Ventspils, Latvia, an old oil and petrochemical port, very important in the days when Russia ruled in Latvia, and our first landfall in the Baltic States. The yacht harbour is in at the back of the fishing port, well out of the way of the big boats, but has decent facilities, and a helpful harbour-master.
It is definitely the first day of summer, and we took our bikes and rode in the heat into the charming old town, with wooden port buildings, and a nice cafe culture around the town clock.
Do you remember a touring festival of cow sculpture, that travelled to major cities around the world, setting up about 40 cows with different themes? We saw them in Ljubljana and Edinburgh over the years. Apparently, when the fashion ended, the cows came to Ventspils, and there we found them along our route.
The locals have continued the tradition, with their public parks decked with cow topiary.
Even the marina has one of its own.
The big attraction of Ventspils in the summer is its long golden beaches and sand dunes by shallow water, warmed by the sun.
The Latvians flock here in their thousands. We had a paddle and thought, maybe not quite yet! We’ll just enjoy the sunset.
So interesting. We too haven’t had a dip yet though today it might have been welcome when the wind dropped and the temperature soared after we had docked in a marina.
What fun! I didn’t know anything about the cows but I think they are great! And you will love exploring all your ports of call in the Baltic States I am sure. Look forward to the next instalment! Rxx