Exploring the Hill of Crosses and Jelgava on a Day Trip from Riga
If you’re looking to add a meaningful and scenic excursion to your Baltic itinerary, a day trip from Riga to the Hill of Crosses and Jelgava offers a compelling mix of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on detailed reviews and the itinerary, it seems like a well-organized experience that balances authentic sights with practical comforts.
What we appreciate most about this trip is how it manages to blend the spiritual significance of the Hill of Crosses—an extraordinary site with over 200,000 crosses—with the architectural grandeur of Latvia’s largest baroque palace in Jelgava. Plus, the inclusion of a scenic walk over a pedestrian bridge and a sculpture park make it a well-rounded outing. A key consideration is that the tour lasts about 5 to 6 hours, so it’s perfect for those with a full day to spare but an interest in meaningful sights outside Riga.
The tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy history, architecture, and scenic drives, and who don’t mind a bit of walking in various weather conditions. It’s also ideal for those who value knowledgeable guides and a good balance of group size and personal attention. Keep in mind that it’s not designed for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users, given the walking involved.
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- Authentic Sites: Visit the Hill of Crosses, a powerful religious and cultural symbol with more than 200,000 crosses.
- Architectural Highlights: See Latvia’s biggest baroque palace—the Jelgava Palace—from the outside, and enjoy scenic views from the glass-roofed observation tower.
- Guided Experience: The tour includes a knowledgeable guide who makes the history and significance of each site come alive.
- Flexible and Convenient: With pick-up from a centrally located Riga meeting point, the trip is straightforward and offers options like private or small groups.
- Value for Money: The fee covers transport, guided walks, and some snacks, making it a cost-effective way to explore beyond Riga.
- Additional Sights: Explore Post Island’s sculpture park, see the statue of Latvia’s first president, and walk to a watchtower where wild horses graze—adding variety to your day.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Jelgava.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary
Starting Point in Riga
The tour begins at a cozy pastry shop called “Briedisi 17”, located conveniently near the Grecinieku iela tram stop. This spot offers a relaxed start to the day, although reviews suggest that communication with the pastry shop staff in English may be limited. Still, it’s a friendly, central meeting point that helps keep things simple.
Journey to the Hill of Crosses
The drive from Riga to the Hill of Crosses takes approximately two hours, giving travelers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. The Hill of Crosses itself is a striking site—an open area filled with crosses of all sizes, shapes, and materials. It’s a poignant place that symbolizes faith and resilience—especially meaningful for those familiar with its history of Lithuanian Lithuanian resistance and spiritual expression.
Visitors can walk along the paths, absorbing the atmosphere, and even place their own pin on a world map to represent their country or region—a small, interactive way to connect personally to this international pilgrimage site.
More Great Tours NearbyJelgava: Latvia’s Baroque Jewel
After visiting the Hill of Crosses, the tour heads to Jelgava, Latvia’s fourth-largest city. Outside, you’ll see the Jelgava Palace, the biggest baroque palace in Latvia, which is worth a quick exterior look for its architecture and gardens.
In Jelgava, the guide takes you on a guided walk, pointing out key sights like the sculpture park on Post Island. Here, you’ll find a collection of modern sculptures and an interesting blend of art and nature—perfect for a leisurely stroll.
A highlight is walking over the new pedestrian bridge, which offers scenic views and makes for a nice photo opportunity. You’ll also see the statue of Latvia’s first president and have the chance to walk to a watchtower where wild horses graze, adding a rural charm to the trip.
Inside Jelgava Palace and Church (Optional)
While the palace’s interior isn’t included in the tour, there’s an option to purchase tickets and explore the inside, which many find worthwhile if they enjoy historic interiors. The glass rooftop provides panoramic views, but it’s covered with glass, so it’s not open-air—still a lovely way to enjoy Jelgava’s skyline on a clear day.
Return and Reflection
The journey back to Riga is smooth, and the entire experience wraps up at the original meeting point. Depending on your schedule, you might have time to grab a snack or a coffee before heading on.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour’s price covers essential elements like photo stops, a guided walk in Jelgava, visits to the Hill of Crosses, and coffee. It also provides free toilets in Jelgava or at the gas station, which is a thoughtful touch. The guide speaks fluent English and Dutch (rated 5/5), with some capacity in German and French (rated 3/5), which is helpful for international travelers.
However, meals are not included, and if you wish to visit museums inside Jelgava Palace or the Hill of Crosses, you’ll need to cover those tickets separately. Also, the tour does not include paid toilets at the Hill of Crosses, so carrying small change is advised.
Transportation and Group Size
The transport is comfortable and reliable, with the option for private or small groups—ideal for those who prefer a more personalized experience. The overall duration is 5 to 6 hours, making it manageable for most travelers without feeling rushed.
Highlights from Real Travelers
Reviews paint a vivid picture of what you can expect. Chelby, visiting in December, noted that the guide was friendly and engaging, though the cold weather meant bundling up was essential. She called the Hill of Crosses a must-see, emphasizing its power and beauty. Loucia mentioned that they skipped a second stop because of time but still enjoyed the trip overall, indicating flexibility.
Beatrice praised the guide Maarten for his helpfulness and the interesting nature of the sites, confirming that the trip is worth the effort.
Practical Tips for the Trip
- Wear comfortable shoes—lots of walking and uneven paths at the Hill of Crosses.
- Bring your passport or ID—especially if you want to put a pin on the map or visit inside some sites.
- Prepare for weather—bring rain gear, hats, or warm clothing, depending on the season.
- Carry snacks and water—though a coffee is included, having your own supplies ensures comfort.
- Cash is handy—for small purchases or to pay for toilets or optional entries.
- Photography—don’t forget your camera to capture the crosses, architecture, and scenic views.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is perfect for travelers craving a mix of religious symbolism, historic architecture, and scenic drives. It suits those who appreciate guided commentary and want a fuller understanding of Latvia’s cultural landscape beyond Riga’s city limits. If you’re interested in site authenticity and authentic local experiences, this tour offers plenty of both.
It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility challenges, given the walking involved and some uneven terrain. Also, those expecting a highly interactive inside palace tour might be disappointed, as the interior visit is optional and not included.
Final Thoughts
A day trip from Riga to the Hill of Crosses and Jelgava offers a well-balanced experience filled with striking sights, meaningful history, and scenic moments. The combination of spiritual significance at the crosses and the grandeur of Jelgava’s architecture makes it a compelling outing, especially if you’re keen on cultural depth combined with beautiful landscapes.
Travelers will find this tour offers good value for the price, especially considering the guided insight, transport, and diverse stops. It’s best for those who enjoy cultural stories, historic sites, and a bit of rural Latvian charm—making for a memorable day outside the capital.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour is designed to operate in all weather, so dress appropriately for rain or shine. The glass rooftop at Jelgava’s observation point offers shelter while still providing great views.
How long is the drive from Riga to the Hill of Crosses?
The drive takes approximately two hours each way, giving travelers time to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Can I visit the inside of Jelgava Palace?
Inside visits are not included but are available for purchase separately if interested in exploring the palace’s interior.
Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The crosses, architecture, and scenic views make for excellent photo opportunities, especially if you bring a camera or smartphone.
What should I bring with me?
Comfortable shoes, a passport or ID, camera, snacks, water, and rain gear are recommended. Small cash for toilets or optional purchases is also advisable.
Are there options for private or small group tours?
Yes, the tour offers both private and small group options, making it adaptable for those seeking a more personalized experience.
This detailed exploration highlights what makes this day trip from Riga a worthwhile adventure for those eager to experience a unique blend of Latvia’s spiritual landmarks and architectural beauty.
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