Is Jaunpils Castle open year-round?

Yes, but with reduced hours in winter (October-April). Check their website for current opening times and tour schedules.

Are there English-speaking guides at Jaunpils Castle?

Yes, English-guided tours are available, especially in summer. Advance booking is recommended for groups.

Can I stay overnight in Jaunpils Castle?

No, but there are guest rooms in the castle's adjacent building and several guesthouses and rural tourism farms in the area.

What are the best outdoor activities?

Cycling, hiking around Jaunpils Lake, foraging in forests, fishing (permit required), and cross-country skiing in winter.

Is there public transport from Riga to Jaunpils?

No direct trains. Buses run from Riga to Tukums or Jelgava, then require a connection. Driving from Riga takes about 1 hour.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens no visa. Others may need Schengen visa. Check with Latvian embassy.

What is the currency?

Euro (EUR). Credit cards accepted in most places, but cash is useful for small shops.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited in rural areas. Younger people and hotel staff often speak English. Learn a few Latvian phrases.

Can I visit the castle without staying overnight?

Yes, the castle is open for tours and dining. Check opening hours in advance.

Are there ATMs in Jaunpils?

There is one ATM in the village. Better to withdraw cash in Tukums or Riga.

What is the local cuisine like?

Hearty dishes like grey peas with bacon, potato pancakes, rye bread, and smoked fish. Castle restaurant serves traditional fare.

Is Jaunpils suitable for children?

Yes, the castle and grounds are family-friendly. Kids enjoy the medieval atmosphere and outdoor spaces.

Comfortable walking shoes, rain gear (weather changes quickly), and layers. In winter, warm clothing and boots.

Are there guided tours in English?

Yes, the castle offers guided tours in English by prior arrangement. Audio guides may also be available.

Can I take photos inside the castle?

Photography is usually allowed without flash. Check for restrictions in certain rooms.

Jaunpils

ProvinceLatvia, Europe

Jaunpils is a STATE in Latvia, Europe.

Jaunpils, a charming rural municipality in Latvia's Zemgale region, offers travelers an authentic escape into Latvia's medieval past and serene countryside. The crown jewel is Jaunpils Castle, a remarkably preserved 14th-century Livonian Order fortress that appears frozen in time. Visitors can explore its stone walls, climb the defensive tower for panoramic views, and experience medieval life through interactive exhibits and seasonal events like knight tournaments. Beyond the castle, the region unfolds with tranquil forests, pristine lakes like Jaunpils Lake, and traditional Latvian farmsteads. The area is perfect for cycling along quiet country roads, foraging for berries and mushrooms in autumn, and experiencing authentic Latvian rural culture. Jaunpils is especially magical during the summer solstice (Jāņi) celebrations, where locals gather for traditional songs, flower wreaths, and bonfires. Nearby, the Jaunpils Open-Air Museum showcases historic wooden buildings and crafts, while the local brewery produces traditional beer. This is a destination for travelers seeking history, nature, and cultural immersion away from crowded tourist trails.

Best time to visit Jaunpils

May to September offers the best weather for exploring castles, cycling, and outdoor activities, with long daylight hours and temperatures of 15-25°C. July and August are peak for festivals and warm lake swimming. September is ideal for autumn colors and mushroom foraging. Winter (December-February) offers a magical snowy landscape around the castle but very cold temperatures (-5 to -15°C) and limited services. The medieval festival at Jaunpils Castle in summer is a major highlight.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Drizzle
Temperature: 10°
Feels like: 9°
Humidity: 100%
Wind: 5 km/h
Precipitation: 0.1 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 5-12°C, colorful leaves

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Autumn foliage, quiet

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

RIX

Riga International Airport

International

80 km away

Getting around

"A rental car is essential for exploring Jaunpils municipality, as public transport is limited to a few daily buses connecting to Jelgava and Tukums. Taxis are available by phone booking but not on-demand. No ride-sharing apps operate here. Cycling is excellent on quiet rural roads; some guesthouses offer bike rentals. Walking is feasible within Jaunpils village itself. Roads are generally well-maintained but can be narrow and unpaved in remote areas. GPS works reliably. Parking is free and ample at all attractions."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available at castle hotel and some cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM available at Riga Airport from $5

