Zasa

Zasa is a village in Zasa Parish, Jēkabpils Municipality, located in the historical region of Selonia (Sēlija) in southeastern Latvia. The village has a population of approximately 310 residents, with around 670 living across the wider parish. It sits 35 km south of the city of Jēkabpils and 178 km southeast of Riga.

The village grew around the 18th-century estate of the Baltic-German von Zass family. Primary sights include the 38-hectare Zasa Manor Park, the Sēļu craft house "Rūme", and the Lutheran church constructed in 1750. Traditional wooden houses and mid-20th-century brick structures line the central village streets.

Zasa has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb). Summers (June to August) bring average daily temperatures of 17°C to 23°C, while winters (December to February) average −3°C to −8°C with regular snowfall. Annual rainfall averages 650 mm, peaking during July and August.

By Air

No commercial airport operates in Jēkabpils Municipality. The nearest facility is Riga International Airport (RIX), located 180 km northwest of Zasa. RIX is served by airBaltic, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, and Finnair, connecting to European cities including Frankfurt (2 hours 15 minutes flight time) and London (2 hours 40 minutes flight time). Rental car counters (Sixt, Avis, Hertz) are located in the arrivals terminal.

By Bus

Direct buses from Riga to Zasa do not run. Travelers must take an intercity bus from Riga International Coach Station (Rīgas SAO) to Jēkabpils Bus Station (Jēkabpils AO), operated by Nordeka and SIA "Jēkabpils autobusu parks" (2.5 hours journey time, departures every 1–2 hours, €6.00–€8.00 / $6.50–$8.70 USD).

From Jēkabpils AO, regional bus route 6664 to Zasa is operated by SIA "Jēkabpils autobusu parks" and SIA "Tukuma auto". Buses depart 4–6 times daily, taking 35–40 minutes and costing €2.30–€2.60 ($2.50–$2.85 USD). Timetables and advance ticket purchases are available on 1188.lv or the Mobilly app.

By Train

No train service runs to Zasa. The nearest rail stop is Krustpils station in Jēkabpils, 35 km north. Krustpils is served by national rail operator Vivi (Pasažieru vilciens) on the Riga–Daugavpils and Riga–Rēzekne lines (2 hours 10 minutes from Riga Central Station, standard class fare €5.50–€6.20 / $6.00–$6.75 USD). From Krustpils, passengers take a local city bus or taxi across the Daugava River to Jēkabpils Bus Station for connecting regional buses to Zasa.

By Car

From Riga (178 km, 2 hours 20 minutes drive time): Follow national highway A6 east along the Daugava River past Aizkraukle to Jēkabpils. From Jēkabpils, head south on regional road P75 toward Birži, then turn onto regional road P72 into Zasa.

From Jēkabpils (35 km, 30–35 minutes drive time): Take P75 south and turn onto P72. Roads are paved throughout the route.

Zasa is small enough to explore entirely on foot. Central sites—including Zasa Manor Park, the craft center, and the Lutheran church—stand within 1 km of each other.

To reach surrounding villages within Zasa Parish, regional buses connect Zasa with Birži, Aknīste, and Dunava. Single local bus fares cost €1.00 to €2.50 ($1.10–$2.75 USD). Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt do not operate in Zasa. Taxis must be dispatched from Jēkabpils by phone, costing €25 to €35 ($27–$38 USD) one way.

• Zasa Manor Park (Zasas muižas parks) — A 38-hectare landscape park developed in the 18th century by the von Zass family. The grounds contain mature oak groves, stone bridges over the Zasa River, a central millpond, and granite landmarks including the "Devil's Stone" and "Werewolf Tree". Open daily; free entry.

• Zasa Manor Estate Ruins & 1939 School — Historical remnants of the 18th-century manor house burned in 1905, including stone cellars and outbuildings. A Neo-Classical school building erected on the grounds in 1939 remains in use today. Free entry to grounds.

• Selonian Craft Center "Rūme" (Sēļu amatniecības centrs "Rūme") — Located in a traditional log building near the park. Features exhibits on Selonian pottery, leatherworking, and weaving, with artisan demonstrations. Entry €1.00–€2.00 ($1.10–$2.20 USD).

• Zasa Evangelical Lutheran Church (Zasas evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca) — Constructed in 1750, this is the oldest standing building in Zasa and a designated national monument. The interior contains an 18th-century organ built by Andrejs Sūnākslis. Free entry; donations accepted.

