Karosta Prison, Latgale Upland Travel Guide

4.5 (3465)

Explore the chilling history of Europe's only military prison open to tourists, offering guided tours and immersive experiences.

Karosta Prison in Liepāja is a former military detention center with a chilling history, dating back to the early 1900s. Serving as a disciplinary facility under Tsarist Russia, the Soviet Union, and briefly independent Latvia, it imprisoned revolutionaries, deserters, and 'enemies of the state.' Today, it's a unique tourist attraction offering guided tours, extreme experiences, and a glimpse into a dark and turbulent past.

A brief summary to Karosta Prison

Invalīdu iela 4, Liepāja, 3402, LV
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Monday 9 am-7 pm
Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
Thursday 9 am-7 pm
Friday 9 am-7 pm
Saturday 9 am-7 pm
Sunday 9 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Karosta Prison.

Book your tour or experience in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
Consider bringing a flashlight if you're participating in the 'Night in Prison' experience.
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the prison can be cold and damp.
Be respectful of the prison's history and the experiences of those who were incarcerated there.

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Explore Karosta Prison on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Karosta Prison, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Liepāja city center, the easiest way to reach Karosta Prison is by bus. Take bus line 6912 from Pētertirgus (Peter's Market) towards Karosta. Get off at the Satiksmes iela stop. From there, it's a short ride to Karosta Prison. A single ride ticket purchased in advance costs €0.90, or €1.50 if purchased from the driver. A ten-trip ticket costs €8.50.
Walking

It is possible to walk from Liepāja city center to Karosta Prison, but it is a considerable distance (approximately 6.7 km) and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Follow Atmodas bulvaris north, which eventually turns into Turaidas iela. Invalidu iela, where the prison is located, will be on your left. Be prepared for a long walk.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Liepāja. A ride from the city center to Karosta Prison will cost approximately €8-12, depending on the company and time of day. Be sure to confirm the fare before starting your journey.

Discover more about Karosta Prison

Karosta Prison, located in Liepāja, Latvia, is a historical landmark with a haunting past. Constructed around 1900, it served as a military prison under various regimes, including Tsarist Russia, the Soviet Union, and for a short time, independent Latvia until 1997. Originally intended as a military hospital, it was quickly converted into a detention center, a function it maintained throughout its history.Throughout its years of operation, Karosta Prison housed a variety of inmates, including revolutionaries, sailors, non-commissioned officers, German deserters, and those deemed 'enemies of the state'. The prison became known for its harsh conditions and brutal treatment of prisoners. It is the only military prison in Europe open to tourists. No prisoner was ever able to escape from it.Today, Karosta Prison offers several ways for visitors to experience its grim history. Guided tours take you through the prison cells, solitary confinement, and museum exhibitions, detailing the prison's history and the lives of its inmates. For a more immersive experience, you can participate in the reality show 'Behind Bars,' attempt to escape from the 'Escape Room,' or even spend a night in a prison cell.Karosta Prison is also known as one of the most unusual hotels in the world. It has also gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the world, with visitors reporting unexplained phenomena such as loud steps, opening cells, and apparitions.