Liepāja: The Latvian port city where the wind is born and history lingers

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Known as the city where the wind is born, Liepāja has transformed from a bustling 19th-century resort into a secretive Soviet military base, and finally into a modern cultural hub. This Baltic port, once a gateway for thousands of migrants, now hides layers of complex history beneath its sandy dunes.

Liepāja, located on the Baltic Sea in western Latvia, has long been defined by its strategic position. Originally settled as Līva, the city evolved into a vital port under the Teutonic Order in 1263. By the 17th century, under Duke Jacob Kettler, it reached a height of prosperity, trading with nations as distant as Britain and Portugal. Its reputation as a bustling commercial hub grew throughout the 19th century, when it became a favored resort for sea-bathers and a primary embarkation point for migrants traveling to North America.

The 20th century brought profound upheaval. During the Soviet era, Liepāja was designated a closed city, with one-third of its territory occupied by a naval base and nuclear weapon warehouses. The northern district, Karosta, served as the heart of this military presence, housing 26,000 personnel and the 14th Submarine Squadron. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the departure of Russian troops in 1994, the city began a difficult transition, repurposing its military infrastructure for tourism and commerce. Today, Karosta stands as a stark reminder of the Cold War, attracting visitors to its remnants.

Beyond its military past, the city is deeply connected to its environment. The name Liepāja derives from the Latvian word for linden, and the city is famously known as the place where the wind is born, a moniker immortalized in an anthem by Imants Kalniņš. This windy reputation is physically manifested in the nation's largest wind farm, featuring 33 Enercon turbines. As the designated European Capital of Culture for 2027, Liepāja continues to reshape its identity, balancing its industrial heritage with a new focus on cultural growth and international cooperation.

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