The Berķenele semi-estate is a historical monument of national importance, known as the place where the distinguished Latvian author and politician Rainis (1865-1929) spent his childhood. The house was restored in 1995, and since 1996 it has been the Rainis house in Berķenele. Rainis recorded his childhood impressions in a poetry collection called "Five Sketch Notebooks from Dagda." Today the managers of the house offer tours, creative workshops and exhibitions. Visitors can don the clothing worn by the lord and his servants. Around the house is a large orchard, featuring a programme called "Route of Apples." The house also has a lovely landscape that is interesting to see.