Jelgava

Jelgava sits along the Lielupe River in the Zemgale plains of central Latvia, 41 kilometres southwest of Riga. Historically known by its German name Mitau, the city served as the capital of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia from 1578 to 1795. Its defining architectural landmark is Jelgava Palace, an 18th-century Baroque residence designed by the Italian-Russian court architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

Heavy artillery bombardment and aerial strikes during the Second World War flattened over 90 percent of the urban fabric. As a result, Soviet planners reconstructed Jelgava with wide avenues, administrative squares, and apartment blocks, leaving only isolated historic survivors such as the Holy Trinity Church tower and the wooden houses of Vecpilsētas Street. Today, the city operates as an educational and economic hub for Zemgale, anchored by the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies situated within the palace wings.

The climate is humid continental (Köppen Dfb), characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures hover between 17 °C and 23 °C, with periodic rainfall throughout July and August. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, averaging between -6 °C and 0 °C, bringing snow and ice cover to the Lielupe and Driksa waterways from December through March.

• June to August (Summer): The warmest months feature daily highs of 20 °C to 24 °C and up to 17 hours of daylight. This period is prime for outdoor river activities, open-air concerts on Pasta Island, and the annual International Sand Sculpture Festival. Bring a light rain jacket for afternoon summer showers.
• May & September (Spring / Autumn): Shoulder months bring crisp air with daytime temperatures between 12 °C and 18 °C. Tourist crowds thin out, and the floodplain meadows around Pilssala turn golden in early autumn.
• October to April (Late Autumn to Early Spring): Cold, overcast, and snowy conditions dominate, with midwinter temperatures dropping to -5 °C or lower. The city hosts its flagship International Ice Sculpture Festival in February, drawing sculptors from across Europe to Pasta Island.

By Air

• Riga International Airport (RIX): The primary international gateway for Latvia is 40 kilometres northeast of Jelgava. It is served by national carrier airBaltic alongside airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Norwegian, and Finnair. By car or taxi, the drive takes 35 to 40 minutes along the P100 and A8 highways. Public transit passengers take Riga city bus 22 from the airport terminal to Riga Central Station (30 minutes, €1.50 / $1.65), then transfer to a direct train to Jelgava.

By Train

• Vivi (Latvian Passenger Rail): Regional electric trains run hourly (and every 30 minutes during peak hours) between Riga Central Station (Rīga Pasažieru) and Jelgava Station (Jelgavas dzelzceļa stacija). The 43-kilometre journey takes 35 to 48 minutes. Single standard 2nd-class tickets cost €1.90 to €2.50 ($2.10 to $2.75). Tickets are sold at station counters, via ticket machines, or through the Vivi Latvija app and vivi.lv. Modernized trains offer luggage racks, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi.
• LTG Link (International Service): The daily Vilnius–Šiauliai–Jelgava–Riga international passenger service calls at Jelgava. Travel time from Vilnius is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes (€24 / $26 in 2nd class, €34 / $37 in 1st class), while the final leg to Riga takes 35 minutes (€5 / $5.50). Bookings are available via ltglink.lt.

By Bus

• Intercity Buses: Regional coaches operated by Nordeka, Tukuma Auto, and Jelgavas Autobusu Parks run from the Riga International Coach Station (Rīgas Starptautiskā autoosta, Prāgas iela 1) to the Jelgava Coach Station (Pasta iela 26).
• Frequency & Duration: Departures leave every 10 to 20 minutes throughout the day from 06:00 to 23:00. The trip takes 45 to 55 minutes.
• Fares: One-way tickets cost €2.30 to €3.00 ($2.50 to $3.30). Tickets can be bought from station ticket offices, directly from the driver upon boarding, or online via 1188.lv and bezrindas.lv.

By Car

• From Riga: Drive 41 kilometres southwest via the dual-carriageway A8 highway (European route E77). The trip takes 35 to 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
• From Lithuania: Follow the E77 / A8 highway north from Šiauliai (85 km, 1 hour 15 minutes) or cross via Joniškis (45 km, 40 minutes). No tolls apply on passenger vehicles in Latvia, though speed limits (50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on regional highways) are enforced by stationary speed cameras.

