(un)rest
What is (un)rest?
(un)rest is the healthy energy that moves us forward, that pushes us to reach our goals. (un)rest is the process where what is in rest is shaken up and what is in unrest becomes more peaceful and accessible.
Liepāja has always been a city defined by contrasts. Yet, no matter where we find ourselves, we all live amidst constant opposites — rest and unrest, noise and silence, action and stillness, haste and calm, pace and deceleration, white and black, joy and sorrow, love and hate. Embracing this balance allows us to navigate life’s complexities with grace and purpose.
5 Programme Lines
Inspired by Liepāja — the birthplace of wind, where it is both the creator of rest and unrest, the (un)rest concept reflects this dynamic force of creativity and calm.
This idea shapes the project’s five-lined programme, addressing key questions relevant to both Liepāja and Europe.
The programme’s overall vision is to act as a guiding beacon for people navigating the ever-changing balance between rest and unrest.
Port Paradox
Liepāja is a city of paradoxes. Here, the brisk northerly winds meet sun-warmed beaches, while metal coexists with lace. The secluded Karosta with its military history contrasts with the vibrant energy of freewheeling rock music. Industry thrives alongside leisure, and these opposites intertwine to create the distinctive character of our city.
The spirit of (un)rest has shaped Liepāja’s urban identity and cultural landscape over the years. In a world increasingly dominated by standardisation and globalisation, how do we retain our authenticity? Through this thematic line, we will discover the paradoxes that define Liepāja, exploring our rich heritage and sharing our unique story with the world.
European Dream
We know what the “American Dream” is, but do we know what the European Dream is? What is our dream of the good life? What unites us in Europe and what divides us? How do Liepāja and Kurzeme fit into the broader European community, being an integral part of it? Do we hear the echoes of European history in this part of Latvia and what they are? Are solidarity, diversity and respectful coexistence yet again values for which we must fight again in today’s Europe? What does Europe represent today, and what kind of future do we want to create? Let’s shift perspectives and explore the values that bind our societies locally and globally. Together with visionaries, thinkers, and creators from cities, regions, and beyond, we will seek answers to these pressing questions. Rooted in the belief that European coexistence is worth reflecting on and nurturing, this programme recognizes that our shared ideals are constantly evolving, needing to be redefined and refined in response to changing times.
New Eyes
With a vivid line-up of events of this program, we all together will embark on a journey through the land of (un)rest — Liepāja, Kuldīga, and South Kurzeme — seeing them through “new eyes.” Together, we’ll dive deep into the heart of these regions, unveiling their rich identities and the colourful kaleidoscope of their communities. Let’s set sail on a rediscovery of who we are and how our stories intertwine: from neighbour to neighbour, colleague to colleague, townsperson to country person, young adult to senior citizen, and fisher to dressmaker, poet to doctor. This is a quest to explore the profound joy and collective responsibility of creating together in our towns, rural havens, and municipalities. With open hearts and curious minds, we’ll explore how to live harmoniously within our communities, ignite creative brainstorming, and celebrate the simple joys of life right here, where we call home.
Deliberate Modesty
Embraced by the Baltic Sea, forests, pastures, and lakes, Latvia is a heaven of natural beauty and strength — a true treasure of the Earth. Yet, we face a stark reality: the relentless depletion of our resources, both locally and globally, has escalated into an acute natural crisis. This disregard for our environment has taken its toll, not only on nature but also on our bodies and minds, entangling us in a chaotic cycle of consumption that disrupts our physical and mental balance. Through this thematic line, we embark on a quest to find harmony between our human needs and the health of our environment. Our mission is to cultivate a symbiotic relationship between nature and humanity. We will forge connections between science, innovative technologies, green entrepreneurship, and the arts, actively involving our communities in the (un)rest land to drive meaningful change. Through exchanges, artistic, and educational activities, we aim to restore equilibrium among our body, mind, and surroundings. Together, we’ll embrace the philosophy of deliberate modesty as a sustainable way of life.
