So, you’re thinking about braving the chilly waters near Ventas Rumba, and now you’re curious what to see in Kuldīga? Well, let me take you on a journey through this charming town. Picture cobblestone streets lined with stories, Europe’s widest waterfall roaring at your feet, hidden sand caves that feel like another world, and a leaning observation tower with views you won’t forget. Whether you’re a local ready to rediscover the magic or a traveler looking for something special, Kuldīga has a way of surprising you at every turn.
Come along with me, and let’s uncover the must-see spots that make Kuldīga a place you’ll never forget!
Location: Kuldīga, Latvia
Cost: Mix of paid and free attractions
Length: 1 day
How to get there: Public transport or driving.
Let’s kick off our adventure with Kuldīga’s newest tourist attraction:
Kuldīga’s (Leaning) Observation Tower: Not Pisa, But Just as Fun!
Some things are easier to explain with comparisons. That’s why it’s no surprise that Kuldīga’s observation tower is often compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Did you already picture it in your mind? Yes, indeed, Kuldīga’s tower leans. But this beauty, unlike Pisa’s tower, was intentionally built that way. The Pisa tower, however, was born straight.
So, the big question: does the tower’s playful design outshine the view it offers? Or does the scenery live up to the hype? Only one way to find out—let’s climb!
For those who’d rather not scale the entire structure, don’t worry—several roomy platforms along the way provide stunning views. Even halfway up, you’re treated to a picturesque panorama. But of course, we’re not stopping here. We’re heading all the way to the top.
Once we step onto the highest platform, it’s clear that the climb is worth it. From here, the views are breathtaking, especially the sweeping sight of Kuldīga Bridge. That iconic viewpoint from beneath the bridge might just have met its match.
Another curiosity I had about this tower: can you actually feel its lean from the top? The answer is… kind of. While standing at the edge and looking down, everything appears straight—until you notice that you are slightly tilted, standing at an angle. It’s an odd but amusing realization.
Well that was fun! But now the moment we’ve all been waiting for – let’s head to the most famous tourist attraction in Kuldīga – Europe’s widest waterfall.
Walk Over Kuldīga’s Crown Jewel – Ventas Rumba Waterfall
When was the last time you walked over a waterfall? Well, here’s your chance! Every couple of years, I cross Ventas Rumba, and each time it’s a new adventure. Get ready to make some memories of your own!
But first we need to get there and on our way there are a couple of things that are trying to distract our attention from getting to the most famous thing to see in Kuldīga. First up: the bike stands near the parking lot, shaped like jumping fish circling in mid-air. How clever! It’s a nod to the spectacular fish migration that happens here every year, with hundreds of fish attempting to leap up the waterfall, battling the roaring stream as they try, and try again. I’ve seen it in person—each fish, determined to conquer the fall, jumping over and over, never giving up. It’s truly something to witness, and you can’t help but cheer for them when they finally succeed.
But let’s stay focused—we haven’t even left the parking lot yet! As we continue, a quirky wooden sculpture catches your eye: two lovers, with a heart-shaped hole between them, carved in a whimsical shape. It practically begs for a photo op! Go ahead!
Finally, we reach the crown jewel of Kuldīga—Ventas Rumba. Stretching between 100 to 110 meters wide, this mighty waterfall constantly shifts, changing its width with the seasons. During spring, it can even reach an astounding 270 meters! Its height may not be as impressive as its width, but it’s tall enough for brave locals to use it as a shower.
Ready for the real adventure? Let’s go! Just be warned—the ground beneath the water is slick, and rocks sneak up to greet your toes. At first, the walk feels easy, but as you get closer to the waterfall’s base, the steam picks up and the force of the water makes you work hard to stay grounded. No one said it would be easy! But the effort? Totally worth it. When you finally stand in the middle of the waterfall, with water crashing all around you, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world!
Next stop on our Kuldīga itinerary is a green oasis in the heart of the city.
Kuldīga Castle Garden
We continued our walk through the nearby stone sculpture park, which sits on the site where Duke Jēkabs’ castle once stood. Here, you can hunt down 22 sculptures, each with its own story to tell. An intriguing detail that an observant traveler might notice is a tall mound, covered in lush green grass. It turns out this is the vault of the castle’s basement, one of the few remaining traces of the once-grand structure.
Personally, my favorite part of Kuldigas Castle Park is a small, romantic corner where a wooden footbridge leads to a fountain. Surrounding it are plants that resemble enormous rhubarb. What kind of plants are these? Surely, they can’t be rhubarb!