• On Foot: Central attractions—including Jelgava Palace, the Holy Trinity Church tower, Vecpilsētas Street, and Pasta Island—are located within a 1.5-kilometre radius connected by pedestrian bridges and riverfront footpaths.
• Local Buses: Jelgavas Autobusu Parks (JAP) operates roughly 20 urban bus routes. Line 1 and Line 2 connect the railway and coach stations with central districts and outer residential quarters. A single ride ticket costs €1.00 ($1.10) when paid to the driver or purchased through the Mobilly app.
• Taxis and Ride-Hailing: The Bolt smartphone app operates for on-demand rides across Jelgava. Central rides cost €3.50 to €6.00 ($3.80 to $6.60). Bolt also operates seasonal electric kick-scooter rentals throughout the city center from April to October.

• Jelgava Palace (Jelgavas pils) (Lielā iela 2): The largest Baroque palace in the Baltic states, constructed in two phases (1738–1740 and 1768–1772) by architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli for Ernst Johann von Biron, Duke of Courland. The palace museum in the south-east wing details ducal court history and academic heritage. Open daily May–August (10:00–18:00), Wednesday–Sunday September–April. Admission: €2.00 ($2.20) adults, €1.00 ($1.10) students.
• Family Vault of the Dukes of Courland (Kurzemes hercogu kapenes) (Inside Jelgava Palace): A dedicated exhibition space maintained by the Rundāle Palace Museum in the palace basement, housing 30 sarcophagi and metal coffins containing the remains of Kettler and Biron dynasty rulers and family members dating from 1569 to 1791. Open May–October, Wednesday–Sunday (10:00–17:00). Admission: €3.00 ($3.30) adults, €2.00 ($2.20) students.
• Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower (Jelgavas Sv. Trīsvienības baznīcas tornis) (Akadēmijas iela 1): The 50-metre stone tower is the sole remnant of the 1574 Holy Trinity Church, which was destroyed during 1944. Renovated in 2010, the structure contains interactive historical exhibits, the regional tourist information center, and a 9th-floor glass-enclosed observation deck. Open Tuesday–Sunday. Admission: €4.00 ($4.40) full museum and deck, €1.50 ($1.65) observation deck only.
• Jelgava Old Town Quarter & Old Town House (Vecpilsētas māja) (Vecpilsētas iela 14): A preserved pocket of 18th- and 19th-century wooden buildings that survived the wartime destruction. The restored 18th-century Old Town House showcases historical interior furnishings, construction techniques, and period wall paintings. Open Tuesday–Saturday (10:00–18:00), Sunday (11:00–17:00). Admission: €4.00 ($4.40) adults, €1.50 ($1.65) students.
• Ģederts Eliass Jelgava History and Art Museum (Academia Petrina) (Akadēmijas iela 10): Housed in the neoclassical 1775 building of the former Academia Petrina high school, this museum displays regional archaeological artifacts, ducal memorabilia, and over 1,000 paintings by Latvian master Ģederts Eliass. Open Tuesday–Sunday (10:00–18:00). Admission: €3.00 ($3.30) for temporary exhibitions, free for permanent collections; tower visit €1.50 ($1.65).
• Pasta Island & Mītava Bridge (Pasta sala un Mītavas tilts): A 3.6-hectare island on the Driksa River transformed into a public recreation park with open-air concert venues, bathing beaches, children's playgrounds, and dedicated sculpture parks. It is connected to the city center by the 152-metre Mītava Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge. Free access year-round.
• Lielupe Floodplain Meadows (Lielupes palienes pļavas) (Pilssala): A protected Natura 2000 floodplain grassland situated on the northern half of Palace Island. A herd of approximately 80 semi-feral Konik horses and wild cattle graze freely to maintain the habitat for over 200 bird species. A 19.2-metre wooden observation tower at the edge of the meadows provides viewing over the reserve. Free access.
• Latvian Railway History Museum – Jelgava Exhibition (Stacijas iela 3): Located next to the train station, this outdoor and indoor branch displays steam locomotives, track repair handcars, signal equipment, and uniform collections from the historical Jelgava rail junction. Open Wednesday–Saturday (10:00–17:00). Admission: €2.00 ($2.20) adults, €1.00 ($1.10) concessions.

