Talsi

Talsi is a town in Kurzeme, in western Latvia. Known as the Town of Nine Hills, it is a picturesque regional centre with a historic old town, lakes, churches and cultural attractions. Talsi makes a pleasant stop on a journey through northern Kurzeme.

Talsi is situated among the hills of the North Kurzeme Upland. The town is known for its scenic setting around Lake Talsi and Lake Vilkmuiža, its historic buildings and its cultural life. The settlement was first mentioned in written sources in 1231.

Talsi is connected by bus with Riga and other towns in Kurzeme. Buses are the main public transport option for reaching the town. Check current schedules and connections at 1188 or Riga International Bus Station.

For Talsi, Tukums I is the nearest practical passenger train station. It is located about a 54 km drive away, and trains from Riga arrive to there.

Talsi is accessible by road from Riga, Ventspils, Kuldīga and Roja.

The town centre and main sights can be explored on foot. The streets are hilly, so comfortable shoes are recommended. A car is useful for visiting attractions in the surrounding region.

Local bus services are operated by AS Talsu autotransports (Wanema), in cooperation with SIA Tukuma auto. Route 3200 connects Talsi bus station with Pastende, the polyclinic and Zvirgzdi. Regional buses serve nearby towns and villages.

• 57.24319522.5979541 Talsi Hillfort, Fabrikas iela. An ancient Curonian settlement site overlooking Lake Talsi and the promenade.  

• 57.24244322.6029552 Talsi Regional Museum, Kārļa Mīlenbaha iela 19, ☏ +371 29102628, novadamuzejs@talsi.lv. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, closed Monday (check before visiting). Housed in the historic Villa Hochheim manor on Tiguļu Hill. Exhibitions cover local history, art, nature and Curonian heritage. The grounds include a dendrological park.  

• 57.25138122.5902083 Lake Vilkmuiža, Vilkmuiža. A peaceful lake associated with archaeological finds and local history. Free.  

• 57.24483522.5962374 Talsi Evangelical Lutheran Church, Baznīcas laukums 4, ☏ +371 26132475. Historic Lutheran church, one of the town's notable landmarks. Free.  

• 57.24413722.5905085 Talsi Cultural Centre and Creative Yard, Lielā iela 19/21, ☏ +371 26106959, tautasnams@talsi.lv. A cultural venue with exhibitions, events and a creative courtyard.  

• Walk around Lake Talsi and explore the town's nine hills.
• Visit the museum and its park.
• Look for local art, craft workshops and cultural events.
• In summer, enjoy outdoor activities around the lakes.

• 57.245922.5921 Talsi Region Tourist Information Centre (Talsi Tourism Information Centre), Lielā iela 19/21, ☏ +371 26469057. Good place to buy local souvenirs, handicrafts, maps and regional products. Offers a wide selection of Talsi-themed gifts, clothing, ceramics and local specialities.  

• 57.24475122.5937692 Talsi Pottery Ciparnīca, Lielā iela 30, ☏ +371 22429527. Traditional pottery workshop and shop selling locally made ceramics. Visitors can purchase handcrafted tableware and souvenirs.  

• 57.2477222.591813 Talsi Market (Talsu Tirgus), Ezera iela 7, ☏ +371 22038978. Local market selling seasonal produce, bread, smoked foods, honey, dairy products, fish, herbal teas and handicrafts from regional producers. Best visited on market days.  

• StoneHill Handmade Leather Goods, Talsi, ☏ +371 28311722, stonehill.lv@gmail.com. Workshop producing handmade leather goods including wallets, belts, bags and accessories. 

• Weavers' Workshop “Talse”, Talsi, ☏ +371 29373849. Local weaving workshop showcasing traditional Latvian textile crafts and handmade woven products. 

Talsi has several cafés, bakeries and casual restaurants in and around the town centre.

• 57.24453722.5900571 Café Pannas, Lielā iela 16, ☏ +371 63222280. One of the most popular restaurants in Talsi, serving Latvian and European dishes in a relaxed setting. Mid-range.  

• 57.24428122.5935942 Jazz Coffee, Lielā iela 31, ☏ +371 29673095. Cosy café known for coffee, cakes and light meals in the centre of town. Budget.  

• 57.24475122.5937693 Stenders Pica, Lielā iela 30, ☏ +371 63222332. Local pizza restaurant offering pizzas, soups and other casual dishes. Budget.  

• 57.24568922.5844154 MAD House Sushi, Anša Lerha-Puškaiša iela 2, ☏ +371 27085755, madhousesushi@gmail.com. Sushi restaurant with takeaway and dine-in options. Budget.  

• 57.24306922.5839755 Pastry Shop Māsas, Raiņa iela 16-2, ☏ +371 28628482. Popular confectionery and café serving pastries, cakes and coffee. Budget.  

• 57.24387222.6001026 Talsu kebabs, Voldemāra Ruģēna iela 2, ☏ +371 23300979. Fast-food restaurant specialising in kebabs and other quick meals. Budget.  

• 57.24926422.5791477 Bistro Alanya, Lielgabalu iela 6a, ☏ +371 25602062. Casual bistro offering kebabs, grilled dishes and Turkish-inspired food. Budget.  

Cafés in the town centre are suitable for coffee and refreshments. Nightlife is limited compared with larger Latvian cities.

• 57.24810822.5872361 Hotel Talsi, Kareivju iela 16, ☏ +371 26322333, hoteltalsi@hoteltalsi.lv. Three-star hotel in a scenic location beside Lake Vilkmuiža, a short walk from Talsi town centre.  

The Talsi Tourist Information Centre is at Lielā iela 19/21. It provides local information, maps and guidance about attractions in the town and surrounding region.

• Sabile – a small town known for its vineyards and the Abava Valley.
• Kuldīga – a historic town with a charming old centre and the Venta rapid.
• Roja – a coastal town on the Baltic Sea.
• Dundaga – known for its castle and access to northern Kurzeme.
• Slītere National Park – forests, coastal landscapes and Livonian villages.