Prison.
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