• Attend the Sculpture Festivals on Pasta Island: Visit in February for the International Ice Sculpture Festival, where teams carve over 30 tonnes of crystal-clear ice into illuminated monuments, or in June for the International Sand Sculpture Festival, which creates towering themed sand artworks that remain on display through the summer. Ticket prices for festival weekends range from €5.00 to €10.00 ($5.50 to $11.00).
• Wildlife Watching on Pilssala: Walk the gravel nature trail north of Jelgava Palace to the 19.2-metre observation tower. Bring binoculars to spot roaming herds of Konik horses, corncrakes, and nesting waterbirds across the Lielupe floodplains.
• Paddle the Driksa and Lielupe Rivers: Rent single kayaks, tandem canoes, or stand-up paddleboards from seasonal rental kiosks stationed on Pasta Island and near the yacht club. Rentals run from €10 to €15 ($11 to $16.50) per hour between May and September.
• Climb the Holy Trinity Church Observation Deck: Take the elevator to the 9th floor of the church tower for panoramic views overlooking the palace roofline, the river bends, and the surrounding Zemgale plain.

• Restorāns PARKS (Krišjāņa Barona iela 3) — Contemporary grill bar and dining room facing the municipal park. Serves steaks, grilled salmon, gourmet beef burgers, and local craft beers. Mid-range (main courses €12–€24 / $13–$26).
• Chocolate & Pepper (Krišjāņa Barona iela 6) — Modern European bistro offering wok dishes, pasta, duck breast, fresh salads, and artisan desserts. Mid-range (main courses €9–€20 / $10–$22).
• Pilsētas Elpa (Pasta sala 1) — Waterfront restaurant on Pasta Island with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. Features grilled meats, stone-baked flatbreads, and homemade cakes. Mid-range (main courses €10–€22 / $11–$24).
• Bistro Silva (Driksas iela 9) — Long-running self-service eatery offering classic Latvian dishes including pork schnitzels, grey peas with speck, beetroot soup, and fresh pastries from its attached bakery. Budget (meals €4–€9 / $4.50–$10).
• Zemnieka Cienasts (Jaunsvirlauka Parish, 5 km south along the A8) — Traditional roadside tavern styled after a rural Zemgale farmstead. Serves generous portions of smoked meats, potato pancakes, rye bread desserts, and draft kvass. Budget to mid-range (main courses €7–€15 / $8–$16.50).

• Zemgale Hotel (Skautu iela 2) — Modern 3-star property situated next to the Zemgale Olympic Sports Center and ice rink. Features unpretentious en-suite rooms, free parking, and an on-site bowling alley and café. Budget (standard double rooms €40–€60 / $44–$66 per night).
• Hotel Jelgava (Lielā iela 6) — The city's primary central 4-star hotel, located directly opposite Jelgava Palace. Offers 40 comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant (Central Cafe), sauna facilities, and meeting halls. Mid-range (standard double rooms €60–€90 / $66–$99 per night).
• Hotel Senlīči (Vircava Parish, 7 km south of Jelgava) — Peaceful countryside guesthouse positioned along the Vircava River bank. Features timber-finished rooms, a garden terrace, children's play areas, and a rustic dining room. Mid-range (double rooms €45–€75 / $50–$82 per night).
• Apartamenti Vecrīga Jelgavā & Urban Rentals (Vecpilsētas area) — Fully equipped private self-catering apartments in restored historic buildings, featuring kitchens, laundry facilities, and self-check-in. Mid-range (€50–€85 / $55–$93 per night).

• Rundāle Palace (Rundāles pils) (45 km south via P103 / P94): The foremost Baroque palace ensemble in Latvia, also designed by Rastrelli for Duke Ernst Johann von Biron. Features 138 restored staterooms and a formal French park with an extensive rose garden.
• Bauska (47 km southeast via P93 / P103): Historic Zemgale town situated at the confluence of the Mūsa and Mēmele rivers, known for Bauska Castle—a combined 15th-century Livonian Order fortress and 16th-century ducal residence.
• Dobele (30 km west via P97): Small regional town featuring the stone ruins of a 1345 Livonian Order castle and the Institute of Horticulture, famous for its 4-hectare lilac collection blooming each May.
• Riga (41 km northeast via A8 or 40-minute direct train): Latvia's capital, offering the UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vecrīga), the Art Nouveau district of Alberta iela, the Central Market housed in former Zeppelin hangars, and national museums.
• Šiauliai & The Hill of Crosses (85 km south via A8/E77 into Lithuania): Lithuanian regional city located 12 kilometres from the Hill of Crosses (Kryžių kalnas), a world-famous pilgrimage site covered in over 100,000 wooden and metal crosses.