Which direction to take to discover and explore Bauska Region this weekend? We’re here to help with ideas – embark on an adventure where nature, culture and history meet in one place – in Bauska Region!
Here, in the very heart of Latvia, you can not only enjoy picturesque and unique landscapes but also immerse yourself in rich cultural heritage – from medieval castles and Baroque masterpieces near Bauska and Rundāle to modern countryside homesteads and artisan crafts. Only an hour from Riga, you can enjoy the best of both worlds — active adventures alongside traditional experiences, complemented by diverse culinary delights and creative arts!
Take a look at the themed routes we’ve prepared and allow yourself to enjoy adventures, unique taste experiences and unforgettable moments in Bauska Region! These routes are designed as handy “sheets” – easy to print on A4 paper and take with you on the road.
Each route includes brief information on key points of interest, dining, accommodation and outdoor recreation options, as well as recommendations on which parts are particularly suitable and exciting for cycling tourists or boaters.
Bauska Town. Here, where the Mūsa and Mēmele rivers meet to form the Lielupe, where the splendid roses always bloom along Rīgas Street, and where the only reconstructed 17th-century Town hall in Latvia stands proudly at the heart of the old town – Bauska welcomes you.
A town rich in stories and unique in its diversity. At the confluence of the rivers, the grand Bauska Castle invites visitors to journey through the centuries while the nearby open-air stage becomes a lively gathering place during festivals, attracting people from all corners of Latvia.
The streets of the old town invite you to uncover their secrets – through the unique environmental art objects, the vibrant atmosphere of markets and events, and the charm of historic buildings along the streets. In Bauska, you’ll discover a town rich in culture and history as well as the joy of tasting local flavours and trying your hand at creative experiences — thanks to the inspiring skills of local craftsmen and home producers.
For an even richer experience, we recommend visiting Bauska in September, when the Zemgale Grand Market takes place in the old town, along with the captivating activity “Ciere”. Enhance your tour with the audio guides “Discover Bauska!” and “The Story of Bauska’s Jews”.
Iecava Town and it's surroundings, in Iecava and its surrounding area, a weekend can become a thrilling adventure – where history, creativity, artisan and home-produced crafts, and nature intertwine into one unified story! At the Iecava Manor complex, you can step back in time by wandering through a green labyrinth, discovering the historical manor buildings, and exploring the landscaped park and its unique gatekeeper lodges.
A walk along the Iecava Painting Trail will reveal the talents of local artists – colourful brushstrokes depict scenes from Iecava Town. For nature lovers, the Dievdārziņš Nature Trail is especially enchanting – this ancient sacred site offers stunning views of the River Iecava and dolomite outcrops. The Iecava Lutheran Church located on the opposite bank is visible from afar, and the city panorama can be seen from its tower – go there and take the opportunity to enjoy the view of the town from above!
Outdoor activity enthusiasts can test their skills at the disc golf course “Mežavoti”, try airsoft, or enjoy horseback riding through the picturesque Iecava surroundings. For families and thrill-seekers, over 20 exhilarating activities await at the “Labirinti” Amusement Park, or explore Iecava from a new perspective by cycling the “Discover Iecava” route.
Animal lovers can visit the mini-zoo “Dobuļi” and farm “Caunītes”, offering close encounters with both exotic and native animals – from wild deer and tropical birds to Latvia’s national breeds. For those seeking creative experiences, visit the “Vīnkalna Ceplis” pottery studio, where you can take part in workshops on ceramics, textile appliqué, beaded jewellery, and embroidery. Finish your visit with a relaxing treat at the “Rāmriti” farm, tasting their signature honey soufflés and enjoying bee house SPA therapies.
To enrich your trip around the Iecava area, we recommend visiting in July when the Iecava Festival takes place, as well as in August when everyone is invited to the summer season closing concert.
Surroundings of Rundāle Palace Here, you will embark on a true journey through history! The majestic Rundāle Palace is not only a gem of Baroque and Rococo architecture in the Bauska region but also one of the most significant in Latvia and across Europe. Nearby, Svitenes Manor enchants with its classical style and historical stories, revealing surprisingly well-preserved decorative elements.
At Mežotne Hillfort, you can feel the strength of the ancestors – it is considered one of the largest fortified settlements of the ancient Semigallians from the 9th–13th centuries. Only in Bauska Region can you also visit a truly unique church that no longer serves its original religious purpose – the cultural space “Mežotnes baznīca”.
To enhance your trip in this area, visit the “Padegas” family farm, where modern meets traditional – home-grown organic produce is transformed into healthy dishes and treats without artificial additives. At the educational farm “Pie Ozoldārza”, nature’s diversity is revealed through guided tours and creative workshops, right in Rundāle’s countryside.
This route is also ideal for active travellers – cycling route No. 401 “Castles Around Bauska” offers a new perspective on the landscapes, while canoeing down the Lielupe on the popular “Bauska – Mežotne Castle Mound” route lets you experience the river’s power and the signature dolomite cliffs of the region.
To enrich your trip, we recommend visiting Rundāle in spring, when tulips and daffodils colour the palace gardens, in June, during the peony bloom and the Rundāle Garden Festival, in July, for the Early Music Festival, and in September, to attend Baltic Unity Day at Mežotne Castle Mound or enjoy a concert at “Mežotnes baznīca”. In October, don’t miss the atmospheric “Legend Night” at Svitenes Manor, when its doors remain open throughout the evening.
Travelling from Bauska to Vecumnieki opens up the diversity of the region. Along the way, you can stop by the “Vaidelotes” family farm to taste traditional Latvian flavours, explore the dark chapters of history at the Holocaust Memorial in Likvertene Forest, and discover the charm of unique local manors – this time, at Brukna Manor.
