Contents

• Excursion ideas in Jelgava
• Active leisure and entertainment in Jelgava
• Excursions in the Jelgava region
• Budget-friendly excursion ideas in Jelgava
• Ideas for day trips
• Map of attractions

Excursion ideas in Jelgava

One of Jelgava’s best-known attractions, where you can learn about the history of the town and the church, view the exhibitions and admire the view of Jelgava from above at the viewing platform. The tower fits in well with a tour exploring the history and urban environment.

For schoolchildren: the admission fee is small, and it is also possible to visit just the viewing platform.

One of the oldest surviving wooden residential houses in Jelgava. The exhibition provides an insight into the town’s historic buildings, the restoration process and various stories from the town’s history.

Prices for schoolchildren: €1.50.

A creative and educational venue in the Old Town quarter, where visitors can learn about Latvian traditions and ancient crafts, and take part in various hands-on workshops. Here, pupils can learn more about weaving, traditional dishes, Latvian patterns and crafts.

A free attraction located next to Jelgava’s Old Town quarter. It depicts significant events in the history of Latvia and Jelgava over the decades since the founding of the Latvian state. It can easily be combined with a visit to the Old Town houses and the Life Skills and Crafts Centre.

A historic building and cultural setting right in the centre of Jelgava. The library can be included in an educational city tour, particularly when combined with the tower of the Holy Trinity Church and Pasta Island.

A spacious and freely accessible recreational area in the city centre with walking paths, children’s play areas, outdoor activities and the Šamota Sculpture Park. It is a great spot for a lunch break or some active relaxation between visits to other attractions.

Admission: free.

A nature reserve behind Jelgava Palace, where wild horses roam the meadows of the Lielupe floodplain. From the observation tower, you can admire the Jelgava landscape, birds and the floodplain meadows. The site is suitable for both school groups and families.

A nature walk where you can explore the floodplain meadow landscape, watch birds and complement a city tour with a short hike.

Admission: free.

A sweet and hands-on excursion suitable for schoolchildren and families, where you can learn how to make caramels and have a go at making them yourselves.

For school groups: approx. €5 per participant.

A great destination for older school pupils, particularly for learning about physics, energy and STEM subjects. The tour offers an insight into the process of generating heat and electricity at a biomass cogeneration plant.

Age: 16 and over.

Admission: free of charge.

Active leisure and entertainment in Jelgava

An active and modern team game featuring more than 400 touch-sensitive LED panels. The games develop reaction times, coordination, logical thinking and teamwork. Suitable for both younger pupils and teenagers.

An active team game for schoolchildren, in which various missions help to develop cooperation, tactical thinking and team spirit. This activity can also be combined with a visit to Pixel Jelgava, as both venues are located next to each other.

Excursions in the Jelgava district

The Future Park in Glūda Parish offers a comprehensive excursion combining technology, history and adventure. Pupils can step into the role of a pilot in a real aeroplane, view historical machinery and learn about the site’s development.

An approximately 1.5 km long trail along the banks of the Auce River, featuring rest areas and opportunities to observe nature and birds. It can be easily combined with a visit to Nākotne Park.

Admission: free.

A tour of the world of bees, where schoolchildren can learn about the structure of a beehive, the life of bees and the work of a beekeeper, as well as taste honey and other beekeeping products.

An unusual production tour of the Kaigu peat bog. Pupils can learn about the peat extraction process, bog management and production.

Tour for schoolchildren and students: free of charge.

One of the best places to learn about Latvian history in the great outdoors. At the museum, you can view the indoor and outdoor exhibitions, follow the nature trail or take part in educational sessions about the Latvian Riflemen.

Admission to the museum: free of charge. Guided tours and workshops are available for a small group fee.

A historic manor house in the Jelgava district, which can be included in the Zemgale manor houses and history trail. Practical workshops are also available for schoolchildren.

A 144-hectare nature reserve featuring ravines, a river confluence, Vilce Hill Fort, sandstone outcrops and a manor complex. The nature park is ideal for hiking and exploring nature.

Entry to the nature park: free of charge. A tour of Vilce Manor for schoolchildren costs €2, whilst a guided tour of the park and manor costs €5 per pupil.

Budget-friendly excursion ideas in Jelgava

When planning a school trip or a family outing, you don’t always need a large budget. There are several places in Jelgava and the Jelgava district that can be visited free of charge, for a donation, or for a very small fee. Such stops can easily be combined with a paid activity or used as the basis for a whole day’s excursion.

Ideas for one-day excursion routes

1. Jelgava’s history + active leisure

The tower of Jelgava’s Holy Trinity Church → Pasta Island → The Lielupe floodplain meadows and observation tower → Pixel Jelgava or LASERDOG.

This route combines the city’s history, a walk in the countryside and active entertainment to round off the day.

2. Old Town and creative activities

Jelgava Old Town House → Laika rats 100 → Austras Raksti → Caramel workshop.

Particularly suitable for primary and lower secondary school pupils – it’s possible to combine history, culture and hands-on activities in a single day.

3. Nature and history in the Jelgava region

The ‘Mangaļi’ Christmas Battle Museum → Ložmetējkalns → Vīzes Drava.

This route combines Latvian history, a nature walk and an educational visit to a farm.

4. Industry and nature

SIA “Laflora” → Vīzes Drava → Wooden footbridges in the Svēte floodplain meadows.

A good option for an excursion focusing on natural sciences, geography and business. Laflora offers schoolchildren a free guided tour.

5. The Nākotne and Vilce area route

Nākotne Park → Nākotne Nature Trail → Vilce Nature Park and Manor.

This route combines technology, history, hiking and the cultural history of the manors of Zemgale.

Tip: always check the current opening hours, prices and group booking procedures before your ride, as seasonal offers and prices are subject to change.