Thanks to the well-known Riekstukalns hill located nearby, in winter, Baldone turns into a popular ski resort.
We have compiled a list of interesting spots to visit on the way:
1. Lake Lilijas
The lake is located in the Baldone area near Riekstukalns. Its maximum depth is 12 meters, the area is 0.4 hectares. Locals advise against swimming in this lake as the water is muddy and the bottom is unstable.
Location: Lilijas ezers
2. White castle
The white castle with two towers, a large terrace in front of the entrance, a fountain and a park around it is one of the most remarkable objects in the city of Baldone. There is a music school hosting in the castle.
Location: Baldones Medibu pils
3. Art gallery in the woods
The Forest Gallery is located near the White Palace, embracing works of artists from different regions of Latvia.
Location: Meža Galerija Baldonē
4. Lilac park
This park features the reconstructed historical sculptures of a squirrel – the symbol of Baldone, Mara and a lizard destroyed in the 1990s.
Location: Baldones Sēravots “Ķirzaciņa”
5. Abandoned Baldone sanatorium
Founded in 1797, Baldone Resort is the oldest one in the Baltics. In Soviet times, until 1991, this recreational institution used hydrogen sulfide mineral water and therapeutic mud extracted from Baldone, which attracted housands of vacationers and patients.
Location: Baldones sanatorija
6. Mercendarbes manor and linden alley
The manor houses the Baldone Museum and the Baldone County Tourist Information Office. The manor park has a pond, a picnic area, and an alley of centennial lindens along the driveway.
Location: Mercendarbes muiža un aleja
7. Baldone Observatory
The State Astronomical Observatory is located 5 km from the town of Baldone, featuring a 1.2-m Schmidt camera – the largest telescope in the Baltics.
Location: Observatorija Baldone
The entire route may be completed in one day.
Material prepared by Juliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)
