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Venta Waterfall: Europe's Widest Cascade

Witness Europe's widest waterfall in Kuldīga, Latvia, a natural spectacle where you can see fish flying over the rapids during spawning season.

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The Venta Waterfall (Ventas Rumba) in Kuldīga, Latvia, is the widest waterfall in Europe, stretching up to 249 meters. While not very tall at only 1.8 to 2.2 meters, its immense width and the unique phenomenon of fish jumping over the rapids during spawning season make it a captivating natural attraction. The surrounding historic town of Kuldīga adds to its charm.

A brief summary to Venta waterfall

Local tips

  • Visit in spring or autumn to witness the 'flying fish' phenomenon when fish jump over the rapids during spawning season.
  • Explore the charming town of Kuldīga, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the old brick bridge.
  • Walk along both banks of the Venta River to experience different perspectives of the waterfall.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique beauty of the widest waterfall in Europe.
  • In summer, take a refreshing swim in the designated swimming areas of the Venta River below the falls.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Kuldīga, the Venta Waterfall is easily accessible on foot. Head towards Pils iela and walk along it until you reach Kuldīga Castle at Pils iela 1. Continue straight down Pils iela, following signs directing you to Venta Waterfall. The walk takes approximately 20-25 minutes. There are no entrance fees to access the waterfall area.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving in Kuldīga by bus, the waterfall is a walkable distance from the Kuldīga bus station. From the station, head towards the town center and follow the signs to Pils iela and the Kuldīga Castle. From there, continue down Pils iela to the waterfall. A single bus fare within Kuldīga is approximately €1-€2. However, walking is generally preferred due to the proximity.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Kuldīga, and a short ride from the town center to Venta Waterfall would cost approximately €5-€10. However, given the short distance and the pleasant walk through the town, a taxi is generally not necessary.

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Discover more about Venta waterfall

Venta Waterfall, or Ventas Rumba as it's known in Latvian, is a remarkable natural wonder located in the heart of Kuldīga. Claiming the title of Europe's widest waterfall, its impressive span stretches up to 249 meters during spring floods, averaging around 100-110 meters throughout the year. Although its height is modest, ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 meters, the sheer breadth of the falls creates a stunning spectacle. The waterfall's geological formation is due to the Devonian dolomite bedrock, where the lower, more brittle layers erode faster than the upper, harder layers. This process causes the waterfall to slowly recede over time. Historically, the Venta Waterfall has been significant for both the town and its inhabitants. Kuldīga was established here because the falls presented an obstacle on the medieval inland shipping route. In the 17th century, Duke Jacob of Courland attempted to dig a bypass canal, but the project was abandoned due to the hardness of the dolomite. The waterfall was also ingeniously used for fishing. Duke Jacob invented a method of catching fish with baskets placed along the rapids, leading to Kuldīga being known as the town where you could catch salmon in the air. Today, visitors can admire the waterfall from various viewpoints along both banks of the Venta River. The old brick bridge, built in 1874, offers a particularly stunning perspective. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when you can witness the unique phenomenon of fish leaping over the rapids as they migrate upstream to spawn. In the summer, designated areas allow for swimming in the Venta River below the falls.

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