Castle and history in Dobele
A stone castle, begun on the site of a burned-down Semigallian wooden castle: Dobele brings together different layers of history. In 1335, the Livonian Order began building a stone castle there. The site has developed into a multifunctional cultural and tourism development centre; the Livonian Order chapel was put into use in 2020.
The permanent exhibition “The Allure of Dobele…” at the Dobele Regional Museum tells the story of Dobele and its surroundings, from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century. The museum also preserves more than 23,000 objects connected with the history and notable figures of the town of Dobele and Dobele Municipality. The exhibition spans different periods, while the collection brings together a range of connections to the town and its region.
Rampart, forest and springs
Krievkalni is a long, wooded rampart, considered a unique landform. Its highest point is 149 metres above sea level. A hiking trail on Krievkalni leads to a rest area with benches and a fire pit. Pokaiņi Forest has a different landscape, with steep hills, deep valleys and springs. Only the most essential facilities have been created there to preserve its largely unspoilt character.
The Ķeveles Springs also offer a distinctive glimpse of the landscape: seven springs emerge from a ravine and flow together into a single stream. Beside the springs is a rest area with a fire pit, swings, a table and benches. The springs and rest area offer different reasons to pause: the confluence is a natural feature, while the facilities provide a place to linger.
Tērvete: fairy-tale characters and trails
In the Latvian State Forests’ nature park in Tērvete, wooden sculptures and “living” fairy-tale characters are part of the park’s landscape; they are associated with Latvian writer Anna Brigadere. A network of short and long trails winds through the park and can be explored on foot, by bicycle and with a stroller. An observation tower rises above the pine canopy.
Tērvetes Tarzāns Park offers a different kind of activity, with nine courses of varying difficulty and more than 100 obstacles. The course configuration may change; check the latest information before your visit. Tērvetes Gaisa takas consists of rope, cable and wooden structures located several metres above the ground. Operating arrangements may change here too, so it is advisable to check in advance.
Industrial heritage on the Bērze
The Bērze watermills are a technical monument dating from 1863. Their complex, with a diversion channel and a weir, is the only one still operating in Latvia where grain is processed using water power. By prior arrangement, groups can learn about the historic buildings, traditional grain processing, and the design and operation of the small hydroelectric power station. Before travelling, also check whether a visit to the working mill is possible.
In Dobele, paths and wooden walkways run along the marshy banks of the Bērze’s left bank. A viewing platform by the water offers a view of the fountains in the river and the ruins of Dobele Castle. Here, the focus is on the riverside paths and views of the water and castle ruins; the mills, in contrast, offer an insight into technological history and hydropower.
Garden and seasonal events
Pēteris Upītis’ lilac garden covers five hectares and includes more than 300 varieties and hybrids of lilac. The garden is associated with sweet cherry tasting and picking in early July, as well as an apple festival in early October. Dates may vary from year to year; check in advance what is planned for your visit.
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