Bauska is a historic town in the Zemgale region of southern Latvia, located around 66 kilometres from Riga and close to the Lithuanian border. Compact and easy to explore, it is best known for its impressive castle and makes an excellent base for discovering some of southern Latvia’s most important cultural sights.
Bauska Castle occupies a striking position on a narrow spit of land where the Mūsa and Mēmele rivers meet to form the Lielupe. The site comprises two distinct parts: the atmospheric ruins of a 15th-century Livonian Order castle and the later 16th-century residence of the Dukes of Courland. Together, they tell the story of the region’s shifting powers and offer scenic river views from the surrounding grounds.
Beyond the castle, Bauska is ideally placed for excursions to Rundāle Palace, one of the finest Baroque palaces in the Baltics, renowned for its ornate interiors and formal gardens. The town is also close to one of Regent Holidays’ favourite museums in Latvia, the Miķelis Vintage Car and Machinery Museum, a fascinating collection that adds an unexpected and enjoyable dimension to a visit. With its manageable size and rich heritage, Bauska provides a rewarding stop on a journey through southern Latvia.