Discover Zentene

Zentene can be explored through several different highlights: Zentenes Manor Palace and its park, where the Zentenes Yew grows opposite the palace, as well as a one-day cycling route through the area. Nearby, a forest trail and the Pastariņš Museum add nature and bread-related themes. The range of experiences extends from a single tree and its parkland to a day-long route.

Manor Park and the Zentenes Yew

Zentenes Manor Park covers 20 hectares. It is home to more than 20 notable trees, including large beeches and avenues of chestnut and maple trees. There are also plantings of 15 non-native tree and shrub species. Within this diverse collection of trees, the Zentenes Yew stands out as a striking individual tree.

It is considered the largest and thickest common yew in Latvia (Taxus baccata). It stands 12.5 metres tall, and its trunk has a circumference of 2.52 metres at a height of 0.5 metres. The grounds of Zentenes Manor also include a grotto said to have served as the prince’s tea house, and a bridge of love. The park also contains a place known as “Dog Island,” which the prince had created as a burial place for his hunting dogs.

Architecture and Culture

Zentenes Manor Palace was built around 1850 and is an example of late Classicism. The building and park represent different aspects of the area: the architectural classification of the manor house and a landscape of notable trees, avenues and individual features.

Various cultural events, community workdays and concerts take place at Zentenes Palace. If you would like to combine your trip with an event, check the specific dates in advance. Dzirciema Lutheran Church was also built in the vicinity of Zentene, in 1879. Its entrance faces north, an orientation that is rare in Latvia.

Cycling Route and Forest Trail

The one-day “Over the Hills to the Sea” cycling route passes through Zentene. Sights along the route include Zentenes Manor Palace and the park with the Zentenes Yew. This makes it possible to explore the manor ensemble as part of a day-long cycling route.

The Jāņupītes (Jānīša) Nature Trail is located near Zentene. This 1.1-kilometre walking and recreation trail runs through the forest and includes several stairways and bridges. The cycling route and forest trail differ both in mode of transport and in the stated length: the cycling route is described as a full day, while the walking trail is 1.1 kilometres long.

Bread-Making Nearby

The Pastariņš Museum offers a bread-making programme. Participants shape loaves, bake them in a real oven and taste the bread they have made. The programme focuses on the practical steps of bread-making and offers a different theme from the manor house, park and cycling route.

The museum is dedicated to the writer Ernests Birznieks-Upītis (1871–1960). In his childhood, he was known as Pastariņš. The bread-making programme near Zentene therefore connects with a place associated with the writer and his childhood name.

Discover more destinations: Slampe, Pētertāle, Lapmežciems, Tukums, Lamiņi, Lancenieki, Rideļi, Tume.

For the broader travel overview: Tukuma Novads.