Aizkraukle Municipality: River Landscapes, Castles and Culture

River landscapes, medieval castles and hands-on activities offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Aizkraukle Municipality. Paths along the Daugava, collections and seasonal boat trips show how nature, history and activities can be combined.

Paths along the Daugava and protected landscapes

In Aizkraukle, the “Daugavas takas” walking path is 828 metres long. It runs below the district secondary school building along Draudzības krastmala to the skate park, and has an observation platform overlooking the Daugava landscape. The Aizkraukle multifunctional cycling park has a pump track; the walking path, renovated and extended in 2024, adjoins it.

For a longer route, try the 5.65-kilometre Koknese Nature Trail, which follows the banks of the Pērse and Daugava rivers. At 5.65 kilometres, the Koknese Nature Trail is considerably longer than the 828-metre “Daugavas takas” walking path in Aizkraukle.

The Daugavas ieleja Nature Park is a landscape highlight in its own right. The 1,091-hectare protected area has been part of the Natura 2000 network since 2004. It preserves a characteristic stretch of the old Daugava Valley that remained unchanged during the construction of the Pļaviņas Hydroelectric Power Plant. The Daugava water trail runs through Aizkraukle and Jēkabpils municipalities.

Museums, memorial sites and views

The Aizkraukle Museum features exhibitions on painting, applied arts, photography and regional history. In the museum garden, you can try traditional games and play equipment. A different collection awaits at the Voldemārs Jākobsons Memorial House, where you can see more than 50 sculptures, as well as drawings, graphic art, tools, and art and household objects belonging to the Jākobsons family. The Pēters Graudulis Museum also offers its own perspective on its subject: it displays the master’s work, from his earliest to his latest piece.

At Likteņdārzs, views of the garden and the Daugava combine with a dedicated tree-lined avenue. The roof of the building there serves as a walking area and viewpoint. The 200-metre Friendship Avenue is lined with 77 apple trees, each dedicated to a Latvian person, family or clan.

Castles and architectural history

The construction histories of two castles can be distinguished by their dates: construction began in Koknese in 1209, and impressive ruins remain to this day. Aizkraukle’s medieval castle was built around 1211 at the mouth of the Karikste River. Its ruins are privately owned and should be viewed from a distance for safety reasons.

A historical exhibition is housed in the pavilion near the Koknese castle ruins. There is also a landing stage for summer boat trips, as well as rentals of boats, SUP boards and catamarans. Check operating conditions before visiting; boat trips are seasonal and scheduled for summer.

Odziena Manor is a Neo-Gothic landmark. The name Odensee was first mentioned in writing in 1455. A guided tour, available by advance reservation, shares stories and legends from the time of Aizkraukle Manor, as well as the cultural and historical diversity of Daugavas ieleja Nature Park.

Hands-on experiences

On tours at Skrīveru mājas saldējums, visitors can learn about the history of ice cream and sample up to 20 different flavours. You can also learn how to make ice cream yourself. If you plan to take part, check the booking requirements in advance.

“Raganu lidlauks” offers a different group experience: after booking in advance, participants first work in teams to solve a variety of fun and challenging tasks. Afterwards, under the guidance of a witch, they can practise flying on a real broomstick.

Discover more destinations: Aizkraukle, Saulkrasti Municipality, Dagdas Novads, Liepāja, Ikšķiles Novads, Dobeles Novads, Ķeguma Novads, Skaistas pagasts.

See the overview of destinations: Latvia.