Tukuma Novads: Nature, Culture and Routes

Nature

In the nature park at Lake Engure, 186 bird species breed. Around 844 species of vascular plants have been recorded in the area surrounding Lake Engure. Located in the municipalities of Lapmežciems and Smārde, Lake Kaņieris lies mostly within the nature protection zone of Ķemeri National Park; a small part is located in the nature reserve zone. The ecosystem of Lake Kaņieris includes 68 breeding bird species.

The Kaņieris birdwatching tower is ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the lake landscape. The Kaņieris hillfort trail is a well-equipped path offering views of the lake and the historic hillfort.

Culture

The historic interior of Durbe Palace conveys an impression of Baltic German culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The “Rainis and Tukums” exhibition is located in the room where the first Rainis Museum operated from 1929 to 1937. The “Savējo stāsti, ne svešo” exhibition in the Palace Tower explores events in 20th-century Tukums through the life stories of local people.

Jaunmoku Palace was built as a hunting lodge in 1901. The Jaunmoku Palace Forest Museum offers interactive exhibitions about forests. At the “Audēju darbnīca” weaving workshop, visitors can actively participate in weaving and learn simple techniques.

Routes

The “Tukuma apkārtnes pilis” cycling route begins and ends at Tukums I railway station and is signposted with bicycle route markers bearing the number 574. It is approximately 29 km long; around 11 km runs along gravel and field roads. Those travelling from Riga can take the train to Tukums and begin the cycling tour there.

The “Apkārt Engurei” route is a circular trail approximately 14 km long. Parts of it can also be travelled by bicycle, and it connects to the cycling routes around Lake Valguma created by “Valguma pasaule”. The long-distance hiking trail Jūrtaka (E9) runs along the coast, making it possible to extend the hike into the following day. The route is suitable for outings with children. The one-day route is approximately 21 km long.

Culinary Experiences

Abavas Winery offers tastings and guided tours on site. At the Abava wine tasting, six different beverages are served. The family-run Jaunpils Brewery is located in the centre of Jaunpils, in a barn built in 1860. Tours and tastings can be organised there by prior arrangement.

At the Pure Chocolate Museum in Pūre, workshops on making chocolate are offered. The herbal tea experience in Jaunmoku includes tasting ten different herbal teas as well as unusual jams and syrups. The tavern at Jaunpils Castle offers medieval feasts prepared according to old recipes; they must be ordered at least two days in advance.

Other Places

Other destination pages in Tukuma Novads: Pētertāle, Lamiņi, Rideļi, Lancenieki, Slampe, Zentene, Lapmežciems, Tukums, Tume.

To the overarching travel overview: Latvia.