Creative Foresight
The extraordinary shifts triggered by rapid technological advancements, climate change, and global upheavals highlight the urgent need for us to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Innovation, fuelled by engaged and creative communities, serves as a sustainable engine for progress — not just in bustling metropolises but also in the heart of rural areas. This thematic line aims to bridge the gap between online and offline domains, uniting diverse generations and sectors to uncover the needs and opportunities of the future. Through imaginative probability games in art, design, and educational projects, we will ignite our collective creativity and spark conversations about the legacy we wish to leave behind not only for Kurzeme but for the world at large.
The Key Events of the 2027 Programme
For general public Opening
Illuminated Liepāja*
Exhibitions
For different audiences Opening events in cultural spaces
Community engagement
01-06
Skill Exchange at Līva Village* Northern Solstice*
Exhibitions - Liepāja Museum, Great Amber Concert Hall
International Visual Art Exhibition - Liepāja Latvian Society House or “Roma”
Locus Mundi - Contemporary Art Exhibition at Kursa Club
Rock the Rock exhibition, events
Walks on the territory of the Liepājas Metalurgs
Karosta - Radosta events with public participation in Karosta
How to nurture a community - environmental objects in partnership with communities
Neighbourliness (open calls for communities to create their own events, community programme, youth programme, volunteer programme)
For foodies Agora of Values LSO Star
Atmospheric waves - wind generated scuptures
In the regions Opening events in the regions Towers Concerts in the Regions
Kuldīga Restoration Events
Nature Trails in the region
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in the Great Amber Concert Hall
“Lašu dziesma” (Salmon Song)
Culture space
5K - traditional culture
Viking Festival (festival and conference)
Sauna Festival
Tourist Routes“Manor House Walk”, Military History (South Kurzeme)
*marked events where the community will be invited to participate
For general public
Farewell to Heavy Metal - pop-up events
A Different Kind of Sea Festival* Europa Cantat*
Rock the RockSumer Sound
Exhibitions
For different audiences
International Visual Art ExhibitionLiepāja Latvian Society House or “Roma”
Locus Mundi - Contemporary Art Exhibition at Kursa Club
At the Happy Table - Food and Culture*
Island of Adventurea Children’s Festival* Poetry Days*
How to nurture a communityenvironmental objects in partnership with communities
International Exhibition at Liepāja Museum
Japanese Artist
Animation Festival and Exhibition*
Community engagement
Neighbourliness (open calls for communities to create their own events, community programme, youth programme, volunteer programme)
One Day in Europe photo campaign
For foodies
Ethnomusic Festival
In the regions
A Different Kind of Sea Festival
Kuldīga Stained Glass
Open Theatre Quarter
LSO Gala Concert Art Forum European Dream Performance RIFF Rīga
Zenta Mauriņa Summer School
Cast Iron Art Festival
Ešenvalds 50 in Priekule
Tales from the World
Closing (04.12.)
The Future Institutea forum organized by young people
Liepāja 2027 Conference and Agora of Values Library Conference
Youth Forum (03.12)
Closing events
*marked events where the community will be invited to participate
Land of (un)rest
Joining Forces Together
For us, it feels completely natural and logical that the European Capital of Culture 2027 will be a collaborative endeavour between the City of Liepāja, South Kurzeme, and the Kuldīga Region. As one of Latvia’s ancient lands, Kurzeme stands at the dawn of a new era through this unified effort. The European Capital of Culture title was sent to us as a blessing, which will empower us to strengthen community ties, preserve our rich identity, and uphold shared European values across a third of Latvia. By working together, we’re not only empowering ourselves but also reinforcing the vital role of the Kurzeme Region —and Latvia as a whole!
Liepāja –Beyond Expectations!
Liepāja, the third largest city in Latvia and the tenth largest in the Baltic States, is home to approximately 70,000 residents who also call it their workplace and place of study.
It is nestled between the Baltic Sea and the Lake Liepāja, which are interconnected by the Trade Canal. Once an industrial hub and a closed military zone, Liepāja has transformed into a dynamic modern city, blending global aspirations with the comfort and charm of small-town living.
