Making the most of Ventspils
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth at Ventspils port itself. As it is commercial, shuttle buses are often supplied for the Old Town; after reaching town, most attractions can be explored on foot.
Watch the video.
Sightseeing
On Latvia’s Baltic Sea west coast, Ventspils is known for its clean, well-maintained Old Town, wide sandy beaches, maritime history, family-friendly parks and public art.
See the impressive Livonian Order Castle: built in the 13th century, it has museum exhibits on medieval and maritime history and tower views over the harbor. It is among Latvia's best-preserved castles.
Ventspils is known for Cow Parade Sculptures, its decorative cow statues positioned around town. They provide fun photo opportunities, with over 20 individually designed cows scattered through parks and streets.
The Seaside Open-Air Museum has historic fishing boats, traditional Latvian farm buildings and narrow-gauge railway rides, offering insight into coastal life. It is great for families and culture lovers.
Money
Currency: Euto.
Staying connected
The language is Latvian, with English widely spoken in tourist areas.