1. Kurzeme Skyscapes: The Duke’s Duchy Tour

Okay, so first up is, like, Kurzeme Skyscapes. This one is definitely positioned as the more premium, a bit of a special-occasion kind of flight, you know? As a matter of fact, their main package is called “The Duke’s Duchy Tour,” which is a pretty cool name. From the get-go, you just sort of feel looked after. The check-in area, for example, is honestly really comfortable, not just a shed by a landing pad. They offered us a drink, and the staff was, like, extremely friendly, which clearly helps you relax a bit. The helicopter itself felt, you know, pretty much brand new, with these big, clean windows and very comfortable leather seats. It’s obviously a bit of a quieter ride compared to some others, which is actually nice for conversation.

Once you are up in the air, the pilot, who was this really professional but friendly guy, started pointing things out. But, I mean, he wasn’t just talking about buildings. He was telling stories about the Duchy of Courland, and it’s almost like history was coming to life down below us, right? You fly over the town, of course, but this tour takes you, like, a little further out over the Kurzeme countryside. Seeing those old manor houses from above is, honestly, just a little bit magical. They even give you a glass of bubbly during the flight, which is a really nice touch. So, basically, if you are celebrating something, or you just want a more refined and, sort of, historically rich experience, this one is probably your best bet. It’s a bit more of an investment, but for what you get, I really think the value is there.

I mean, this flight was so smooth and the stories the pilot told were just so captivating. It felt less like a tour and more like, you know, a private aerial history lesson. Absolutely a ten out of ten experience.

2. Venta Voyager Helicopters: The Venta Rapid Adrenaline Rush

Alright, so if Kurzeme Skyscapes is all about that calm, refined feeling, then Venta Voyager Helicopters is, like, pretty much the exact opposite, in a good way. Seriously, this one is for the people who want to feel the wind and, you know, get their heart pumping a little. They offer an open-door option, which I just had to try. You are, of course, strapped in very securely, so it’s completely safe, but, man, it really changes the whole thing. Feeling that rush of air as you bank over the Venta Rapid is, well, something I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. It’s almost like you can reach out and touch the mist coming off the water.

The pilot here was sort of a younger, more energetic type, and the whole flight was just really dynamic. He wasn’t just flying in a straight line; we were, you know, making these exciting dips and turns so we could get the absolute best views of the waterfall. It’s called the “Venta Rapid Adrenaline Rush” for a reason, you know? The focus is really, really on that waterfall, Europe’s widest. You circle it a few times, at different altitudes, so you can see its full scale. I mean, from the ground, it’s impressive, but from above, you truly grasp its size. To be honest, this tour isn’t about leisurely sightseeing; it’s more or less a thrilling, focused experience. It’s a bit louder and a bit wilder, but if that’s your kind of thing, you will absolutely love it. Basically, it’s a pure shot of adventure.

3. Baltic Air Adventures: The Kuldiga Old Town Flyover

Now, let’s talk about Baltic Air Adventures, which, you know, I would call the most family-friendly and accessible option of the bunch. This one is just perfect if you have kids or if you’re a little bit nervous about your first time in a helicopter. Their whole operation feels very, very reassuring and, like, built around making sure everyone is comfortable. The pre-flight briefing, for instance, was extremely clear and the pilot was just so good at answering questions from the younger passengers, you know? The “Kuldiga Old Town Flyover” is a bit shorter than the others, usually around 15 minutes, which is actually a perfect amount of time if you’re not sure how you’ll feel in the air.

This flight, basically, sticks right over the main parts of Kuldiga. You do a beautiful, slow circle over the Old Town, getting a great look at St. Catherine’s Church and that, like, sea of red-tiled roofs. It’s almost like a postcard view in every direction. Then, of course, you fly over the Venta Rapid, but in a more gentle, observational way compared to the Venta Voyager trip. The kids on my flight were just totally captivated. For them, it was this huge adventure, right? Honestly, it’s a fantastic introduction to helicopter flights. It’s not meant to be a deep dive or a huge thrill ride; it’s just a wonderful, memorable way to see the town’s best features from a new angle. Plus, its price point makes it a more spontaneous, sort of “let’s do it!” kind of activity.

4. Latvia From Above: The Golden Hour Over Kurzeme

You know, for all the photographers out there, this next one is basically your dream come true. “Latvia From Above” is sort of a specialized service, and their whole thing is helping you get that perfect shot. Their “Golden Hour Over Kurzeme” flight is, I mean, timed just perfectly with sunrise or sunset. To be honest, I opted for the sunset one, and the light was just incredible. The pilot wasn’t just a pilot; he was almost like a photography assistant. He understood light, he understood angles, and he was actively working with me to position the helicopter for the best compositions.

The really great part is that you can sort of customize the route a little bit. We spent extra time hovering over the Alekšupīte River where it, you know, flows right alongside the building foundations. That’s a shot that is pretty much impossible to get from the ground. Then we moved over to the old brick bridge as the sun was going down, and the light hitting it was, well, just magnificent. This tour is obviously less about a thrill ride and more about patience and artistry. The helicopter they use has special photo windows that can be opened, which seriously reduces glare and makes for much cleaner pictures. So, basically, if your main goal is to capture stunning aerial images of Kuldiga and the surrounding area, then you can just stop looking. This is the one you want, right?

Honestly, the pilot seemed to know exactly what I was looking for before I even said it. We hovered for, like, five full minutes to get the perfect light on the Venta Rapid. It’s a photographer’s service, through and through.

5. Riežupe Heli-Tours: The Sand Caves & Ancient Forests Flight

Finally, there’s a tour that’s a little bit different, sort of for the nature lovers. Riežupe Heli-Tours really focuses on the natural wonders just outside of Kuldiga. Their “Sand Caves & Ancient Forests Flight” pretty much does what it says. You still get a good look at the town as you take off, but then you head east over these incredibly dense, old forests. You know, from the ground, you just see trees, but from the air, you can actually see the different textures and shades of green. It’s almost like flying over a huge, green carpet.

The main event, of course, is flying over the area of the Riežupe Sand Caves. Now, you can’t see the caves themselves from the air, as they are underground, but what you do see is the unique landscape they have created. The pilot did a great job of explaining the geology and how these man-made caves, which were once mined for glass sand, have, like, become this important habitat for bats. The tour really has this strong eco-conscious vibe. It felt less like tourism and more like, you know, aerial nature appreciation. It’s a very calm, very beautiful flight that just gives you a completely different perspective on the Kurzeme region. So, basically, if you love nature as much as you love charming old towns, this flight offers a really unique and sort of meaningful combination of both.