Many people are dreaming to visit the famous castles of Bayern. However, even in Latvia, you can find many beautiful medieval castles that maybe don’t have that PR source but definitely worth a visit.
By the way, some of the castles nowadays work as hotels, so you can have this incredible experience of living in the medieval castle or beautiful palace. Read about these hotels here – 10 hotels in the castles of Latvia.
1.Jaunmoku pils
The history of the castle goes back to the 16th century and is quite fascinating. For example, during World War II the castle was used by Germans as a hospital. Nowadays, Jaunmoku pils functions as a hotel (with quite affordable prices, starting with 30 euros per room), restaurant and museum of the forest. The historical interiors are perfectly kept and the castle itself is very beautiful also there is a very picturesque territory, at some moments you can feel yourself to be somewhere in England.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 until 17:00. The castle is located in Tukums, 75 km from Riga.
2. Stāmeriena Palace
Stāmerienas muižas pils was built in the 19th century for the baron Wolf family. Then it passed difficult periods of the 20th century and finally was recently renovated, and opened its’ doors as a museum so you will be one of the first visitors. The castle is located near the village Gulbene, which is 200 km away from Riga and very close to the Russian border. It is one of the most romantic castles in Latvia. Besides the castle, there is a big landscape park.
Working hours: Tue – Fri 10:00 – 17:00. Sat 10:00 – 20:00. Sun – 10:00 -17:00.
Multimedia exposition times – at 20:00, 22.00 o’clock every day.
3. Cesvaines pils
One more castle on the East side of Latvia. It is located very close to the previous castle and 180 km from Riga.
Right now Cesvaines castle is on reconstruction period after the fire in 2002, however, you can enjoy the architecture from the outside. It is definitely a must-visit castle in Latvia.
4. Birini Pils⠀
Birini pils is a charming castle with a romantic history. The castle now operates as a hotel but retained the historic interiors. Around the castle, there is a beautiful park with all kinds of gazebos, small buildings, and other hand-made and natural monuments. You can order excursions in the park and even a quest. ⠀
Birini pils is located 25 km from Sigulda and 60 km from Riga.
5. Mežotnes pils
The history of the castle dates back to the 17th century. Now it is a hotel in a beautiful building in the style of classicism. Around the castle stretches a chic park, which is divided into three parts – a front yard, a summer park, and a winter park. ⠀
Mežotnes pils is located 10 km from Bauska, very close to the famous Rundales castle and 70 km from Riga.
6. Rundale palace
Rundale Palace is the most famous in Latvia. It is located in Bauska, 80 km from Riga. Palace is working as a museum and shows very beautiful interiors. Around the palace, there is a beautiful regular park.
Working hours: daily 10:00-18:00
7. Jelgavas pils
The castle is located in Jelgava. The history of the palace goes back to the 18th century. And today part of the castle is working as a historical museum.
Working hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00. Sat 09:00-18:00. Sun 11:00-16:00
8. Jaunpils castle
It is the best well-saved medieval castle in Latvia, that was built in the 14th century. Through the ages, it functioned as a fortress, residence of wealthy nobility, school, private, residence, was destroyed and then reconstructed.
Today the castle is working as a museum, restaurant, and hotel. Also, you can book the part of the castle for an event, organize the wedding etc.
Jaunpils castle is located on the way from Riga – Liepaja. 30 km from Tukums, and 90 km from Riga.
9. Odzienas manor
Right now you can hardly name this ruin a castle since the Odzienas manor was abandoned since 1960th. However, it is a very romantic place. Imagine, walking around the ruins of the beautiful neoghotical castle. Odzienas manor is not only the castle but a complex of constructions, that includes a few museums, a restaurant and a hotel in a historical building, brewery and, yes, the beautiful castle ruins. You can order an excursion around the Manor and even celebrate a wedding.
The place is located 120 km from Riga on the way to Daugavpils.
10. Turaida castle
Turaida medieval castle is located in a very beautiful nature reserve close to Sigulda, which is 60 km away from Riga. On the territory of the castle, there are usually hold many medieval activities like archery. And outside the castle, there is an amazing forest park with different nature trails. This is one of the most popular castles in Latvia for family activities.
Working hours: daily 10:00-19:00
11. Cesis castle
The most impressive castles ruins in Latvia – this is how called the castle in the city of Cesis (90 km away from Riga). Besides the walking around the castle ruins, you can also visit a historical museum. This is a highly-recommended place to visit with kids as during the weekends’ many entertainment activities are organized.
12. Bauska Castle
Bauska Castle is situated on a picturesque shore of the river and it is very interesting as it consists of two sections: Livonian Order Castle, built in the middle of the 15th century, the residence of the Kettlers, the Dukes of Courland built a century later. Now it is working as a historical museum.
Working hours: May – Sept. Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 19:00. October. Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 18:00. Nov-Apr. Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 – 17:00.
13. Koknese medieval castle
Koknese medieval castle is one of the largest and most significant medieval castles in Latvia. Its’ history goes back into the 12th century. And its ruins is a very romantic and picturesque place. Often the ruins of the castle host events, festivals, and concerts. Actually everyone can rent a castle ruin. The one-hour rental costs 85 euros. So, maybe it can be a very nice place for the proposal?
Koknese medieval castle is located 100 km away from Riga.
Don’t miss my next article about the Latvian cuisine – 10 foods you must to try in Latvia.
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