Jelgava

The largest city in Zemgale and former capital of the Duchy of Courland, home to the baroque Jelgava Palace designed by Rastrelli. Visitors can climb the Holy Trinity Church tower for panoramic views and explore the palace crypt with ducal tombs.

Things to do

• Tour Jelgava Palace — Explore the grand baroque palace designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, now home to the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.
• Visit the ducal crypt — Descend into the palace crypt to see the tombs of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia, one of the largest such burial sites in Europe.
• Climb the Holy Trinity Church tower — Ascend the restored tower for panoramic views over the city and an exhibition on Jelgava's history inside.
• Wander Pasta Island — Stroll the green nature island between the Lielupe and Driksa rivers, popular for walking, birdwatching, and river views.
• See St. Anne's Lutheran Church — Admire one of Jelgava's oldest churches, a red-brick landmark dating back centuries.
• Explore the Ģederts Eliass History and Art Museum — Housed in the former Academia Petrina building, it displays regional history and the works of painter Ģederts Eliass.
• Visit Jelgava Railway Station area — See the historic station and its surroundings, a key stop on the Riga–Jelgava line.

Food to try

• Sklandrausis — A traditional Latvian rye pastry filled with carrot and potato, sweetened with honey, found in local bakeries.
• Grey peas with bacon — Latvia's national dish of boiled grey peas served with fried onions and speck, a hearty Zemgale staple.
• Rupjmaize (dark rye bread) — Dense sourdough rye bread that accompanies most meals and appears in desserts like maizes zupa.
• Zemgale honey and dairy — The fertile Zemgale region is Latvia's breadbasket, so seek out fresh farm cheeses, butter, and local honey at markets.
• Kvass — A refreshing fermented rye bread drink, mildly sweet and sold widely in summer.

Local customs & good to know

• Zemgale is Latvia's breadbasket — The flat, fertile plains around Jelgava make it the country's key agricultural region, reflected in fresh local produce.
• Watch for spring floods — Jelgava sits at the confluence of rivers and low-lying areas can flood in spring, so check conditions when visiting Pasta Island.
• Greet with a handshake — Latvians tend to be reserved and polite; a firm handshake and quiet manner are appreciated over loud enthusiasm.
• Learn the ducal history — Jelgava (historically Mitau) was the capital of the Duchy of Courland, and knowing this enriches visits to the palace and crypt.

Nearby

• Rundāle Palace (Kurzeme) — 32 km
• Tērvete Nature Park — 34 km
• Jūrmala (Gulf of Riga Coast) — 35 km
• Ķemeri National Park (Gulf of Riga Coast) — 36 km