If you’re planning a visit to Jaunpils, the enchanting Jaunpils Castle is an absolute must-see. The castle greets you with a breathtaking view of Jaunpils Mill Lake, its tranquil waters providing a postcard-perfect backdrop to the castle’s timeless charm. Pause for a moment to bask in the serenity as you gently sway on the park’s delightful swings, overlooking the peaceful surroundings. Or if you wish to stretch out your legs you can wander along the nearby Kartavkalns Nature Trail, a short and leisurely path perfect for immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.
Come with me and we’ll find out what to see in Jaunpils, Latvia together.
Location: Jaunpils, Latvia
Cost: Free (if You just explore outside and don’t go in palace museum)
How to get there: By car
Similar experiences: Bauska castle
The Allure of Kartavkalns Nature Trail Near Jaunpils
The Kartavkalns Nature Trail is a relatively short 1.1-kilometer loop. While avid hikers might wish it was longer, it’s a lovely stop when combined with other attractions in Jaunpils. So let’s take a chance on it and uncover the hidden stories and natural beauty this historic castle mound has to offer!
Kartavkalns Crown Jewel: The Larch Alley
At the start of the trail, you’re greeted by an awe-inspiring alley of towering larch trees. Walking beneath these giants makes you feel small as a bug.Walking beneath these giants makes you feel small as a bug. It’s humbling to think how much time it took for these trees to grow, something that spans far beyond a single human lifetime.
Next up on the Kartavkalns Nature Trail: Forest and a Small Settlement Reconstruction
As you continue along the path, you’ll come across a small reconstruction of an ancient Latvian settlement. It features a gate and a tiny watchtower, though there’s not much else to see inside. But don’t forget to check out the quirky wooden frog! From there, the trail leads you through a lush forest, eventually opening up to a wide, open field with distant views of the houses of Jaunpils.
As for the trail’s rather ominous name, “Kartavkalns” (which translates to “Gallows Hill”), it’s no coincidence. This spot once housed a gallows over 300 years ago, used to scare off robbers. Fortunately, there have been no reports of ghosts haunting the area—at least, not yet!
Jaunpils Castle: Romantic Charm and Monsters
Jaunpils Castle is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the area. The best view of this majestic Livonian Order castle, in my opinion, is from a small island right in front of it, accessible via a charming little bridge.
But as you circle the massive beige walls, what really grabs your attention? It’s not the cylindrical tower (though that certainly deserves a mention). It’s the rather eerie “gutter monsters”! One greets you with a toothy grin at the end of a drainpipe, while another mysterious figure perches at the start of another pipe near the roof. Can you spot them?
And then there’s the lake—on a sunny day, the view across the shimmering water toward the castle looks like something straight out of a painting.
What’s Inside the Jaunpils Castle?
The castle courtyard features an old tavern with weathered vaults and arches that have aged beautifully with time. Inside, there’s a museum and guided tours available for a deeper dive into the castle’s history. However, that’s an adventure for another time. Today we are just going to admire the castle from outside.
A Stroll Through Jaunpils Caste Park
After exploring the castle grounds, it’s time for a stroll through the sprawling green park. The first order of business? Swinging on a bench hung from an enormous old tree—a perfect spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
As we wander through the park today, we’re lucky enough to encounter an elderly man, likely in his 80s, pushing a wheelbarrow filled with old records. He sets up a makeshift performance in the park’s gazebo, serenading us with cherished old Latvian songs. This is probably a once in a lifetime occurrence, but it adds such a warm, nostalgic touch to our outing. Here’s hoping we all have that same zest for life when we reach his age!
Keep your eyes peeled for the stork’s nest perched high in one of the park’s trees, with its feathery occupant keeping watch. And just a short walk away, stands Jaunpils Church—a simple yet beautiful place of worship, perfect for a moment of quiet reflection.
What are your thoughts?
When I shared my weekend adventure in Jaunpils with my colleagues, they couldn’t believe I hadn’t been there before. After all, it’s just an hour’s drive from Rīga! While I vaguely remember a school trip there ages ago, I saw the place through a completely different lens this time.
This visit exceeded all my expectations. The view across the lake to the castle in the summer sun was like a masterpiece—a perfect backdrop for a romantic stroll with your significant other. And since it’s so close to Rīga, this day trip required zero elaborate planning. We decided in the morning and were there by the afternoon.
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