Bauska Travel Guide (Zemgale/Latvia/Baltic states/Europe)

Introduction to Bauska

Bauska is a small and charming town located in the Zemgale region of Latvia. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Mūsa and the Mēmele, Bauska is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, rich history and culture, and warm hospitality. With its numerous historical landmarks, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities, Bauska offers the perfect getaway for travelers seeking a peaceful and fulfilling adventure. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Bauska.

List of Places to Visit in Bauska

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bauska Castle: A magnificent medieval castle built in the 15th century, Bauska Castle is one of the most significant landmarks in Bauska. Located on a hilltop overlooking the town and the rivers, the castle offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Inside the castle, visitors can explore the museum, learn about the history of the castle and see artifacts from the past.
Rundale Palace: One of the most amazing Baroque palaces in Latvia, Rundale Palace is located about 15 km from Bauska. Built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland, the palace features a stunning interior decorated with intricate mosaics, frescoes, and art pieces.

Natural Attractions of Bauska: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Bauska Nature Park: A vast and beautiful park covering over 800 hectares of land, Bauska Nature Park is a perfect place to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The park has several hiking trails, cycling routes, and picnic spots where visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Bauska Sand Cave: A unique natural monument, Bauska Sand Cave is a 12-meter-long tunnel located in a sand quarry. Visitors can explore the tunnel and witness the geological formations that make the cave a unique wonder.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bauska

Bauska offers excellent hiking and biking options for nature lovers. Some of the popular routes include:

Bauska Castle to Mezotne Palace Route: This 25 km route starts at Bauska Castle and takes you through the beautiful countryside of Zemgale. Along the way, you’ll see many historical landmarks, quaint villages, and scenic landscapes.
Bauska Nature Park Hiking Trail: This 7 km hiking trail starts at the nature park and takes you through some of the most beautiful spots in the park. You’ll see lush forests, rivers, and meadows, as well as many rare bird species.

Best Things to Do in Bauska: Activities and Tours

Horseback riding: Take a horseback ride through the beautiful countryside of Bauska and explore the hidden gems of the region.
Canoeing and kayaking: Paddle down the Mūsa or Mēmele river and enjoy the stunning scenery of Bauska from a different perspective.
Wine tasting: Bauska is home to several wineries, offering visitors a chance to taste some of the best wine in Latvia.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bauska

Day 1: Explore Bauska Castle and the nearby historical landmarks.

Day 2: Visit Rundale Palace and the gardens surrounding it.

Day 3: Hike the Bauska Nature Park trail and enjoy a picnic along the way.

Day 4: Take a horseback ride through the countryside of Zemgale.

Day 5: Paddle down the Mūsa or Mēmele river.

Day 6: Visit a local winery for a wine tasting session.

Day 7: Explore the town center of Bauska and shop for souvenirs to take home.

Food and Drink Scene of Bauska

Must-Try Dishes

Rye bread: Made from locally grown rye, Bauska’s rye bread is dense and flavorful.
Grey peas with bacon: A traditional Latvian dish made from slow-cooked peas and served with crispy bacon.
Black balsam: A herbal liqueur made from a secret recipe that includes more than 24 natural ingredients.

Local Beverages

Birch juice: A refreshing and healthy drink, birch juice is made from the sap of birch trees and is high in nutrients.
Kvass: A fermented drink made from bread, kvass is sour and slightly sweet and is a popular summer drink.

Where to Stay in Bauska: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bauska offers several accommodation options for visitors. Some of the most popular ones include:

Hotel Berzkalni: Located in the town center, this hotel features comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
Guesthouse Elina: A cozy and charming guesthouse located in the heart of Bauska’s Old Town, featuring comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Latvian cuisine.
Bauskas Leisure Complex: This complex features a hotel, a restaurant, and a spa, and is located near the Bauska Castle.

What to Buy in Bauska: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Handcrafted souvenirs: Bauska is known for its talented artisans, who create beautiful and unique souvenirs, including pottery, wood carvings, and glassware.
Rye bread: Take home some of Bauska’s famous rye bread, which makes a great gift for food lovers.

Local Culture and Customs of Bauska

Bauska has rich cultural traditions that are still celebrated today. Some of the most significant events include:

Bauska Castle Festival: Held annually in July, this festival celebrates the history and culture of Bauska, featuring reenactments, music, and food.
Bauska Christmas Market: A festive market held in December, featuring local products, crafts, and holiday treats.

Best Time to Visit Bauska

The best time to visit Bauska is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and the outdoor activities are in full swing. The town is also beautiful during the spring months when the flowers are in bloom and nature is at its finest.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bauska

Do:

Try the local cuisine, including the famous rye bread and grey peas with bacon.
Explore the historical landmarks and natural attractions of Bauska, including the Bauska Castle and the Bauska Sand Cave.
Hike or bike through the Bauska Nature Park and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Don’t:

Underestimate the power of the sun: Bring sun protection, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
Disrespect the local culture and customs: Be respectful of the traditions and beliefs of the Latvian people.
Forget to carry cash: Many smaller businesses in Bauska may not accept credit cards.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bauska

Bauska is a safe and friendly town, but visitors should take standard safety precautions and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night.

Health in Bauska

Bauska has several medical clinics and pharmacies, and visitors should have travel insurance for emergencies.

Getting to Bauska: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bauska

Riga International Airport: Located about 75 km north of Bauska, Riga International Airport is the closest airport to Bauska.

Bus Stations Near Bauska

Bauska Bus Station: Located in the town center, this bus station offers connections to other cities in Latvia and nearby countries.

Other Options

Car rental: Visitors can rent a car at Riga International Airport and drive to Bauska, which takes about an hour and a half.

How to Get Around in Bauska

Walking: Bauska is a small town, and most of the attractions are located within walking distance of each other.
Bus: Local buses connect Bauska’s different neighborhoods and also provide connections to other cities in the area.

Where to Go Next from Bauska: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Jelgava: Located about 20 km from Bauska, Jelgava is a larger city known for its beautiful parks, gardens, and historical landmarks.
Cesis: A picturesque town located about 100 km north of Bauska, Cesis is known for its medieval castle, ancient ruins, and beautiful countryside.

Conclusion

Bauska is a hidden gem that offers visitors a perfect blend of historical charm and natural beauty. With its numerous attractions, outdoor activities, and warm hospitality, Bauska is a great destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and fulfilling vacation. Plan your trip to Bauska today and experience the best of Latvia’s Zemgale region.

Bauska Image Gallery

Bauska Castle

Bauska town hall