A four-hectare landscape park, a castle mound in the town centre and a Lutheran church with a state protection number give Dzērbene a distinct cultural-historical and landscape character. In Dzērbenes pagasts, landscape routes reveal lakes, terrain and cultural-historical sites. For planning your trip, this means choosing between different ways to explore: you can take in natural features, learn about local history or choose a specific cultural activity.
Manor Park, Castle Mound and Lake Landscape
The Dzērbene manor complex includes a four-hectare landscape park with a deep ravine and two ponds. In the centre of Dzērbene lies Augstais kalns, a castle mound with unusually steep slopes about 20 metres high. Pine, spruce and hazel trees grow there; lakes lie on two sides, and a stream flows along the third. This brings together the archaeological classification of the site as a castle mound and its striking landscape features. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Augstais kalns has once again served as a popular local meeting place, associated with dances and outdoor social gatherings.
A state register entry published in March 2023 lists Dzērbene Lutheran Church as a significant architectural monument; its protection number is 6246. A municipal landscape description from March 2021 locates a rare chain of subglacial lakes in the Auļi area of Dzērbenes pagasts: the Ievalčupīte River connects four lakes there. The Ievalčupīte Trail offers views of landscapes formed by subglacial depressions. The town centre and the Auļi area are different locations within the pagasts.
Cultural History Along Different Routes
The Dzērbene Cultural and Historical Heritage Centre offers a two-hour walk to places painted by Karl Gothard Grass. Grass was born in Dzērbene and was a Baltic German artist and writer; the walk also includes other lost cultural-historical sites. If you are looking for a cultural activity with a clearly stated duration, the two hours provide a useful point of reference. The additional sites also draw attention to places that no longer survive today.
The Dzērbene Palace complex adds another perspective with an exhibition of historical objects and a memorial room dedicated to Jette Užāne. At Šūpoļu ceļš, swings tell stories about local life, history and the people who once lived here. Written memories are also part of the cultural picture: the work “Dzērbenes Vectēva stāsti” contains descriptions of Jāņi celebrations and wedding traditions in Dzērbene. Alongside historic buildings and landscapes, there are stories about customs and life in the past.
DABA RADA is one example of a creative activity: in 2024, the project was held for the fifth time at Dzērbenes Radošā māja MEMBERI. The connected art workshops included practical work in nature and learning new skills. Cyclists on the Green Railway route and skiers are also welcome at the Dzērbene Cultural and Historical Heritage Centre.
Walks, Cycling Routes and a Digital Experience
A route description from March 2021 gives the length of the trail along the Ievalčupīte as 1.75 km. At the time, it described the trail as easy and suitable for pedestrians, and said it was cleared and marked in blue and white. These details about its condition refer to 2021; check the trail conditions before your visit.
If you would rather explore on two wheels, Dzērbenes Ainavu ceļi comprises three cycling route sections in Dzērbenes pagasts. Along these routes, visitors can see the terrain and lakes, as well as cultural-historical sites such as castles, manor houses, churches and castle mounds. The route description therefore brings together natural and cultural heritage without limiting the individual sites to a single theme.
Neonija offers a different emphasis: neon colours, light effects and harmonious sounds are part of the experience. An augmented-reality experience brings paintings to life on a smartphone. This visual and digital approach differs from walks to historical sites and the stories associated with the landscape.
Discover more destinations: Vecpiebalga, Kaive, Greiveri.
Return to the main travel overview: Vecpiebalgas Novads.
