About
Kurzeme is the western coastal region of Latvia, on the Baltic Sea. It is a place for visitors who want open beaches, working harbours and quiet countryside within a short drive of one another.
Coast and port towns
The region's shoreline is the main draw. Its Baltic Sea beaches are wide and largely unbuilt, and they suit long walks and slow afternoons. Along the coast sit two historic port cities, Ventspils and Liepāja, where maritime heritage is still part of everyday life. Both are useful bases for exploring the surrounding shore.
Kuldīga and the inland landscape
Kuldīga is the region's best-known town and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its medieval character and old streets reward a slow stroll, and it is also home to Europe's widest waterfall, which is a fitting stop for anyone interested in rivers and riverside scenery.
Beyond the towns, the countryside offers dramatic cliffs, ancient forests and traditional fishing villages. These are the places to go if you want to see how the coast has been lived in and worked for generations, and where the landscape feels least touched.
Is it worth the trip?
Kurzeme suits visitors who like to combine the sea, small historic towns and unspoiled nature in one journey. Plan for distances by car or local transport, since the region's appeal lies in its spread-out coast and villages rather than a single compact centre.