Jēkabpils: Cultural Heritage and Nature

Jēkabpils combines several historical themes with outdoor activities. Krustpils Castle, the open-air exhibition “Sēļu sēta” and the geodetic point of the Struve Geodetic Arc represent different connections to history and cultural heritage. For exercise and views, there are facilities in Jēkabpils Mežaparks, the promenade along the Daugava and activities at the Radžu Reservoir. If you are looking for a hotel in Jēkabpils, these highlights can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Krustpils Castle and History

In 1237, the Archbishop of Riga, Nikolajs de Magdeburgs, had Krustpils Castle built as a fortification on the route from Riga to Daugavpils. It is one of Latvia’s oldest castles and a state-designated monument of architectural and archaeological significance. The story of its founding thus identifies a specific year, a builder and the castle’s original function. Its place among Latvia’s oldest castles also situates it in the country’s history; its monument designation encompasses both architectural and archaeological significance.

Exhibitions and Cultural Connections

The open-air exhibition “Sēļu sēta” offers a different perspective on the past. It comprises six rural buildings from the 19th century. On display are tools and household items belonging to a moderately well-off farmer from Sēlija from the same period. Visitors can also try rural activities there, including milling, spinning and blacksmithing. Buildings, objects and hands-on activities come together here; the availability of activities may vary.

The “Jēkabpils” geodetic point is also one of Latvia’s points on the Struve Geodetic Arc. In total, 34 points in ten countries have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Another distinct site is the Orthodox men’s monastery “Svētā Gara,” the only men’s monastery in Latvia. Together, these places broaden the picture beyond the history of the castle and exhibitions to include geodetic and Orthodox heritage.

Mežaparks, the Daugava and the Radžu Reservoir

Jēkabpils Mežaparks has a 500-metre-long, paved and illuminated route for running, cycling and roller skiing. There is also “Lūša taka,” a ten-metre-long wooden fitness course. The park thus combines a longer route for three named activities with a dedicated fitness facility.

The pedestrian promenade on Jēkabpils’s flood-protection embankment offers views of the Daugava and the city’s silhouettes. Here, the views of the river and city are the focus, while the facilities mentioned in Mežaparks provide different ways to exercise.

The Radžu Reservoir contains eight dolomite islands, which visitors can circle by rowboat, SUP board or water bike. Equipment availability may vary by season. Since 2010, the Blue Flag has been raised every year at the beach on the Radžu Reservoir; check the status for the current season before your visit.

Discover Jēkabpils by Tourist Train

The tourist train “Jēkabiņš” offers an entertaining and informative ride through the streets of Jēkabpils. Its approximately nine-kilometre route passes through the historic centre on the left bank of the Daugava. If you plan to take the ride, check the current route, operating hours and timetable in advance: route details may change, and operating hours or timetables may vary by season.

Discover more destinations: Dunava, Vidsala.

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