You can also admire the craftsmanship of skilled local artisans and home producers, try out your own creative talents and breathe in the fresh forest air at Zvirgzde White Dune – considered Latvia’s highest inland dune.
For active travellers, hikers can follow the marked St James Way, which runs through the scenic areas of Vecumnieki, Stelpe, Brukna, Bārbele, and Skaistkalne. Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the experience along route No. 402 “Rich Zemgale”.
We also recommend planning your trip to coincide with Vecumnieki traditional Lily Festival in July, where florists gather to create stunning floral arrangements, alongside a bustling market, with a retro car and motorbike parade through the village.
Leišmalīte – the Latvian-Lithuanian borderland. Here, you can explore the nature, culture, history, and people of Latvia’s borderlands – from collections of antique tools and farming equipment to the oldest spa site in Bārbele, the Catholic heart of Zemgale, and scenic walking trails alongside karst sinkholes in Skaistkalne, ending with a panoramic view from the church bell tower.
For a truly authentic Latvian experience, visit the traditional sauna “Dvēseles dziednīca” in the Zemgale heritage homestead “Everti” – where ancient healing rituals are practised and a restored 19th-century farmstead complex can be explored. In Kurmene, enjoy the harmony of cultural heritage and nature – stroll through the manor park, admire the church architecture and visit the animals in the outdoor enclosures.
Plan your visit to coincide with seasonal festivities – the Sowing Festival in May and the Harvest Festival in September at the open-air museum “Ausekļu dzirnavas” in Bārbele, St Peter’s Day celebrations in Kurmene in late June, and Kanapene Festival in Skaistkalne in early August. The route is also suitable for active recreation – enjoy cycling along route No. 402 “Rich Zemgale” between Skaistkalne and Kurmene to experience Zemgale’s pastoral landscapes, or go boating from Kurmene to Skaistkalne, taking in the calm flow of the River Mēmele, which marks the border. Popular canoe routes in this area include: Ērberģe – Kurmene, Krasti – Skaistkalne and Skaistkalne – Ānes – Mēmeles Park.
Hikers are also encouraged to follow the marked St James Way, which traverses the beautiful areas of Vecumnieki, Stelpe, Brukna, Bārbele, and Skaistkalne.
Mežotne and Code area of Bauska Region. This route offers a chance to discover historic parks, enjoy arts and culture experiences, and spend active time in nature. Begin your journey with a touch of nostalgia at the Bauska Motor Museum, where a unique collection of 20th-century automobiles and motorcycles awaits, including Soviet 4x4 vehicles, rare RAF vans, and WWII military machines, found only here!
Continue to the romantic Jumpravmuiža Park, where dolomite cliffs, artificial castle ruins, and peaceful streams create an enchanting atmosphere. For an unforgettable moment, enjoy a horseback ride through the scenic park or even plan a wedding ceremony here. At the Igo Music and Art Centre “Ceplis”, creativity thrives within the walls of industrial heritage. Learn about the beginnings of brick kiln craftsmanship and participate in a deco technique masterclass created by the artist himself. In the Mežotne area, visit the home of sculptor Mārtiņš Zaurs, where every detail – from the door handle to an entire miniature palace – tells a story infused with meaning.
Nature lovers will enjoy the Garozas Manor Park, where a small stream, arched wooden bridges and elements of Baroque and Sentimentalist design create a fairytale-like ambience. Children and adults alike will delight in the “Rabbit Town”, a miniature village inhabited by a wide variety of four-legged residents and an enthusiastic, welcoming owner. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on a canoeing adventure on the River Lielupe, following the popular “Bauska – Mežotne Hillfort” route, which reveals the river’s might and the dolomite cliffs characteristic of the region. Alternatively, join a true cycling expedition along route No. 401 “Castles Around Bauska”, offering a fresh view of the surrounding landscapes. To conclude your journey, treat yourself to one of Bauska Region’s local flavours – at the “Celmi” farm, traditional homemade cheeses are produced in both savoury and sweet varieties, including smoked and fresh options.
For a fuller experience, we recommend visiting in summer, especially during the concert evenings at the Igo Music and Art Centre “Ceplis”, where Igo and other well-known Latvian musicians perform on an authentic open-air stage.
Uzvara and Grenctāle Area of Bauska Region. This route offers a diverse journey through historic sites, unique recreation complexes, cultural heritage, active leisure, and local product tastings. On the way, explore the restored Renaissance and Mannerism-style Bauska Castle, visit the memorial site of Latvian Army General Krišjānis Berķis, and stop by the unique Ribbes Windmill. Enjoy the rural landscapes and traditional flavours at local farms and wineries, such as “Kugrēnu Vīni” and “Kaucis Creek Winery”, or sample sheep milk cheese and ice cream at a dairy sheep farm, and discover the diverse uses of blackcurrants at the organic farm “Lonnija”.
Art and history lovers will appreciate the costume exhibition “Mazā Muiža”, where historical garments unveil the elegance of the Rococo era. Meanwhile, the poet Vilis Plūdonis’ museum “Lejenieki” offers an intimate look into the life of this Latvian literary classic and the idyllic lifestyle of a typical Zemgale homestead.
Active leisure seekers can get their adrenaline pumping at the Mūsa Racetrack, where thrilling rides in folk race cars await. Equally exciting is a canoe trip down the River Mūsa, either from the racetrack to Bauska or along the River Mēmele from Brunava-Ērgļi Pedestrian Bridge to Bauska. For a different perspective of the region, follow the cycling route “Discover Bauska Region!”.
To enrich your trip, plan a visit in April, when the “Nature Awakens” tourism season opening takes place at the Recreation Complex “Miķelis”, in May for the Autocross Championship at the Mūsa Raceland racetrack, or in September for the Poetry Days at V. Plūdonis’ Lejenieki.