Duke Jacob of Courland was a ruler of the Duchy of Courland and Zemgale for 40 years (1642-1682).  There were great changes during his rule, with the ship building industry developing rapidly, the first factories appearing, and agricultural output improving.  The duke had a large fleet that brought grain, meat, butter, wool, timber and all that was manufactured at baronial estates in Zemgale and Courland to Western Europe.  The fleet was so big and strong that its ships sailed not just to Europe, but also all the way to Tobago and Gambia, where colonies were established to bring sugar, coffee and spices to Europe.

The duchy built ships, manufactured paper and saltpetre and wove textiles, brocade and tapestries.  Iron manufacturing was highly developed, and ore was imported from Sweden.  This made it possible to forge nails, anchors, bells, cannons and other firearms.  The duchy produced vodka, vinegar and gunpowder for which there was great demand in Europe, because there were attacks and defences that required it.  As much as 25 tonnes of gunpowder were produced each year.  One of the gunpowder towers is still in Kandava, though it has been rebuilt many times.  The duchy manufactured sails and ropes, as well as hemp ropes.  It was said that the fleet of the Queen of England would not have existed without those ropes.  The duke also thought about selection of grain, bred livestock, improved land with land reclamation and tried to expand output from his fields.

Jacob did not manage to do everything that he wanted to do.  A canal to avoid the Venta rapids was not finished, and plans such as the colonisation of Australia were not finished.  Yet the era of Duke Jacob was a period of great change in the territory of Latvia, and it has not gone unnoticed that the great achievements of the duke occurred on a small plot of European land.  That proves that wise management can ensure lots of progress.

Ventspils is one of the most afluent Latvian towns with excellent infrstructure, well- restored Old town and Livonian Order Castle, clean and well equipped white sandy beaches, promenade, arty fountains, flower sculptures, manicured parks and various attractions.Whole town is family oriented but kids particularly enjoy the Blue Flag beach with different swings, climbing and sliding options as well as Kids Town with activity zones for different age groups. A short trip by "Mazbanitis", the narrow-gauge steam engine is a special attraction for kids as well as adults. Walking and cycling routes as well as trip on the tourist boat give a good chance to explore the town and coast. Water pleasures can be fully enjoyed at indoor or outdoor acqua parks. We suggest two self-drive excursions in vicinity featuring scenic sea coast, traditional fishing villages where smoked fish can be bought from fishermen, Slitere National Park with beautiful view from its lighthouse, charming Kuldiga with its wooden arhitecture. Driving there is easy since roads are rather empty.

Хозяин создал специальный комплекс курсов и процедур, которые посвящены здоровому образу жизни. Обучение для групп, массажи, лекции, практические занятия и т.п.

Ideja par "DA'ZIEPE" radās iedvesmojoties no Amatas novada dabas un idejas par pilnvērtīgu pieejamo resursu izmantošanu. Ziepes tiek gatavotas no liellopu vai briežu taukiem, augu eļļām un ziepju zālēm, kā arī papildinātas ar dažādām ēteriskajām eļļām un dabīgajiem aromātiem. 

Just 20 minutes’ drive from Pärnu, in the old Tõstamaa forestry building, Amps & Lonks café offers travellers a little rest and pizza made from fresh local produce. Especially popular, is the pizza with home-reared beef and fresh salad. You can also order in advance.

The museum at Valdemāra Street 47 was opened in 1969 in the building of the maritime school that was opened in 1864 at the suggestion of Krišjānis Valdemārs.  The school trained more than 1,000 sea captains and helmsmen.  The exhibition at the museum relates to the operations of the school, as well as the building of sailing ships on the Vidzeme shoreline during the latter half of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century.  There is a collection of anchors, as well as the top of the Ainaži lighthouse, which was once washed away by the sea, but has been restored.