Discover Bunka: River, Mill Lake and Local History
Accommodation in Bunka
Bunka’s built-up area lies by the Vārtāja River and Bunkas Mill Lake; the town’s history leads back to the historic Bunkas muiža manor.
Bunka at a glance
- The built-up area lies by the Vārtāja River and Bunkas Mill Lake.
- Bunka is the centre of Bunkas pagasts and lies on road V1206.
- The settlement developed around the historic Bunkas muiža manor.
- The ruins of Bunkas Church are currently visible in Bunka.
How should Bunka be considered as a place to stay?
The waterside setting and settlement history offer different points of interest: the built-up area lies by the Vārtāja and Bunkas Mill Lake, while the town developed around the historic Bunkas muiža manor. Bunka is also the centre of Bunkas pagasts and lies on road V1206. So getting your bearings involves both an administrative context and a specific road name. Check road conditions before setting out, as they may change. When choosing somewhere to stay, you can weigh these factors against your own travel plans.
What church-related features shape Bunka?
The ruins of Bunkas Church are currently visible in Bunka. Every year during the Christmas season, the local community holds a prayer service at the site of the ruins. This gives the church site a recurring place in the calendar. The first church in Bunka was built in 1494 and dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. Thus, a precisely dated event from the early history of the church and a local tradition held every year sit side by side.
What cultural sites are nearby?
Bunka’s surroundings add to the local history. Nearby, the “Krotes senlietu krātuve” is housed in a library building; near Šalkas in Bunkas pagasts, close to Bunka, stands the Zviedru kapi hillfort. These two places represent different kinds of cultural heritage: a collection of local traditions and an archaeological monument. The collection’s specific exhibits and the hillfort’s designation each offer their own insight.
Which cultural events can help with planning your trip?
Every May, a commemorative event is held near Bunka at the Alfreds Krūklis memorial tree in Krote. Together with the Christmas-season prayer service at the church ruins, this offers a seasonal comparison: one occasion is associated with Krote and May, the other with Bunka and the Christmas season. If you want to plan your trip around one of these events, confirm the exact dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Skangaļi, Priekuļi, Veselava, Dukuri, Liepasmuiža, Priekule, Jāņmuiža
FAQ
What can you see at the “Krotes senlietu krātuve”?
On display are items collected by residents of Krote and the surrounding area, as well as family trees of the linguist Atis Kronvalds, who was born in Krote, and the poet Alfreds Krūklis. The collection is housed in a library building near Bunka.
How is the Zviedru kapi hillfort classified?
The hillfort near Šalkas in Bunkas pagasts is considered an archaeological monument of regional significance and is included in the state register of protected cultural monuments.
How do “Traistēni” involve audiences in their performances?
A performance format by the children’s folklore group, described on 26 October 2023, combines singing and dancing together with the audience and saying “words of power” to them. If you want to include such a performance in your travel plans, confirm any future programme in advance.
For the broader travel overview: Priekuļu Novads.
