LiepājaLatvia · Ferry Destinations

All About Liepāja

As one of the windiest towns in the region, Liepāja is famous for being the ‘city where the wind is born’. It takes a unique position on the country’s western coast, sandwiched between the open Baltic Sea and the northern part of Lake Liepāja. The origins of Liepāja date back to the first settlement in 1253, followed by the building of a Teutonic fort in 1263. However, its official conversion into a city didn’t happen until 1625, leading to Liepāja becoming a harbor town between 1697 to 1703.

Sweden, Poland, Germany, and Russia controlled Liepāja from the 1700s until Latvia gained independence in 1991. Already a flourishing port by this time, Liepāja soon became the country’s leading industrial and deep-sea fishing center. After joining the EU in 2004, Liepāja started to attract a steady flow of tourists, who now visit the city for its beach, history, and thriving music festival scene.
 

Routes and Ferries to Liepāja

A truly memorable way to reach Liepāja is by taking a full-day ferry cruise from Travemünde in Germany. Stena Line operates five sailings a week on this route, with boats taking 26 hours to cover the distance. The vessels feature various facilities in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment, helping kick off your holiday in an exciting fashion. To book your ferry tickets to Liepāja, check the latest schedule and up-to-date availability on Ferryscanner.

There is limited train service from Riga, but buses run multiple times every day between the two cities. The average ticket price for this 4-hour trip is €10. The bus connection between Palanga and Klaipėda in Lithuania is also excellent.

Come summer and tourists begin to arrive in Liepāja via different land, sea, and air routes. Liepāja Airport mainly caters to domestic AirBaltic flights from Riga. International travelers will have to land either in the capital, 220km away or in Palanga, Lithuania, about 65km from Liepāja.
 

Port of Liepāja

The Port of Liepāja is an Economic Free Zone spread over 3000 hectares. The third-largest harbor in Latvia, based on cargo and passenger traffic, is also one of the few ice-free ports in the Baltic. Liepāja Port has 16 terminals and 80 berths to accommodate various boats. Additionally, it has space for private yachts to moor.

For those arriving with ferry tickets to Liepāja, the terminal is well-connected by road to Riga and Klaipėda. The port is about 2km from the local train station and 3km from the city center. It’s possible to take a bus downtown; however, you’ll have to walk quite a bit from the exit to the bus station. Hopping into a taxi, readily available, is much more convenient.
 

Best Beaches

Admittedly, Liepāja only has one expansive stretch of sand near the center. Still, there are enough places nearby to keep your hunger for spectacular seaside retreats well in control. Tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Liepāja, planning to tour the coast, should rent a car during their stay for quicker and better access to the beaches.

Liepāja Beach

The crowning jewel of a holiday in Liepāja is a day spent on its soft, white sandy beach. Although the entire city heads to the beach on warm summer days, its 8km length manages to accommodate everyone without coming across as crowded. Liepāja Beach, accredited with Blue Flag status, is clean and packed with amenities such as WCs, changing cabins, beach bars, and lifeguards on duty. Known for its unforgettable sunsets, this family-friendly seashore plays host to the Summer Sound music festival in July and is a favorite with kite surfers throughout the year. For that perfect photo-op, stop by the city name sign located halfway on the beach.

Liepāja Nūdistu Pludmale

If wanting a perfect tan, you must head to the southern section of Liepāja Beach. This nudist sandy strand has a wild disposition with low-lying dunes and a safe environment. Opening straight up into the Baltic Sea, the water can be a tad cold at times, but at least there are toilets and free parking nearby.

Palanga Beach

How about mixing country-hopping along with your beach-hopping adventures? Palanga Beach in Lithuania is only an hour-long drive from the city. This 10km stretch of soft sand, bordered by dunes and pine forests, has a vibrant atmosphere. Go to the strip near the Palanga Bridge to enjoy dining options and indulge in kid-friendly activities, beach volleyball, and endless sunbathing.

