Where to go in Latvia to live in a castle

We’ll allow ourselves a little bit boring before plunging you into the world of medieval archbishops and wealthy landlords. 

In Latvia, castles are often called ordinary manor houses, usually built in the 19th century, during the Romanticism period. At that time it was fashionable to use Gothic and Romanesque motifs in new construction: turrets, huge gates, lancet windows, walls made of relief stone boulders and so on. The defensive function of such «castles» was very conventional.

In this text we refer to castles specifically as ancient defensive fortifications with thick stone walls that were used both as protective fortresses and as residences for the lives of privileged people.

Dundaga Castle

/ 150 km from the center of Riga /

One of the best preserved castles in the Kurzeme region is located in the village of Dundaga. The first mention of its construction dates back to the 12th century. During its centuries-long history it, like other castles in Latvia, has been repeatedly destroyed, burned and rebuilt. The last significant reconstruction took place in 1905.

Now there is a museum here, which can be accessed only by appointment. On the territory of the castle there is also an information center with many local souvenirs. Some of them may surprise you a lot—t-shirts, mugs and other things have crocodiles on them. It is not by chance that this animal, which is rare for Latvia, ended up here.

Arvīds Blūmentāls, better known as Crocodile Harry, was born near Dundaga in 1925. In 1951 he went to live in Australia and there he killed thousands of crocodiles. According to one legend, he served as the prototype of the hero of the movie “Crocodile Dundee”. They decided to commemorate Arvīds with a crocodile sculpture—and special merchandise.

The interiors and facades of the castle have been well preserved. Around there are water bodies and a cozy park. In such a wonderful atmosphere you can stay overnight, there are several comfortable rooms. It is also possible to rent the castle premises for your events.

Jaunpils Castle

/ 84 km from the center of Riga /

This place was first mentioned in historical written sources in 1411. The most recognizable element of the castle—the cylindrical tower—was built in the 15th century. The castle has undergone significant reconstructions several times. In the 18th century, a third floor was added to the castle, turning it into a well-protected manor house.

Ēdole Castle

/ 168 km from the center of Riga /

The exact date of the castle’s appearance on this site is unknown, but it is assumed that the first buildings appeared in the first third of the 14th century. In the second half of the 17th century it lost its defensive value and was rebuilt into a manor complex. Close to the present neo-Gothic appearance of the castle acquired only in 1835–1840.

At that time, the fashion of rethinking the medieval heritage was spreading from Great Britain, and Latvia was not spared. At the same time, a landscape park was built around the castle.During the 1905 revolution it was badly damaged and then rebuilt for about ten years—even during the World War I.

The castle now houses a museum with a permanent exhibition. Visitors are invited to climb the restored observation tower, visit interiors with antique furniture and temporary exhibitions. In such a fairytale atmosphere you can celebrate a wedding or stay overnight in the castle hotel.

Jaunmokas Manor

/ 73 km from the center of Riga /

The magnificent architecture of this manor reminds of medieval castles with centuries-old history, although it was built at the very beginning of the 20th century as a hunting palace of a rich Riga merchant.

The local hotel can rightfully be considered one of the most romantic in Latvia. It is located far away from the city noise, in the middle of spacious fields, and around it there is a small park with ponds.

There are plenty of interesting and pleasant things to do here: guided tours of the museum, concerts on weekends and public holidays, and lunch in the summer café. Among other things, you can rent rooms for various celebrations, such as weddings and birthday parties.

Padure Manor

/ 160 km from the center of Riga /

The small manor house has well-preserved interiors from the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Almost every room has authentic paintings and other elements of wall, ceiling and floor decoration. Wooden windows, doors, eight stoves, staircases, furniture—everything comes from ancient times. The fact is that Padure Manor has never undergone major reconstruction.

You can live in this unique atmosphere and book a tour of the estate. By the way, the recently released TV series “Pancija Pilī” based on the famous novel by Anšlavs Eglītis was filmed here. Photo sessions in historical interiors are popular. The current owners of the manor actively develop tourism in the Kuldīga Municipality and maintain an Instagram where they publish beautiful photos of the manor house.

