Things to Do in Rundale Palace, Latvija

Rundale Palace, located in the Bauska municipality of Latvia, is one of the most magnificent Baroque and Rococo architectural masterpieces in the Baltic States. Built in the 18th century by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli (who also designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg), this opulent palace served as a summer residence for the Dukes of Courland. The palace complex features 138 rooms, including the stunning Gold Hall and White Hall, surrounded by meticulously restored French-style formal gardens. Today, Rundale Palace stands as Latvia's premier palace museum, showcasing period furniture, decorative arts, and paintings that transport visitors back to the grandeur of the 18th century. The palace's restoration, which began in the 1970s, has been painstakingly carried out to recreate the original splendor, making it a crown jewel of Latvian cultural heritage. The surrounding gardens, with their geometric patterns, fountains, and seasonal flower displays, offer a perfect complement to the architectural magnificence of the palace itself.

Top Things to Do in Rundale Palace

Palace Interior Tour

Explore the lavishly decorated state rooms including the Gold Hall with its ornate ceiling frescoes and the elegant White Hall used for ceremonies. The tour covers the Duke's private apartments, the Duchess's boudoir, and various salons showcasing period furniture and artwork. Audio guides provide detailed historical context about court life and the palace's architectural significance.

Booking Tip: Palace entry costs around €8-12 for adults with discounts for students and seniors. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups. Book online in advance during summer months and consider the combined palace and garden ticket for better value.

French Baroque Gardens

Stroll through the meticulously restored formal gardens designed in the French Baroque style with geometric parterres, decorative fountains, and tree-lined alleys. The gardens feature over 2,000 varieties of plants and flowers, creating spectacular seasonal displays. The Rose Garden is particularly stunning in summer with over 2,500 rose bushes in bloom.

Booking Tip: Garden entry is separate from palace admission at €3-5. Best visited May through September when flowers are in bloom. Early morning visits offer the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds. Free garden tours are sometimes available on weekends.

Art and Exhibition Viewing

Discover rotating exhibitions of decorative arts, historical artifacts, and period paintings housed within the palace's museum spaces. The permanent collection includes 18th-century furniture, porcelain, textiles, and silverware that once belonged to the Courland nobility. Special exhibitions often feature contemporary Latvian artists alongside historical displays.

Booking Tip: Museum access is included with palace admission. Check the palace website for current special exhibitions which may require separate tickets costing €2-4 extra. Photography inside requires a special permit available at the entrance for a small fee.

Classical Music Concerts

Attend chamber music concerts and classical performances held in the palace's acoustically superb Gold Hall and White Hall. These intimate concerts often feature period music played on historical instruments, creating an authentic 18th-century atmosphere. The palace hosts both local Latvian musicians and international classical artists throughout the year.

Booking Tip: Concert tickets range from €15-40 depending on the performance and seating. Book well in advance through the palace website as popular concerts sell out quickly. Summer festival concerts are particularly sought after and may require booking months ahead.

Photography and Architecture Appreciation

Capture the palace's stunning Baroque and Rococo architectural details, from the ornate facade to the intricate interior decorations and garden vistas. The palace offers countless photographic opportunities including the grand staircase, painted ceilings, gilded moldings, and symmetrical garden layouts. Golden hour lighting creates particularly dramatic shots of the palace exterior.

Booking Tip: Basic photography is included with admission, but professional photography requires a permit costing €20-50. Tripods may be restricted in certain rooms. Best photo opportunities are during the golden hours just after opening or before closing when lighting is optimal and crowds are minimal.

Getting There

Rundale Palace is located approximately 80 kilometers south of Riga, making it an easy day trip from Latvia's capital. The most convenient option is driving, which takes about 1.5 hours via the A7 highway toward Bauska. Public transportation requires taking a bus from Riga's Central Bus Station to Bauska (about 1.5 hours), then connecting to local bus route or taxi for the final 12 kilometers to the palace. Several tour companies offer direct bus tours from Riga that include transportation and guided tours. The palace provides ample free parking for visitors arriving by car.

Getting Around

The palace complex is easily walkable, with the main palace building, gardens, and visitor facilities all within close proximity. Golf carts are occasionally available for visitors with mobility issues, though advance arrangement is recommended. The formal gardens are designed for leisurely walking with well-maintained gravel paths and some paved walkways. Bicycle racks are available for those cycling to the palace. The visitor center, gift shop, and café are all located near the main entrance, making it convenient to access amenities between palace and garden visits.

Where to Stay

Bauska town center

Mezotne village

Rundale village

Jelgava city

Dobele town

Rural guesthouses nearby

Food & Dining

Dining options near Rundale Palace are limited but charming, with the palace's own café serving light meals, coffee, and traditional Latvian pastries in an elegant setting overlooking the gardens. The nearby town of Bauska offers several restaurants serving traditional Latvian cuisine including hearty soups, meat dishes, and local specialties like grey peas with bacon. For a more extensive dining scene, visitors often combine their palace visit with lunch in Jelgava, which features both traditional Latvian restaurants and international cuisine. Many visitors pack picnics to enjoy in the designated areas of the palace grounds, though eating is not permitted inside the formal gardens.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Rundale Palace is from May through September when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant for exploring both indoor and outdoor areas. Summer months (June-August) offer the most spectacular garden displays but also the largest crowds, particularly on weekends. Spring (May) and early autumn (September) provide excellent weather with fewer visitors and beautiful garden transitions. Winter visits focus primarily on the palace interior, as gardens are dormant, but offer a more intimate experience with minimal crowds and special holiday decorations during December.

Insider Tips

Visit on weekday mornings for the most peaceful experience and best photography opportunities without crowds

Combine your visit with nearby Mezotne Palace (15 minutes away) for a full day of Baroque architecture exploration

Check the palace events calendar as special festivals, craft fairs, and historical reenactments provide unique experiences beyond regular tours

Things to Do in Rundale Palace