Visiting Bauska, Latvia

Bauska is a town in the Zemgale region, Latvia, near the Lithuanian border, famous for its rich fields of grain and castle.

This town was once an important seat in the Duchy of Courland but nowadays is best known as the jumping-off point for the Rundāle Palace.

When visiting the Rundāle Palace from Riga you need to change buses at the picturesque town of Bauska, and since you are already there why not to check it out?

This town has an interesting history and is a great place to spend a few hours strolling around. The Old Town consists of two parallel streets lined with charming wooden homes and shops. The oldest surviving structure is the Church of the Holy Spirit. The greenery is also impressive.

Bauska Castle

The Castle sits on a picturesque hillock between the river Mūsa and river Mēmele.

To find the castle from the bus station, walk west to the central roundabout along Zaļā iela and then continue west along Uzvaras iela (1.5km).

Bauska Castle is divided into two parts – the original 15th-century ruins and the newer part that was built at the end of the 16th century.

Inside, the staff is dressed in period dress. The castle has a range of exhibits including items found during excavation, historical clothing and military items.

The combined ticket of Bauska Castle museum is €4.

How to get to Bauska from Riga

There are frequent buses from Riga to Bauska, The travel time is approximately a 1 hour 15 min.

If you want to visit the Rundāle Palace after Bauska take the bus to Pilsrundāle.

photography – all rights reserved – Ana Rocha

Rundale Palace guide

Known as the “Versailles of Latvia,” the Rundāle Palace is a gorgeous gem worth spending a day visiting while in Latvia.

This 18th Century Baroque palace is located just a little over an hour out of Riga. From its ornate interiors, baroque architecture to detailed, flourishing gardens, everything is a must here.

Rundāle Palace houses a museum which displays applied arts, fine arts and historical expositions.

The French style park is really well kept. you can walk around the rose garden, the Green Theatre, ornamental parterres and the fountain.

The entrance fee for what they call the Long Route is €8, this includes the palace and the French gardens.

How to get to Rundale Palace from Riga

There are no direct trains or buses to reach Rundāle, but it’s still quite easy to get here from Riga.

Take a bus to Bauska then transfer to another bus for Pilsrundāle, where the palace is located. It takes around 90-minute in total (not including transfer time).

photography – all rights reserved – Ana Rocha