Abgunste Manor

/ 75 km from the center of Riga /

Abgunste Manor is called an ordinary Latvian manor with an extraordinary history. It is “ordinary” because it has passed all the same tests of time as many other estates of the country: it was built in the 1780s, during the revolution of 1905 it burned almost to the ground, then underwent numerous reconstructions with the loss of authentic details of the interior and facade, and after Latvia’s secession from the USSR it was gradually restored.

The originality of this place is that artists settled here in the second half of the 2010s. Around 2017, the Avotnieki family acquired the estate and together with a dozen cats they now run it. The family has set up ceramic, textile, and wood workshops here. You might think that only artists are welcome here, but this is not the case—anyone can observe the creative atmosphere. Guests of the manor have a choice of several original apartments and a room for their own events in the former barn.

Vecgulbene Manor

/ 184 km from the center of Riga /

The manor consists of many buildings, most of which acquired their present architectural appearance in the 19th century. Especially expressive are the restored boulder buildings, which now house a hotel with a restaurant and a spa complex. By the way, the hotel is located in the former horse riding arena. In walking distance there is a large park, picturesque ruins of the main house of the estate, an old church and various city amenities: stores, cafes, cultural centers and so on.

Lūznava manor

/ 250 km from the center of Riga /

It takes a few hours to get here from Riga, but the manor’s magnificent architecture and local nature compensate for the long drive. The main house was built in 1911 in the then popular Art Nouveau style. Its design combines boulder elements characteristic for Latvia with red-brick masonry and a lot of original details remotely referring to the style of medieval castles. 

There is a residence for artists, a hotel and creative workshops. It is also possible to book a guided tour on request. Concerts and other events are regularly held on the grounds. One of the largest and cleanest lakes in Latvia, Rāzna, is nearby.

Liepupe Manor

/ 72 km from the center of Riga /

This is one of the best preserved manor complexes in Latvia, built in Baroque style in the middle of the 18th century. Until 2004 it was in poor condition, but in a few years it was restored and adapted for a hotel and spa complex.

There is a modern outdoor swimming pool attached to the manor house. It offers massage services, bath rituals and other wellness treatments.

Renting castles and manors for events

Some manors and castles cannot be stayed overnight, but can be rented for events.

Cesvaine Palace

/ 164 km from the center of Riga /

Cesvaine is one of the most stunning manors in the country. It was built in 1893–1897 in an eclectic style with elements of Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and Art Nouveau. Not far from the new building were the ruins of an ancient defensive castle. The manor, despite the fact that it is often called a castle, was in fact a house for privileged people. Here you can visit the museum, the observation tower, walk in the park, taste local beer and dine in the restaurant.

Cēsis Castle

/ 88 km from the center of Riga /

A popular place among tourists from all over the world and one of the main symbols of Latvia. The castle has a museum and a park. Visit the medieval and new castle built in 18th–19th centuries, picturesque park, Lademacher Tower, exhibition hall. There are many restaurants, cafes, hotels, stores, museums and cultural spaces within walking distance.

Bauska Castle

/ 68 km from the center of Riga /

A spectacular castle on a high bank at the source of the Lielupe River. Probably the first mention of its construction dates back to 1443. During its history it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. It was severely damaged by Russian troops during the Great Northern War and then dismantled for building materials by local residents.

During the 20th and early 21th centuries it was reconstructed several times. There is a museum in the premises of the castle, temporary exhibitions, lectures, concerts, performances and sporting events are held. It is located within the city limits, which means that you will find comfortable hotels and good restaurants nearby.

Krustpils Castle

/ 135 km from the center of Riga /

Krustpils Castle is believed to have been built in the middle of 13th–beginning of 14th centuries. At the end of the 16th century it lost its defensive function and gradually turned into a comfortable estate of the Korf family.

The external architectural appearance was formed only in the 19th century, but the interiors were greatly changed in 1920–1970s. Since 1990s there is a large-scale restoration, archaeological excavations and a museum. A few years ago a new exposition was opened, which turned the castle into one of the most interesting historical objects in Latvia. You can also climb the tower and go down into the dark cellar with a ghost.