Liepaja Things to Do

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The northern part of Liepaja city, called Karosta, is probably the most interesting thing for western tourists. Karosta used to be a secret military base of the Russian Empire, and later of Soviet Union. Now a very unique and special place for tourists and artists.Things to see in Karosta are -a wonderful seacoast with fortresses on it, one of them is blasted up and makes a dramatic seascape, the other is further to the north and has more underground tunnels.Beautiful orthodox cathedral in the center of Karosta was used as a cinema and as a gym for sodiers during the soviet times. Northern pier, where you can even go on it by car till approximately half of its almost 2 km lenght.See the temporary arts gallery K.Maksla.The swing bridge was very beautiful,but a ship crashed it on July 12, 2006, so its closed now,but you can still take a look on this more than 100 years old swing bridge.Castle, unfortunatelly in a bad condition.The horse arena or manege,a huge roofless building.In Karosta you can see a gray fence -built of submarine accumulator batteries, as there was once a submarine base in Karosta. Zemgales street is actually a ghost street. All buildings are abandoned.Karosta once had a population of 25000, but in 1994 militarists had to leave the country, so the population dropped to 6000 and is now approximately 7000.You will see both historic houses and soviet time housing blocks abandoned. A bit like Chernobyl.In forests of Karosta you can find a lake Beberlini with a camping site.Not far from this lake are underground powder storage basements,now empty,so echo is wonderful there.The most visited tourism object in Karosta is a prison,a military prison till 1997,now for tourists,where they are treated as prisoners and can stay overnight. Many people find Karosta even more interesting than the centre of Liepaja city.You will be surprised about Karosta and its contrasts... From the city centre you can get to Karosta by buses 3, 4, 7, 8 or by minibuses 1, 2, 3.If you need cheap guide call +37129736235.Martins.

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Not by the sea as we'd expected but along the canal that cut's the town in two. This is an area that's being smartened up, pleasant walk, watching the boats heading out to sea, with some other attractions, see later tips.

The tourist info office suggested we should visit here, really does not look to spectacular from the outside but, once inside treated to the sight of a huge golden church organ. No photos allowed inside, a memorable sight and a must visit in Liepaja.
If you're brave enough it's possible to climb the wooden stairs up the tower too, didn't make it ourselves though.
Entrance is free but donations well received.

At one end of seaside park, a reminder that the sea is not always a good place to be. Remembers sailors of all nationalities.

A relaxing afternoon on the beautiful white sand beach. It's clean, there's a blue flag and stretches for miles, excellent.

Between the town and beach, a large area of shady parkland with fountains and flowers. Lovely place to shelter from a scorching sun.

THere are several flower displays around the town, this one a butterfly, looks stunning? it's just outside the townhall.