Dobele Municipality: Nature, History and Experiences

A wooded ridge, springs in a ravine and the ruins of Dobele Castle show how varied the landscapes and sights in Dobele Municipality are. Museums, technical monuments and nature experiences with their own distinctive features add to the picture. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can consider whether you would most like to explore landscapes, cultural history or outdoor activities.

Forests, Springs and Garden Culture

Krievkalni is a long, wooded ridge considered a unique landform. Its highest point is 149 metres above sea level. A hiking trail along the ridge leads to a rest area with benches and a fire pit. This combines the striking landform with a designated route and place to rest.

Pokaiņi Forest is characterised by steep hills, deep valleys and springs. Only essential facilities have been created there, helping to preserve the forest’s largely unspoilt character. The landscape around the Ķeveles Springs has a different character: seven springs emerge from a ravine and flow together into a single stream. Next to the springs is a rest area with a fire pit, swings, a table and benches.

Garden culture is also part of the area’s character. Pēteris Upītis’s lilac garden covers five hectares and contains more than 300 lilac varieties and hybrids. This extensive collection offers a different focus from the forests and springs, highlighting the diversity of a single group of plants.

Dobele Castle, Museums and Technical History

In 1335, the Livonian Order began building a stone castle in Dobele on the site of a burned-down Semigallian wooden castle. The Livonian Order’s chapel in the castle opened in 2020. The complex has become a multifunctional centre for cultural and tourism development.

The Dobele Regional Museum’s permanent exhibition, “Reiz Dobelē…”, tells the story of Dobele and its surroundings, from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century. Its collection comprises more than 23,000 items associated with the history and notable figures of the town of Dobele and Dobele Municipality. The “Pikšas” Museum explores a different chapter of Latvian history: it is located in an old Zemgale farmhouse where Kārlis Ulmanis spent his childhood.

The Bērze Watermills, dating from 1863, are a technical monument. The complex includes a diversion canal and a weir; it is the only operating complex of its kind in Latvia where grain is processed using water power. Groups can visit the mills by prior arrangement. Visitors can learn about the historic buildings, traditional grain processing, and the structure and operation of the small hydroelectric power plant. Check visiting arrangements before your trip.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The Latvian State Forests Nature Park in Tērvete features wooden sculptures and “living” fairytale characters associated with Latvian writer Anna Brigadere. A network of small and large trails runs through the park. The trails can be explored on foot, by bicycle and with a pushchair; an observation tower rises above the pine canopy.

Tērvetes Tarzāna Park offers nine courses of varying difficulty, with more than 100 obstacles. Since the course configuration may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting. Tērvetes Gaisa takas consists of rope, cable and wooden structures several metres above the ground. Visit arrangements for this activity may also change; check the details before making plans.

At Rūķīšu tējas, visitors can learn about the cultivation, harvesting and drying of medicinal plants on guided tours. Herbal teas are also available to taste, with selected teas for sale. Seasonal booking conditions may change, so check the terms for your preferred dates.

Getting Your Bearings in Dobele

On the left bank of the Bērze in Dobele, paths and wooden walkways run through the swampy riverbank. A viewing platform by the water offers a view of the fountains in the river and the ruins of Dobele Castle. Here, riverside nature and a view of a historic landmark come together.

Train stops at Dobele station date back to 15 August 1927. Direct rail connections to Liepāja, Jelgava and Riga existed historically. For current train connections, please check the latest timetable.

Discover More Destinations

Dobele, Zebras Muiža, Aizstrautnieki, Biksti, Prinči, Auri, Vaiņode Municipality, Mērsraga Municipality

Go to the main travel overview: Latvia.