Things to see and do Kurzeme

The magnificent Livonian castle of Jaunpils is worth a visit. The only perfectly preserved castle of the Livonian Order in Latvia, it was built in 1301. It currently houses a museum on the history of the region. Every second weekend in August, the medieval festival takes place here, where you can step back in time and take part in activities common in those days, such as crossbow shooting. Taste medieval dishes with your hands (no fork!) and participate in duels with sword and shield for the more daring..

Built in the ^17th century by Dutchmen David and Margarethe Hoyer, this is the oldest house in Liepāja. Widowed, Mrs. Hoyer opened an inn to earn her living, even welcoming Tsar Peter the Great. After meticulous restoration, the house is now a museum. On the first floor, the inn and private areas of Mrs. Hoyer and her family have been recreated, with a restaurant serving the cuisine of the period. The upstairs, which was occupied by notary Christoph Wilhelm Stender in the ^19th century, has been furnished to resemble a bourgeois interior of the period.

5 km from Tukums is the Jaunkomu Castle, a combination of Art Nouveau and Gothic art elements. This castle dating back to 1901 hosts an exhibition on forest history. It is now very popular of Latvians for wedding celebrations and is therefore busy every weekend in the summer.

Liepāja is a dynamic and creative city, as demonstrated by this complex which once housed a printing works, a sewing workshop and a sandal factory, completely transformed into a place of leisure and creation. Access is almost hidden, via a small cobbled street close to the riverside promenade. A lively place where you can find young designers, beer bars and two restaurants. Dig deeper and you'll discover the garden.

Liepāja was built between the sea and a lagoon, Lake Liepāja. With its thirteen islands, the lake has become a Natura 2000 nature reserve. It's also one of the locals' favorite places for a stroll. Zirgu Island ("horse island" in Latvian) is the largest. Start by visiting the Nature House, which serves as a visitor center, and from there take the nature trail, a 4 km walk along wooden footbridges with a bird-watching tower (remember binoculars), platforms for admiring the lake and picnic areas.