What to See in Viesīte

What to See in Viesīte?

Viesīte – the Heart of Selonia

Viesīte is a charming small town located in the heart of the historical region of Selonia (Sēlija), in southern Latvia. Situated on the Selonian Upland ridge, the town is known for its gently rolling hills and picturesque landscape. Its historic centre is characterised by low-rise buildings dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the former narrow-gauge railway depot area, which reflects the town’s rich railway heritage.

Originally established as a settlement of small traders and craftsmen, Viesīte later developed into one of Latvia’s most important narrow-gauge railway hubs. Today, the town lies away from major highways, surrounded by green forests and blooming fields. Perhaps because of this peaceful location, the people of Viesīte know that every visitor who arrives here has come with purpose.

Viesīte is an attractive destination for travellers seeking authenticity, history, and tranquillity. The town’s main sights can easily be explored during a leisurely one-hour walk through its historic centre. Visitors are welcomed by the impressive “Sēlija” Cultural Centre and invited to discover the region’s history through engaging exhibitions and guided tours at the “Sēlija” Museum.

The route can be enjoyed throughout the year. During the summer season, the museum also offers sightseeing tours in an open-air electric vehicle, accompanied by an audio guide introducing visitors to the town’s history and landmarks.

The 13-seat electric vehicle follows a circular route through the historic centre, departing from the former narrow-gauge railway depot. The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, travelling at a speed of 10–15 km/h—the same pace once maintained by Viesīte’s historic narrow-gauge train, affectionately known as the “Mazais Bānītis” . A minimum of five participants is required for the tour. Advance booking is necessary by calling +371 28681126.

“Little Narrow-Gauge Railway Park” – A Branch of the “Sēlija” Museum

The Little Narrow-Gauge Railway Park (Mazā Bānīša parks) is located on the grounds of the historic Viesīte narrow-gauge railway depot, which operated from 1916 to 1972. The Viesīte narrow-gauge railway junction has been recognised as a nationally significant industrial heritage monument and is a unique attraction on a national scale.

This is the only place in Latvia where visitors can explore the history of the 600 mm narrow-gauge railway in its original operational location. The site offers a rare opportunity to experience an authentic part of Latvia’s railway heritage and learn about the important role narrow-gauge railways once played in regional transport and economic development.

Visitors can explore the former locomotive and carriage depot building, where two remarkable historical exhibits are on display: the steam locomotive ML–635, manufactured in Berlin in 1918, and the railway service carriage No. 3637. For younger visitors, the park also offers a dedicated play area featuring toy trains and railway-themed activities.

Coordinates: 56.3421917, 25.5552034

Address:
Little Narrow-Gauge Railway Park
“Sēlija” Museum, A. Brodeles Street 7,
Viesīte, Latvia

The park is an excellent destination for families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone interested in discovering the industrial heritage of the Selonia region.

Viesīte Crafts Centre

Located within the Little Narrow-Gauge Railway Park, the Viesīte Crafts Centre is home to the handicraft association “Zīle”, which preserves and promotes the traditional crafts of the Selonia region.

Visitors can browse and purchase a wide range of handmade products created by local artisans, including traditional Selonian patterned mittens and socks, woven belts and bookmarks, greeting cards, knitted and

crocheted garments, wooden spoons, keychains, jewellery, rag rugs, and many other unique handcrafted items. These authentic souvenirs offer an excellent opportunity to take home a piece of local culture and craftsmanship at affordable prices.

The Crafts Centre is a welcoming place where visitors can discover traditional skills, appreciate local artistry, and support the work of regional craftspeople.

Coordinates: 56.342571, 25.555696

Address:
Viesīte Crafts Centre
A. Brodeles Street 7,
Viesīte, Latvia

Whether you are looking for a meaningful souvenir, a handcrafted gift, or simply wish to learn more about local traditions, the Viesīte Crafts Centre is well worth a visit.

Station Square and Historic Railway Track Remains

The historic Viesīte Station Square is home to the only preserved section of a 600 mm narrow-gauge railway track in Latvia that still features its original water pump. This unique railway heritage site serves as a reminder of Viesīte’s important role in the history of Latvia’s narrow-gauge railway network.

At the end of the track section stands a commemorative plaque unveiled in 2016 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Viesīte Little Narrow-Gauge Railway (Mazais Bānītis). The monument honours the railway workers and the significance of the narrow-gauge railway in the development of the town and the surrounding region.