In this side of Kuldiga it is now all about the little details. Let’s take a stroll around Kuldigas Old town and I will try to point some out.
What to see in Kuldīga Old Town?
Cobblestone streets wind between historic houses, many of which have suffered greatly from the passage of time. Others have been restored to their former glory. You walk by a house, and its grand entrance door, elegant shape, and arched windows hint at its past magnificence. Yet the chipping paint makes it feel as though, if you ran your fingers over it, speckles would come off and stick to your hand.
Interestingly, Kuldīga’s old town has preserved much of its street layout from when it served as the administrative center of the Duchy of Courland between the 16th and 18th centuries. Many buildings from that era still stand, offering a glimpse into the town’s storied history.
In a place like Kuldīga, it’s all about the little details. Here are a few gems to look out for while you stroll:
Baznīcas Street 7
Home to the oldest wooden house in Kuldīga—and all of Kurzeme—a true relic of the past.
Kuldīga’s Town Hall Square
Vibrant and colorful, the square boasts not one but two town halls. The new town hall features sleek, vertical columns that reach for the sky and divide the façade into sections, while the old town hall, a beautifully restored wooden structure, is painted in rich, warm hues.
St. Katrina Church
This simple yet elegant white church holds a fascinating secret on its façade. The medallion above the side entrance depicts St. Katrina, the woman who inspired the church’s name and who graces Kuldīga’s coat of arms. Look closely to see her with a torture wheel and sword, symbols of her legacy.
After strolling through the streets of Kuldīga, it’s time to cross the brick bridge and make our way back to the other side of the Venta River. But before we do, let’s pause to appreciate this orange structure.
Best View of Kuldīga’s Brick Bridge Over the Venta River
I believe that the best angle of this 19th century vaulted bridge is from the little viewing platform you can reach if you climb down the wooden stairs next to the bridge on the Old Town side of the river.
To reach the final stop on our Kuldīga itinerary, you’ll either need to hop in a car or embark on a ~5 km walk from the bridge. This particular Kuldīga attraction is only accessible with a guide, so next time you come here, be sure to arrange your visit in advance.
The Underground World of Kuldīga – Riežupe Sand Caves
You have to pay for excursion, contact the place for details
In Kuldīga, you’ll find not only the widest waterfall in Europe but also a magical place where roses can stay fresh for months without water. Riežupe Sand Caves are like an enchanted world, where the air is cooler and time seems to lose its rhythm, struggling to keep pace with the world above ground.
Our guide gives us a safety briefing, and then we switch on the flashlights of our phones, ready to enter this dark and mysterious underground labyrinth. The tunnels are narrow, and you feel snug between the sandy walls, almost like a little mouse in its burrow. Within the first few minutes, one of our group members bolts out, vowing never to return. This Kuldīgas attraction is definitely not for those with claustrophobia!
Undeterred, we continue our journey through the cool, soft sand-covered ground. The walls, although sandy, have a rough texture of the rocks. At times, the tunnel opens up enough for us to stand tall, but in other spots, we have to bend low to avoid the ceiling. Every so often, our guide pauses in a larger chamber to share a fascinating story about the cave’s history. It took three generations to carve out this maze of tunnels, which stretches over 2 kilometers. But we don’t get to explore it all—only about 460 meters of the underground are open to visitors.
It’s impossible to tell how far we’ve walked or how much time has passed in this otherworldly space. The guide jokes that this is how she beats aging – by coming to the caves where time doesn’t exist.
At last, we emerge back into the bright sunlight, our senses a little disoriented from the time we spent below ground.
What are your thoughts?
Visiting Kuldīga was an adventure! As it always is! As I mentioned I come here every couple of years and the charming, quiet city with its historic tales and the power of Ventas rumba fascinates me every time. So if you haven’t seen one of the places in this list of what to see in Kuldīga, I recommend that you plan a daytrip.
More Places To See in Kurzeme
Other things to see and do in Latvia
FAQs About Day Trip to Kuldīga
Can you reach Kuldīga by public transport from Riga?
Yes, you can by a buss.
Is Kuldīga walkable?
I’d say it is easier to walk in Kuldīga than to drive. Honestly, driving in the city center is a nightmare due to the narrow roads and cobblestones.
When can you see the flying fish in Kuldīga?
In springtime. I witnessed this while visiting the flying fish festival in April.