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Babītes pilskalns, Jurmala Travel Guide

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Explore the ancient Babītes Pilskalns in Jūrmala: a historical hillfort offering scenic views and a glimpse into Latvia's past.

Babītes Pilskalns, also known as Polish Hill, is an open-air museum and an archeological site located in Jūrmala, near the A10 highway and the eastern end of Lake Babīte. This historical hillfort dates back to the 13th century when it served as one of the administrative centers for the Bishopric of Selija and Zemgale. Today, it offers visitors a serene natural setting to explore Latvia's rich cultural heritage and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Babītes pilskalns

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Babītes pilskalns.

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails around the hillfort.
  • Bring a camera to capture the scenic views of Lake Babīte and the surrounding landscape.
  • Visit during the spring or summer for the best weather and to enjoy the natural surroundings.

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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving from the center of Jūrmala, head east on Jomas iela towards the sea. Continue straight to Rīgas iela, then turn left. Follow Rīgas iela to the roundabout and take the second exit onto Brīvības iela. Follow Brīvības iela until it merges with Brankciema iela. Continue on Brankciema iela for about 1.5 km. Babītes pilskalns will be on your right, marked by a small sign. Free parking is available near the site. Note that there is a 3 EUR fee to enter Jurmala by car.

  • Public Transport

    From Jūrmala train station, take a train towards Rīga and get off at the 'Bulduri' station. From Bulduri, walk to the nearest bus stop and take bus number 20 towards 'Babīte'. Get off at the 'Brankciema iela' stop. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to Babītes pilskalns, which will be on your left. The bus fare is approximately €1.50. A train ride from Riga to Majori, Jūrmala costs approximately €1.50.

  • Bicycle

    Rent a bike in Jūrmala and head towards Brīvības iela from the beach area. Follow Brīvības iela until it transitions into Brankciema iela. Continue cycling straight for about 1.5 km to reach Babītes pilskalns. The area is bike-friendly, and bike racks are available. Bike rentals are readily available in Jūrmala.

Discover more about Babītes pilskalns

Babītes Pilskalns, or Polish Hill, is a significant archaeological monument located in the city of Jūrmala, on the right bank of the Lielupe River and at the eastern end of Babīte Lake. This 8-meter-high hill was once the site of the Babate Castle, also known as Saint Mary's Castle, during the 13th century. It served as an important administrative center for the Bishopric of Selija and Zemgale from 1219 to 1228, strategically positioned along vital trade routes.The hillfort offers a glimpse into the ancient history of the region, with evidence suggesting settlements dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. In the 10th century, the area was crossed by an ancient communication route, and in the 13th century, the 'Babate war road' became the first land route from Riga to Prussia. The name 'Babīte' itself indicates the presence of Zemgalian tribes in the area.Today, visitors can explore the well-maintained site, marked with informative signboards. The accessible trails make it suitable for families, casual hikers, and seniors. The hillfort provides scenic views of Lake Babīte and the surrounding forests, offering a peaceful escape into nature. While the castle itself no longer exists, the hillfort remains a protected archaeological site, preserving a crucial piece of Latvian history.

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