Zemgale · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Zemgale: The Breadbasket of Latvia

Discover Zemgale: Latvia's fertile heartland, rich in history, nature, and culinary delights, featuring Jelgava Palace, Tērvete Nature Park, and Rundāle Palace.

Welcome to Zemgale, a serene region in Latvia known for its fertile lands and rich cultural heritage. Often referred to as the 'Breadbasket of Latvia', Zemgale is the perfect destination for those looking to explore the agricultural heartland of the country. The region is dotted with picturesque villages, historic castles, and lush landscapes that are sure to captivate any visitor. Jelgava, the region's capital, is a must-visit with its impressive Baroque Jelgava Palace, the largest palace in the Baltic States. The palace, which now houses the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, offers a glimpse into the opulent past of the Dukes of Courland. Don't miss the Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower for panoramic views over the city and the surrounding countryside. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Zemgale. The Tērvete Nature Park, with its sprawling forests, wooden sculptures, and fairy-tale characters, provides a perfect family outing. For those interested in history, the Rundāle Palace and its beautiful gardens, designed by the same architect who worked on the Versailles, are a testament to the grandeur of the past. Culinary delights await in Zemgale as well. The region is known for its traditional Latvian dishes, made from locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try the rye bread and honey, both specialties of the area. With its blend of history, nature, and gastronomy, Zemgale offers a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

Riga

Riga Motor Museum

Discover Zemgale: Latvia's fertile heartland, rich in history, nature, and culinary delights, featuring Jelgava Palace, Tērvete Nature Park, and Rundāle Palace.

Dobele

Dobele Castle Ruins

Discover Zemgale: Latvia's fertile heartland, rich in history, nature, and culinary delights, featuring Jelgava Palace, Tērvete Nature Park, and Rundāle Palace.

Riga

Arcadia Park

Discover Zemgale: Latvia's fertile heartland, rich in history, nature, and culinary delights, featuring Jelgava Palace, Tērvete Nature Park, and Rundāle Palace.

Riga

Agenskalns Market

Discover Zemgale: Latvia's fertile heartland, rich in history, nature, and culinary delights, featuring Jelgava Palace, Tērvete Nature Park, and Rundāle Palace.

Jelgava

Jelgava St. Trinity Church Tower

Discover Zemgale: Latvia's fertile heartland, rich in history, nature, and culinary delights, featuring Jelgava Palace, Tērvete Nature Park, and Rundāle Palace.

Tukums

Durbe Castle

Discover Zemgale: Latvia's fertile heartland, rich in history, nature, and culinary delights, featuring Jelgava Palace, Tērvete Nature Park, and Rundāle Palace.

Koknese

Likteņdārzs

Discover Zemgale: Latvia's fertile heartland, rich in history, nature, and culinary delights, featuring Jelgava Palace, Tērvete Nature Park, and Rundāle Palace.

Riga

Kalnciema Quarter Market

Discover Zemgale: Latvia's fertile heartland, rich in history, nature, and culinary delights, featuring Jelgava Palace, Tērvete Nature Park, and Rundāle Palace.

Dzimtmisa

Dobuļi, Mini zoo

Discover Zemgale: Latvia's fertile heartland, rich in history, nature, and culinary delights, featuring Jelgava Palace, Tērvete Nature Park, and Rundāle Palace.

When is the best time to go to Zemgale?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJun–Aug
Longest daylightJun–Jul
Driest periodNov–Apr

Explore places in Zemgale

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Zemgale sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Riga Plaza shopping center

    Discover the vibrant shopping scene at Riga Plaza, featuring a mix of local and international brands, dining, and entertainment for all ages.

    Riga Plaza shopping center

    Gallery Centre, Shopping mall

    Discover the heart of Riga's shopping scene at the Gallery Centre, where local charm meets international flair in a vibrant retail experience.

    Gallery Centre, Shopping mall

    Galleria Riga

    Explore Galleria Riga, a vibrant shopping mall in the heart of Latvia, featuring top brands, local boutiques, and delightful dining options.

    Galleria Riga

    Vivo Center

    Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Vivo Center in Jelgava, featuring diverse shops, delightful dining, and entertainment for all ages.

    Vivo Center

    Pilsetas Pasaza

    Discover Pilsetas Pasaza in Jelgava, the ultimate shopping destination with diverse stores, delicious dining options, and family-friendly entertainment.

    Pilsetas Pasaza

    Via Jurmala Outlet Village

    Discover unbeatable deals at Via Jurmala Outlet Village, a premier shopping destination in Latvia offering a wide range of brands at discounted prices.

    Via Jurmala Outlet Village

    Peek & Cloppenburg

    Discover the best in fashion at Peek & Cloppenburg, Riga's premier clothing store with an extensive selection for every style.

    Peek & Cloppenburg

    sinsay

    Shop at Sinsay in Riga for trendy clothing and accessories at affordable prices, perfect for all fashion lovers.

    sinsay

    ELKOR Gift Shop suvenīru veikals

    Explore the vibrant selection of souvenirs and local crafts at ELKOR Gift Shop in Riga, a treasure trove for tourists seeking unique gifts.

    ELKOR Gift Shop suvenīru veikals

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    File:Riga oldtown.jpg - Wikipedia
    Destination guide

    More about Latvia

    Explore Latvia: A Baltic treasure with rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality. Discover Riga's charm and Latvia's natural beauty.

    Tell me more about Latvia
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    Explore Zemgale in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    Attēls:Rundale palace, still the most beautiful in the world. Latvia  (10759228303).jpg — Vikipēdija
    Attēls:Tērvetes dabas parks.jpg — Vikipēdija
    File:Jelgava Palace Square, Latvia.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Bauskas pils foto Sandris Kuzmickis.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Dobeles pilsdrupas - skats uz mūriem pils centrā.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Tērvete wooden castle - panoramio (1).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Pokaiņu mežs Лес Покайню 2015 - panoramio (10).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Saldus Stad.jpg - Wikipedia

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