Bunka: River, Mill Lake and Cultural History

Bunka’s buildings lie along the Vārtāja River and Bunkas Mill Lake; at the same time, the settlement developed around the historic Bunkas muiža estate. Its waterside setting and estate history offer two different ways to explore the town: one focuses on its surroundings, the other on the settlement’s development. Bunka is the centre of Bunkas pagasts and lies on road V1206. Check current road conditions before making a specific journey. As you plan your trip, consider whether you want to focus on Bunka itself or include cultural sites in the surrounding area.

Church Ruins and Local Tradition

The ruins of Bunkas Church are currently visible. The first church in Bunka, dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, was built in 1494. Every year during the Christmas season, the local community holds a prayer service at the site of the ruins. The construction of the first church and the recurring Christmas commemoration thus represent two different periods: one historical reference point is the year 1494, the other is the community’s annual tradition.

Cultural Sites in the Surrounding Area

In the village of Krote, near Bunka, the “Krotes senlietu krātuve” is housed in the library building. On display are items collected by residents of Krote and the surrounding area, as well as the family trees of the linguist Atis Kronvalds and the poet Alfreds Krūklis, both born in Krote. The collection of local objects sits alongside the family histories of two named figures. The focus here is on collections and biographies, while Bunka’s history is shaped by its estate and church. Check the currently listed opening hours before visiting.

Every year in May, a commemorative event is held in Krote at the memorial tree for Alfreds Krūklis. The collection and the May event offer different ways to remember the same poet: family trees are among the items on display, while the annual commemoration is the focus of the event. If you are planning a trip in May, check the exact event date.

Near Šalkas, in Bunkas pagasts, stands the Zviedru kapi hillfort. It is classified as an archaeological monument of regional importance and is included in the state register of protected cultural monuments. This adds an archaeological site with a clearly defined monument classification to Krote’s themes of collections and remembrance.

Folklore and Trip Planning

A description dated 26 October 2023 characterises the performances of the children’s folklore group “Traistēni” as singing, dancing and reciting “words of power” together with the audience. This description gives a concrete sense of folklore as a shared performance. If you would like to include such an experience in your trip plans, confirm the upcoming programme before your visit.

When choosing a holiday apartment, this raises a personal question about what to focus on: would you like to concentrate on Bunka, with its waterside setting and local history, or also include Krote and Šalkas in your plans?

Discover more destinations: Liepasmuiža, Veselava, Priekuļi, Priekule, Skangaļi, Dukuri, Jāņmuiža

Go to the broader travel guide: Priekuļu Novads.