Rauna – Cultural and Nature Experiences

• The castle “Raunas pils” was built in the second half of the 14th century and was one of the Archbishop of Riga’s most important winter residences.
• The nature gallery of the “Raunas Kultūrvēsturiskā mantojuma centrs” is freely accessible around the clock, without restrictions and without admission fees, with its illuminated displays.
• “Raunas Staburags” is protected as a nature reserve.
• Other special natural attractions include “Raunas Velnala”, which covers approximately 50 m² and is 13.6 m deep, as well as the plant collection garden “Kolekcijas dārzs”.

A good starting point for those interested in culture is the “Raunas Kultūrvēsturiskā mantojuma centrs”. Objects from the collection are displayed there. The centre also regularly hosts changing exhibitions where visitors can learn about Rauna’s history. The freely accessible, illuminated displays of the nature gallery offer a special opportunity to engage with the centre independently of fixed visiting hours.

The castle “Raunas pils” takes you back to the medieval history of the area. It was built in the second half of the 14th century and served as one of the Archbishop of Riga’s most important winter residences. At the castle ruins “Raunas pilsdrupas”, visitors can climb the observation tower. The “Raunas ūdensdzirnavas”, which is considered an architectural monument of national importance, is also part of the area’s cultural and historical heritage.

The “Raunas Evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca” contains old stone reliefs regarded as unique monuments of Latvian art history. The church also offers guided tours led by Pastor Edijs Kalniņš. If you want not only to explore the historical significance yourself but also deepen your understanding through explanations, this option is particularly relevant when planning your day.

“Raunas Staburags” is a protected natural attraction with an unusual history of formation. It was created by the deposition of lime from groundwater. The formation of limestone began approximately 8,000 years ago and continues to this day. “Raunas Velnala” complements this landscape attraction with an underground feature: The cave lies in the white sand of Devonian rock, covers approximately 50 m² and is 13.6 m deep.

At “Kolekcijas dārzs”, you can discover an extensive collection of plants. More than 260 varieties of pine, 150 varieties of hydrangea, 70 types of mock orange, 50 varieties of birch and 60 varieties of spruce grow there. The garden can be visited independently; alternatively, guided tours focusing on the plant collection are available. This allows you to tailor your visit more closely to your own interests without limiting the nature experience to a specific type of visit from the outset.

The cheese and pasta manufactory is also one of the specifically described visitor attractions in Rauna. During a tour lasting approximately one hour, you will learn how 20 types of pasta are made from genuine farm eggs. For independent shopping, the manufactory has a self-service shop. Visitors can purchase products such as cheese, pasta and butter there at producer prices at any time and without prior registration.

When looking for a hotel in Rauna, you can therefore first determine your personal focus: culture and history, nature observation, plant diversity or an insight into regional production. If you would like to add another place to your trip, you can also include Drusti in your plans.

What are the most important historical attractions in Rauna?

The key cultural and historical attractions include the castle “Raunas pils”, the castle ruins “Raunas pilsdrupas” with their observation tower, the “Raunas Evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca”, the “Raunas ūdensdzirnavas” and the “Raunas Kultūrvēsturiskā mantojuma centrs”.

Can the nature gallery be visited at any time?

The illuminated displays of the nature gallery at the “Raunas Kultūrvēsturiskā mantojuma centrs” are freely accessible around the clock, without restrictions and without admission fees.

What guided tours are available in Rauna?

Guided tours led by Pastor Edijs Kalniņš are offered at the “Raunas Evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca”. At “Kolekcijas dārzs”, visitors can explore independently or take a guided tour focusing on the plant collection. The tour of the cheese and pasta manufactory lasts approximately one hour.

What is special about “Raunas Staburags”?

“Raunas Staburags” is protected as a nature reserve. It was formed by lime deposits from groundwater; the formation of limestone began approximately 8,000 years ago and continues to this day.

To the main travel overview: Raunas Novads.