Jaunpils: Castle, Craftsmanship and Riverside Paths

Jaunpils combines medieval architectural heritage, craftsmanship and landscape in an unusually diverse way. At its centre is Jaunpils Castle, whose construction, according to the dating by J. G. Arnt, began in 1301 as an irregularly laid-out fortified castle of the Teutonic Order with an inner courtyard surrounded by water. The castle is one of the few medieval castles to have largely preserved its original appearance. Anyone wishing to combine a trip with cultural discoveries and walks will find various ideas for planning a day in Jaunpils.

Castle, Church and Museum as Cultural Highlights

Jaunpils Castle brings the history of the town particularly vividly to life. The Jaunpils Museum is located in the oldest part of the castle. On display are models of the castles of Jaunpils and Dobele, the family tree of the von der Recke family, archaeological finds, and collections of coins and hunting equipment. The museum also presents the history of the larger and smaller manor estates of Jaunpils. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the castle with insights into regional history and aristocratic estates.

Prior registration for a guided tour is required to visit the interior of Jaunpils Castle; the Jaunpils Museum is an exception. The castle courtyard and its surroundings can be visited free of charge. This distinction is important for your planning if you wish not only to see the castle from outside but also to explore its interior.

Jaunpils Lutheran Church, too, contributes to the historic character of the town as an architectural monument of national significance. Construction began in 1592, making it one of the first churches built in the Duchy of Courland. The tower offers a view of the cultural and historical centre of Jaunpils and the surrounding landscape. Jaunpils Watermill is likewise registered as an architectural monument of national significance and is considered a uniquely preserved example of industrial heritage.

Craftsmanship to Watch and Try

Another side of Jaunpils can be discovered at Jaunpils Amatu māja. The tour “From Sheep’s Back to Finished Work” explains the process from raw material to textile fabric; visitors can weave their own pattern. In addition, weaving and braiding, clay activities and felt-making courses, as well as masterclasses for children and adults, are offered. This part of the itinerary is therefore especially suitable for anyone who wants not only to look at historic buildings but also to try a craft activity.

Riverside and Woodland Paths

For quieter moments, a path in Jaunpils Park leads along the riverbank to the Love Stone. In the vicinity of Jaunpils, the wooded nature trails on Kartavu Hill invite further exploration. Noted features there include a larch avenue, the rampart of a hillfort, rare trees and beaver dams. You can therefore choose between a walk in the park and a nature-focused exploration of the paths on Kartavu Hill without giving up the cultural focus of your trip.

Enjoyment and Choosing the Right Accommodation

The local experience also includes Jaunpils Brewery. It offers small groups tours, beer with snacks and beer to take away. When looking for a holiday apartment in Jaunpils, you can therefore tailor your daily programme to different interests: the castle and museum for history, Amatu māja for craftsmanship, the park and Kartavu Hill for walks through the landscape, or the brewery for an enjoyable finale. Accommodation in Jaunpils is particularly well suited to a trip planned around combining these themes flexibly.

Other Destinations Nearby

If you would like to compare other places for your trip in addition to Jaunpils, you can also discover Josti and Jurģi. For Jaunpils itself, it is worth deciding before your trip whether the castle interiors, craft activities, waterside paths or wooded surroundings should be the main focus.

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