Bernāti Beach

This serene, hidden gem of a beach near Liepāja lies just a few minutes south of the city center. Lack of activities and its uncrowded character primarily interests die-hard sunbathers, romantic couples, and solitude seekers looking for a private location away from the busyness of Liepāja Beach. Furthermore, those wishing to stay near the coast will find several budget accommodations in Bernāti.

Pāvilostas Beach

Pāvilostas is among the most charming villages in Latvia, known for its grey dunes. This 1.5km sandy stretch is wild with green margins and comes under a protected reserve. A fantastic place for long walks, it permits visitors to appreciate nature’s simplicity. Weathered wooden breakwaters, jetties, and large boulders scattered in the sea give the beach a photogenic appeal. Situated about 55 minutes from Liepāja, come here to sunbathe in peace, enjoy watersports, and visit the local history museum.
 

Places to Visit

Theatrical, unconventionally beautiful, and packed with quirkiness, the very best places to visit in Liepāja add to the city’s vivacious spirit. The trick to savoring the town and its magic is to immerse yourself entirely in its countless attractions, leaving your inhibitions far behind.

Liepāja Northern Forts

The Baltic coastline in Liepāja is among the most dramatic in the region owing to the presence of bunkers built by Tzarist Russia in the 19th and 20th-century. Meant to strengthen the naval base further, they were blown up and abandoned in 1908. Crumbling and influenced by the sea, these relics of the past are now a playground for adventurous youth who often come here to hang out. A lovely place for a walk or a bike ride, stick around the bunkers until sunset for a magnificent photo opportunity.

Karosta Prison Hotel

Do not leave Liepāja without experiencing this unimaginable excursion. Once a military jail, Karosta Prison is now a hotel with a difference. Travelers with a lust for the extraordinary can stay in Karosta for as little as €15 per night. In return, they get to sleep in jail cells and undergo harassment by the prison guards. An experiential stay in Latvia, opt for the Chief Officer’s Room if you prefer a more peaceful night. This stay comes with breakfast in bed the following day. Guided tours for day visitors cost €5 or €6, depending on whether you want harsh treatment or not.

Peter’s Market

Liepāja’s local marketplace has been operating since the 17th-century but got a permanent space in 1910. Peter’s Market is an Art Nouveau building constructed by Louis Melville that houses a range of stalls selling everything from vintage clothes, flowers, and household items to yummy treats and souvenirs. The best place in Liepāja for bargain hunting, shops often spread outside the market, creating a lively atmosphere complete with friendly residents and delightful homemade products.

Seaside Park

The 3km long Seaside Park near the beach is a welcoming respite on hot sunny days. Covering 50 hectares, it acts as a venue for festivals and an idyllic place for family picnics and leisurely walks. Besides admiring a plethora of flora around the park, you can also play tennis, football, basketball, or hang around the kid’s playground for a full day of fun and frolic. Café’s pop-up in the park during the summers, promising a refreshing breather. Architectural enthusiasts should head to the park’s eastern side to observe the beautiful early 20th-century wooden houses.

Trinity Church

Built between 1742 and 1758, in classic Baroque style, Trinity Church is an essential stop when sightseeing in Liepāja. Featuring a Rococo design with extravagant wood and gold décor, the church is most famous for housing one of the world’s largest mechanical organs. The organ, constructed by H. A. Contius, originally consisted of 38 registers, extended to 131 by 1885. While at the church, you have the chance to know about the organ’s history. Plan your visit right, and you might even catch a recital. Trinity Church also has a bell tower from where visitors can relish panoramic views of the colorful city.
 

Transportation Around Liepāja

The center of Liepāja is small enough that you’ll have a ball exploring it on foot. Nevertheless, the city has an extensive public transportation network that consists of buses, minibusses, and trams. Tickets, available with the driver or newsagents, are standard for all three modes, costing €0.70 per trip or €6.60 for a pack of 10. Tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Liepāja should go for the €2.50-day-pass comprising of unlimited rides.

The city has one of three tram lines in the country that runs on a single route. The tram is ideal for travel from the center to the train or bus station. Taxis are moderately expensive. They are suitable for night transportation or when you are transferring to your hotel from the port.