Karosta Prison Hotel Latvia: Bizarre Hospitality

The History of Karosta Prison

In Latvia, a small country in Northern Europe, the city of Liepaja houses a prison called Karosta Prison. Built originally as an infirmary, during the Second World War it was used as a prison by Nazis and Soviets. Thousands of Latvian deserters were punished by Nazis here. An informal account estimates at least 5000 people were killed in one way or the other at Karosta Prison facility, most being shot. All these unnatural deaths have naturally made this prison haunted, its paranormal activities being aired on ‘Ghost Hunters International’, a show on SciFi Channel. Strangely now, this prison has been converted into a museum and hotel where you can sleep in one of the rooms jail cells.

Stay in Karosta Prison Hotel, Latvia

Checking-in handcuffed, getting your mug shot clicked, sleeping on a mattress on your cell’s cold floor, agreeing to verbal abuse by the well trained staff (dressed and acting as uniformed soldiers) and being subjected to physical exercise and even cleaning of the prison if you don’t comply; these are some attractions of your stay in Karosta Prison Hotel. Clearly, this isn’t for the faint hearted. If you consider yourself strong, then the haunted property has other ways to put you to the test. Bulbs coming out of their holders, doors opening and shutting on their own, sobbing and crying sounds, a sudden unearthly cold, most likely a paranormal presence and spirit sightings are common in the prison premises, the guards and staff will tell you.

The unique model of the prison converted hotel has however attracted many tourists from across the world. Getting death threats, prisoner’s food, warning shots and paranormal sightings are not as ghastly for these tourists as you may think. Each room in this ivy coloured building is a simple cell with iron doors, iron bars, a mattress bed, a toilet and a small dresser.  Along with the prison stay, you should opt for one of the museum tours that include activities, attractions and details on prison history and life of its inmates. Also, ask the guards to take you on a prison tour and re-enact the Nazi and Soviet occupation of the prison.

The prison is open from May to October each year but off season visits and bookings can be arranged by emailing the authorities on info (at) karostascietums.lv or visiting their official website.

For most of us, the chances of visiting Latvia, let alone staying in Karosta Prison Hotel Latvia are far flung. But if the wanderlust in you is hunting for unique and extraordinary experiences, keep this on your to-do list and who knows, one day you’d be sitting in that spooky cellar and thinking about how you read about it on the MakeMyTrip blog!