Tume

The terrain of Tume Parish is shaped by the meeting of the North Kurzeme and East Kurzeme uplands, with the ancient Slocene valley between them. The parish’s largest lakes include Lake Seklis, Lake Jumpravas, and Lake Sivēnu. Lake Seklis covers 34 hectares. Forests line the northern edge of the parish.

The uplands and valley give the area varied terrain. Roads coming from Tukums climb through Tume Parish and offer scenic views. So if you travel by car, you will find more than a flat stretch of road: the succession of uphill roads and scenic views is a distinctive feature of the landscape.

The forests are also an important part of the natural environment. Tume’s forests contain large stands of stag’s-horn clubmoss. The forest area is also an important place for the protection of a priority boreal habitat of European significance. This combination of a specific plant species and an important habitat makes it clear to nature lovers that the forests are more than just a backdrop.

The nature trail at “Sveikuļi” campsite is approximately 3 kilometers long. Features to see along the trail include beaver lodges at Lake Veļezers, steep banks described as micro-Alpine landscapes, and Lake Jumpravas.

Anglers at Lake Jumpravas can usually catch crucian carp and tench. The nature of the shoreline is also important when choosing a place to stay by the water: sandy shoreline is found only at the swimming areas; elsewhere, the banks are muddy. The options therefore vary depending on which stretch you choose to visit.

Since its early days, the Tume Cultural Center has hosted theater performances, concerts by professional artists, and dances. It was the first cultural center of this size in the surrounding area. Tume’s mixed choir also has a special history: it earned a gold diploma at a choir competition in Gdańsk and celebrated its 30th anniversary at the cultural center with the concert “Lai top!”.

Jaunmoku Palace was built around 1901 as a hunting and summer residence. Its Forestry Museum features a special exhibition about forests, wildlife, and the everyday lives of forestry workers over a period of a century. The palace museum offers guided tours led by a lady of the manor. A visit brings together architectural history, forest themes, and insights into forestry work.

Vecmoku Manor was first mentioned in historical records in 1544. Ruins of the manor and several outbuildings have been preserved and can still be visited. Vecmoku Park is also home to an approximately 1-kilometer-long avenue, considered Latvia’s longest avenue of Dutch lime trees. Its approximate length and distinctive character make it a cultural and historical attraction in its own right.

If you prefer nature, the lakes, the approximately 3-kilometer-long nature trail, and the forest areas offer different ways to explore. If history and culture are more your interest, you can visit the cultural center, manor ruins, and museums. The private collection “Retro Ferma” near Tukums offers another perspective on regional history: it displays Soviet-era cars, motorcycles, and sidecars. Visitors can sit in a car and listen to the owner’s stories about the vehicles.

Another special place to visit is Ginta Haņecka’s blacksmith workshop. There you can see finished works, works in progress, and a small collection of antiques.

To compare with other places in the wider travel area, you can also visit Pētertāle, Zentene, Lapmežciems, Lamiņi, Slampe, Lancenieki, Rideļi, and Tukums.

How long is the nature trail at “Sveikuļi”?

The nature trail at “Sveikuļi” campsite is approximately 3 kilometers long.

What can you see along the nature trail?

Features mentioned include beaver lodges at Lake Veļezers, steep banks forming micro-Alpine landscapes, and Lake Jumpravas.

What does the Forestry Museum at Jaunmoku Palace exhibit?

The exhibition covers forests, wildlife, and the everyday lives of forestry workers over a period of a century.

What is special about Vecmoku Avenue?

The avenue in Vecmoku Park is about 1 kilometer long and is considered Latvia’s longest avenue of Dutch lime trees.

For the wider travel overview: Tukuma Novads.