• Zasa Watermill (Zasas ūdensdzirnavas) — Historical stone watermill structure situated along the Zasa River outlet, featuring a masonry dam and millpond overflow gate. Free entry.

• Artisan Masterclasses at Craft Center "Rūme" — Book hands-on workshops to practice traditional Selonian pottery shaping or leathercraft techniques guided by local craftspeople. Workshops cost €5.00–€10.00 ($5.50–$11.00 USD) per person with advance registration.

• Walking Park Trails — Follow unpaved walking routes through Zasa Manor Park, spanning 38 hectares along the Zasa River banks.

• Cycling Regional Routes — Ride paved regional roads P72 and P75 between Zasa, Birži, and Aknīste through the farmland and forests of the Selonia region.

• Mushroom and Berry Picking — Harvest chanterelles, porcini mushrooms, and wild blueberries in public forest tracts surrounding Zasa Parish from July through September.

• Kafejnīca "Dzirnupe" (Zaļā iela 6, Zasa) — Village café serving home-cooked Latvian lunches including pork cutlets (karbonāde), cold beetroot soup (aukstā zupa), and potato pancakes. Open Monday–Friday 07:00–16:00. Mains €3.50–€7.00 ($3.80–$7.60 USD).
• Krodziņš Hanza (Brīvības iela 136, Jēkabpils — 35 km north) — Traditional tavern offering grey peas with bacon, grilled pork mains, and Latvian beers. Mains €7.00–€14.00 ($7.60–$15.20 USD).
• Gaļas Nams (Viestura iela 35, Jēkabpils — 35 km north) — Bistro and bakery serving meat dishes, soups, and fresh cakes. Mains €6.00–€13.00 ($6.50–$14.10 USD).
• Park Picnic (Veikals Aibe / Vesko) (Sila iela, Zasa) — Purchase dark rye bread, caraway cheese, and smoked sausage from village stores for a meal in Zasa Manor Park. Under €5.00 ($5.50 USD) per person.

• Latvian Beers: Commercial and craft lagers available in stores include Valmiermuiža, Tērvetes, and Užavas.
• Herbal Liqueur: Baltic Black Balsam (Rīgas Melnais Balzams), a 45% ABV traditional herbal liqueur served straight or added to hot coffee.
• Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Kvass (fermented rye beverage) is sold in local grocery stores. Tap water is safe to drink. Coffee and tea are served during operating hours at Kafejnīca "Dzirnupe".

• Budget: NYX & Iris Guesthouse ("Bērzzemnieki", Zasa village) — Country guesthouse offering basic rooms, shared kitchen facilities, and sauna access near the village center. Rates €35–€55 ($38–$60 USD) per night.
• Mid-range: Hotel Luīze (Brīvības iela 118, Jēkabpils — 35 km away) — En-suite hotel rooms with Wi-Fi and breakfast included in neighboring Jēkabpils. Rates €45–€70 ($49–$76 USD) per night.
• Upscale: Mārcienas Muiža (Mārciena — 65 km north) — Restored countryside estate hotel featuring historic guest rooms, full SPA facilities, and an on-site restaurant. Rates €90–€160 ($98–$175 USD) per night.

• Local Handicrafts: Selonian ceramics, hand-bound leather items, and woven textiles are sold at the Sēļu craft center "Rūme".
• Regional Food Products: Forest honey, herbal tea blends, and seasonal berries are sold directly by local farmers or at village markets.
• Grocery Shops: "Vesko mini" (Sila iela 1a) and "Aibe" (Sila iela 2b) stock bread, dairy, cured meats, and drinks. Card payments are accepted at local shops, though carrying cash in Euros (€) is recommended. Price bargaining is not practiced.

• Jēkabpils (35 km north) — District administrative center on the Daugava River, featuring the 13th-century Krustpils Castle, the "Sēļu sēta" open-air history museum, and riverside walking paths.
• Aknīste (25 km southwest) — Town in southern Selonia home to the 19th-century Gārsene Manor estate and nature trails along the Dienvidsusēja River valley.
• Ilūkste (48 km south) — Historic town near the Dvaite floodplain, featuring the 18th-century Ilūkste Catholic Church and nearby nature reserves.
• Daugavpils (85 km southeast) — Latvia's second-largest city, featuring the 19th-century Daugavpils Fortress, the Mark Rothko Art Centre, and historic brick architecture.