In Tume, cultural history and nature come together. Tume Kultūras nams has a long history of programming, while ridges, valleys, lakes and forests shape the landscape across the wider area of Tume pagasts. There is also a forestry museum, historic manor house ruins, a nature trail, and a glimpse into vehicles and blacksmithing. The attractions have different focuses, and some have their own visitor requirements.

Cultural history and exhibitions

Tume Kultūras nams was the first cultural centre of its size in the surrounding area. Since its beginnings, it has hosted theatre performances and concerts by professional artists; balls are also part of its programme history. Tume’s mixed choir earned a gold diploma at a choir competition in Gdańsk, achieving international success. The centre’s long history and the choir’s success at the competition offer two distinct insights into the cultural life of the area.

Jaunmoku Palace was built around 1901 as a hunting and summer residence. A special exhibition at the forestry museum presents forests, living nature and the daily lives of forestry workers over a period of a century. A castle lady may accompany tours; check in advance whether this option is available for your visit.

The historical record of Vecmoku-Muiža goes back to 1544, when the manor house was mentioned in historical sources. The surviving manor ruins and several outbuildings can still be visited. An avenue in Vecmoku Park is about 1 kilometre long; it is considered Latvia’s longest avenue of Dutch lime trees.

Landscapes in Tume pagasts

The North Kurzeme and East Kurzeme uplands meet in Tume pagasts, with the ancient valley of the Slocene River between them. The pagasts’ largest lakes include Lake Seklis, Lake Jumprava and Lake Sivēnu. Lake Seklis covers 34 hectares. Forests line the northern edge of the pagasts; the roads from Tukums climb uphill there, opening up scenic views.

Tume meži has extensive stands of staghorn clubmoss. The area is also an important site for the protection of a priority boreal habitat of European importance. These natural features sit alongside the open landscape of ridges and lakes, giving the wider area of the pagasts a distinctive character.

Nature trail and Lake Jumprava

The nature trail at the “Sveikuļi” campsite is about 3 kilometres long; visits must be arranged in advance. Along the trail, you can see beaver lodges at Veļezers, steep banks known as “micro-Alpine” landscapes, and Lake Jumprava. For comparison, the nature trail is about three times as long as the approximately 1-kilometre avenue in Vecmoku Park.

Anglers can usually catch crucian carp and tench in Lake Jumprava. In the wider area of Tume pagasts, sandy shore areas are found only at the lake’s swimming spots; elsewhere, the shore is muddy. If you are considering the lake for fishing or a visit by the water, bear these differences between the shore areas in mind.

Vehicles and blacksmithing

The private collection “Retro Ferma” near Tukums displays Soviet-era cars, motorcycles and sidecars. Visits are possible by prior arrangement only. Visitors can sit in a car and listen to the owner’s stories about the vehicles.

At Ginta Haņecka’s blacksmith’s workshop, you can see finished works, pieces still in progress, and a small collection of antiques. Visits are possible by prior booking only. The collection and the workshop offer different insights: vehicle history and personal stories in one, and blacksmithing at various stages of work in the other.

Discover more destinations: Slampe, Lamiņi, Rideļi, Pētertāle, Lancenieki, Zentene, Tukums, Lapmežciems

For the full travel overview: Tukuma Novads.