Nestled along the windswept shores of Latvia’s Baltic coast, the Karosta Prison Hotel stands as a captivating testament to history, mystery, and adventure.
Once a notorious military prison, this unique establishment has transformed into a one-of-a-kind hotel experience that attracts thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
In this article, we will explore some of the most fascinating facts about this extraordinary destination, from its haunting history to the immersive experiences it offers, revealing why it remains a must-visit for those daring enough to spend a night behind bars.
History of Karosta Prison Hotel
Karosta Prison Hotel, located in Liepāja, Latvia, has a complex history that dates back to its construction around 1900.
Initially intended as a military hospital, it was repurposed as a military prison, serving during both World War II and the Soviet era.
The prison housed numerous political prisoners and military personnel, many of whom faced harsh treatment, including execution.
After closing in 1997, the facility was transformed into a hotel, allowing guests to experience life as a prisoner.
Visitors can engage in immersive experiences, including guided tours and overnight stays in authentic cells, making it one of the most unusual accommodations in Europe.
With that said let’s have a look at some fascinating facts about Karosta Prison Hotel;
1. Karosta Prison Hotel is located in Liepāja, Latvia, a former Russian Imperial and Soviet naval base on the Baltic Sea.
2. The building was originally constructed around 1900 as a military hospital but was never used for this purpose.
3. It was adapted to function as a detention center for short-term disciplinary action and served as a military prison until 1997.
4. During its history, the prison housed revolutionaries, sailors of the Tsar’s Navy, German deserters, ‘enemies of the state’ during the Stalin era, and soldiers of the Soviet and Latvian armies.
5. Karosta Prison is the only military prison in Europe open to tourists and is recognized as the most unusual and surprising hotel in the world.
6. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the prison, which has practically not changed since the time of the Tsar, and hear interesting and spooky stories about prison life.
7. For those seeking adrenaline, the prison offers a reality show called “Behind the Bars” and an “Escape Room” experience.
8. Brave souls can opt for the full Karosta experience, which includes prisoner garb, interrogation, harassment, and being locked in a cold cell for the night.
9. Disobedience during the full experience can result in insult or even physical punishment in the form of exercise or cleaning.
10. The prison is said to be haunted by the spirits of many who died within its walls, with reports of lightbulbs unscrewing and cell doors opening by themselves.
11. Karosta Prison Hotel offers a Soviet-era buffet and a souvenir shop for visitors.
12. During World War II, the Nazis sentenced Latvian deserters to death, executing most of the prisoners by gunshot.
13. Above the door in the solitary confinement cell is the cryptic inscription “izeja no elles,” Latvian for “exit from hell.”
14. A night in a double cell at the prison hotel costs just £25, with “breakfast in bed” served by your guard costing an extra £4.
15. The prison started functioning over 100 years ago and is the only military prison in Europe open to tourists that nobody has ever escaped from.
16. Ghost Hunters International from the USA have called Karosta Prison the most haunted place in the world.
17. The Karosta Festival takes place annually in June, featuring events in various locations throughout the neighborhood.
18. Karosta is a popular place for tourists and artists, who are attracted to its historical sights and the opportunity to get inspiration from its nature, buildings, ruins, and people.
19. The army headquarters include czar-era mansions used by admirals, a palace for the czar (reportedly only used once), and an impressive Russian Orthodox Naval Cathedral.
20. Soviet-era buildings in Karosta include many rows of block housing, and at its height, the area was home to over 20,000 people.
21. Karosta military prison has now been converted into a museum (open May – September), and it is possible to spend the night in the guardhouse, processed as a prisoner would have been.
22. The prison’s brutal and bloody history has led to many stories of its apparent haunting, with cell doors reportedly opening by themselves and lightbulbs unscrewing out of fixtures.
23. Karosta Prison Hotel has attracted dozens of five-star reviews on Trip Advisor, with one reviewer describing it as a “really interesting, albeit surreal experience.”
24. The prison’s original structure has been retained to preserve its history, offering guests a rare experience of being in jail.
25. Karosta Prison Hotel is a great place for hen parties, stag parties, family adventures, and friend reunions.
26. The prison’s location in Liepāja, Latvia, a quiet neighborhood that was formerly a Russian Imperial and Soviet naval base, adds to its unique atmosphere.
27. Guests at Karosta Prison Hotel are “punished” by prison guards (hotel employees) for misconduct, interrogated, and lastly, locked in a “cell” with a mattress on the floor.
28. The prison’s haunting atmosphere is said to intensify at night, with the place being home to the spirits of inmates who died within its walls.
29. Karosta Prison Hotel offers a rare opportunity for adventure-seeking tourists to experience what it was like to be a prisoner in a military prison from the Tsarist Russia era.
30. The prison’s location in the northern outskirts of Liepāja occupies a third of the area of the city, making it a significant part of the city’s history and identity.
31. In 2008, a television documentary called “Karosta: Life After the USSR” was produced, highlighting the prison’s history and transformation.
Conclusion
Karosta Prison Hotel is much more than just an unusual place to stay; it is a portal into a turbulent past filled with stories of resilience, hardship, and haunting memories.
The unique combination of history, immersive experiences, and the eerie atmosphere makes it a captivating destination for travelers seeking adventure and a deeper understanding of Latvia’s complex heritage.
Whether you are drawn in by the thrill of spending a night behind bars, the chance to explore the prison’s chilling history, or the allure of its ghostly legends, Karosta Prison Hotel promises an unforgettable experience.
