Just a few hours from Lithuania lies one of Latvia’s most beautiful towns, which many travelers have already nicknamed the Venice of Latvia. Kuldiga charms visitors with its authentic Old Town, cobblestone streets, historic wooden houses, cozy cafés, and unique atmosphere that has remained almost unchanged for centuries. What’s more, just outside the town center, visitors can find one of the most impressive natural attractions in the Baltic States – the widest waterfall in Europe.
Latvia’s Venice just a few hours from Lithuania: why Kuldiga is worth visiting at least once. We have visited Kuldiga with our family several times. This town is perfect both for a short stop and for a slow weekend when you want to walk around, discover cozy places, and simply enjoy the town’s atmosphere. As soon as you arrive in Kuldiga, you can feel what attracts so many travelers – its authentic Old Town, slow pace of life, and welcoming atmosphere. Here, you naturally want to slow down: wander through narrow streets, stop by the river, visit cozy cafés, and forget about the daily rush, at least for a while. For us, Kuldiga is one of the most charming places in Latvia. Therefore, we are sharing what makes it special, what is worth seeing, and what you should not miss when planning your trip.
Why is Kuldiga called the Venice of Latvia?
The name is no coincidence. The Alekšupīte stream flows through Kuldiga’s Old Town, with historic buildings standing along its banks. In some places, the water flows right next to the walls of the houses. At the same time, tiny stone bridges create a distinctive townscape. That is why Kuldīga has long been known as the Venice of Latvia.
Kuldiga is one of the few Baltic towns where such a well-preserved historic urban landscape remains. As you walk through the narrow streets, the town seems to move at its own pace. There is no big-city bustle here. Instead, every corner invites you to stop and look around.
We especially enjoy exploring the Old Town with our children. We cross the little bridges, watch ducks swimming in the stream, and look for new hidden courtyards. For them, it feels like a fun adventure. For us, it is a great opportunity to enjoy the town’s rich history without rushing. Kuldīga is one of those places where you do not need to hurry from one attraction to another. Something is waiting around every corner, and you can enjoy it all for free. Walk around, admire your surroundings, and let the town slowly reveal itself.
UNESCO-recognized Old Town
In 2023, Kuldiga’s historic center was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is one of the most important recognitions for a town that has preserved authentic 17th–19th-century architecture.
Here, you will find restored wooden houses, historic red-brick streets, old courtyards, and cozy squares. As you walk through the Old Town, you can still spot the names of old shops and businesses from past decades. In some places, the letters have faded, and the colors have worn away. However, this is exactly what gives the town its special authenticity. We have often stopped to look at these old signs and wondered what businesses once operated there and how many times the buildings had changed their purpose.
The widest waterfall in Europe
Kuldiga’s biggest attraction is Ventas Rumba, or Venta Waterfall. Although it is not very high, it is considered the widest natural waterfall in Europe. Its width reaches around 249–270 meters, depending on the water level.
Walking paths and viewing spots are located next to the waterfall. Therefore, you can admire it from different angles. In summer, locals also enjoy spending time here. You can sit by the Venta River, go for a swim, or simply enjoy the views.
If you want to do more than admire the waterfall from the shore, you can wade through the water or even cross the entire waterfall ledge. However, make sure you have suitable footwear. Water shoes or Crocs are especially useful because the river stones are slippery. Walking barefoot can also make it easy to slip. By the way, as we waded through the Venta, we were surprised at how warm and pleasant the waterfall water felt.
The old brick bridge
Another symbol of Kuldiga is the historic brick bridge over the Venta River. Built in the 19th century, it is considered one of the longest bridges of its kind in Europe. It also offers one of the best views of the Venta Waterfall, making it a popular spot for photos.
The view from the bridge especially impressed us, as it lets you see the entire width of the waterfall. This is where you can best understand why Venta Waterfall is such a remarkable natural attraction. As you cross the bridge, take a moment to admire not only the waterfall but also the views of the old part of Kuldīga and the banks of the Venta River.
What else is worth seeing?
In Kuldiga, it is worth spending time on more than just the main attractions. Walk along Liepājas Street, visit the Town Hall Square, and discover small local craft shops, cozy cafés, and restaurants. In summer, the town is surrounded by greenery and flowers, so even a simple walk becomes a pleasant experience. If you enjoy photography, Kuldīga will not disappoint. Almost every street looks like a postcard.
Kuldīga actively preserves and continues the tradition of weaving, which pleasantly surprised us. We discovered this in a building on Baznīcas Street near the Tourist Information Center. Old looms stand here, and local craftspeople demonstrate how fabrics are traditionally made. The demonstration is free. We visited and definitely recommend it. It is fascinating to see the process up close and learn how people once made the fabrics our grandparents used to cover their beds.
When visiting Kuldīga with your family, you should also visit the living museum “Senās Kuldīgas stāsts” (“The Story of Old Kuldiga”) on Jelgavas Street. This seven-room complex presents history in a highly engaging way. It uses sound effects, holograms, and moving puppets. Accompanied by a guide, you travel through Kuldīga’s past, from the town’s founding in 1242 to the reign of Duke Jacob, the difficult years of famine and plague, and periods of prosperity. This experience is a great alternative to a traditional museum. Children find it especially interesting because the lively and interactive presentation of information makes them feel as if they are traveling through time.
Great destination for a weekend trip
Kuldiga is only a few hours by car from Lithuania, making it an excellent destination for a weekend trip. Many travelers combine it with Ventspils, Liepaja, or other Latvian coastal towns. However, Kuldīga is definitely worth a trip of its own, even if you only have one day.
If you are looking for a place where history, nature, and slow-paced relaxation come together, Latvia’s Venice could become one of your most beautiful discoveries. The UNESCO-protected Old Town, Europe’s widest waterfall, and the town’s unique atmosphere create a combination that makes Kuldīga deservedly one of Latvia’s most beautiful towns.
