Ogre Municipality between culture and nature

In Ogre Municipality, the options for a stay range from railway history and Latvian energy to medieval ruins, river landscapes and nature trails. The experiences also vary considerably: you can explore historical exhibitions, discover viewpoints and distinctive landforms, or plan seasonal activities. When choosing where to stay, it is worth first considering which of these interests you want to shape your trip.

Cultural history at specific sites

At Kinostacija Ķeipenē, the only surviving section of track from the former Rīga–Ērgļi railway line has been preserved. The exhibition there is dedicated to film director Sergei Eisenstein. Ogres Vēstures un mākslas muzejs preserves around 50,000 objects acquired in the city of Ogre and across Ogre Municipality. Its permanent exhibition, “Pietura Ogre,” spans a broad period of time: it tells the story of the first inhabitants of Ķentes Pilskalns, Ogre as a spa and holiday resort, and the Soviet and industrial eras.

Lielvārde also offers several points of historical interest. The medieval castle ruins are an archaeological monument of national significance; the castle is mentioned in written sources as early as 1229. Since its opening in 1970, Andreja Pumpura Lielvārdes muzejs has been housed in the former barn of Lielvārde Manor on the banks of the Daugava. During certain visits, you can step into the roles of Lāčplēsis, Laimdota and Andrejs Pumpurs and tie on a Lielvārde belt. Advance booking is required for excursions and consultations.

The main exhibition at Tīnūžu muiža Culture and Heritage Centre is housed in a barn built in the early 1930s. It is dedicated to the battles fought by Latvian riflemen at the Little Jugla in 1917. The Energy Museum in Ķegums focuses on a different subject: it presents Latvia’s energy history, from the first electric light bulb to the commissioning of Ķegums Hydroelectric Power Plant. Interactive exhibitions also cover environmentally friendly energy production and the physical laws involved. Check the museum’s physical accessibility before visiting.

Nature, viewpoints and trails

Six protected plant species characteristic of forests on eskers or esker-like ridges grow in Ogres Zilie kalni Nature Park. In summer, its network of trails is available for Nordic walking, cycling and other recreational activities; trail conditions may change. For a different view of the landscape, visit the observation tower in Meņģele: it is located in Ogres ieleja Nature Park and offers views across the Ogre Valley. The valley itself contains 15 biotopes that are specially protected in Latvia.

Notable natural features include Velna klēpis, a roughly 30-metre-long accumulation of boulders in a deep, wooded ravine on the upper reaches of the Nāružiņa, and Āderkašu Pilskalns. The latter is set in a wooded, hilly landscape on the banks of the Taukātne, a tributary of the Ogre, and has two terraces. In Špakovska Park, 100 steps lead to an observation tower. The 70-metre-long Purva Trail leads to a natural spring two metres deep.

For an activity with specified route lengths, try Milžu taka: the adventure park has three courses with a combined length of just under 600 metres. The second course has two descents, one 30 metres long and the other 70 metres. You can paddle on the Ogre throughout the season, starting from Vecogres HES near Emmas Mills. When water levels are higher, it is also possible to start from Ērgļi; water levels are therefore an important factor when planning.

Visits and practical information

The ruins of Ikšķile Church on St. Meinard’s Island are considered the oldest ruins of a stone building in Latvia. The church was built in 1185 under Bishop Meinard. The ruins are accessible by boat; when the water level in the Rīgas HES reservoir is lowered, it may also be possible to walk along the former road. As access depends on water levels and seasonal conditions, check this before planning your visit. The renovated promenade along the Ogre is two kilometres long. Ogre is accessible from Riga by intercity bus or train; check current timetables for your trip.

Crafts and regional experiences

At Ķeipenes piparkūku studija, visitors can watch gingerbread being made. Natural berry and fruit juices are used to colour the icing instead of artificial food colourings. Krapes muižas ūdensdzirnavas offers educational guided tours that, depending on the season, introduce the watermill’s above- and below-ground construction. The site also offers a “Krapes crepes” pancake workshop and candle-making classes using organically certified soy wax; advance booking is required for the candle classes. Bišu maģija offers seasonal beeswax candle-making workshops and guided visits to the apiary. Advance booking is required for both. Experiences like these may be the deciding factor if you want to complement cultural and nature experiences with a practical or craft activity.

Discover more destinations: Ogre, Meņģele, Madliena, Ogresgals, Ķeipene, Suntaži, Saulkrasti Municipality, Stopiņi Municipality.

Go to the overview of destinations: Latvia.