If you’re not keen on waiting in line to visit Sigulda, or if you’re simply craving something new this autumn, Koknese offers one of the most breathtaking spots to immerse yourself in the golden hues of fall. While the town is captivating year-round, it’s during golden autumn that Koknese truly comes alive, with its vibrant colors and tranquil landscapes. Picture yourself strolling leisurely through Koknese Park, the crisp air around you, colorful leaves fluttering from the trees, and the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet…
Now the adventure begins.
Location: Koknese, Latvia
Cost: 1.60eur for entrance in castle ruins (in 2020, might have changed by now)
How to get there: By car or public transport
A Dreamy Stroll Through through Koknese Park
Koknese Park feels like stepping into two different worlds.
On one side, the park unfolds into a beautifully curated garden, with vibrant flowers, whimsical sculptures, and peaceful ponds that echo the charm of a centuries-old manor.
As you wander through, you’re bound to encounter a playful surprise: the “Fauna’s Head” fountain. At first glance, it looks dormant, almost lifeless and a bit scary. But turn your back for just a second, and suddenly, water bursts from Fauna’s mouth with mischievous glee. It’s a little trickster hidden in plain sight, adding a touch of whimsy to the landscape.
On the other side of the park, a completely different vibe takes over. Here, the beauty is quieter, wilder, and untamed. Trails covered in golden and orange leaves wind their way through towering trees, guiding you toward the Daugava River. Across the water, the forest’s brilliant colors reflect on the surface, while the distant silhouette of Koknese Castle rises dramatically against the autumn sky. It’s a scene so picturesque, it could be torn straight from a postcard.
And just when you think the magic of Koknese Park is complete, you stumble upon a hidden gazebo tucked away among the trees—an idyllic spot to pause and capture the serene beauty of this autumn paradise in a photo.
The Replica of the Pērses Waterfall – A Story of Koknese’s Lost Wonder
Have you ever heard of the Pērses Waterfall? If not, prepare to be amazed by this fascinating piece of history. Once, it was the tallest waterfall in Latvia, reaching a majestic height of 3 meters. But today, it’s nothing but a memory – swallowed by the rising waters caused by the construction of the Daugava Hydroelectric Power Station.
If you’ve read my previous post about Salaspils, you might recall the Daugava Museum’s photo projection showcasing the places in Latvia that were submerged when the hydroelectric plants were built. And the Pērses Waterfall is one of those sites. Sadly, it’s lost to time, and we’ll never see it in its full glory again—only preserved in old photographs in zudusilatvija.lv.
It’s certainly a bit heartbreaking. Imagine the power and beauty of that waterfall, its cascading waters creating an unforgettable natural spectacle. But here’s the twist in the tale—there’s a small glimmer of light in the story. In Koknese Park, by the tranquil pond, a fountain was created in 2019 to replicate the Pērses Waterfall.
The replica gives Koknese Park an extra layer of romantic charm, and for those who know the story of the Pērses Waterfall, it evokes a sense of nostalgia for the lost beauty that once graced this land
The Ruins of Koknese Castle
Did you know Koknese actually has 2 castle ruins? Surprise!
In addition to the famous Koknese Medieval Castle ruins, you can also explore the lesser-known and less preserved remains of the Koknese Manor’s New Castle.
The Koknese Medieval Castle Ruins, sitting dramatically on the banks of the Daugava River, are the most famous and for good reason. These towering walls, mostly in ruins now, invite you to explore their remains and imagine centuries of history. As you wander through, you’ll come across old cannons—an interesting detail. These cannons were once buried in the river after the castle was destroyed, only to be rediscovered and pulled out from beneath the water years later.
But that’s not all—the castle’s basement hides something chilling: a torture chamber. Behind a tiny door, you’ll find replicas of some of the most infamous medieval instruments of torment, such as the breaking wheel and iron chair. A glimpse into a darker time in history, they serve as a stark reminder of the castle’s more gruesome past.
As you take in the surroundings, you’ll be amazed to learn that Koknese Castle used to sit high atop a hill, commanding a stunning view of the landscape. But after the construction of the hydroelectric dam, the castle now lies nearly at water level. To see how drastically the landscape has changed, check out zudusīlatvija.lv , a fascinating website documenting Latvia’s submerged history.
A short walk through Koknese Park will lead you to the ruins of the Koknese Manor’s New Castle. These ruins are much less preserved, with only parts of the foundation remaining. It’s surprising, considering the castle was built relatively recently, in 1894, by a local baron. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during World War I.
What else to see in Koknese? Likteņdārzs
If you’re traveling by car and looking for another attraction in Koknese to complete your itinerary, head to Likteņdārzs.
This unique park is still in the process of growing and evolving. The trees are slowly taking root, and the pathway lined with tiles bearing the names of those who’ve contributed to the park’s creation is gradually expanding. If you do visit, be sure to check out the viewing platform. From there, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the Koknese Castle ruins.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures to share. But you can check the official ones from their website.
Thoughts?
Of course, you can enjoy the golden leaves in Riga’s parks too, but nothing beats the thrill of discovering a new place. This one will stay with me, its quiet historical charm almost palpable, and the perfect view of the vibrant trees reflected in the river.
Other things to see and do in Latvia