Jēkabpils reveals itself through contrasts: a 13th-century castle and a major narrow-gauge railway hub tell of different chapters in history. In between are protected areas with ridges, lakes, bogs and regularly flooded meadows. The region can be explored through its buildings and collections as well as the landscapes it preserves.

Castles, museums and railway history

Krustpils Castle is considered one of Latvia’s oldest castles. In 1237, Archbishop of Riga Nikolajs de Magdeburg had it built as a fortification on the road from Riga to Daugavpils. Since 1996, Jēkabpils History Museum has been housed in the castle. From the lookout in the gate tower, you can take in a panorama of the city—a view that connects this historic site with Jēkabpils today.

The open-air section Sēļu sēta features six rural buildings from the 19th century from Upper Latgale. Tools and household items from Sēlija are also on display. The exhibition Ar sēliju sirdī focuses on the region’s settlements, rivers and lakes, as well as historical figures and craftspeople. If you would like to experience history beyond the exhibitions, you can also try activities such as milling, spinning and blacksmithing there.

Viesīte offers a different perspective on industrial heritage: its narrow-gauge railway hub is recognized as a state-level industrial monument. It is the only place in Latvia where you can explore the history of a 600-millimeter-gauge railway at its original operating site. The Sēlija Museum in Viesīte includes the Mazā Bānīša parks and Paula Stradiņa skola sections. The vehicles on display include the ML-635 steam locomotive, built by Schwarzkopff in 1918, and service car No. 3637, built in 1916. Small groups can explore the historic center of Viesīte by electric train; advance booking is required.

Gārsene Castle also offers a striking architectural contrast: Baron von Budberg had it built in the Neo-Gothic style between 1856 and 1860. It is also known as the Pearl of Sēlija; a historical exhibition is devoted to the Baron’s family, the school and the parish. Around the castle are river meanders, the ancient valley of the Suseja, an avenue of fly agaric mushrooms, remarkable trees and erratic boulders. The natural features listed here also include a pine tree with seven tops.

Protected landscapes and special habitats

Sauka Nature Park protects the landscape around Lake Saukas and the Sēlija ridge in the Augšzeme Upland. It is a Natura 2000 nature park in the Elkšņi, Rites and Sauka municipalities in Jēkabpils Municipality. Protected habitats include rapids, mineral-rich springs and spring mires, as well as hillside and ravine forests, natural eutrophic lakes, species-rich hay meadows and wet broadleaf forests. Licensed fishing is organized on Lake Saukas.

Laukezers Nature Park offers a different landscape: it protects valuable pine forest communities on the southern slope of the ridge north of Lake Laukezers. The area protects at least nine habitats of Latvian and European importance, as well as at least twelve protected plant species. Lakes Klaucāni and Priekulāni have an additional special feature: they are examples of a habitat of EU importance, with submerged and floating aquatic vegetation. The nature reserve also protects the floating water chestnut there, a rare and endangered species in Latvia that occurs in only four lakes—including these two.

Those interested in birdlife and open landscapes will find a seasonal contrast to the forests and lakes in the Dviete River floodplain. The regularly flooded meadows lie where the Dviete and Ilūkste rivers meet the Daugava. In spring, the area is an important seasonal stopover for several thousand geese and ducks, and is among Latvia’s most diverse and species-rich bird areas.

Water, trails and regional discoveries

Jēkabpils Mežaparks recreation area and the Radžu Reservoir cover 304.14 hectares. The protected geological formation Radžu akmens is also located here. The reservoir contains eight dolomite islands, which you can circle by rowing boat, SUP board or pedal boat. Pedal boats, boats and SUP boards are available for hire at the beach; rentals are seasonal and depend on the operator. The Blue Flag has flown at the beach every year since 2010, and lifeguards are on duty during the swimming season.

At Gārsene, nature trails and orientation go hand in hand: the trails can be explored on foot or by bike and provide access to more than 40 notable natural features. The Gārsene Discovery audio route is about 4.5 kilometers long, includes 20 viewpoints and features, and is suitable for walkers and cyclists. Tadenava, Rainis’ birthplace amid Latvia’s natural landscape, adds a cultural dimension with school programs, nature activities for children and creative family workshops on one Saturday each month; program dates may change.

Regional cuisine is another discovery to enjoy: at Boļāni Farm, you can taste and buy herbal teas, candied fruit and berries. You can also learn to make Sēļu-Karaša following a traditional family recipe. Visits are seasonal and require advance booking.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Jēkabpils, Vidsala, Dunava, Daugavpils Novads, Gārsenes pagasts, Pļaviņu Novads, Pāvilostas Novads, Viesīte.

For the main travel overview: Latvia.