The city of Liepaja is located in the south-western part of Latvia on a narrow stretch of land between the Baltic Sea and Liepaja Lake. People have been living there for more than 750 years and have changed Liepaja from a small village into the third largest city in the country with the population of 85,000 people.
The people of Liepaja have always been very proud. Many unique sights can be seen in Liepaja and its surroundings too. Sights, sounds and experiences unique in Latvia and the Baltic, in Europe and all around the world...
The Largest Organ
Liepaja is home to the largest mechanical organ in the world; it is located in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. The organ has more than 7,000 pipes. It was built by one of the best master organ builders H.A. Contius. The foundation stone of the Cathedral was laid in 1742. Both the interior and the exterior of the Cathedral are late Baroque with elements of Classicism.
The interior of the Cathedral surprises the visitors with the grandeur of Rococo. The commemorative plaque dedicated to the Finnish soldiers who gave the oath of loyalty to the government of the new independent Finland in 1918 is located inside the Cathedral. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful view over the city from the tower of the Cathedral.
The Largest Military Territory
Visitors interested in history should not miss their chance to explore the Liepaja Fortress and Karosta (Naval Port); together they form the largest historical military territory in the Baltic. The structures of Karosta were built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries as a naval base of Russian Empire. Today, Karosta occupies one third of Liepaja city. It is a spectacular, paradoxical and unique site not only in Latvia but also in the world’s history and architecture. Its environment reflects the interaction of Tsarist Russia military elegance and Soviet era heritage.
Wind Farm
Liepaja is also known throughout Latvia as "The city where the wind is always blowing", possibly because of the constant sea breeze. For this very reason one of the biggest wind farms in Latvia and the Baltic (33 wind turbines) was constructed nearby the city. It is one of the northernmost points of Europe, where the wind turbines are installed.
The Longest Swamp Trail
Duniky swamp trail is with its 6 km the longest swamp trail in Europe. It is located in Dunika Nature Reserve. The only hornbeam monoculture stand in Latvia can be seen there, too. This place is a recommended spot for lovers of silence and tranquillity because visitors can enjoy the unorthodox, primeval scenery: a marsh with pools, little lakes and small islands.
The Largest Herd of Kiangs
The confined area in Kalvene Zoo “Cīruļi” hides the largest herd of kiangs in the world. Tourists can observe different species of wild animals such as brown bears, wolverines, wolves, lynxes, wild boars as well as domestic animals. The owls and diurnal wild birds are kept in the wild bird complex. The Zoo is a great place for families with children.
By Liepaja Tourism Board