Mālpils can be explored through a range of different interests: the classicist manor house and medieval castle offer different ways to discover the area’s history; the Mālpils Nature Trail also runs along the river, and Wake Mālpils offers water sports. If you are planning an overnight stay, you can first decide whether cultural history, hiking or water activities will shape your stay. This turns a selection of individual options into a clear basis for planning your own trip.
Architectural Monuments and Culture
Mālpils Manor House is an outstanding 19th-century architectural monument in the classicist style. Mālpils medieval castle is an archaeological monument of state significance and bears state protection number 2124. It was built before 1413 on the right bank of the Mergupe to secure transport routes; it was first mentioned in written sources in 1413. The manor house highlights architectural style and period, while the castle highlights medieval history and its role in protecting transport routes. If you are interested in architectural history, you can start at the manor house; if you are looking for a dated account and a historical connection to transport routes, you will find both in the castle’s history.
The Mālpils Cultural Centre has an auditorium with 550 seats. The round dance hall is often used as a concert hall because of its good acoustics. The two rooms have different features: the auditorium’s capacity is specified, while the dance hall is described by its shape, acoustics and frequent use for concerts. If a specific cultural event is the reason for your trip, check its date in advance.
Hiking along the Mergupe
The Mālpils Nature Trail is a hiking route of approximately 6.5 km for the round trip, running along the left bank of the Mergupe. The approximate length refers to the entire out-and-back route, not 6.5 km each way. When planning your day, you can compare this total distance with your own pace and other travel plans. The castle is also associated with the Mergupe, but in a different way: it was built before 1413 on the right bank to secure transport routes. For the nature trail, the riverbank location and route length matter; for the castle, its historical location and defensive purpose.
Crafts and Water Sports
At the “Baložu māja” craft workshop, visitors can try their hand at making wooden vessels. One special feature is the making of wooden gingerbread moulds. If you want to make something yourself, this is a great place to start: trying your hand at making vessels gives the workshop a practical focus, while the gingerbread moulds offer another insight into woodworking.
The “Wake Mālpils” wake park offers a cable system for wakeboarding and a water obstacle park. The latter is suitable both for experienced riders and for people trying it for the first time. SUP boards are also available to rent for peaceful outings along a quiet stretch of river. You can choose between the water obstacle park and a more relaxing SUP trip, depending on which activity you prefer during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Upmalas.
Go to the broader travel overview: Mālpils Novads.