Calling code

+371

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe, but be cautious of unlit roads at night.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe, but be cautious of unlit roads at night.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Jaunpils is extremely safe with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare. Standard precautions apply: don't leave valuables in parked cars, especially at remote nature spots. The main risks are natural: uneven terrain around the castle, forest trails with roots, and icy roads in winter. Wildlife includes ticks (use repellent) and occasional wild boar in forests—keep distance. No specific neighborhoods to avoid. Scams are uncommon in this rural area. Emergency services respond reliably but may have longer arrival times in remote parts of the municipality."

Police

112

Ambulance

112

Fire

112

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities in Jaunpils are limited to a local medical practice (Jaunpils Veselības centrs). For emergencies or specialized care, travelers should go to Jelgava Regional Hospital (35km away) or Riga hospitals. EU citizens should carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or equivalent. Non-EU travelers need comprehensive travel insurance. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas; vaccination is recommended for those hiking or camping. Basic medications are available at the Jaunpils pharmacy. Tap water is safe to drink. In winter, beware of icy conditions that may cause falls."

Culture

Local customs

"Latvians in rural areas like Jaunpils are reserved but hospitable. Greet people with a handshake and direct eye contact. Remove shoes when entering homes. When visiting the castle or churches, dress modestly. Tipping is not expected but appreciated (round up or 5-10%) in restaurants. Respect nature: don't litter, stay on trails, and ask permission before entering private forest or farmland. During Jāņi (Midsummer), participate respectfully in traditions like wearing oak leaf wreaths (for men) and flower crowns (for women). Silence is valued in natural settings."

LatvianRussian

Costs and practicals

Currency

Euro (EUR) · €

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$10 | a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10-15

Hotels

$60-100 | budget hotels range $60-100/night, castle hotel $100-150

Local transport

$2 | local bus ride ~$2, car rental from $30/day

Cost notes

Prices are lower than in Riga. Castle hotel is the main accommodation.

Timezone

Europe/Riga +02:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

2,500

Area

210 km²

Government

Municipality (Novads) with elected council and administration

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Яунпилс, Jaunpils, Borisoglebsk, DGP, Daugaupil, Daugaupils, Daugavpils, Daugawpils, Daugpelis, Daugpilis, Daugpils, Daugpiļs, Daugpėlis, Duenaburg, Duneburgum, Dvinograd, Dvinopol, Dvinsk, Dwinsk, Dyneburg, Dzwinow, Dünaburg, Dźwinów, Nevgin, Ntaounkavpils, Vaeinaenlinna, Vaeinalinn, Väinalinn, Väinänlinna, da'ugabhapilasa, dagavapilasa, dagawpls, daugafupirusu, daugapeupilseu, daugaupilsa, dawghafbyls, daګawpls, daውgaviልsi, dogavapilsa, dwgapyls, tao ge fu pi er si, Ντάουγκαβπιλς, Νταουγκάβπιλς, Борисоглебск, Даугавпилс, Даугавпілс, Даугаупил, Дауґавпілс, Даўгаўпілс, Двиноград, Двинопољ, Двинск, Невгин, דאוגבפילס, דענענבורג, داوغافبيلس, داګاوپلس, داگاوپلس, دوگاپیلس, डॉगवपिल्स, दौगौपिल्स, দাউগাভপিলস, ਡਾਗਵਪਿਲਸ, დაუგავპილსი, ዳውጋቪልስ, ダウガフピルス, 陶格夫匹尔斯, 다우가프필스, 𐌳𐌰𐍅𐌲𐌰𐍅𐍀𐌹𐌻𐍃

Capital CityMajor HubHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingRural Retreat