Venta Rapid

Venta Rapid is the widest waterfall in Europe, measuring 249 meters. Its width varies depending on the river water level, typically ranging from 200 to 250 meters, and can reach up to 270 meters during floods. The height of the waterfall is between 1.6 and 2.2 meters.

Venta Rapid is a protected natural monument and is part of the Ventas Valley Nature Reserve.

In spring, a unique natural phenomenon can be observed: ide fish (vimba vimba) swimming upstream to their spawning grounds attempt to leap over the waterfall. During the time of Duke Jacob, fish-catching baskets were installed in the rapid, allowing fish to jump directly into them. For this reason, Kuldīga has long been known as the town where fish are caught in mid-air.