Don't let the industrial port fool you — Ventspils is one of the Baltic's most charming surprises: immaculate streets, a living medieval castle, award-winning beaches, and a city that decorates itself with giant flower sculptures and fiberglass cows.
Ships dock directly — no tendering. Your approach to town depends on which berth your ship is assigned.
💡 Pro move: Bolt (the Baltic ride-hailing app) works well in Ventspils. Download it before arrival.
Ventspils is a full pier port — all cruise ships dock directly without tendering.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller / mid-sized cruise ships | Ostas iela Promenade (river quay, city center)📍 | Docked |
| Larger cruise ships | Northern cargo terminal (shuttle to city)📍 | Docked |
Ventspils packs a surprisingly rich day — medieval history, Baltic beaches, and one of Latvia's quirkiest public art trails.
Latvia's best-preserved medieval castle (c. 1290) holds a modern interactive museum covering city and castle history. Climb the tower for panoramic views over the Venta River and port.
Find Ventspils history tours →Over 25 giant, whimsically painted fiberglass cows are scattered across the city — a legacy of the international CowParade art events. Hunt them down: the Sailor Cow, the Colossal Cow, and more.
Find Ventspils city walking tours →Wide, powdery white sand backed by 9-meter dunes — one of the finest beaches in the Baltics. The adjacent Seaside Park features the Anchor Trail (largest anchor collection in the Baltics) and the historic narrow-gauge Mazbānītis steam train.
Find Ventspils beach excursions →Authentic historic fishermen's huts, wooden windmills, and traditional boats set in the Seaside Park. Catch a ride on the Mazbānītis narrow-gauge steam engine that winds through the park.
Find Ventspils museum tours →Stroll out along the Dienvidu Mols breakwater where the Venta River meets the Baltic Sea. Pass the Sailor Cow sculpture, a viewing tower, and reach the lighthouse at the tip for open-sea views.
Find Ventspils walking tours →A striking modern building with 80+ interactive STEM exhibits and VR experiences — excellent for curious travelers and families with teens.
Find Ventspils attraction tours →Ventspils is made for walking — flat, clean, and compact. The Old Town, promenade, and cow sculptures link naturally into a half-day loop.
From the pier, walk the Ostas iela riverfront promenade past historic pilot boats and public art, then cut into the Old Town to the Livonian Order Castle, Town Hall Square, and Market Square. Spot cow sculptures along the way.
Follow the riverbank south and out along the breakwater (Dienvidu Mols) to the lighthouse where the Venta meets the Baltic. Pass the Sailor Cow sculpture and use the viewing tower for photos.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Ventspils, Kurzeme, Latvia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F / 2°C | 28°F / -2°C | 14 | 9:03 AM | 4:23 PM |
| Feb | 36°F / 2°C | 30°F / -1°C | 10 | 8:03 AM | 5:33 PM |
| Mar | 40°F / 4°C | 32°F / 0°C | 11 | 6:49 AM | 6:36 PM |
| Apr | 48°F / 9°C | 37°F / 3°C | 9 | 6:24 AM | 8:44 PM |
| May | 58°F / 14°C | 45°F / 7°C | 8 | 5:13 AM | 9:48 PM |
| Jun | 66°F / 19°C | 54°F / 12°C | 10 | 4:36 AM | 10:32 PM |
| Jul | 69°F / 21°C | 60°F / 16°C | 13 | 4:59 AM | 10:18 PM |
| Aug | 69°F / 21°C | 60°F / 16°C | 14 | 5:59 AM | 9:15 PM |
| Sep | 62°F / 17°C | 53°F / 12°C | 11 | 7:04 AM | 7:51 PM |
| Oct | 52°F / 11°C | 45°F / 7°C | 14 | 8:08 AM | 6:29 PM |
| Nov | 44°F / 7°C | 38°F / 3°C | 13 | 8:17 AM | 4:18 PM |
| Dec | 38°F / 3°C | 32°F / 0°C | 15 | 9:09 AM | 3:48 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Ventspils, Kurzeme, Latvia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.