Plizio Visual Lab
Skrunda Industrial Zone
The Skrunda Industrial Zone is currently undergoing a significant transformation from a former military site into a civilian economic hub. The location gained notoriety during the Cold War for the secret military town known as Skrunda-1, which housed a massive Soviet early-warning radar station. Following the withdrawal of Russian troops in 1998 and the high-profile demolition of the radar tower, efforts began to find new utility for the expansive territory. Today's industrial zone focuses on woodworking, agriculture, and providing space for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Its strategic location along the A9 highway connecting Riga and Liepāja provides logistical advantages for goods transport. Investments are increasingly channeled into infrastructure renovation to create favorable conditions for local entrepreneurs. Skrunda also leverages its unique military-historical past to attract specialized tourism. The ongoing development of this industrial zone serves as a key example of structural transition in rural Latvia since the restoration of national independence.
- Location: Latvia
- Top sights: Skrundas muiža · Skrundas viduslaiku pilskalns · Skrundas pilsētas estrāde
- Nearby: Laidi (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 7 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 59 | 43 | 43 | 37 | 48 | 64 | 80 | 77 | 61 | 76 | 70 | 65 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The Skrunda-1 radar station was demolished via controlled explosion on May 4, 1995.
- Russian military forces completed their withdrawal from the Skrunda site in 1998.
- The industrial zone is situated directly on the strategic A9 highway (Riga-Liepāja).
- The former military town of Skrunda-1 once contained over 60 buildings.
- Skrunda has officially held the status of a town (pilsēta) since 1996.
- Woodworking and construction materials are the primary industries in the zone today.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Skrunda Industrial Zone (6)
Andžēnu stacija🏛 museum
Museum housed in the former Andžēni railway station.
Krievu kalns
Archaeological site, Latvian cultural monument No. 1263.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is this the abandoned town of Skrunda-1?
What industries operate here?
Can the ghost town still be visited?
Are there local products from Skrunda?
What is a nearby attraction?
Skrunda Industrial Zone: where is it located?
Skrunda Industrial Zone: what is there to see?
Skrunda Industrial Zone: when is the best time to visit?
Skrunda Industrial Zone: why is it worth visiting?


