Liepāja pulses with a rich heritage of culture, artistry, and sports. Throughout the year, there’s something for everyone — whether it’s intimate exhibitions by local talents or breathtaking performances by international stars, classical music concerts, or a mega beach festival. Sports enthusiasts will find both amateur competitions and European championships taking place.
South Kurzeme Region
Located in the southern reaches of Latvia, where Rucava meets Lithuania, the South Kurzeme Region was formed in 2021 through an administrative-territorial reform, merging eight neighbouring municipalities.
It covers a sprawling 3,590.56 km with population of 33,000, making it the largest municipality in Latvia in terms of territory. Grobiņa, the region’s administrative centre, is steeped in antiquity, being the oldest site mentioned in Latvia’s written records.
Kuldīga Region
The Kuldīga Region is a true gem in the heart of Kurzeme, home to over 27,000 residents who cherish romance, history, and the tranquillity of life away from the city’s hustle.
By honouring its historical roots and fostering active, close-knit communities, Kuldīga has blossomed into a dynamic hub where creativity, entrepreneurship, and tourism flourish.
It proudly owns two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Old Town of Kuldīga and the Suiti Cultural Space in Alsunga.
Discover Liepāja – a city of wind –describes both, the city and its people.
The wind and the storms leave vivid marks on the city offering a fresh outlook day after day.
The wind teaches, moulds and makes us stronger.
Liepāja beach is 50-80 metres wide and 8 kilometres long. The sign of an exquisitely clean swimming place – The Blue Flag – is a self-evident evaluation of the coast. The sand on the beach is particularly fine and white.
Liepāja is a world on a narrow strip of land between the sea and a lake – a truly special place. Everything can be found in Liepāja –a unique city centre, a charming old town, the fresh breath of the seashore, sounds from the port, the scent of pine trees, old and new standing separately and together.
Liepāja is the third-largest city in Latvia. The port of Liepāja covers 1,182 ha, with 80 berths equipped with modern facilities for storage and handling. Regular ferry services connect Liepāja with Travemünde, Germany, while ships from around the world dock at its port. At the very heart of the city, the Trade Canal features a modern yacht marina with floating docks and full amenities for sailors – step ashore, and you’ll find yourself right in the midst of the city’s vibrant life.
Liepāja Airport is the location of the main airBaltic training centre – the Pilot Academy.
A hedgehog by the porch or deer in the dunes by the beach are common occurrences in the lives of Liepāja locals – undisturbed nature is Liepāja’s added value.
The unique lagoon type Lake Liepāja was formed when the Baltic Sea retreated – along with the nearby meadows it is included in the protected area “Natura 2000”. It is an important nesting and migratory area for waterbirds. The Trade Canal connects Lake Liepāja with the sea. In the summertime the city part of the canal welcomes yachts, while in winter, it is illuminated with a romantic clock of light.
Nature
The Beberliņi recreational park in Karosta is a heaven for long walks – occupying 43 ha, the dune forest is a protected habitat area. In honour of all who fought in the Latvian War of Independence in 1919, a 9 km long hiking path has been created here. When the European smelt fish come into the Trade Canal, it becomes a paradise for ice fishers.
Two unique places to walk near the lake: Zirgu sala from which a 1 km long footpath stretches into the lake, but, at the end of Lauku street, a wooden boardwalk takes you to a bird watching tower.
Architecture
Liepāja has always wanted to look proud and great – the romantic wooden structures of this historical resort town, unique and stately Art Nouveau masonry buildings signifying the wealth and simple modesty of the city. A special time was that of Liepāja’s chief architect Paul Max Bertschy – he created the face of the city. Bertschy’s buildings are vivid examples of Eclecticism, inspired by Gothicism, Renaissance, and Classicism.
The heart of the city is the Rose Square. Roses have been planted here for over 100 years, all throughout the different twists and turns brought on by history. It is one of Liepāja’s unchanging values.
Peter’s Market is Liepāja’s largest and Latvia’s second largest market – an exquisite Art Nouveau building and one of the most beautiful market pavilions in Europe. It was built in 1910 and had a very innovative design for its time featuring a glass roof and lighting.
