Contents

• Jēkabpils – History and Active Recreation
• The Krustpils Area – Nature and Creative Activities
• The Atašiene Area – Manor, Antiques, and Viewpoints
• The Viesīte and Sauka Area
• Zasa Area – Sēlija Culture and Crafts
• The Sēlpils Area – the Daugava River and observation towers
• Ideas for one-day excursion routes
• Sights on the map

Jēkabpils – History and Active Recreation

You can plan a full-fledged one-day excursion right in Jēkabpils itself, without spending much time traveling between locations. You can complement your visit to historical and cultural attractions with a walk through the city or some active recreation.

Krustpils Castle is one of the main historical landmarks in Jēkabpils. The castle houses the Jēkabpils History Museum, which offers exhibitions, creative workshops, and tours of the castle tower for pupils.

At the Sēlija Farmstead, visitors can learn about traditional rural life in Sēlija, as well as explore historic buildings, household items, and crafts. Creative workshops are also available for school groups.

Struve Park is an interesting stop on a geography and history-themed excursion. The park is home to one of the points on the Struve Geodetic Arc.

Jēkabpils Mežaparks is ideal for the more active part of an excursion—walks, relaxation, disc golf, and other outdoor activities.

For pupils, the Karting Hall in Jēkabpils is a great option for the active part of the excursion. The indoor track allows this activity to be planned even in bad weather.

Suggested itinerary: Krustpils Castle → Sēļu Sēta → Strūve Park → Jēkabpils Mežaparks.

The Krustpils Area – Nature and Creative Workshops

In the Krustpils area, you can combine hands-on activities with natural attractions and walks.

DR Keramika offers the opportunity to learn about clay and the work of a potter, as well as to get involved in the creative process yourself.

The Rogāļi Ravine and Giant Rock are a great place to take a break in nature for free. Here, you can take a short walk and see the impressive Rogāļi Giant Rock.

In Laukezers Nature Park, you can go for a walk, run, go Nordic walking, or ride a bike. The Laukezers Health Trail is 7.15 km long and forms a loop.

Asote Hillfort

Asote Hillfort was once the administrative and military center of the ancient Latgalian Asote district. From the summit of the hillfort, there is a view of the ancient valley of the Daugava River.

More about the Asote Hillfort →

Suggested itinerary: DR Keramika → Rogāļu Ravine and the Giant Rock → Asote Hillfort or Laukezers Nature Park.

The Atašiene Area – a manor, historical artifacts, and scenic spots

In the vicinity of the Marinzeja Manor Park, visitors can view the manor from the outside and take a stroll through the scenic park. A sound therapy trail has been created in the park, and there are well-maintained rest areas along the shore of Lake Marinzeja.

The collection of vintage motorcycles and antiques offers a glimpse into the technology and everyday life of the last century. Visits are by appointment only and require a donation.

The Kristakrūga observation tower is 27 meters high and offers a view of the landscape of the Teiči Nature Reserve from above.

Suggested itinerary: Marinzeja Manor Park → Collection of vintage motorcycles and antiques → Kristakrūga observation tower.

The Viesīte and Sauka Area

The Rainis Museum “Tadenava” offers a chance to explore literature outside the classroom. The museum features an interactive exhibition and educational programs for pupils.

The “Sēlija” Museum in Viesīte

The museum consists of Mazais Bānītis Park and the Paula Stradiņa School. The exhibits offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the Sēlija narrow-gauge railway, the cultural history of Sēlija, the history of medicine, and stories from the Viesīte area. Educational programs and guided tours are also available for school groups.

More about the “Sēlija” Museum →

The Love Trail in Viesīte is a walking trail approximately 600 meters long that winds through a marsh on boardwalks and features several rest areas.

The Ormaņkalns observation tower offers a sweeping view of Lake Sauka and the surrounding landscape. It is a great, free stop along the nature trail.

Suggested itinerary: Rainis Museum “Tadenava” → Viesīte Museum “Sēlija” → Trail of Love → Ormaņkalns Observation Tower.

The Zasas Region – Culture and Crafts of Sēlija

The Zasas Manor Park is a scenic and budget-friendly stop on any tour, where you can take a walk and learn about the history of the manor’s surroundings.

The Latvian Symbol Park offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Latvian ethnographic symbols and their meanings, adding a traditional culture theme to the tour.

Sēlija Cultural Center

At the Sēlija Cultural Center, visitors can view the exhibition “Sēlija Farmers: Then and Now,” interactive displays on traditional crafts, and various other exhibitions. Guided tours can be booked in advance.

More about the Sēlija Cultural Space →

The “Rūme” Selian Craft Center

At the craft center, visitors can learn about the skills of potters, tailors, leatherworkers, and woodworkers, view exhibits, and—by prior appointment—participate in workshops.

More about the “Rūme” craft center →

Suggested itinerary: Zasas Manor Park → Sēlija Cultural Space → “Rūme” Craft Center → Latvian Symbol Park.

The Sēlpils Area – The Daugava River and Observation Towers

Zvejnieklīcis is a great place for both the leisurely and active parts of an excursion. The area features sports fields, recreational areas, and various outdoor attractions.

Taborkalns is home to an observation tower and the “Daborkalns” station of the Struve Geodetic Arc. From the tower, visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of the Sēlija region and the surrounding Daugava River landscape.

Sēlpils “Green Church”

The Sēlpils Green Church is an unusual cultural and historical attraction. According to Jēkabpils County’s tourism materials, the church’s doors are always open to visitors.

More information about places of interest in Sēlpils →

Suggested itinerary: Zvejnieklīcis → Sēlpils Green Church → Taborkalna Observation Tower.

Ideas for one-day excursion itineraries

Jēkabpils Classics:
Krustpils Castle → Sēļu Farmstead → Struve Park → Jēkabpils Forest Park.

Creative and Nature Tour:
DR Ceramics → Rogāļu Ravine and the Giant Rock → Laukezers Nature Park.

Atašiene itinerary:
Marinzeja Manor Park → Collection of vintage motorcycles and antiques → Kristakrūga observation tower.

The Viesīte and Sauka Route:
Rainis Museum “Tadenava” → Viesīte Museum “Sēlija” → The Path of Love → Ormaņkalns Observation Tower.

Sēlija Cultural Route:
Zasas Manor Park → Sēlija Cultural Space → “Rūme” Craft Center → Latvian Symbols Park.

Castles and Nature:
Gārsenes Castle → Gārsenes Nature Trails → Aknīste.

Daugava Scenic Route:
Zvejnieklīcis → Sēlpils Green Church → Taborkalna Observation Tower.

Before your trip, it is recommended that you contact the selected attractions to confirm their hours of operation, group size limits, prices, and whether advance reservations are required. Natural attractions, parks, and scenic viewpoints can also be used as free stops between paid activities.