Krustpils is a historical district of Jēkabpils located on the right bank of the Daugava River, having existed as a separate town until its merger in 1962. The history of the settlement is inseparable from Krustpils Castle, established in 1285 by the Archbishop of Riga as a key defensive outpost against Lithuanian incursions. For centuries, Krustpils served as a strategic trading hub along the Daugava waterway and later along the Riga-Daugavpils railway line. The castle underwent numerous reconstructions over the years and served as the residence of the von Korff family for nearly three centuries. During World War I and World War II, the town suffered heavy destruction but was rebuilt in the post-war era as a significant industrial center. Today, Krustpils Castle is a major cultural monument and houses the Jēkabpils History Museum. The district's architecture reflects the industrial expansion of the late 19th century and its administrative role as a regional railway junction.
Location: Latvia
Top sights: Jēkabpils Zilā karoga pludmale · Pirts · Jēkabpils history museum
Nearby: Viesīte (26 km)
Population: ~6.680
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avg °C
-7
-6
-2
5
12
15
18
17
12
5
1
-4
Rain mm
47
41
42
44
64
87
88
84
59
70
62
48
Geography
Population
6,680
Coordinates
56.50530, 25.86750
Facts
1285 marks the start of Krustpils Castle construction by the Archbishop of Riga.
1561 was the year the territory became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
1861 saw the opening of the strategic Riga-Daugavpils railway line.
1920 was when Krustpils was granted city rights in independent Latvia.
1962 was the year of the administrative merger with Jēkabpils.
3 centuries was the duration of the von Korff family's ownership of the castle.
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:433.8 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
Your walk through Krustpils begins at the historic Old Market Square, the vibrant heart of the city. The morning is for exploring the spiritual side with visits to the Orthodox and Lutheran churches, punctuated by exploring the mighty Krustpils Castle. Midday is dedicated to the region's rich history at the museum located right in the castle. In the afternoon, you'll cross the impressive Daugava Bridge and find peace in the green Kena Park, where you can end the day relaxing.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Market Square
Start your day with a coffee at one of the small cafes on the square.
Start at the Old Market Square using nearby shelters. Spend the morning inside St. Nicholas Church and Krustpils Castle, perfect for staying dry. Midday is best spent exploring the Jēkabpils History Museum. The walk across the Daugava Bridge might be wet and windy, leading to the Lutheran Church. Finish the day with a brisk walk through the rain-freshened Kena Park.
Experience Krustpils in its winter coat. The Market Square is exceptionally quiet under the snow. The churches provide moments of warmth and reflection. The highlight is Krustpils Castle, its white silhouette towering over the frozen Daugava. After the museum, the bridge offers a panoramic view of the icy river. Finish your walk in Kena Park before the early winter sunset.
By bike, you can explore Krustpils flexibly and eco-friendly. The day starts at the Market Square before you cycle to the castle and its museum. The Daugava Bridge offers a welcome challenge with great views. In the afternoon, your route takes you to the city's two main churches and through the relaxing Kena Park. The tour concludes with a look at the TV Tower, a symbol of modern times, before you enjoy the evening.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Market Square
Lock your bike securely while you explore the square.
Rainy cycling in Krustpils requires proper gear. Start quickly at the square and seek shelter in Krustpils Castle. The history museum offers a long dry break. Cross the wet Daugava Bridge carefully toward the churches. Kena Park provides paved paths before ending at the TV Tower, which looks mystical in the mist.
Winter biking in Krustpils is refreshing but challenging. The snowy square and castle provide a great backdrop. The museum is the most vital stop to warm up stiff fingers. An icy wind blows across the bridge from the Daugava. Visit the churches and Kena Park at dusk before finishing at the illuminated TV Tower.
With a car, you enjoy the comfort of switching between the main areas of Krustpils. You park at the castle and explore the historic core on foot: the market square, the castle itself, and the museum. After a walk to the Daugava Bridge, you drive to the green Kena Park in the afternoon. From there, it's just a short walk to the TV Tower, which provides an interesting industrial counterpoint before you end your day.
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09:10 · 47'
Krustpils Castle
Park here. This is the starting point for the first walking cluster.
Explore Krustpils comfortably and dry by car. Start at Krustpils Castle, where parking is available on-site. The market square and museum are just a short drive away. The Daugava Bridge offers dramatic rainy views from the car window. After a brief stop at Kena Park, drive to the TV Tower, the city's modern landmark.
Enjoy a scenic winter drive through Krustpils. The heated car makes moving between the castle and museum pleasant. Admire the snow-covered old town and ice floes on the Daugava while crossing the bridge. Kena Park sparkles in the frost before finishing at the imposing TV Tower, brightly lit in the winter twilight.
Historic local attraction related to the former aviation field of the city.
Mans's
An engaging local gallery featuring diverse art exhibitions and cultural displays.
Jēkabpils Svētā Miķeļa evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca⛪ religious
A historic Lutheran church building featuring beautiful religious architecture.
Jēkabpils Vecticībnieku baznīca⛪ religious
A notable church building in Latvia, serving the local religious community.
Glockenturm
A significant heritage site featuring an iconic local tower structure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction?
Krustpils Castle and its museum.
Is Krustpils part of Jēkabpils?
Yes, today it is the district on the right bank of the Daugava.
How old is the castle?
It was founded in the 13th century.
Are there exhibitions in the castle?
Yes, about city history and local art.
Can you climb the castle tower?
Yes, it gives a panoramic view over the city.
Krustpils: where is it located?
Krustpils is located in Latvia.
Krustpils: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jēkabpils Zilā karoga pludmale, Pirts, Jēkabpils history museum.
Krustpils: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Krustpils: why is it worth visiting?
Krustpils is a historical district of Jēkabpils located on the right bank of the Daugava River, having existed as a separate town until its merger in 1962.