The Rubeņu (Rubenes) park dates back to the mid-1950s and is toward the north of Rubeņi, on the banks of the little Dzirnavupīte River. There are beautiful ponds, a stage, a rock garden and a playground for the kids. The cultural centre that is alongside the park features a monument to the poet Rainis which was unveiled during Poetry Days in 1969 and was produced by the sculptor Kārlis Baumanis.

The late Baroque and early Classicism building was commissioned by Duke Peter Byron of Courland and Zemgale, and it was built between 1773 and 1776 on the basis of a design by a Danish architect.  It was the castle of Duchess Anna.  The first university in Latvia, Academia Petrina was established here in 1775 and named after Duke Peter.  The first observatory was installed at the academy in 1772, and a high school was in the building during the age of the Russian Empire.  Among graduates are distinguished Latvians such as Krišjānis Barons, Jānis Alunāns and Jānis Čakste, as well as the Lithuanian Antanas Smetona.  The Jelgava Museum of History and Art took over the building in 1952, and in 1975 it was named after the Old Master Ģederts Eliass (1887-1975).  The exhibition speaks to the history of the city and surrounding area during and after the period of the Duchy of Courland and Zemgale.  Outside the impressive building are four cannons from the period of the duchy, as well as monument to Eliass that was designed in 1987 by the sculptor Jānis Zariņš.  Another monument, “Lāčplēsis and the Black Knight,” was designed by the sculptor Kārlis Jansons and commemorates the liberators of Jelgava.

Approximately 6 km to the south-west of Iecava is the home of the father of author Edvarts Virza (born Jēkabs Eduards Liekna, 1883-1940), Billītes.  The author and his wife, Elza Stērste, moved to the house in 1901.  Virza was one of Latvia's most outstanding 20th century authors, poets and prose writers, as well as publicist and translator.  He wrote many poems at Billītes, and in 1933 he produced his masterpiece, "Straumēni," which depicts the life of a Latvian farmer.  A museum dedicated to Virza is at the house today.  It was opened by his children and grandchildren.  Contact the museum in advance for a tour.

This tour will take you exploring the peculiar island of Rusnė and the delta of the river Nemunas in Lithuania. The island of Rusnė in the Nemunas Delta Regional Park is enclosed by waters of the river Nemunas and its tributaries. It is a resting place for migratory birds and home to a cormorant colony. The area of the island is 45 km2 and it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island of Rusnė is the lowest place in Lithuania, lying below sea level. The historic centre of the town Rusnė is characteristic of authentic wooden architecture, buildings painted in bright colours, colourful window shutters and decorations. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route leads through the small town of Šilutė, revealing architecture that was once common to East Prussia. From Šilutė to Kintai, the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route runs along a low plain. To protect this area from flood waters of Nemunas, there is a system of dams, polders and canals established. After crossing the river Minija, the route invites you to visit the ethnographic village of Minija. Here you can enjoy the lowland landscape of the seaside region with vast wetlands and ponds.

The owner of the Vālodzes farm is a beekeeper.  The farm is on the banks of a lovely river in a place where a homestead existed long ago.  The hive are on a hillock and in a lovely meadow in the forest.  Alongside the bees is a lovely apple orchard, and the owner is happy to have help in harvesting the apples in the fall.  He has slowly restored the farm since 1996, and it has a lovely and large lake, a lake hut, a granary with a renovated upper floor and balcony, the beekeeping operation and the apple orchard.

From the berries and fruits that grow in the wonderful Võrumaa hilly area, farmers make wine, introduce guests to their garden, explain the wine making process, organise tastings and classes.

Lauku sēta atrodas Džūkijas nacionālajā parkā. Saimniecībā iespējams pašiem ar saimnieces nelielu palīdzību pagatavot tradicionālos dzūku ēdienus veco laiku maizes krāsnī. Kulinārais mantojums un izglītības programmas. Piedāvā arī nakšņošanu.
 

This is a segment of the shore of the Bay of Rīga that is around 40 km long and features the valleys of three major rivers – the Lielupe, Daugava and Gauja river.  There are dune formations, biotopes, seashore meadows and forested seashore dunes which are an important recreational resource.

Tavern Vedu is located 10 minutes’ drive from Tartu, going in the direction of Narva. In the historic tavern you can taste delicious dishes from local ingredients.