Dobele can be explored through a variety of themes: its historic center, the stone castle of the Livonian Order, and walks along the Bērze. There are also activities related to crafts and horticulture. When planning a trip, you can choose different focuses, from city history and culture to experiences in nature.

City History and the Castle

The historic center of Dobele is a state-designated urban monument. The historic market square was established at the same time as the church was built in 1495. Both details provide a specific historical context: the square’s history is linked to the construction of the church, while the center’s designation draws attention to the historic urban fabric.

The stone castle of the Livonian Order is the oldest building in Dobele and a cultural monument of national significance. The promenade runs past the castle ruins and offers a scenic walk along the right bank of the Bērze. In Dobele, therefore, architectural evidence of the city’s history sits alongside a route where the river forms part of the landscape.

History, Crafts and Culture

The historical exhibition “Once Upon a Time in Dobele” at the Dobele Local History Museum traces the history of the castle hill and the settlement that grew around it, from the 13th century to the 1940s. It thus provides a broad timeframe in which to explore the history of the castle hill and the development of the settlement together. Tours of the museum can be arranged at other times, independently of the exhibition room’s opening hours.

The history of the castle building also includes a later use: the renovated chapel building at Dobele Castle opened in 2020 as a multifunctional center for culture, crafts and tourism development. It is called Dobeles Pils. The Dobele Crafts House offers a separate way to explore the subject of crafts, where traditional and modern handicraft skills can be demonstrated, learned and passed on. The cultural experience therefore ranges from the historical exhibition to opportunities to discover craft skills.

The Pēteris Upītis Museum offers another perspective on culture and science. Its exhibition is dedicated to the horticulturist’s contribution to agricultural science. In the museum garden, visitors can taste fruits and berries grown there during the season. As this experience is seasonal, it is advisable to check the right time to visit before your trip.

Walks and Gardens

For a focus on the landscape, there is the Ķestermežs walking and recreation area, in addition to the promenade by the castle ruins. The Bērze winds through this area, making the river landscape part of this distinct place for walking and recreation. The two options offer different views: the promenade follows the right bank past the castle ruins, while the river runs through the Ķestermežs area.

The garden of Lilija and Alfrēds Štelmahers also combines nature with a designed theme. It features a stone exhibition alongside decorative plantings. This sets the garden apart from the river landscapes: here, the focus is on stones and how they are incorporated into the plantings. Together with the garden of the Pēteris Upītis Museum, it shows that gardens in Dobele can appeal to a range of interests—from a stone exhibition to seasonal fruits and berries.

You can choose a clear focus for your visit: the castle, market square and museum exhibition explore different aspects of the city’s history, while the Crafts House and Dobeles Pils add crafts and culture. If you would rather spend time outdoors, there are walking routes along the Bērze and gardens, each with its own theme. For tasting produce at the Pēteris Upītis Museum, however, the season is the deciding factor.

Discover more destinations: Aizstrautnieki, Biksti, Prinči, Zebras Muiža, Auri.

Go to the main travel overview: Dobeles Novads.