A preserved railway section, an island church with medieval ruins, and museums covering everything from regional history to energy: Ogre Municipality offers different ways to explore culture and landscape. Local history, archaeological evidence, natural features and hands-on activities each provide their own focus. You can shape your discoveries around the themes that interest you most.

History in Specific Places

Kinostacija Ķeipenē preserves the only remaining section of the former Rīga–Ērgļi railway line. Its exhibition is dedicated to the renowned film director Sergei Eisenstein. The medieval castle ruins of Lielvārde offer a different historical perspective: they are an archaeological monument of national importance, and the castle was already mentioned in written sources in 1229.

Since it opened in 1970, the Andreja Pumpura Lielvārdes muzejs has been housed in the former barn of the Lielvārde manor on the banks of the Daugava. During visitor programs offered at certain times, you can take on the roles of Lāčplēsis, Laimdota and Andrejs Pumpurs and try on a Lielvārde belt. Advance booking is required for excursions and consultations. The Ogres Vēstures un mākslas muzejs presents a broader sweep of history: its permanent exhibition, “Pietura Ogre,” tells the story from the first inhabitants of Ķentes-Pilskalns through Ogre’s heyday as a spa and resort town to the Soviet and industrial era. The museum preserves around 50,000 objects acquired in the city of Ogre and across the area of Ogre Municipality.

The ruins of Ikšķile Church on St. Meinard’s Island are the oldest ruins of a stone building in Latvia. The church was built in 1185 under Bishop Meinard. The ruins can be reached by boat; when water levels in the Rīgas HES reservoir are low, you may also be able to follow the route of the former road on foot. At Tīnūžu muiža, a cultural and heritage center housed in a barn built in the early 1930s, the main exhibition focuses on the Latvian Riflemen’s battles at the Little Jugla in 1917.

The Energy Museum in Ķegums tells the story of energy in Latvia, from the first electric light bulb to the commissioning of the Ķegums Hydroelectric Power Plant. Its interactive exhibitions explore environmentally friendly energy production and the physical laws involved. Check the current access arrangements before visiting the museum.

Natural Features and Trails

Six protected plant species characteristic of forests on eskers or esker-like ridges can be found in Ogres Zilie kalni Nature Park. In summer, the network of trails is available for Nordic walking, cycling and other recreational activities. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before setting out. The Meņģele observation tower is located in Ogres ieleja Nature Park and offers views across the Ogre Valley. The valley is also home to 15 habitat types that are specially protected in Latvia.

Velna klēpis offers a different landscape: a roughly 30-meter-long cluster of boulders in a deep, wooded ravine along the upper reaches of the Nāružiņa. At Špakovska Park, 100 steps lead to an observation tower; the 70-meter-long Purva Trail passes a natural spring that is two meters deep. Archaeological sites are also closely tied to their landscapes: Āderkašu-Pilskalns is set in a wooded, hilly area on the banks of the Taukātne, a tributary of the Ogre, and has two terraces. Ķoderu-Pilskalns, popularly known as “Lielā vīra gulta,” is also an archaeological monument of national importance. It lies on the right bank of the Little Jugla, in a parallel ridge of the Lielie Kangari; its northeastern and southwestern slopes are naturally steep and about 15 meters high.

Crafts, Flavors and Unique Experiences

Kaktusu māja displays a collection of 250 knitted and crocheted cacti; the collection may change over time. At Ķeipenes piparkūku studija, you can watch gingerbread being made. The studio uses natural berry and fruit juices for its icing instead of artificial food coloring. Another hands-on activity is the “Krapes crepes” pancake workshop at Krapes muižas ūdensdzirnavas. Educational tours introduce the watermill’s above-ground and underground construction, depending on the season. You can also book candle-making classes using ecologically certified soy wax.

Bišu maģija offers seasonal workshops on making natural beeswax candles, as well as guided tours of the apiary; advance booking is required for both. At SierŠtelle Studio, experiences include cheese tastings accompanied by facts and stories about SierŠtelle cheeses. Please arrange the tasting in advance. IndieJānis Brewery offers tours and tastings in Latvian, Russian and Norwegian; advance arrangements may be required.

If you’re looking for a more active outing, Milžu taka Adventure Park has three courses with a combined length of just under 600 meters. The second course has two zip lines: one is 30 meters long, the other 70 meters. As the park is open seasonally, check the dates for your visit. Dullā-Daukas-Taka has a literary connection: the poet Imants Ziedonis and his companions laid it out with distinctive stones in the 1970s.

Getting to Ogre

The city of Ogre can be reached from Riga by intercity bus or train; check current timetables when planning your trip. A renovated, two-kilometer promenade runs along the Ogre River. For a stay that includes the city of Ogre, travel options and the promenade offer a practical starting point, while the cultural and natural sites across the area provide a range of themes to explore.

Discover more destinations: Ogre, Meņģele, Madliena, Ogresgals, Ķeipene, Suntaži, Dobele Municipality, Zilupe Municipality.

For the main travel overview: Latvia.