Jaunpils Castle

Jaunpils was built by the Livonian Order in 1301 and rebuilt after damage in the seventeenth century, a compact castle around a courtyard with a tower, set behind a moat and a lake in the Zemgale countryside; it was held by the von der Recke family for centuries. It survived into the twentieth century, burned in 1905 and was restored. The castle now operates as a hotel with a museum, and its known offering is the medieval feast: a themed dinner in the vaulted hall with costumed staff, period-styled food eaten without cutlery and entertainment, run for booked groups. A mill, a church and the park complete the estate.

What you actually see

• The moated castle - the courtyard building behind its water defence.
• The vaulted hall - the space used for the themed feasts.
• The museum - the display on the castle and the Recke family.
• The estate - the mill, church and park around the castle.

When to go

May to September for the grounds and the fullest programme; the hotel runs year round. Feasts are for booked groups and need arranging ahead. Weekends are busy with events.

Honest expectations

The medieval feast is a themed entertainment for booked groups, not a walk-in restaurant. The castle is small and the museum modest. Restoration is extensive. Events can restrict access.

Nearby

Tukums lies north; Jaunmoku palace is northwest.