Brick Bridge

About this place

The Kuldīga Brick Bridge is a red brick span over the River Venta, built in 1874 and the longest bridge of its type in Europe. It stands close to the Venta Rapid, Europe's widest waterfall, beside the old town of Kuldīga on the UNESCO World Heritage List, so two of western Latvia's best known sights meet here. Kuldīga was first mentioned in 1242, joined the Hanseatic League in 1368 and served as a capital of the Duchy of Courland from 1596 to 1616. The town grew here because the falls blocked river shipping. In the 17th century Duke Jacob Kettler wanted to dig a bypass canal, but the dolomite proved too hard for the work to finish. The bridge runs on red arches and stone piers over a broad river, facing meadows and the town's houses. The nearby falls are about 249 m wide, reaching 275 m in spring floods, yet no more than 2.2 m high. From the bank the water looks calm and blue, mirroring the clouds, and in the old town a small stream runs right along the walls of the houses. It is 129 km in a straight line from Riga and 54 km from Ventspils. The bridge is open to walkers, so stroll across, but do not climb the railings. Take care near the edge of the falls, as the rocks are slippery, and take no risks in flood season. The best picture is from the lower bank, especially under a cloudy sky. Spring and summer are the prettiest times.