Discover Vārve on the banks of the Venta

Vārve has a direct connection to the Venta; your travel plans can also include cultural history, animal encounters and events. These different themes offer several ways to shape your stay around the experiences that interest you most.

The banks of the Venta and the recreation area

On the banks of the Venta in Vārve, there is a boat landing with a pontoon pier. The recreation area by the river has been equipped with a beach volleyball court, an observation platform, changing rooms and toilets. This means the riverside offers different things to enjoy, including activities, views and practical facilities. The Vārves muiža complex is also situated on the banks of the Venta and is used for wedding receptions. As event offerings may change, anyone interested should confirm the details before making specific plans.

Windmill history with a culinary twist

Pasiekstes vējdzirnavas is a regionally significant cultural monument, built in 1895 in the tradition of Dutch brick windmills. The year marks when it was built, while the Dutch tradition describes its architectural style. After the tour, visitors can take part in a pizza-making masterclass led by an experienced chef; advance booking is required. The transition from the tour to a guided baking class combines the history of the building with a hands-on food activity.

Animal encounters at Mini Zoo “Buki”

Mini Zoo “Buki” is home to numerous animal and bird species, including camels, alpacas, emus, ponies, exotic birds, lizards and arthropods. Visitors can pet and feed the animals. The collection and conditions for taking part may change; if these interactive opportunities are important to your visit, check in advance.

A festival programme and VR experience in Vārves pagasts

The 2025 edition of “Ventas svētki” was held in Vārves pagasts for the fourth time and celebrated the Venta as a natural asset that connects the Ventspils novads. The 2025 programme included the “Peldlīdzekļu karnevāls”, which travelled from the car park in Leči to Vārve beach. In Vārves pagasts, a VR telescope offers an interactive way to learn about the cultural and historical heritage of the Ventspils novads and the area around the Venta. The municipal project runs from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2027. When planning your visit, note the difference in timing: the festival programme belongs to the 2025 edition, while the VR project has its own timeframe, ending in February 2027.

Which holiday theme suits your trip?

When choosing holiday accommodation in Vārve, you can start by asking yourself: would you like the banks of the Venta to be the focus of your stay, would you like to combine culture with a guided pizza-making masterclass, or are you mainly planning an animal encounter? These themes offer different kinds of experiences, and you can prioritise them according to your travel plans. Check the advance booking requirement for the masterclass; participation conditions at the mini zoo may change.

Discover more destinations: Akmeņdziras, Dzirnavas, Jūrkalne, Pope, Liepene, Zūras, Lielirbe, Ziras

For the broader travel overview: Ventspils.