#MagneticLatvia – Experiential Hubs for Rebuilding, Architecture and Design: Kuldiga in Kurzeme, West Lavia.
After having introduced Liepaja we expand our reach to the whole region of Kurzeme, one of four Latvian regions and covering the Western part of the country – it is an amazing destination in itself.
Just to summarize: Liepaja is the capital /the largest city of Kurzeme and is about 200 km drive from Riga (a nice drive!) or connectd by plane through AirBaltic from Riga airport.
Everything in the Kurzeme region is conveniently distanced. So is Kuldiga only a drive of around 1 hour (87 km) from Liepaja and it is truly worth a discovery. If you look for a unique spot which is probably unknown to your meeting participants, take them out to Kuldiga.
As it was a part of the Hanseatic league in history, Kuldiga’s former name was “Goldingen” as all the other places nearby also have a German original name.
Kuldiga has a historic town centre with well-preserved facades of old houses and many awesome interiors: houses turned into small boutique hotels or flats, they seem like out of a design magazine for hipsters, rather than corresponding to the first — more traditional — impression might indicate. In fact, many young couples and families come here in the weekends or to the many festivals to enjoy the local charm, cool infrastructure and the nature around. Therefore, Kuldiga is also a top spot for weddings and all kinds of cultural events, restaurant weeks and special occasions. It is not suitable for large groups but it is unique for any corporate meeting or incentive program, for a concert or a special presentation for up to 100 attendees.
A total of 11 restaurants — likewise trendy or traditional — cater for any taste, such as the Goldingen Room in the very centre opposite the town hall, which is among the 20 best restaurants in Latvia and is known for its excellent Italian and Kurzeme local specialities.
A few venues like Padure Manor can be rented completely for events.
Padure Manor is the most beautiful building of Classicism architecture in Latvia, which retains a historic park with a hundred-and-90-year-old linden alley and a romantic vase of flowers, perfect for beautiful photos. It is supposed to be the most beautiful sightseeing place in Kuldīga region.
The manor house of Padure has never undergone major reconstruction. As it has been preserved in its original form with a very high proportion of original details and interior finishes to this day, the building is considered to be a unique example of the 19th century construction art on a Latvian scale.
A separate barn is both an architectural monument and a venue for events or weddings.
A second option is Maras manor — which as well provides pretty rooms and space for events and weddings. All of these historic manors, castles, halls are sought-after wedding sites and provide unique backdrops for photos of the big day.
Due to the spectacular views and motifs in Kuldiga and surroundings, the area is visited by photographers and is also the site of the International Summer school for photography, which is taking place annually for around 70-80 students and well-known teachers.
Only in Kuldiga to be found are a unique natural monument – the Ventas Rumba waterfall, and the Old Brick Bridge — both has fascinated people over the centuries: it is the widest waterfall in Europe, around 110 m, with a height of only 1,8 – 2 m and people can walk and swim in the waters around the waterfall. In spring and autumn flying fish can be viewed — here a video on how that looks
The Old Brick Bridge is a 164 metre long arched bridge with seven spans of brick arches with boulder abutments — it was not only the largest and most ornate in the territory of Latvia, but also one of the most modern in Europe.
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Following are the topics that you will read about in the ongoing series on Latvia and Riga — it is worthwhile to explore them and pick those which are most relevant to your kind of business. You will be able to source some true gems for fresh and new destinations for your Incentive trips or Meetings!
- Latvia for Intl. Congresses and Conferences
- Magnetic Latvia – Experiential Hubs for Rebuilding, Architecture and Design
- Destination Latvia – an abundance of water and nature
- Sport in Latvia: infrastructure, events and education
- Arts and Artists — experiencing, discovering and learning about art in Latvia
- New hotels and restaurants open in Riga and across the country
For any requests you have or help that you require for putting together a MICE program for your clients, contact:
Ieva Gredzena, LIAA (Investment and Development Agency of Latvia) email: Ieva.Gredzena@liaa.gov.lv
Aigars Smiltans of MeetRiga, email: aigars.smiltans@liveriga.lv
Or contact me at tmf dialogue marketing, Johanna Fischer email j.fischer@tmf-dialogue.com
