Bauska Municipality: Palaces, Castles and Culture

In Bauska Municipality, visitor attractions range from Baroque garden art to castles and museums, as well as boat trips on rivers. When planning your trip, it may help to focus on a particular theme: would you like to explore historic sites, view collections or combine your time with activities on the water? It also makes sense to consider which of these aspects of the region interests you most before choosing a hotel.

Rundāle Palace and its garden ensemble

The Rundāle Palace ensemble covers 85 hectares. It includes the palace and stables, a former hunting park, orchards, a pond and canals, as well as the foundations of an old castle dating from the 16th century. The palace ensemble is considered an outstanding monument of Baroque and Rococo architecture and art. The French garden covers 10 hectares; its features include a parterre, fountains, a Green Theatre, bosquets, pergolas, pavilions and a labyrinth. Those interested in garden design will find a variety of forms within one site, from the parterre to the labyrinth.

A direct public transport service from Riga to Rundāle Palace operates from 1 May to 30 September. Check the current timetable before your trip. This allows you to take the seasonal operating period into account when planning, without assuming that the journey is available regardless of the date or timetable.

Castles and earlier history

Bauska Castle reflects Latvian military architecture from the 15th to the 17th centuries. It is the only partially preserved residence of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia from the Kettler dynasty. The castle grounds include fortress ruins, an observation platform and a nature trail. The path along the steep bank of the Mēmele near the castle is open seasonally from 1 May to 31 October; check the current conditions before visiting. It offers views of the Mēmele Valley landscape. The river bend has a microclimate that attracts representatives of the local flora and fauna.

The Mežotne hillfort is one of the largest fortifications of the ancient Semigallians, dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The “Spožās skudras” trail offers a range of activities and information about the remarkable living creatures found there. The “Mežotnes baznīca” cultural centre has an exhibition on historical events at the hillfort. From the cultural centre’s tower, you can take in views of the Zemgale plain, the Lielupe and the hillfort. A footbridge over the Lielupe connects the hillfort with Mežotne Palace; it is located 350 metres from the hillfort. The bridge is available seasonally, so check access before visiting.

Museums and regional traditions

The Bauska Museum has more than 61,000 historical objects. Its collection includes antiquities, photographs, documents, books, furniture, tools and household items. The museum offers guided tours in the museum or around the town, as well as educational programmes for children. The exhibition also includes “Laiks spēlēties”, featuring dolls and toys from the late 19th to the early 21st century. The Bauska Motor Museum focuses on passenger cars and heavy vehicles, military equipment, and experimental vehicles from the Riga Autobus Factory (RAF). It also offers the “Atlecošā bumbiņa” and “Vēja enerģija” technology and creativity workshops.

The Ausekļu Dzirnavas Open-Air Museum showcases a Latvian farmstead with historic tools and exhibitions. Traditionally, it holds the spring festival “Sējas svētki” on the second Saturday in May and the autumn festival “Pļaujas svētki” on the first Saturday in September. At the festivals, visitors can observe and take part in seasonal activities. The visitor offer also includes pancake tastings and opportunities to bake pīrāgi or bread. Those interested in agricultural history can combine exhibitions with hands-on activities here.

Rivers, mills and finding your way

Boat trips are offered on the Mēmele, Mūsa and Lielupe rivers in Bauska Municipality. Another stop for those interested in regional history is the watermill at Rundāle Manor, in the centre of Pilsrundāle. It was built at the end of the 18th century. Visitors can see the beer-making process there, and tastings are also offered.

For planning, printable thematic route guides are available, with information on attractions, dining, accommodation and active recreation. Individual offers may change, so check the details that are important for your trip. The variety of themes—from the palace ensemble to museums and river activities—offers several ways to shape your stay in Bauska Municipality around your own interests.

Discover more destinations: Pāce, Jauncode, Bauska, Mežotne, Grenctāle, Ceraukste, Likverteni, Code.

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