Artillery battery No.1 (Northern Fort)

Description

If you’re planning a trip to Liepāja, Latvia, Artillery Battery No.1 (also known as the Northern Fort) stands out as an attraction you do not want to miss. Tucked along the Baltic shoreline at Jātnieku iela 25, this remarkable fortress is a destination that’s equal parts history lesson and adventure playground. Walking around the massive concrete ruins, you quickly get a sense of the sheer scale and ambition behind this early 20th-century stronghold.

Built as part of the Liepāja Fortress complex by the Russian Empire, the battery was designed to defend the city against naval threats. Over time, the shifting demands of warfare and politics turned these sturdy defenses into abandoned ruins—now slowly surrendering to nature and the relentless waves of the Baltic Sea. What’s remarkable is how accessible and open it all feels: the fort’s sea-battered bunkers and crumbling gun emplacements are right there for you to climb, photograph, and explore. It’s easy to see why people love to wander here, soaking in the atmosphere while the ocean wind whistles through broken concrete corridors.

Whether you’re an urban explorer, a family with curious kids, or just looking for a unique spot to catch sunset by the sea, Artillery Battery No.1 offers a truly memorable experience. From the first moment you glimpse the exposed bunkers jutting from the sand, you’ll understand why skipping this place isn’t an option for curious travelers.

Key Features

• Immersive History: Built in the late 1800s and early 1900s by Tsarist Russia, these bunkers were never used in battle, but their scale and construction offer a vivid look at military engineering from the era.
• Sea Views: The battery sits right on the Baltic coast, and several ruined fortifications tumble down onto the shoreline. The continuous interplay between concrete and waves creates a unique, almost surreal landscape.
• Freely Accessible Ruins: Unlike fenced-off attractions, here you can walk through tunnels, climb on the gun emplacements, and explore the site up close with few restrictions. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes!
• Distinctive Graffiti Art: Many of the bunkers have been brightly painted by local graffiti artists, giving the ancient fortifications a contemporary twist.
• Perfect for Exploration: The fort’s sprawling complex includes hidden passages, overgrown chambers, and intricate architectural details—each turn promises something new.
• Kid-Friendly Adventure: Kids will love scrambling over the ruins, pretending to be explorers, and watching the waves crash against the old walls. Just keep an eye on those smaller adventurers!
• No Entrance Fee: Entry is completely free, making this site a budget-friendly highlight for both solo travelers and families.
• Stunning Sunsets: For those who love photography (or simply a bit of romance by the sea), the silhouettes of the bunkers against the sunset are unforgettable.
• Wild Setting: The overgrown grass, wildflowers, and the ever-present sound of the sea combine for an atmospheric, slightly otherworldly experience.

Best Time to Visit

Artillery Battery No.1 is accessible year-round, but to make the most of your visit, I’d recommend coming between late spring and early autumn. From May through September, the weather in Liepāja is mild and the days are long, offering plenty of daylight to wander the site and enjoy the scenery.

If you’re a fan of photography, evenings here are magic. The colors at sunset—especially when the sea is calm and the sky turns deep orange—give the ruins an almost cinematic quality. In summer, you might even spot a few swimmers or picnickers making the most of the beach. If you prefer solitude, visit on a weekday morning or outside of the high season, when the wind and surf are likely the only sounds you’ll hear.

Winters can be cold and windy on the coast. If you do visit in the off-season, layering up is essential, and be cautious—some surfaces can become slippery with frost or rain.

How to Get There

Reaching Artillery Battery No.1 is straightforward, and part of the adventure is getting there. The site is located a few kilometers north of Liepāja’s city center, at Jātnieku iela 25. Here’s how you can plan your trip:

• By Car: If you’ve got your own wheels, simply type the address into your GPS. There’s free parking nearby—a rare bonus in popular tourist spots around Liepāja. After parking, follow the footpath toward the beach; you’ll see the imposing ruins before you even leave the lot.
• By Bicycle: Liepāja is great for cycling, and taking a bike out to the fort is a pleasant ride, especially in good weather. You can follow dedicated bike paths for much of the route.
• Public Transport: Local buses and minibuses frequently run from central Liepāja toward the Karosta district. Get off near the “Ziemeļu forti” (Northern Forts) stop, then follow signs on foot. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.
• On Foot: For the enthusiastic walker, you can actually hike up the coast line from Liepāja, which offers scenic views and a continuous breeze from the Baltic Sea. It’s about 5 km and takes around an hour.

Tips for Visiting

• Wear Good Shoes: The fort’s terrain is uneven, with lots of crumbling concrete, sandy paths, and occasional puddles. Closed-toe shoes or boots are best for exploring safely.
• Watch Your Step: While it’s fun to clamber around, some drops and surfaces are hazardous. Especially if you’re with kids, set boundaries and keep to well-trodden areas when in doubt.
• No Wheelchair Access: The ruins are not wheelchair accessible due to steps, rubble, and rugged paths.
• Bring a Flashlight: There are several tunnels and bunkers worth peeking inside. A small torch or phone light helps you see into darker corners.
• Pack Snacks and Water: There are no snack stands at the site, so bring your own supplies if you plan on staying for a while or watching the sunset.
• Respect the Site: This is an open historic site—please don’t leave litter behind, and enjoy the wall art without adding your own.
• Check the Weather: The Baltic coast can change quickly from sunny to blustery, so a windbreaker or light raincoat is handy even on fair days.
• Photograph Early or Late: If pictures are your priority, arrive near sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewest crowds.
• Plan for Extra Time: The site sprawls much wider than it appears from first glance. Give yourself an hour or more if you want to explore all the structures and nearby coastline.

Overall, Artillery Battery No.1 offers a captivating mix of history, adventure, and scenic beauty on the Latvian coast. It’s a place where you can wander at your own pace, discovering new angles and stories with each step. Don’t skip it—there’s no place quite like it in Liepāja.