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