Ventspils is a city that brings out the inner child in every visitor. Every attraction here seems to have a bit of magic and fun in its DNA, making a trip to Ventspils feel like an adventure. It’s a late summer Sunday—too chilly for the beach—but that’s no problem. I’m inviting you on a quest: your mission is to find as many of Ventspils’ famous cows as possible. And along the way, we’ll discover plenty of other exciting tourist attractions. There’ll be a touch of history, a dash of childhood nostalgia, and two very special trains.
Location: Ventspils, Latvia
Cost: mix of free and paid experiences (see details below)
Length: 2 days
How to get there: Public transport or driving to get to Ventspils itself. Afterwards you can walk between the attractions.
Ventspils Market Square – Magic is in the Details
When visiting Ventspils Market Square, timing matters. Why? Because the magic lies in the smallest details!
Have you noticed the tiny golden dot on the largest clock face in the square, marking the 33rd minute? This small yet meaningful detail highlights Ventspils’ very own local time. Yes, you read that right—Ventspils has not only its own currency but also its own “local” time. Midnight in Ventspils strikes at 00:33, and noon arrives at 12:33.
Why the odd timing? Latvia is crossed by several meridians, meaning Ventspils’ true solar time is slightly out of sync with the rest of the country. To honor this cosmic quirk, the Market Square clock chimes a little fragment of “Uz priekšu Kurzeme” (“Forward, Kurzeme”) at 00:33 and 12:33. At all other hours, it sticks to the national schedule and plays “Pie dzintara jūras” (“By the Amber Sea”).
Another fascinating feature in the square is the well, which doubles as a compass. It also looks a bit like a sundial! Could it actually function as one too? That’s a mystery you’ll have to solve for yourself. But don’t forget to tell me when you figure it out!
What to See in Ventspils? Fountains, of course!
Please note: If you’re visiting Ventspils, the fountains are a must-see. But there’s one thing to keep in mind—they’re not available year-round. In winter, the fountains take a well-deserved nap, waiting for warmer days to dazzle visitors again.
The grandest of Ventspils’ fountains is undoubtedly Fregate Valzivs. At first glance, it resembles the towering masts of a majestic sailing ship. But as you draw closer, something truly magical unfolds. Fine sprays of water shoot from the masts, creating a delicate mist that sparkles in the sunlight. It almost looks as if the fountain is steaming. This stunning creation was inspired by one of the ships from Duke Jekabs fleet, adding a historical touch to its beauty.
Not far from here, you’ll discover the Sun Boats (location). There’s a local legend that on sunny days, the fountain plays with the light, casting little rainbows in the mist as the sunrays dance across the water. It’s a fleeting moment, almost like a natural wonder, and only those who are in the right place at the right time get to witness it.
And then, there’s the Umbrella (location)—a delightful, playful fountain that definitely isn’t doing its job as an umbrella. Instead of shielding you from rain, water pours down from inside, creating a whimsical scene that’s sure to make you smile.
Ventspils Promenade and the Giant Buoy Exhibition
When you think of a port district, I imagine something strictly industrial—bustling, gritty, perhaps even a little grim. But the Ventspils Promenade is anything but that. It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll on a sunny day. Lined with benches and featuring an exhibition of gigantic buoys, it’s a unique and surprisingly serene corner of the city.
Now, technically speaking, these buoys aren’t gigantic—they’re standard size navigation buoys. But until this visit, I had no idea they were so enormous! Standing next to them really puts their scale into perspective (check out the photos for comparison).
For the curious minds, each buoy is accompanied by a plaque explaining its purpose. So, as you wander, you can pick up some interesting maritime knowledge. And as a bonus, the backdrop of the harbor adds to the vibe of this fascinating Ventspils attraction.
Oh, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for a couple of the city’s iconic cows here. One of my personal favorites from this trip is nearby—a quirky cow with flippers, half-dipped in what looks like oil, located close to the Ventspils Castle. It’s definitely one to add to your “cow quest”!
Fishing Vessels You Can Explore – Azova and Grots
Continuing with the maritime theme, Ventspils offers a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with real fishing vessels. You can step aboard Azova and Grots to walk their decks and imagine life at sea. These retired ships provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of seafarers and are a must-visit for those curious about nautical adventures.
And while we’re on the topic of things you can climb, don’t miss another Ventspils attraction – the nearby observation tower. It’s small but offers a great vantage point to take in views of the beach from above.
The Journey Is as Important as the Destination – The Road to Ventspils’ Southern Mole
The walk to the Southern Mole is an adventure in itself. Along the way, you’ll encounter a stretch of wall art created by the local art school. These murals, spanning a considerable length, are full of Ventspils-inspired imagery. Keep an eye out for creative nods to the city, like the giant boot with a mouth from Reņķa Dārzs or the silhouette of Ventspils Castle.
Want to make the walk more engaging? Challenge yourself or your companions to decode the meaning behind each artwork and how it connects to Ventspils.
As you continue, you’ll also pass Matrozis, the sailor cow, standing proudly on guard. Finally, as you near the Ventspils Southern mole, your attention will likely be captured by its unique structure, built from massive interlocking blocks that create an intriguing pattern. It’s a sight worth pausing to admire before reaching the end of the mole and gazing out over the endless sea.
How to Explore Ventspils Without a Lot of Walking? Take the Tourist Train
You have to purchase a ticket to ride, check prices and working hours
If walking long distances isn’t your thing (or simply isn’t possible), the Ventspils tourist train is the perfect solution. Starting from the Ventspils Port Street promenade (right where the Duke Jēkabs ship is docked), this charming little train lets you explore the city’s highlights without breaking a sweat.
