Liepaja is the third largest city in Latvia and the tenth largest city in Baltic countries. It is located in western part of Latvia between Baltic Sea and Liepaja Lake. The population of city is about 82000 people and its area is 60.4 km2.
Liepaja is easily accessible. The closest city to Liepaja is Grobina located about 10 km away towards Riga. Other main cities in the region are Klaipeda (approx. 110 km to the south), Ventspils(approx. 115 km to the north) and Saldus (approx. 100 km to the east). The distance to Riga (the capital of Latvia) is 220 km to the east. Normally bus ride from Riga to Liepaja takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, but from Klaipeda - less than 2 hours.
Liepaja is known throughout Latvia as "The city where the wind is born", possibly because of the constant sea breeze. Liepaja has the wonderful seaside and its beach is located within the city, and is just a short walk from the downtown. Unspoiled nature, kilometers of white fine sand beach, invigorating air and generous waves of the open Baltic Sea. In one part of Liepaja beach has the Blue Flag which means that itis a proof to the compliance with 29 criteria concerning the water quality, the safety of the coast, security, the availability of services. There is about 50 hectares of parkland located near seaside. The park was created in the 1870s and over the years, the city’s most prominent citizens built grand wooden summer cottages here, many of which are Art Nouveau in style.Liepaja Seaside Park is Latvia's largest dendrological park which boasts more than 140 different species of trees and shrubs.
Liepaja is often called the capital of Latvian rock music. Many famous composers and bands have been inspired by Liepaja, including Līvi, Credo and Tumsa. In the very heart of Liepaja you can find the 1st Latvian Rock Café and Latvian Musician's Walk of Fame. The city is a place of the annual festival Summer Sound which features a stage for rock bands raised directly on the beach and draws thousands of fans each year. Liepaja is also a place of Organ Music festival and Piano Stars festival, being organized by one of the country's two State Orchestras, Liepaja Symphony Orchestra.
Liepaja is not only a city of culture, but also a very active city - local football, basketball, ice-hockey, handball and floor-ball teams are successfully competing in the highest leagues of the national championships. Liepaja is famous also for its sports schools.