- Jēkabpils was formed in 1962 by the merger of two distinct towns located on opposite sides of the Daugava River: Jēkabpils on the left bank and Krustpils on the right.
- The city is home to a point of the Struve Geodetic Arc, a UNESCO World Heritage site used in the 19th century to measure the Earth's size and shape.
- The town of Jēkabpils was granted city rights in 1670 by Duke Jacob Kettler of Courland, who named the settlement after himself.
About Jēkabpils
Jēkabpils is a unique Latvian city bisected by the Daugava River, historically serving as a critical junction between the regions of Selonia and Latgale. Visitors can delve into local history at the Selonian Courtyard or browse contemporary art at Galerija Manss, SIA. The city's landscape features serene spaces like the Memorial park and the architecturally significant Krustpils Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity. It functions as a major logistics hub in southeastern Latvia, maintaining a distinct cultural identity shaped by its dual-sided geography.
Highlights of Jēkabpils
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore traditional Selonian architectural styles and artifacts depicting the region's rural heritage.
Historical places
Observe this massive geological monument which serves as a prominent natural landmark in the region.
Parks
Walk through this quiet, landscaped green space designed for reflection and public remembrance.
Temples
Visit this historic house of worship known for its distinct presence in the Krustpils district.
Museums
Discover a rotating selection of contemporary Latvian paintings and sculpture in this specialized gallery.
Venues
Access modern athletic facilities and local recreational programming within this primary community hub.
Top things to do in Jēkabpils
The 34 highest-rated places in Jēkabpils, ranked by travellers.
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Koknese Castle Ruins stand on a promontory at the confluence of the Daugava and Perse rivers. Originally built in 1209 b...
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Places of interest
Ilzenberg Manor is a fully restored 16th-century estate located in the Rokiškis district of Lithuania, uniquely situated...
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Historical places
Likteņdārzs, or the Garden of Destiny, is a monumental landscape project situated on a peninsula in the Daugava River in...
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Museums
The Līvāni Glass Museum chronicles the history of the Līvāni Glass Factory, which operated from 1887 until 2008 as one o...
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Jēkabpils on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Jēkabpils
May to September, as the warm weather is ideal for exploring the riverside parks and outdoor historical sites along the Daugava.
1-2 days, which provides sufficient time to see the core historical sites and experience the riverside atmosphere.
The city is highly walkable within its two distinct historical centers, though local buses are available to bridge the distance across the Daugava bridge.
Staying near the Daugava bridge allows easy access to both the Krustpils and Jēkabpils sides of the city.
Jēkabpils is a budget-friendly destination, offering affordable accommodation and dining compared to Riga.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 34 curated attractions in and around Jēkabpils, ranked by traveller ratings.
Koknese Castle Ruins is the highest-rated place to visit in Jēkabpils right now.
The largest category is historical places, with 10 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Riga, Sigulda, Jelgava.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
