Bauska – Castle, Old Town and River Landscape
Bauska is a destination with a medieval urban structure, a castle complex at the confluence of several rivers and a range of museums. When looking for accommodation, the main question is therefore whether you want to focus on culture, nature or both during your stay. The following places and activities show which priorities Bauska offers for planning your trip.
Bauska Castle is situated on a picturesque peninsula at the confluence of the MÅ«sa and MÄ“mele rivers, which form the Lielupe. The oldest part is the castle of the Livonian Order, built in the mid-15th century, of which only ruins remain. The later part of the complex was built in the late 16th century as a residence for the Kettlers, the Dukes of Courland.
Key facts about Bauska
The central tower of Bauska Castle can be climbed and is located 50 metres above sea level. Bauska Old Town is an urban heritage monument of national significance. It has preserved its medieval urban structure, with two main streets running parallel to the river, smaller cross streets and a central market square with the town hall.
Which cultural sites shape Bauska?
The Bauska Museum has a permanent toy exhibition. It covers the world of toys and dolls from the late 19th century to the early 21st century and is the only exhibition of its kind in Latvia. The museum also presents an exhibition about Bauska in the 20th century. This provides both an overview of cultural history and a clearly defined collection theme.
The “Bauska†Studio of Applied Folk Art offers a special regional perspective. It operates as a department of the museum and provides advice on putting together and making the traditional costume of the Zemgale region. Bauska Town Hall is currently the only reconstructed 17th-century town hall in Latvia. Its history is explored in a dedicated guided tour.
What nature can be discovered in Bauska?
Bauska Nature Park is a Natura 2000 protected area. It preserves unspoilt stretches of the MÄ“mele, MÅ«sa and Lielupe rivers. The Bauska Nature Trail is located in Bauska Nature Park, a Natura 2000 area.
For active exploration, the 138-kilometre “Iecavas augšteces loks†cycle route also starts in Bauska. Those who want to include water-based activities in their stay will find two popular bathing spots in the town: one on Rīgas iela by the Mēmele and one on Krasta iela by the Mūsa.
Which experiences complement your stay?
The Bauska Motor Museum presents its exhibition across an area of approximately 400 square metres. It includes around 30 exhibits on the history of automobiles in Latvia and worldwide during the 20th century, as well as agricultural machinery and other items from everyday life. The Bauska Museum also offers the educational programme “PiedzÄ«vojums 20.gadsimta BauskÄâ€.
The Bauska Brewery is part of the local food and drink culture. Visitors can learn about the secrets of traditional beer production there and sample local beer. Thus, Bauska brings together historic architecture, museum topics, natural surroundings, a cycle route, bathing spots and a regional beverage experience, without requiring you to limit yourself to just one type of excursion.
Which other location pages can you compare?
For further trip planning, you can also open the location pages for Code, PÄce, Likverteni, Mežotne, Ceraukste, Jauncode and GrenctÄle.
Check prices, availability and amenities for your travel dates directly on Booking.com.
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In which languages can Bauska Old Town be explored with an audio guide?
The free audio guide “Iepazīsti Bausku!†is available in Latvian, Russian, English, Lithuanian and Estonian.
Where is the Bauska Motor Museum located?
The Bauska Motor Museum is located at 2 Derpeles iela in Bauska.
What does the “Svari un mÄ“ri BauskĆtown hall tour cover?
The tour covers the history of the town hall as well as historical weights and measures. You can be weighed and measured using old units such as the pud and the ell, and you will receive a certificate for this.
For the overarching travel overview: Bauskas Municipality.
