Milzkalne – Winter Sports and Manor Culture

Milzkalns is located in Milzkalne, in Smārdes parish. The winter sports facilities include 11 ski slopes of different lengths and varying levels of difficulty; the slopes are up to 320 metres long. Nine modern lifts are available for operation. Near the Milzkalne school building is Milzkalnes Baznīcas kalns, an archaeological cult site and an archaeological monument of state significance.

The Milzkalns cross-country ski trail is groomed for both classic cross-country skiing and skating. You can therefore use both cross-country skiing styles there. In addition, ski and snowboard lessons are available for beginners and for those who want to improve their technique. For travel planning, the key question is therefore whether you want to focus on downhill slopes, cross-country skiing or lessons.

Šlokenbeka Manor is located in Milzkalne on the banks of the Slocene River. It is one of the few examples of a fortified medieval manor complex in the Baltics and is considered the only surviving example in Latvia. The Latvian Road Museum is located within the manor ensemble. Its exhibitions provide information about the history of road construction and road-building machinery.

The combination of manor and museum gives the visit a clearly recognisable historical focus. At the manor, you can learn about its history, former owners, and economic and leisure activities. It is also possible to visit rooms whose keys are kept by the manor administrator.

In addition to its architecture, Šlokenbeka also has a regional culinary connection. In the 400-year-old cellar of Šlokenbeka Manor, you can taste wines from various wineries in Kurzeme.

The history of Milzukalns also stretches far back. The site was used as a settlement in ancient times. At Milzukalns, pottery fragments, animal bones, charcoal and amber point to earlier settlement. This creates a contrast for visitors between today’s winter sports facilities and the archaeological traces of the site.

On the “Surroundings of Milzkalne and Rauda” hiking route, Milzukalns is one of the listed sights. For the bathing area at Milzkalne Pond, it is recommended to park on the right-hand side of the Milzkalne–Tukums road (V-1446), in the lay-by behind the Milzkalne bus stop in the direction of Tukums. This specific information is particularly relevant if you want to include the pond in your plans alongside winter sports and culture.

For comparing other travel destinations, you can also visit Ķesterciems, Klapkalnciems, Engure, Bērzciems, Apšuciems, Radziņciems, Smārde and Lapmežciems.

How many lifts are available at Milzkalns?

Nine modern lifts consist of 3 anchor lifts, 5 telescopic lifts and 1 rope lift.

Which buildings house the Latvian Road Museum?

It is housed in historic buildings with the status of an architectural monument of state significance.

Which finds indicate the former settlement of Milzukalns?

They include pottery fragments, animal bones, charcoal and amber.

For the higher-level travel overview: Engure Municipality.