Drusti: Churches, Manors and Hills

Drusti is located in the Mežole Hills of the Vidzeme Upland. The landscape is characterized by a mosaic of medium-sized hills, agricultural areas, patches of woodland and lakes. The points of interest described include the Drusti Local History Museum, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Drusti Manor, Gatartas Manor, Lake Krogus and Piltiņkalns.

Piltiņkalns offers a clearly described opportunity to explore the hilly surroundings. A well-maintained spiral path leads around the hill in nine loops and is approximately 5 kilometres long. At the summit, there is a gazebo, swings and benches for resting.

Lake Krogus has a swimming area with two jetties. This means that Drusti offers both a circular walk over a hill and a specific waterside outing as different excursion options. Which of these options is better suited to your trip therefore depends mainly on your preferred focus: the path and views at Piltiņkalns or a swimming area by the lake.

Drusti Evangelical Lutheran Church was built in the Empire style, modelled on the German colonies along the Volga. Its interior contains Oto Donnera fon Rihters’ altarpiece “The Ascension of Christ”.

The Drusti Local History Museum provides information about the history of the Drusti parish and its school, notable people from Drusti and historically important sites. At the Drustu Museum, you can book guided tours of the exhibitions; guided tours of the surroundings of Drusti are also offered separately. This allows a museum visit either to focus on the exhibition or to be supplemented with a tour of the surrounding area.

The manor house at Drusti Manor was built in 1787. The surviving buildings also include a 19th-century steward’s house, a barn with columns, a dairy, a brewery, a smithy, a storehouse and sheds. The complex therefore conveys an impression of the former manor structure not only through the manor house but also through several preserved functional buildings.

Guided tours of Gatartas Manor are available and last 1 to 1.5 hours. The stated hours are Fridays from 9:00 to 19:00 during the period from April to September, with other times available by arrangement. If you plan to visit Gatartas, this time information is essential when choosing your visit date.

Drusti Station has an information board with a map, historical descriptions and photographs. In addition, the 56-kilometre “Ieriķi–Jaunpiebalga” route includes the “Stacija Drusti” stop. For comparison with another destination, you can also visit Rauna.

Which festivals are celebrated on Piltiņkalns?

The Līgo festival and other Latvian festivals are celebrated on Piltiņkalns.

What does the war memorial at the church commemorate?

The war memorial at the Evangelical Lutheran Church commemorates 41 members of the congregation who fell in the First World War and the Latvian War of Independence.

What is included in the Gatartas Manor complex?

The Gatartas Manor complex includes a castle, 20 buildings and a park.

Is there a swimming area in Drusti?

Yes, Lake Krogus has a swimming area with two jetties.

To the higher-level travel overview: Raunas Municipality.