Picture this: a fairytale town where time seems to have stopped centuries ago, cobblestone streets wind through perfectly preserved medieval buildings, and Europe’s widest waterfall thunders right through the town center. Welcome to Kuldīga, Latvia’s best-kept secret that just made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023!
Why Kuldīga Should Be Your Next Adventure
Kuldīga, a town in western Latvia, has recently been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in recognition of its ‘outstanding universal value to humanity’, and honestly, it’s about time the world discovered this magical place. Kuldīga is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional urban settlement, which developed from a small medieval hamlet into an important administrative centre of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia between the 16th and 18th centuries.
What makes Kuldīga absolutely special? Imagine a town where you can literally walk across Europe’s widest waterfall, explore mysterious underground caves, and wander through streets that look exactly like they did 300 years ago. Plus, narrow cobbled streets of Kuldīga are charming year-round and are Latvians’ own favourite local destination for a romantic getaway.
The Jaw-Dropping Venta Waterfall Experience
Let’s start with the showstopper that’ll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes. This is the widest natural waterfall in Europe, with a width of 249 m and a height of 1.6 to 2.2 m. But here’s the kicker – you can actually wade right across it!
What an experience, paddle-boarding along the widest waterfall in Europe. This is a must-do on your Latvia bucket list! The Venta Rapids aren’t just for looking at from a distance. During warmer months, locals and visitors alike splash through the shallow waters, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try stand-up paddleboarding.
Pro tip: Visit in spring or autumn to witness something truly extraordinary – During spring and autumn, you can see fish “flying” over the waterfall as salmon make their epic journey upstream. It’s nature at its most dramatic!
Step Back in Time Through Medieval Streets
The moment you cross the historic brick bridge into Kuldīga’s old town, you’re transported into a living museum. The brick bridge has been in service since 1874, and at 164 m it is the longest bridge of its type in Europe. Walking across it gives you the perfect vantage point to snap those Instagram-worthy shots of the waterfall below.
There exists no pre-fab high rises or modern design, the tiny tangle of chocolate-box streets perfectly preserved relics of ‘old Latvia’. Every corner reveals another postcard-perfect scene – flower boxes cascading from wooden window frames, red-tiled roofs gleaming in the sun, and narrow lanes that seem to whisper stories from centuries past.
Must-see historic spots:
- St. Catherine’s Lutheran Church: The oldest church (1252) in Kuldīga, where you can climb the tower for panoramic views
- Old Town Hall: Rebuilt in the 17th century, now housing craft studios and exhibitions
- Bangert’s Villa: A stunning example of wooden architecture housing the district museum
Underground Adventures in Riežupe Sand Caves
Just 10 minutes outside town lies one of Latvia’s coolest hidden treasures. Riežupes smilšu alas (The sand caves of Rižupe) enough. Just a 10-minute drive out of Kuldīga, you’ll find Latvia’s longest cave system. Boasting a length of 2 km (1.2 miles), these caves were dug for over three generations, around 100 years ago so they’ve got plenty of history.
Located just a few kilometres outside of Kuldiga, are the Riežupe Sand Caves, a labyrynthine network of manmade tunnels created in the 18th century. The guided tours (around €6 per person) take you through 460 meters of the cave system, including the romantic “Love Cave” where newlywed couples leave flowers that somehow stay fresh for months – talk about mysterious vibes!
Where to Eat Like a Local (And Impress Your Foodie Friends)
Kuldīga might be small, but its food scene punches way above its weight. Kuldīga boasts a very developed restaurant and café culture. Just consider that, for the second consecutive year, the Goldingen Room restaurant has received the recognition of the prestigious “White Guide” of Nordic restaurants.
Top foodie spots:
- Goldingen Room: The hippest spot in town with award-winning European cuisine and killer pizzas
- Residence Kafe: Perfect for sunset cocktails with unbeatable waterfall views
- Bangert’s Restaurant: Fine dining at surprisingly reasonable prices, right by the river
- The Marmalade: Cozy café perfect for warming up with coffee and homemade treats
Don’t miss trying traditional Latvian dishes – the hearty, soul-warming food reflects the country’s agricultural heritage and neighboring influences from Germany, Russia, and Scandinavia.
