Discover Jēkabpils

Jēkabpils combines an impressive cultural history with walking routes, special excursions and experiences along the Daugava. Anyone planning a trip to Latvia will find a variety of options here for a diverse stay: historic buildings, traditional rural culture, paths through the city and activities on the water. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether culture, exercise, landscapes or a mixture of these should be the focus of your trip.

Cultural history around Krustpils Castle

One landmark destination is Krustpils Castle. The Archbishop of Riga, Nikolajs de Magdeburgs, had it built in 1237 as a fortification along the route from Riga to Daugavpils. The castle is one of the oldest castles in Latvia and is an architectural and archaeological monument of national significance. It therefore provides a tangible historical reference point for anyone who wants to get to know Jēkabpils not only through its landscapes but also through its past.

Another special feature is the geodetic arc point “Jēkabpils”. It is one of the 34 points of the Struve Geodetic Arc in ten countries that have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is one of the points in Latvia. The site complements a classic castle visit with a topic related to the history of science and surveying.

Rural traditions at Sēļu sēta

The open-air exhibition “Sēļu sēta” features six rural buildings from the 19th century. On display are tools and household objects belonging to a moderately prosperous farmer from Sēlija. This provides an insight into what rural life and work looked like in this region. Visitors can also try out various activities, including milling, spinning and blacksmithing. For a trip with several generations, this visit is an opportunity to discover history not only by looking at it, but through tangible objects and practical activities.

Routes, exercise and city views

Jēkabpils also offers various ways to experience the surrounding area actively. Jēkabpils Mežaparks has a 500-metre-long, paved and illuminated route for running, cycling and roller skiing. It is complemented by the 10-metre-long wooden fitness facility “Lūša taka”. These activities can be included in your daily plans if you want to exercise after visiting cultural attractions.

The pedestrian promenade on Jēkabpils’s flood protection dam offers a different perspective. From there, you can look out over the Daugava and the city’s silhouettes. The tourist road train “Jēkabiņš” travels an approximately 9-kilometre route through the historic centre of Jēkabpils on the left bank of the Daugava, offering an entertaining and informative journey through the city streets.

Water experiences at the Radžu Reservoir

The Radžu Reservoir also has its own distinctive appeal. It contains eight dolomite islands, which visitors can circumnavigate by rowing boat, SUP board or water bicycle. The beach at the Radžu Reservoir has flown the Blue Flag every year since 2010. Anyone wishing to allow time for water activities and landscapes when planning their trip will therefore find a clear contrast here to the historical themes surrounding Krustpils Castle and Sēļu sēta.

The right holiday apartment for your trip planning

Depending on your personal travel plans, a holiday apartment in Jēkabpils can serve as a base for very different kinds of holiday days. Those interested in culture can make their choice based on visits to Krustpils Castle, the Struve Geodetic Arc point and Sēļu sēta. Those who prefer exercise can include the route in Mežaparks, the promenade along the Daugava or a ride on the “Jēkabiņš” in their plans. For water experiences, the Radžu Reservoir adds another option to the itinerary. When searching, check which location and type of accommodation suit your planned activities and desired pace of travel.

More places for your trip planning: Vidsala, Dunava.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Jēkabpils.