Kalsnava – Arboretum, Walking Trail and Manor History

• The “Pastaiga pa Jaunkalsnavu” walking trail is 4 km long.
• The Kalsnava Arboretum covers 143 hectares and is home to more than 2,000 different woody plants.
• Around 150 rhododendron varieties grow in the arboretum’s collection garden.
• During the summer season, Jura Alūnāna Park is used for events and has paths, a small open-air stage, ornamental shrubs and information boards.
• Diesel trains stop at Jaunkalsnava Station on the Riga–Madona route; passenger and freight services operate there on a limited scale.

The LVM Kalsnava Arboretum was established from 1975 onwards for dendrological and forestry research as well as for planting foreign woody species. Today, its size and diversity show that the site is more than just a place for a short walk. More than 2,000 different woody plants grow across 143 hectares. Around 150 rhododendron varieties add to the collection garden.

For your travel planning, this means that the arboretum can be a focus of its own during your stay, especially if you are interested in trees, shrubs and designed plant collections. The stated sizes and number of varieties also make it clear that you should allow sufficient time for a visit, without implying any specific length of stay.

Jaunkalsnava has the 4 km “Pastaiga pa Jaunkalsnavu” walking trail. It offers a defined route for travelers who want to explore Kalsnava on foot. Jura Alūnāna Park also has paths, ornamental shrubs and information boards featuring stories from Kalsnava. A small open-air stage is part of the grounds as well. During the summer season, the park is used for events.

There is a bathing area on the Veseta in Jura Alūnāna Park. However, the stream is shallow. If you include this place in your day plan, you should therefore treat it as a bathing area on a shallow body of water rather than equating it with a deep swimming site.

Jaunkalsnava developed in the 19th century around the historic center of Jaunkalsnava Manor. For a long time, the Kālenu family managed the estate there. The manor’s main building belonged to this family from the late 18th century until the land reform. This timeline helps you view the surviving buildings as part of a longer local history.

The manor’s historic stables now house the municipality’s cultural center. Historic red brickwork has been preserved on its facade. The complex also includes the former “Trimpulas” brewery building, which has preserved vaulted cellars. You should take the term “former” literally: it describes the building’s previous function and says nothing about any current brewery operation or current offerings.

When looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Kalsnava, you can first decide whether the arboretum, walking trail, park or cultural and historical sites are the main reason for your trip.

For travel by train, Jaunkalsnava Station has passenger and freight services, although on a limited scale. Diesel trains stop there on the Riga–Madona route. This is a concrete travel-planning option; whether it is practical for your accommodation depends on its exact location and the rest of your route. For a broader comparison of localities, you can also consider Sarkaņi, Prauliena, Bērzaune, Ozoli, Stalīdzāni, Lautere, Dzelzava and Cesvaine.

How long is the “Pastaiga pa Jaunkalsnavu” walking trail?

The walking trail is 4 km long. Take this distance into account when planning your day.

What can you see at the Kalsnava Arboretum?

The arboretum covers 143 hectares and is home to more than 2,000 different woody plants. Around 150 rhododendron varieties grow in the collection garden.

Which historic buildings belong to Jaunkalsnava?

The manor’s historic stables now house the municipality’s cultural center. There is also the former “Trimpulas” brewery building with preserved vaulted cellars. The main building belonged to the Kālenu family from the late 18th century until the land reform.

Can Kalsnava be reached by train?

Diesel trains stop at Jaunkalsnava Station on the Riga–Madona route. Passenger and freight services operate there, although on a limited scale.

To the higher-level travel overview: Madonas Municipality.