As you ride, you’ll pass through the industrial area, catch glimpses of the harbor’s ships, and glide through some of Ventspils’ cozy residential neighborhoods. The train makes its way past the Southern Mole, which reaches deep into the sea, and you can spot the Azova, a fishing vessel that’s now a popular tourist attraction. Along the way, I counted seven cows—let’s see how many you can spot!
In short, the train gives you a quick yet thorough peek at most of Ventspils’ well-known sights.
Grownups Can go Sledding Too – Ventspils Adventure Park Lembergs Hat
You need to purchase tickets for each activity, check prices and working hours
Location
Lembergs Hat will be the most fun for the kids—there are all kinds of exciting attractions, from bumpy boats to trampolines, guaranteed to make their eyes light up. But if you’re an adult (or just a kid at heart) and haven’t tried summer sledding yet, now’s your chance! I did, and it’s an absolute blast. There’s something thrilling about the little tickle in your tummy as you zoom down the mountain, nestled in your inflatable sled.
The best part? The tickets (5 rides) are per sled, not per person! This means you can buy one ticket, and share with anyone brave enough to join in on the fun.
Not into sledding? No worries! You can still climb up the mountain to meet the friendly statue guarding the top. Fun fact: the statue honors deer that were once released in the Ventspils area.
Do You Know How They Turn Steam Trains Around?
You have to purchase a ticket, check prices and working hours
Location
A ride on the narrow-gauge train seems to be one of the most popular activities in Ventspils, but what really fascinated me was the process of how the train gets turned around to go in the opposite direction. It’s probably not something that keeps you up at night, and I myself never thought much about it until I stood at the station, watching as the steam-powered locomotive slowly made its way toward the end of the tracks.
To catch the action, you’ll need to arrive at the Kalna station (the one near Lembergs’ Hat) about 10 minutes before the train departs. When the train halts, the still-steaming locomotive is uncoupled from the carriages and carefully placed onto a circular wooden turntable. This platform is then rotated to spin the locomotive around so it’s ready to go in the opposite direction.
Once the “show” is over, you can purchase a ticket and hop on either the open or closed carriage for a scenic ride through the forest. At the other end of the line, you’ll pass anchors and see the train depot, where coal and a water pump are used to fuel the steam locomotives. You can choose to either ride one way or take the full circular route. I’d go for the loop as you have to get back to your car somehow.
For modern-day folks accustomed to constant hustle and bustle, the train feels very slow. In a world of high-speed trains and cars, it’s easy to forget that, not too long ago, this was considered fast travel—and a luxury of movement we often take for granted today. And who knows? That could be a great conversation starter with your fellow passengers on the three-kilometer journey.
Ventspils Anchor Trail
The Anchor Trail, with its massive, historic anchors, is a place that feels timeless—like it’s been here forever. For me, it brings back childhood memories of wonder and discovery. One of its most charming features is the old hand-pulled ferry. It’s a small wooden platform you can tug across the pond by pulling on a chain, offering a simple yet delightful experience.
Nearby, you’ll find the “Jungle Trail,” an obstacle course for children, where they can climb, crawl, and test their agility on a variety of fun challenges. It’s a spot that blends nostalgia for the past with the thrill of childhood exploration.
The Magnificent Windmill at the Ventspils Seaside Open-Air Museum
Among the treasures of the Ventspils Seaside Open-Air Museum, the most striking for me is the towering windmill. Bright and spacious, it invites you inside to explore its inner workings and see what makes it tick. Don’t forget to read the story about the Native American statue—it adds a touch of intrigue to your visit!
The other structures in the museum—houses, barns, and even a summer kitchen equipped with a massive cauldron—may remind you of similar open-air museums in Riga or Jūrmala. But one unique exhibit stands out: an ancient clock with a giant stone suspended within it, a fascinating relic of timekeeping from the past.
Can You Use Ventspils Cows as a Psychology Test?
I’m willing to bet that everyone’s favorite Ventspils cow says something about their personality! Of course, this is just a theory I came up with, and I haven’t exactly looked into the scientific basis for it, but think about it—everyone tends to choose a cow that left a lasting impression on them… and surely there’s some deeper explanation for why we’re drawn to one cow over the others.
Take Miks, for example, who was taken with the large flower-cow sculpture. It must be a real challenge to create and maintain a cow made of living plants! And he is always up for a challenge and interested to get to the bottom of how something works.There is also the traveling cow, the cow by the mirror, the cow with the flying person holding onto it so that the wind doesn’t blow him away… Ventspils has a lot of fun cows to choose from.
So, while you’re on your cow hunt, I recommend quietly observing which cow your companions seem most drawn to and then trying to figure out what that might reveal about their personality.
Reņķa Garden: A Whimsical Childhood Memory
Reņķa Dārzs is like walking into a childhood memory, brought to life with a touch of surreal charm. Here, you’ll find larger-than-life objects that appear in the mural near the Southern Mole—like the giant boot with a gaping mouth and a broad-brimmed hat. These whimsical creations are said to have belonged to the legendary giant Lutausis, blending fantasy with nostalgia in a way that feels both playful and a little dreamlike.
But that’s not all! Scattered around the park are massive insects that look straight out of a nightmare to me. I hope they will not haunt your dreams. There is also a delightful herd of stone sheep, and expansive green lawns perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Benches are thoughtfully placed throughout, inviting you to pause, relax, and take in the park’s unique atmosphere.
Reņķa Dārzs is a place that can make you feel like a kid again, surrounded by creativity, humor, and just the right touch of the unexpected.
Thoughts?
I know Ventspils is the top destination for traveling with kids. But I do believe it can be a lot of fun for adults and elders as well. Everything is well maintained and peaceful and in summer – the city is in full bloom.
What to see before / after visiting Ventspils?
Prolong your Kurzeme trip:
Riga – Kolka roadtrip itinerary
Other things to see and do in Latvia