Discover Daugmale

Daugmale appeals to travelers interested in archaeology, memorial sites, and landscapes. Its historical focus is Daugmale Castle Hill and the ancient monument complex; Lake Lejas in Daugmale parish adds a natural highlight. Other travel ideas range from a nearby memorial site to seasonal flower visits and producer offerings that require advance booking. For your plans, it is worth distinguishing between history, a stay by the lake, and prearranged visits.

Archaeology and history

Daugmale Castle Hill was inhabited from the 2nd millennium BC until the end of the 12th or beginning of the 13th century. Daugmale is also considered one of the most important trade and craft centers in the Baltic region during the 10th to 12th centuries. The two time periods answer different questions: one describes how long the hillfort was inhabited, while the other refers to Daugmale’s historical role in trade and crafts. This way, its long history is not reduced to a single era.

The ancient monument complex of Daugmale consists of a hillfort, two settlements, two burial grounds, and a harbor site. The complex therefore includes settlement, burial, and harbor areas in addition to the hillfort. At Daugmale Hillfort, there is an information board, benches, and steps. These specific features give you both historical and practical points of reference when learning about the site.

Memorial site near Daugmale

Jāņu kalns, also known as Senču svētkalniņš, is located near Daugmale. The recreation area lies on the bank of the Daugava; the hill is home to a memorial to the First World War battles in the vicinity of Daugmale. Here, a riverside recreation area and a clearly identified historical theme come together. This connection differs from the much older settlement and trade history of the hillfort.

Lake Lejas and waterways

Lake Lejas is a forest lake with no outflow in Daugmale parish. The circular trail around the lake takes about 40 minutes. There are several designated picnic areas on the shore. These offer two different points of reference for your plans: you can allow an approximate amount of time for the loop, while the picnic areas make it possible to spend time by the shore.

A boat route in the surrounding area starts and ends at the “Ķīķerītis” recreation area. If you are including waterways in your travel plans, Ķīķerītis is a specific landmark for the start and end of this route.

Seasonal visits and local producers

Visits to the Daugmales peonijas peony garden are timed for the flowering season. During the season, cut flowers are sold directly from the collection field; availability is seasonal. Before traveling, check whether your visit falls during the flowering period. This makes the garden different from businesses where advance booking is the main planning step.

The family business Malderi grows sea buckthorn and makes sea buckthorn products. With advance booking, it offers tastings and explanations of how the products are made. ZS “Dorītes” offers tours, product tastings, and product purchases by prior arrangement. Malderi combines tastings with explanations of how its products are made; ZS “Dorītes” also offers tours and the opportunity to buy products. Plan visits to both businesses in advance.

Getting around Daugmale parish

Intercity buses operate on the Riga–Daugmale–Riga route in Daugmale parish. Some route variations include stops in Ķekava and Baldone. Before traveling, check the timetable for the connection that suits you and compare the route options for your travel day.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Baloži, Pulkarne, Katlakalns, Rāmava, Vimbukrogs, Ķekava, Lielvārži

Back to the main travel guide: Ķekava Municipality.