Jēkabpils Travel Guide
City City in Jēkabpils Municipality with historical sites
On the Daugava’s bend, Jēkabpils draws walkers to riverfront promenades, Krustpils Castle across the bridge, wooden 19th-century neighborhoods, small museums and seasonal markets - a low-key stop for Latvian history, riverside cafés and cycling along the floodplain.
Why Visit Jēkabpils? #
Perched along the Daugava, Jēkabpils draws visitors interested in layered history and quiet riverside life. Krustpils Castle and the adjacent wooden-house quarter offer a striking contrast of fortification and vernacular architecture, while the Daugava promenade and local markets reflect provincial Latvian rhythms. Food-minded travelers will find hearty regional fare and bakeries that showcase rye bread and other Ilūkste-influenced specialties.
Top Things to Do in Jēkabpils
All Attractions ›
- Krustpils Castle - Tour medieval Krustpils Castle and the adjacent museum showcasing Selonia and regional history.
- Daugava river promenade - Walk the Daugava River promenade with views, sculptures, and riverside cafes.
- Jēkabpils History Museum - Discover local archaeology, traditional crafts, and wartime exhibits at Jēkabpils History Museum downtown.
- Local craft shops - Find hand-stitched textiles and traditional Selonian handicrafts in small town ateliers.
- Riverside parks and viewpoints - Enjoy quiet riverside green spaces and viewpoints along the Daugava within town limits.
- Seasonal farmers' markets - Visit weekend markets for fresh produce, cheeses, and regional specialties sold by locals.
- Daugavpils - Take a day trip to Daugavpils to see its fortress and regional museums.
- Aglona Basilica - Drive to Aglona to visit the famous basilica and peaceful pilgrimage grounds.
Best Time to Visit Jēkabpils #
Aim for May-September in Jēkabpils for pleasant weather, river activities and cycling. Winters are cold with snow and short days, limiting many outdoor options.
Best Time to Visit Jēkabpils #
Jēkabpils's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (670 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Jēkabpils
Jēkabpils is accessible from Riga; Riga International Airport (RIX) is the main air gateway and both train and coach connections run between Riga and Jēkabpils. The town is on Latvia's passenger rail network, making the train a straightforward option for many travellers.
Riga International Airport (RIX): The primary airport for reaching Jēkabpils. From RIX take the airport shuttle or bus into Riga city centre (25-40 minutes) and then connect from Rīgas starptautiskā autoosta or Riga Central Station for onward travel to Jēkabpils. Coach journeys from Riga to Jēkabpils take around 2-2.5 hours and fares typically range from about €5 to €10.
Other airports: There are no major commercial airports closer than RIX for most international travellers; some regional flights arrive into nearby countries but transfers will add time and complexity.
Train: Jēkabpils has a railway station (Jēkabpils stacija) served by Pasažieru vilciens on the Riga-Daugavpils corridor. Trains from Riga Central Station to Jēkabpils take roughly 2-2.5 hours depending on service and are an economical option for travel.
Bus: Intercity coaches also operate between Riga and Jēkabpils, arriving at Jēkabpils bus station. Bus travel times are similar to the train (around 2-2.5 hours); coach fares vary but are commonly in the €5-€10 range depending on carrier and advance purchase.
How to Get Around Jēkabpils #
Jēkabpils is a small, walkable town in its centre; most sights are within easy walking distance. Regional buses and local taxis connect surrounding villages; fares are modest, and it’s practical to plan onward journeys in advance as services are infrequent off-peak.
Where to Stay in Jēkabpils #
- Budget guesthouses & hostels (Booking.com) - Central, low-cost rooms and B&Bs
- Airbnb options in Jēkabpils - Private rooms and small apartments
- Local mid-range hotels (Booking.com) - Comfortable, practical hotel rooms
- Aggregated mid-range listings - Compare rates across providers
- Nearby upscale options (Booking.com) - Limited high-end choices in town
- Regional luxury (aggregator) - Consider larger cities for true luxury
Where to Eat in Jēkabpils #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Jēkabpils's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Jēkabpils #
Evenings are relaxed - local bars and cafés are where residents gather, and occasional live-music nights pop up at cultural venues. If you want late-night entertainment, plan to travel to a larger town nearby.
Shopping in Jēkabpils #
Shopping is practical and local: small shops, markets and supermarkets carry daily essentials and regional food products. For specialty items or extended shopping hours you’ll usually have to travel to a larger regional centre.
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