Port City Promenade – providing beautiful views of ships! A place for tranquil walks during the day and a bustling nightlife in the evening.
Hotels
You can experience the hospitality of Liepāja in a five-star hotel by the Promenade or in a modern art hotel, as well as in classic business style accommodations with a particular design. Guest houses, youth houses and camping grounds –make your reservations early!
Especially for one of the many weekends featuring large events. Liepāja’s hospitality principle – get warm and cosy so you are ready to step out into the wind.
Restaurants
Liepāja is a city of restaurants and cafés offering great taste and ambiance. You will also find sophisticated gastropubs, enjoy dinner at a beer brewery, get a bite to eat at a bistro or lazily enjoy the warmth of a summer terrace. Find what suits your taste not only in the city, but also on the beach, both day and night, for food connoisseurs and for having a good time, for celebrating life. Liepāja also has a restaurant included in the “Michelin” guide called “Mo Liepāja.”
Events
Liepāja hosts around 2000 different events every year or 160 every month. The city calendar is never empty. Outdoor cinema on warm summer evenings, great music festivals on the seashore, grand celebrations on national holidays.
Exhibitions, concerts, performances, lectures, shows, installations – a unique selection of activities in one place: the Liepāja Contemporary Art Forum, which has already become a tradition. It is known for the highest standards in art. A place for enjoying and exploring the creative process.
The Great Amber Concert Hall
The dream of a concert hall in Liepāja spans more than a century, with the city council first recognising the need for such a venue in 1896. This dream was finally implemented 10 years ago with the grand opening of the Great Amber Concert Hall, an iconic building that has since become a cultural treasure for the region.
Designed by renowned Austrian architect Professor Volker Giencke, the concert hall draws inspiration from amber, a precious gem often found on Liepāja’s beaches. Its distinctive architecture, coupled with world-class acoustics designed by Professor Karlheinz Müller of Germany and innovative lighting by Professor Christian Bartenbach of Austria, has earned international acclaim and multiple awards.
Great Amber is an eight-story masterpiece, spanning 14,600 square meters. Its largest space, the Great Hall, seats almost 1000 guests and is perfect for concerts, plays, dance performances, and even conferences or events without seating. The Chamber Hall, seating 180, offers a more intimate experience. Visitors can also enjoy a café and restaurant, which serve guests during events and daily.
This multifunctional venue is not only a hub for cultural events and exhibitions, but also for conferences and corporate gatherings. It serves as the home of the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra and the Liepāja Music, Art, and Design High School, solidifying its role as a vital centre of culture and education.
Liepāja Theatre
Liepāja Theatre, the oldest Latvian professional theatre, was founded in 1907 and has a rich history of artistic excellence. Its NeoClassical building, opened in 1914, was designed by renowned Dresden architects William Lossow and Max Hans Kühne, also known for the Leipzig Central Railway Station.
With 468 seats spread across the parterre, boxes, and balconies, the theatre offers an intimate viewing experience. Its historic charm is evident in its original manual mechaanisms, spiral staircases, and elegant dressing rooms, preserved during a 2011 restoration.
As a cultural landmark, Liepāja Theatre continues to captivate audiences, earning national recognition, including Latvian Theatre Annual Awards “Spēlmaņu nakts”.
Liepāja Museum
The Liepāja Museum is located in a mansion designed by architect Paul Max Bertschy. In addition to a permanent exhibition on the city’s history, the museum regularly hosts outstanding exhibitions of works by both local and international artists. The museum also houses the Kurzeme National Costume Information Centre.
Founded in 1924, the museum’s collection currently holds more than 130,000 items. Its exhibitions tell the story of Liepāja and Southern Kurzeme through artifacts, spanning from the Stone Age to the 19th century. The museum features several exhibition halls where new art exhibitions are periodically displayed.
The building’s façade is designed in Neo-Gothic style, while the interiors showcase a variety of styles. The vestibule is in Gothic style, the former dining room reflects German Renaissance, and the two salons are designed in Baroque and Rococo styles.
