Saldus offers distinctive connections to art and history, opportunities for walks along the Ciecere and visitor experiences related to confectionery. When looking for a hotel, it can help to consider which focus you want to shape your trip: culture, walks or seasonal leisure. The places and activities differ in character and, in some cases, in their conditions.

Art, history and public art

The J. Rozentāla Saldus vēstures un mākslas muzejs is currently the only place in Latvia where original works from the early creative period of the Latvian master painter J. Rozentāls can be seen. This is a particularly distinctive highlight for an art-focused trip: works from this early period are at the heart of the museum's offerings.

The Saldus Sv. Jāņa evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca is the oldest building in the city. On the steps beside the church stand seven life-size bronze sculptures depicting figures from J. Rozentāls's painting “Pēc dievkalpojuma.” This means the painter's name is encountered not only in the museum but also in a public artwork that explicitly refers to a painting.

Another cultural venue is the Saldus Music and Art School building. It has an acoustically designed concert hall used for cultural events. Exhibitions by students, teachers and guest artists are also held there regularly. Both events in the concert hall and exhibitions are therefore among the cultural experiences Saldus has to offer.

The “Medus piliens” fountain in “Māra Čaklā skvērs” square also features a clearly defined motif: two horizontal honeycombs are joined by a large drop of honey. Alongside the figures by the church, it is another form of public art, with its own distinct and easily recognisable reference.

Lake, riverside trails and walks

Lake Saldus covers 11.9 hectares and lies near the city centre in a valley between several hills. Its location close to the city and its setting among hills give it a different character from the cultural attractions. If you would also like to consider the landscape when planning your trip, this is a specific place to enjoy the water and terrain.

The Ciecere nature and walking trail runs alongside the Ciecere River, from the Kuldīgas iela bridge to the Saules iela bridge. Kalnsētas Park has narrow, steep paths along the river as well as wider paths for more relaxed walks. The types of paths are quite different: if you prefer more relaxed walks, you can opt for the wider paths; the narrow, steep paths offer another option.

The “Atklāj un iepazīsti Saldus pilsētu” route is designed for exploring the city by bicycle. The Ciecere trail and paths in Kalnsētas Park, by contrast, offer walking opportunities. When planning, you can first choose between a bike ride and time on footpaths.

Confectionery, tastings and summer activities

At the Saldus Food Factory, visitors can join a guided tour of the confectionery production department by prior arrangement and sample fresh “Gotiņa” milk toffees. Advance arrangements are part of planning your visit; the experience combines a look at the production process with a tasting. The “Saldalus” brewery also offers a guided tour with a beer tasting. Arrange your booking for this visit in advance.

In summer, there is an 18-hole mini-golf course near the Saldus Sports Complex. Children can also enjoy an inflatable attraction, a trampoline and pedal go-karts there. These leisure activities are seasonal. If you are travelling outside summer, check current availability, as the offerings may vary.

Discover more destinations: Jaunlutriņi, Druva, Kursīši, Šarlote.

Go to the broader travel overview: Saldus Novads.