Ventspils: The Gem of Latvia's Baltic Coast

• HelloSveiki
  [svei-ki]
• GoodbyeUz redzēšanos
  [uz red-ze-sha-nos]
• YesJā
  [ya]
• NoNē
  [ne]
• Please/You're welcomeLūdzu
  [lu-du]
• Thank youPaldies
  [pal-dyes]
• Excuse me/SorryAtvainojiet
  [at-vai-no-yet]
• How are you?Kā jums klājas?
  [ka yums kla-yas]
• Fine. And you?Labi. Un jums?
  [la-bi un yums]
• Do you speak English?Vai jūs runājat angļu valodā?
  [vai yus roo-na-yat ang-lu va-lo-da]
• I don't understandEs nesaprotu
  [es ne-sa-pro-tu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEs vēlētos redzēt ēdienkarti, lūdzu
  [es vye-le-toz red-zeet ey-dyen-kar-ti lu-du]
• I don't eat meatEs nēēdu gaļu
  [es ne-ye-du ga-lu]
• Cheers!Priekā!
  [prie-ka]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEs vēlētos samaksāt, lūdzu
  [es vye-le-toz sa-ma-kaat lu-du]

• Help!Palīdzība!
  [pa-lee-dzi-ba]
• Go away!Aiziet prom!
  [ai-zi-et prom]
• Call the Police!Zvaniet policiju!
  [zva-nyet po-li-tsi-yu]
• Call a doctor!Zvaniet ārstu!
  [zva-nyet aar-stu]
• I'm lostEs esmu pazudis
  [es es-mu pa-zu-dis]
• I'm illMan ir slikti
  [man ir sluk-ti]

• I'd like to buy...Es vēlētos nopirkt...
  [es vye-le-toz no-pirk-t]
• I'm just lookingEs tikai pārskatos
  [es ti-kai paar-ska-tos]
• How much is it?Cik tas maksā?
  [tsik tas mak-sa]
• That's too expensiveTas ir pārāk dārgi
  [tas ir paar-ak dar-gi]
• Can you lower the price?Vai jūs varat pazemināt cenu?
  [vai yus va-rat pa-ze-mi-naat che-nu]

• What time is it?Cik pulkstenis?
  [tsik pulk-ste-nis]
• It's one o'clockTas ir viens
  [tas ir vyens]
• Half past (10)Pusdesmit
  [poos-des-mit]
• MorningRīts
  [riits]
• AfternoonPēcpusdiena
  [pech-pus-dye-na]
• EveningVakars
  [va-kars]
• YesterdayVakar
  [va-kar]
• TodayŠodien
  [sho-dyen]
• TomorrowRīt
  [riit]
• 1Viens
  [vyens]
• 2Divi
  [dee-vee]
• 3Trīs
  [trees]
• 4Četri
  [che-tri]
• 5Pieci
  [pye-tsi]
• 6Seši
  [se-shee]
• 7Septiņi
  [sep-tee-nee]
• 8Astoņi
  [as-ton-yi]
• 9Deviņi
  [de-vye-nee]
• 10Desmit
  [des-mit]

• Where's a/the...?Kur ir...?
  [koor ir]
• What's the address?Kāda ir adrese?
  [kaa-da ir a-dre-se]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Vai jūs varat man parādīt (uz kartes)?
  [vai yus va-rat man pa-ra-diit uz kar-tes]
• When's the next (bus)?Kad ir nākamais (autobuss)?
  [kad ir na-ka-mais au-to-booss]
• A ticket (to ....)Biļete (uz ....)
  [bee-ye-te uz]

Ventspils, known historically as Windau, was first mentioned in written records in 1290. The town's development was significantly influenced by the Livonian Order, a military order of German knights. Ventspils Castle, constructed in the 13th century by these knights, stands as a testament to this period and is one of the oldest medieval fortresses in Latvia.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Ventspils became a notable member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of trading cities and guilds. The town flourished as a trading port, dealing in goods such as grain, timber, and amber. This era marked Ventspils as a significant commercial hub in the Baltic Sea region.

The 16th and 17th centuries saw Ventspils caught between the interests of the Swedish and Polish empires. Both powers vied for control of the Baltic region, leading to periods of occupation and conflict. The Treaty of Oliva in 1660 eventually confirmed Swedish control over Ventspils and much of Latvia.

In the early 18th century, Ventspils came under the Russian Empire following the Great Northern War. The town's strategic importance continued to grow, and it became a significant port for the Russian navy. During this period, substantial investments were made in developing the port infrastructure, which set the stage for future economic growth.

The 20th century brought tumultuous times to Ventspils, with both World Wars leaving their mark. During World War II, the town was occupied by Nazi Germany and later by the Soviet Union. Under Soviet rule, Ventspils was transformed into a major industrial and fishing port. The Soviets heavily invested in the town's infrastructure, including the development of oil and chemical industries.

With Latvia’s independence in 1991, Ventspils embarked on a new chapter of development. The town has since modernized its port facilities and diversified its economy. Ventspils has become a key player in the Baltic Sea's shipping industry, and it is also known for its cultural events, such as the annual Sea Festival celebrating its maritime heritage.

Today, Ventspils is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourism scene. The Ventspils Museum, housed in the historic castle, offers insights into the town's storied past, while the International Writers’ and Translators’ House fosters literary and cultural exchanges. The well-preserved Old Town, with its colorful facades, and the modern Ventspils Adventure Park, make the city a diverse and attractive destination for visitors.

Ventspils is located in the northwest of Latvia, along the Baltic Sea. The nearest major airport is Riga International Airport (RIX), approximately 190 kilometers away. From Riga, you can reach Ventspils by bus, which takes around 3 hours and is operated by several companies including Ecolines and Lux Express. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, which takes about 2.5 hours via the A10 highway. During the summer months, ferries also operate from several Baltic ports directly to Ventspils.

Ventspils has a well-organized public transport system, primarily consisting of buses. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or at ticket machines. Taxis are also available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle; Ventspils is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure with numerous cycling paths. Walking is another viable option, as the town is compact and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

The official currency in Latvia is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Ventspils, including in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you visit rural areas. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the town. Currency exchange services are also available at banks and some hotels.

Ventspils is generally a safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, but it is always advisable to stay vigilant. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. There are no specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists, but standard safety precautions should always be followed.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Ventspils has a local police station and a hospital equipped to handle medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly. Casual wear is acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites. Cover your head and shoulders when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Labdien' (Good Day) or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like sklandrausis (carrot and rye pastry) and smoked fish. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ventspils like a local, visit the Ventspils Central Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Latvian goods. Spend time at the Ventspils Beach, a Blue Flag beach known for its cleanliness and facilities. Don’t miss the Ventspils Castle, which offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about Ventspils. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Promenade and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.