Discover Jelgava: Palace, Nature and Vibrant Traditions

Jelgava combines impressive history with unusual nature and craft experiences. Jelgava Palace, historical exhibitions, old wooden buildings, floodplain meadows with wild horses and vibrant weaving traditions give the town a diverse character. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Jelgava can therefore tailor their trip entirely to their own interests: culture and architecture are just as much an option as nature observation, regional traditions and hands-on experiences involving sweets.

Palace, Museums and Exceptional Views

Jelgava Palace was the former residence of the dukes of Courland and Semigallia and is considered the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics. The palace has housed a museum since 1968. The exhibition covers the history of the 13th-century castle of the Livonian Order, the construction of Jelgava Palace, as well as historical research and its preservation. Guided tours also focus on the palace’s significance in the Duchy of Courland, its architecture and interiors, and its historical residents.

The tower of the Church of the Holy Trinity offers another perspective on Jelgava. Interactive historical exhibitions there provide information about the national costume of Semigallia, as well as the history of Jelgava and the church. On the ninth floor, a glass-floor panorama offers views over Jelgava. For a multigenerational trip, this makes it possible to combine historical topics with a special vantage point without everyone having to share the same focus.

Vecpilsētas Street also tells the story of the town’s development. Its buildings began to take shape in the 18th century and continued to be constructed until the beginning of the 20th century. Old buildings as well as distinctive architectural, artistic and historical elements have been preserved there. At 14 Vecpilsētas Street stands a wooden house considered an architectural monument of national importance. It is one of the oldest surviving wooden residences in Jelgava and dates from the end of the 18th century. The Ģederts Eliass History and Art Museum is located in the historic Academia Petrina building, erected in 1775. Its permanent exhibition includes works by Latvian painter Ģederts Eliass (1887–1975).

Natural Areas and Notable Places

Pasta Island is a nine-hectare urban area in the centre of Jelgava. The Mītava Bridge has a span of 152 metres and adds a distinctive landmark to the townscape. The Lielupe floodplain meadows lie behind Jelgava Palace. Because of the diversity of rare bird and plant species, they are designated as a Natura 2000 site. On the island behind Jelgava Palace, more than 80 wild horses graze in the floodplain meadows. Thus, alongside its palace and museum history, Jelgava also offers a clear natural and landscape dimension.

Weaving, Sweets and Regional Impressions

Daily weaving demonstrations are held at the House of Latvian Traditions and Crafts. The weaving of patterned Semigallian twill and the weaving techniques used on Pēteris Viļumsons’s semi-automatic single-beam looms are included in Latvia’s list of intangible cultural heritage values. These topics make tradition accessible not only through buildings but also through craft techniques.

For a shared experience, visitors can try caramel and other sweets at Jelgava’s Candy Workshop or make their own caramel. Especially on a trip with children, this visit can be planned as a hands-on complement to the palace, museum and natural area.

Other Places for Your Search

If you would like to compare other places alongside Jelgava, these include Vilce, Valgunde, Blankenfelde, Zaļenieki, Platone, Mežciems and Vidusmuiža.

For the overarching travel overview: Jelgavas Novads.