Discover Dzērbene: Culture, Lakes and Landscape Trails

Dzērbene combines cultural and historical discoveries with a diverse landscape of lakes, streams, ravines and wooded slopes. Those planning a trip with varied interests will find both vivid places connected with local history and trails and experiences that can easily be selected as individual day activities.

Landscape of Lakes, Ravine and Castle Mound

The Dzērbenes Manor complex includes a four-hectare landscape park with a deep ravine and two ponds. In the centre of Dzērbene stands Augstais kalns, a castle mound with unusually steep slopes approximately 20 metres high. Pine, spruce and hazel trees shape its slopes; lakes lie on two sides, while a stream flows along the third. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Augstais kalns has once again served as a local gathering place associated with dance events and convivial outdoor celebrations.

In the Auļi area of Dzērbenes pagasts, the Ievalčupīte River connects four lakes into a rare subglacial lake chain. The Ievalčupīte Trail offers insights into the landscapes of subglacial depressions. A 1.75 km route along the Ievalčupīte is suitable for pedestrians, is easy and cleared, and is marked in blue and white. On the Dzērbenes Ainavu ceļi, you can also explore the relief and lakes of Dzērbenes pagasts, as well as cultural and historical memorial sites such as castles, manor houses, churches and castle mounds. The Dzērbenes Ainavu ceļi comprise three cycling-route sections.

Cultural History and Special Experiences

The Dzērbenes Lutheran Church is protected as a state-significant architectural monument under state protection number 6246. The Dzērbene Cultural and Historical Heritage Centre offers a two-hour walk to places painted by the German-Baltic artist and writer Karl Gothard Grass, who was born in Dzērbene. The walk also includes visits to other lost cultural and historical sites.

The Dzērbenes Palace complex presents an exhibition of historical objects and is also home to a memorial room dedicated to Jette Užāne. The work “Dzērbenes Vectēva stāsti” preserves descriptions of Jāņi celebrations and wedding traditions in Dzērbene. At the heritage centre, the programme includes rosebay willowherb tea with the artist Ērika Māldere and a discussion about the book “Dzērbenes Vectēva stāsti”, published by the association.

Earlier local experiences also told of the connection between landscape and memory: the historical activities on Šūpoļu ceļš included swinging accompanied by stories about local life, history and the people who once lived here. The heritage centre warmly welcomes cyclists on the Green Railway Route and skiers.

Creative Formats for Trip Planning

In 2024, the DABA RADA project was held for the fifth time at Dzērbenes Radošā māja MEMBERI. It comprises interconnected art workshops involving practical work in nature and learning new skills. Neonija takes a different direction: the experience combines neon colours, light shows and harmonious sounds. It includes an augmented-reality experience in which paintings come to life on a smartphone.

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house in Dzērbene, it is worth first deciding on your preferred focus: landscapes and trails, cultural and historical sites, or creative experiences.

More Destinations to Compare

If you would like to compare other destinations alongside Dzērbene, you can find Vecpiebalga, Greiveri and Kaive here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vecpiebalgas Novads.