Things to do in Zemgale

Waterskiing, wakeboarding and SUP on Lake Ozolnieki, plus an inflatable water park with obstacle courses, slides and a trampoline.

Latvia’s State Forests nature park in the Tērvete pinewood, about 1,200 hectares: the Fairy Tale Forest, the Gnome Farmstead, wooden sculptures, trails and boardwalks over the Tērvete river valley, and three ancient hill forts. A new visitor centre and a 25 m observation tower opened in 2026; the park drew a record 166,700 visitors in 2025.

Official bathing site on the Lielupe in Jelgava. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

Official bathing site on Lake Gaurata. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

Official bathing site on the Lielupe in Jelgava. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.

Latvia’s State Forests glamping in a pine forest by the Tērvete reservoir: 7 treehouses and 6 underground lodges (two adapted for guests with reduced mobility), each for up to 4 with a kitchen and bathroom. From €150 a night, including entry to the LVM Tērvete Nature Park and 2 hours of boat, pedalo or SUP; floating anglers’ cabins, tent pitches and camper spots too.

A family farm on the Zemgale plain making around 30 kinds of handmade cheese, many of them also smoked. Visits include a look around the farm, the story of how the cheese is made and a tasting with home-baked bread and salads from their own vegetables; you can also learn to make Latvian caraway cheese. Their marinated cheese won the visitors’ vote at Riga Food 2014. By phone booking only.

A mini zoo in Dzimtmisa, about 34 km from Riga: dwarf pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep, ponies and exotic animals, plenty of birds — pedigree chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, quail, pigeons, pheasants and peacocks — and a pond with exotic waterfowl. Open May to November, 10:00–17:00.

The “Brieži” farm in Apgulde, home to one of Latvia’s largest orchid collections — more than 200 species, at their best in autumn — plus exotic animals such as royal pythons, iguanas and geckos, and friendly Shetland ponies. Visits by prior arrangement.

Official bathing site on the Radži reservoir in Jēkabpils. Awarded a Blue Flag for 2026. The Health Inspectorate tests the water regularly during the bathing season.