This route takes you through one of the most historically rich and visually diverse parts of Latvia, from the rolling hills and vineyards of Kurzeme (Courland) to the fertile plains and baroque splendor of Zemgale.

Talsi (starting point)
The City of Nine Hills, Talsi, is one of Latvia's most picturesque towns, often called the "Green Pearl of Kurzeme." Built on nine hills surrounding two lakes, the city offers stunning elevation changes and stunning views. The Old Town boasts narrow streets lined with historic wooden architecture from the 19th century. The atmosphere is calm and authentic. The fortress on Castle Hill was once an important Kurorish settlement. From the top, you have a panoramic view of Lake Talsi and the city. The local museum, housed in a former manor house, provides in-depth information on local history, art, and the famous Latvian folk costume.

Sabile
Sabile is located in the beautiful Abava Valley, an area sometimes called the "Switzerland of Kurzeme." The town, with its wine hills, is world-famous for its northernmost vineyard (included in the Guinness World Records). The Wine Festival is held here annually in July. The town also boasts a castle hill and a museum. All in all, it has become a pleasant tourist destination. A short distance from the town center is the Pedvāle Open-Air Art Museum, where nature and modern sculpture merge.

on the way to Jaunpils
The villages of Pūces, Zemīte, and Strutele are the heart of Latvian folklore. Between the larger towns, you'll drive through farmland, where time sometimes seems to stand still. In Pūces, you'll find a historic watermill. This area exudes the atmosphere of the old Latvian countryside. Zemīte boasts a stately manor house with a park filled with ancient oak trees. Legend has it that the knights' hall is haunted, adding to its mystical charm. For lovers of Latvian culture, this is a sacred place. Krišjānis Barons, the collector of "Dainas" (folk songs) and the father of Latvian folklore, grew up here. The manor house in Strutele and the nearby church bear silent witness to this rich history.

Jaunpils (coffee break)
In Jaunpils, you'll find one of the few castles in Latvia that still looks almost exactly as it did in the 14th century. This fortified castle, surrounded by water, was built by the Livonian Order. What makes it unique is the interactive experience: you can enjoy medieval meals (with your hands!), don a monk's robe, and learn about the weapons of the time. Near the castle stands a well-preserved watermill where you can see how grain was once ground.

Double
The town of Dobele marks the transition to the Zemgale plains and is famous for its floral splendor. The imposing stone walls of the former Zemgale castle, later a Crusader castle, have recently been partially preserved and fitted with a modern glass roof, making it a unique exhibition venue. In Dobele, the Pēteris Upīts Lilac Garden is a must-see if you're traveling in May or June. It's one of the largest lilac collections in Europe, with hundreds of varieties filling the air with an intoxicating fragrance.

Jelgava (lunch break)
Jelgava was once the capital of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, and this is reflected in the scale of its monuments. Jelgava Palace, designed by the renowned architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli (also known for the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg), is the largest Baroque palace in the Baltic States. In its cellars, you'll find the tombs of the Dukes of Courland. Although the Holy Trinity Church itself was destroyed during World War II, its tower has been restored. Inside, you'll find interactive exhibits, and from the top, you'll have a magnificent view of the city and the Lielupe River. Pasta Sala (Post Island) is a modern recreational park on the river, known for its annual sand and ice sculpture festivals.
Just below Jelgava lies Vircava, a village known for the ducal hunting lodge. Although much of the palace complex has been lost, the park is still worth a visit for its Baroque architecture and the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Rundāle Palace
This is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the route. Rundāle Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque and Rococo architecture and is also known as the Versailles of the North. Admire the Golden Hall (the throne room), the White Hall (the ballroom), and the opulent private apartments of the Duke and Duchess. The ceilings and wall decorations are of an unprecedented quality. The French garden is symmetrically laid out and surrounded by a canal. The rose garden is world-famous and contains thousands of varieties, including historic roses found nowhere else.

Bauska (end point)
The route ends in Bauska, a town strategically located at the confluence of the Mūša and Mēmele rivers to form the Lielupe. Bauska Castle consists of two parts: the impressive ruins of a 15th-century fortress of the Livonian Order and a later, fully restored Renaissance-style palace of the Dukes of Courland. It is the only 17th-century town hall in Latvia to have been rebuilt in its original form. The surrounding market square is the vibrant heart of the town.