Cool Places to Rest Your Head
The accommodation scene in Kuldīga offers everything from budget-friendly guesthouses to boutique hotels with serious character. The four-star Boutique Hotel Virkas muiza is situated in a 16th-century estate constructed by the Baron Fircks family, offering a truly unique stay experience.
Accommodation highlights:
- 2 Baloži: Charming guesthouse (literally means “2 pigeons”) with authentic character
- Jekaba seta: Top-rated hotel with excellent location and great value
- Boutique Hotel Virkas muiza: Historic 16th-century estate for a luxury experience
- Budget options: Start from around €38 per night for clean, comfortable stays
When to Visit for the Best Experience
April to September offers the best weather, where you’ll experience the highest temperatures, although July is considered to be one of the rainiest months. But honestly, each season has its own magic:
Spring (April-May): Salmon spawning season, mild weather, fewer crowds Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, perfect for waterfall wading and outdoor cafés Autumn (September-October): If you’re a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Kuldiga between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest Winter (November-March): Magical snow-covered scenes, cozy indoor experiences
Getting There (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
From Riga, Latvia’s capital: Kuldīga is a 2.5-hour drive from Riga so I’d suggest flying to Latvia’s capital first, where you’ll find plenty of car rental companies. If you don’t want to hire a car, then there are daily bus services between the two costing around €8. The journey by bus typically takes around 3-3.5 hours.
Getting around: The town is perfectly walkable – everything is within easy reach, and that’s part of its charm. This town requires no route (you’ll turn a familiar corner before you ever really get lost), and just a couple of hours to explore.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Smart Travelers
Great news for your wallet! The Baltic countries are known to be some of the cheapest in Europe and Latvia is no different. During my trip, I found everything from food to accommodation very affordable. For those on a backpacker budget and who are splitting costs, I think you could easily get by on €50-60 per day.
Daily budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: €15-30 per night (hostels/guesthouses)
- Food: €10-20 per day (local restaurants and markets)
- Activities: Most attractions are free or very affordable
- Transportation: Minimal costs within town
Unique Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Craft workshops: Discover traditional Latvian weaving techniques at workshops near the tourism center, where artisans still create beautiful textiles using centuries-old methods.
Seasonal festivals: Time your visit with local celebrations to experience authentic Latvian culture, music, and traditions.
Photography paradise: Kuldīga’s tiled roofs and winding streets border the Aleksupite River, earning the town the nickname ‘Venice of Latvia’ – every corner offers a perfect shot.
Day Trip Options from Kuldīga
Liepāja Seaside Park: Under a 1.5-hour drive from Kuldīga, you’ll come across Liepaja Seaside Park. I loved my time here, thanks to its variety of flora and tourist attractions.
Nornieki Ostrich Farm: The Nornieki ostrich farm is the largest in Latvia and is located only 22 km from Kuldīga – because why not meet some ostriches while you’re in the Baltics?
Why Kuldīga Is Perfect for Every Type of Traveler
Couples: Kuldīga is one of the most romantic towns in Latvia with wonderful cobblestone streets, lovely houses and red-tile roofs
Solo adventurers: Safe, walkable, and full of friendly locals happy to share stories
History buffs: UNESCO-listed architecture and fascinating stories from the Duchy of Courland
Nature lovers: Waterfall adventures, cave explorations, and peaceful riverside walks
Budget travelers: Affordable prices without compromising on charm or experiences
The Bottom Line
By far this is one of my favourite places I’ve visited in Latvia. You’ll be charmed by Kuldīga from the moment you drive across the bridge and see the waterfalls. This is a true hidden gem in Latvia and even Europe.
Kuldīga isn’t just another pretty European town – it’s a place where you can literally walk through centuries of history while splashing through Europe’s widest waterfall. With its fresh UNESCO status bringing well-deserved attention, now is the perfect time to experience this magical town before it becomes everyone’s favorite secret destination.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a budget backpacking adventure, or a cultural deep-dive into Baltic history, Kuldīga delivers experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else. Pack your camera, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to fall in love with Latvia’s most enchanting town.
Ready to start planning? Kuldīga is waiting to work its magic on you!