Liepāja Symphony Orchestra
Liepāja Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is the oldest orchestra in the Baltic States. On a national scale, it remains the only professional orchestra outside Rīga. It was founded in 1881, when the first Philharmonic in the Baltics was established. After World War II, the orchestra’s activities were revived in 1947.
Each spring, LSO welcomes musicians from around the world to the Liepāja International Stars Festival, and during the annual summer vacation season, city guests and residents can enjoy the festival “Liepāja Summer”, descendant of a tradition that goes back to 1783 when the Duke of Kurland, Peter von Biron, first organized symphony concerts on an open-air stage at the seaside park. The concert series “Liepāja Summer” began in
the 1960s, when the event offered symphony and chamber music, and since 2010 it has evolved into a festival. The programme of the latest Liepāja Summer festivals includes such celebrated names as Giora Feidman, Gidon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica, Avi Avital, Tokiko Kato, Maija Kovaļevska, and many others.
LSO is a recipient of the Latvian Grand Music Award and several annual Latvian Music
Recording Awards, orchestra often performs at home in Liepāja, keeping the city’s symphony music traditions alive, and annually tours abroad. LSO especially focuses on Latvian composers, endorsing and promoting national musical heritage and creation.
The Liepāja Music, Art, and Design High School
The Liepāja Music, Art, and Design High School (LMMDV) was established in 2016 through the merger of two legendary schools with rich traditions – the Emīls Melngailis
Liepāja Music Secondary School and the Liepāja Design and Art Secondary School. Schools have a history of over 100 years.
Aspiring artists and musicians consider this school one of the finest of its kind
in Latvia, drawn by its internationally oriented environment, unique educational programmes, cutting-edge teaching methods, and innovative technologies. With an exceptional faculty, guest lectures and masterclasses by globally renowned professionals, alongside a rich calendar of concerts, exhibitions, and opportunities for international collaboration, the school offers an inspiring and dynamic learning experience.
Craft Traditions
The Craftsmen Quarters is the warmest place in Liepāja – watch the weaving of unique blankets and tablecloths, the creation of clay tableware and jewellery. As well as scarves, belts, skirts, mittens and socks. A place with much to be overwhelmed by.
Visitors to the Craftsmen House are welcome every day – 16 excellent craftspeople have their workshops here. Across its two floors, guests can observe weaving on looms, the crafting of silver jewelry, ceramics, wicker baskets, as well as leather and amber creations.
The Craftsmen House also features Latvia’s longest amber necklace – 123 meters long, weighing 19.5 kilograms, and made from nearly 17,000 amber pieces donated by the people of Liepāja. Additionally, visitors can explore traditional folk costumes, both over a hundred years old and modern creations.
Active Lifestyle Opportunities
There are 8 children sports’ schools in Liepāja, 5 outdoor stadiums, 3 top level outdoor basketball courts, an Olympic Centre Tennis Hall, Athletic Arena, Swimming Pooll and SPA, an Ice Hall, as well as over 80 different sports clubs and societies.
Participants from Liepāja take part in at least 50 World and European level sports competitions every year. The sports infrastructure of Liepāja allows us to host international competitions and championships and serves as an excellent training base for professional athletes. The city regularly hosts sports events
that have already become a tradition – World and European basketball championships, European rally championship “Rally Liepāja”, and an international windsurfing competition. Liepāja is the first city to gain the title of European City of Sport. The only diving training school in the Baltics is located in Liepāja. Anastasija Sevastova, one of the highest-ranking tennis players in the world, frequently visits Liepāja, her childhood home. Liepāja is the home of NBA star “unicorn” Kristaps Porziņģis (New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics) – his gift to the city was three NBA-standard basketball courts.
Karosta
Construction of the Russian Empire’s military base and fortifications began in 1890. It was intended to be a completely autonomous community with its own infrastructure, electric power station and water supply, church and schools. It was originally named in honour of its founder – the Port of Emperor Alexander III. During the years of Latvian independence, it was named the War Port or Karosta. In the Soviet era, Karosta was a restricted military zone not accessible to the civilians of Liepāja. The Soviet troops left Karosta in 1994.
