Things to do in Zemgale

A manor in Zaļenieki parish that presents itself as a retreat for the creative industries and team building. Its celebration barn holds up to 150 guests, with halls of 70 m² and 35 m², a 400 m² granary, a restaurant, ponds and a park, plus accommodation for more than 70.

A castle where the Mēmele and Mūsa rivers meet: its oldest part, from the mid-15th century, is the only Livonian Order fortress built specifically for artillery, and the newest is a late-17th-century fortified residence with bastions. It is the only partly preserved residence of the Kettler dukes of Courland and Semigallia. Adults €9; November–April 10–16, closed Mondays.

A spa in the basement of a restored 19th-century manor in Zemgale, about an hour’s drive from Riga, with a sauna and a steam bath. Visits are by individual booking only.

A national cultural monument on the Zemgale plain, with hotel rooms in the renovated stable building and breakfast included. The restored manor park has a children’s playground.

A house of Latvian traditions and crafts in Jelgava’s old town with weaving and ceramics workshops and a kiln: watch the craftspeople, shape clay yourself, try weaving, join a bread-baking masterclass and learn about the Zemgale folk costume. Tours in Latvian and English.

The largest Baroque palace in the Baltics, built in the 18th century to Bartolomeo Rastrelli’s design as the residence of the Dukes of Courland in their capital, Jelgava. Today it houses the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, and its basement holds the family vault of the Dukes of Courland with their sarcophagi.

A restored manor in the Lielupe valley, Bauska municipality, with a four-star hotel of 26 rooms. The restored barn and stables serve as event spaces for up to 80 guests, and Rundāle and Mežotne palaces are nearby.

A Neoclassical palace on the Lielupe, one of the finest examples of the style in Latvia, linked to the Lieven family and set beside an English-style park. Since June 2025 it has been open to visitors under the Rundāle Palace Museum; adults €5. May–September 10–18, October–April 10–17, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Baroque palace of the Dukes of Courland, built to Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli’s design in two stages, 1736–1740 and 1764–1768. Lavish state rooms and a large French garden; main exhibition €12 for adults, garden €6, combined ticket €17.

A hotel in central Jelgava on Lielā iela, near the palace. Its 41 rooms sleep 94, meeting rooms take 30, 50 and 75 people, and there is a sauna and Turkish bath.

A six-hectare sports complex with a football and athletics stadium, a multi-purpose sports hall and a European-level BMX track.

Gym in Jelgava for strength and cardio training.

Badminton training and games in Jelgava, at the Jelgava sports hall, where the Jelgava badminton club trains.

A motor museum in Bauska with four collections of historic vehicles. Upstairs there is a carpenter’s workshop and a 1930s landlord’s rooms interior, plus temporary exhibitions and events. Open Tue–Sun 10–18.

Bowling across the Lielupe for groups and families, suitable for beginners and regular players alike.

Swimming pool and spa in Jēkabpils. Pool and sauna complex. Open daily 07:00–23:00.

The Dobele Crafts House, just east of Market Square, runs workshops five days a week — weaving, knitting, crochet, braiding, wool spinning, jewellery making, embroidery and clay work.

Combat sports club in Jelgava.

Gym in Jelgava for strength and cardio training, with a squash court too. Monday to Thursday hours: 07:30–22:00.

Part of the FitSpot chain: a gym in Jelgava for strength and cardio training. Weekday hours: 07:00–22:00.

An escape room near Cukurfabrika station: you have 60 minutes to find clues and solve puzzles to get out of the secret bunker. Up to 5 players; recommended from age 10. Call ahead for opening times.

Badminton training and games in Spuņģēni, at the Krustpils sports hall in Spuņģēni.

Gym in Jēkabpils for strength and cardio training. Open daily 09:00–21:00.

Gym in Jelgava for strength and cardio training.