Krustpils Castle – history, adventure and exploration
When you arrive in Jēkabpils, you will not miss Krustpils Castle, which has been standing on the banks of the Daugava River since the 13th century. It is one of the oldest castles in Latvia and today it is home to the Jēkabpils History Museum – a place where history meets modern and interactive experiences.
🎓 For students
Krustpils Castle offers a wide range of educational activities for pupils, adapted to different age groups – from primary school to secondary school.
🟡 Grades 1-4
- Orientation game “In the Footsteps of the Lynx” – an exciting exploration of the exhibition in teams
- Interactive tour of the castle with simple and understandable stories
- Creative workshops – paper moulding, soap or candle making
- Learning through play – tasks, movement and action
🟠 Grades 5-9
- Worksheets “History of Jēkabpils” – independent or group study
- Guided tour – in-depth insight into the history of the castle and the city
- Creative workshops – fabric printing, paper making, etc.
- Orientation and task activities
🔵 Classes 10-12
- Thematic lectures ( history, society, culture)
- Discussion and analysis of historical events
- Excursions with deeper content
- Exercises and group work with historical material
📚 Examples of lectures and topics
- History of Jēkabpils through time
- The history of Krustpils and the importance of the castle
- Soviet times and deportations
- Time of the Barricades
- Notable people and events
🎨 Creative workshops
- Making paper from recycled materials
- Fabric printing workshop (screen printing)
- Soap or candle making
The Latvian School Bag programme covers entrance fees, guided tours and educational activities for schoolchildren, making this offer particularly accessible to schools.
👨👩👧👦 For families
Krustpils Castle is the perfect place for a family outing – here history becomes an adventure.
- Interactive exhibitions and stories about the castle’s inhabitants
- A chance to “meet” the ghost of the castle – the Brown Lady
- Viewing tower with a panoramic view over Jēkabpils
- Creative workshops (candles, soaps, prints)
- Special activities for children and families
- Opportunity to celebrate children’s birthdays in the castle
for other visitors
The castle also offers a wide range of opportunities for adults, groups and event organisers.
- Guidedtours for groups
- Exhibitions inthe Palace and in the Gate Tower
- Room hire for seminars, conferences and events
- Visit to the Castle Tower with viewing platform
- Themed programmes and masterclasses
💶 Prices
- Admission to the Castle: ~4 € for students, ~6 € for adults, family ticket ~15 €
- Guided tours: ~20 € per group (up to 30 persons)
- Creative workshops: ~2-3 € per person
- Additional activities and programmes: optional
- Full prices here.
Group excursions are recommended to be booked in advance.
📍 Useful information
- Krustpils Castle is open daily
- Educational programmes and excursions available
- 📞 Groups can apply: +371 27008136 info@jekabpilsmuzejs.lv
Krustpils Castle is a place where history comes alive – for students, families and visitors.
Photo from the Krustpils Castle archives