The largest historical military garrison Karosta constitutes almost a third of Liepāja’s territory today. The most unusual and surprising hotel in the world is Karosta Prison: the former detention centre for short term disciplinary action of navy sailors and non-commissioned officers.
How to get to Liepāja?
By car
Come to Liepāja by road from any direction. The distances are short enough to conveniently make your way to Liepāja without difficulty.
Rīga-Liepāja: highway A9, 220 km
Klaipėda-Liepāja: highway A11, 100 km
Ventspils-Liepāja: highway, 120 km
Kuldīga-Liepāja: highway, 90 km
By train
Every day passenger train service connects Rīga to Liepāja
Rīga to Liepāja
Monday – Saturday 18:34
Sunday 14:04 and 18:34
Liepāja to Rīga
Monday – Saturday 05:02
Sunday 05:02 and 18:34
For more information and tickets, please visit vivi.lv, 1188.lv or Mobilly app
By plane
Liepāja International Airport
Address: 8 Lidostas Street, Cimdenieki, Grobiņa municipality
Distance to city centre: 5 km
For inquiries and information on charter flights call +371 63407592; email: info@liepaja-airport.lv; website: liepaja-airport.lv
Palanga International Airport
Direct flights from Palanga to Copenhagen, London, Dublin and Rīga Address: 1 Liepojos pl., Palanga, Lithuania
For inquiries please call +370 61244442; email: info@palanga-airport.lt; website: palanga-airport.lt
Rīga International Airport
Direct flights to more than 60 destinations worldwide from Rīga airport Address: 10/1 RIGA Airport, Mārupe municipality
For inquiries from Latvia call 1817 (extra charges apply). For inquiries from abroad call +371 29311817; website: riga-airport.com
There are regular bus services connecting Liepāja with some of the larger towns and cities in Latvia and Lithuania – Rīga, Ventspils, Kuldīga, as well as Palanga and Klaipėda. Most buses offer free Wi-Fi access
Liepāja Bus Terminal Address: 71 Rīgas Street
For inquiries call +371 63422754, +371 26393694
Klaipeda-Palanga-Liepāja
Runs 5 days a week
Rīga-Liepāja
Runs per day: approx. 20.
Interval between departures: 30 minutes to 3 hours
Average travel time: 3 to 3.5 hrs
Ventspils to Liepāja
Runs per day: approx. 6
Interval between departures: 1 to 4 hrs
Average travel time: 1.5 to 2 hrs
Kuldīga to Liepāja
Runs per day: approx. 7
Interval between departures: 1 to 4 hrs
Average travel time: 1.5 hrs
Talsi to Liepāja
Runs per day: approx. 3.
Interval between departures: 1 to 4 hrs
Average travel time: 3 hours
For more information on intercity bus routes in Latvia, schedules and tickets, visit luxexpress eu, 1188.lv, bezrindas.lv and infobus.eu/en
The yacht marina “Liepāja Marina” is in the centre of Liepāja, within 5-10 minutes walking distance from shops, restaurants, tourist attractions, public transportation and the tourist information centre.
The marina provides all necessary services for yachts coming into Liepāja – mooring, water supply, electricity, security. Toilets, showers, laundry room, a repair service, winter storage, delivery of spare parts and agent services all available for the comfort of visitors by yacht. The Blue Flag flies over the marina every year, indicating its high standards of quality.
“Liepāja Marina”
Address: 39 Vecā Ostmala, Liepāja 56°30’45.52’’; N 21°00’42.86” E
For inquiries call +371 26155882
Email: yachting@lsez.lv, info@liepajamarina.lv Website: iepajamarina.lv
Swedish ferry operator “Stena Line” offers fourteen trips every week between Liepāja and Travemünde (Lübeck, Germany)
Average travel time: 20 – 27 hours Ferry terminal address: 14A Brīvostas Street, Liepāja
Information and ferry timetables available at stenaline.lv. For inquiries, please call +371 63622999
By ferry
Foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027”
4/8 Dārza Street, 2nd floor, Liepāja, Latvia, LV-3401 birojs@liepaja2027.lv +371 20 272 277
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