Several historic railway-related buildings have also survived in the vicinity of the square, including:

• The former railway freight warehouse (Kaļķu Street 6B);
• The Railway Workers’ Cultural Centre (A. Brodeles Street 2);
• The former station buffet “Green Frog” (Zaļā varde) (A. Brodeles Street 34A);
• The Soviet-era passenger station building (A. Brodeles Street 32);
• The Railway Workers’ Clinic (Raiņa Street 24A).

Together, these buildings form an important part of Viesīte’s industrial and cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s railway past.

Coordinates: 56.344349, 25.555894

Address:
P. Stradiņa Street 1A,
Viesīte, Latvia

Station Square is an essential stop for anyone interested in railway history, industrial heritage, and the story of how the narrow-gauge railway shaped the development of Viesīte.

Goat Sculpture

The Goat Sculpture, located at the intersection of Paula Stradiņa Street and Raiņa Street, serves as a reminder of Viesīte’s historical name. It was only in 1926 that the settlement known as Āžu Miests (“Goat Village”) was officially renamed Viesīte.

The old name originated from the historic Āžu pub, around which the first buildings of the settlement gradually developed. The town was also frequently referred to as Eķengrāve, as many of the building plots were sold on land belonging to the Eķengrāve Manor estate. Over time, and until the official renaming in 1926, the settlement was known by several different names, including Āži, Eķengrāve, Āžu Miests, Eķengrāves Āžu Miests, Ēķingrāve, and Ieķingrāve.

Even today, local residents affectionately continue to use the historical nickname “Āžu Miests” in everyday conversation, reflecting the town’s strong connection to its past.

The sculpture has become one of Viesīte’s distinctive landmarks and a popular photo stop for visitors exploring the town’s history and local identity.

Coordinates: 56.345422, 25.556254

Address:
Raiņa Street 24,
Viesīte, Latvia

A visit to the Goat Sculpture offers a glimpse into the origins of Viesīte and the fascinating story behind the town’s many historical names.

Cultural Centre “Sēlija”

The Cultural Centre “Sēlija” , also known as the Viesīte Palace of Culture, is the largest cultural building in rural Latvia. Construction began in the mid-1980s, and the building has retained its authentic Awakening Era (Atmoda) interior, featuring elements of Latvian National Romanticism.

With a total floor area of 6,143 m² and a concert hall stage covering 154 m², the centre serves as the main cultural venue of the region. Its impressive scale and distinctive architecture make it one of the most remarkable publicbuildings in Selonia.

The Cultural Centre houses a variety of facilities, including:

• A concert hall with seating for 450 spectators;
• A dance hall with seating for 200 spectators;
• A traditions hall for cultural and community events with seating for 150 spectators;
• A cinema and conference hall with seating for 100 spectators;
• An exhibition hall.

Throughout the year, the centre hosts concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, conferences, film screenings, festivals, and community celebrations, making it a vibrant hub of cultural life in Viesīte and the wider Selonia region.

Coordinates: 56.345368, 25.557890

Address:
“Sēlija” Cultural Centre
Smilšu Street 2,
Viesīte, Latvia

A visit to the Cultural Centre “Sēlija” offers an opportunity to experience one of Latvia’s most distinctive cultural venues and gain insight into the rich cultural traditions of the Selonia region.

Old Cemetery

The Old Cemetery of Viesīte dates back to the 1830s and is one of the town’s most significant historical sites. The cemetery is enclosed by a stone wall and distinguished by its impressive fieldstone entrance gates, which contribute to its solemn and historic atmosphere.

Many prominent local figures are buried here, including members of the distinguished Stradiņš family, whose contributions have left a lasting mark on Latvian history and culture.

The cemetery is also the final resting place of German and Russian soldiers who fell during the First World War, as well as three victims of the Soviet Red Terror of 1941. A large stone cross stands as a collective memorial to these individuals, commemorating the turbulent events that shaped the region during the twentieth century.

Today, the cemetery serves not only as a place of remembrance but also as an important cultural and historical monument, reflecting the diverse stories and people that have contributed to the development of Viesīte.

Coordinates: 56.346328, 25.555621

Address:
Raiņa Street 22,
Viesīte, Latvia

Visitors interested in local history, genealogy, and historical monuments will find the Old Cemetery a meaningful place to explore the heritage and collective memory of Viesīte.

Sausage House

Located at 14 Raiņa Street, the Stradiņš family home was built in 1902 by Jānis Stradiņš, the father of the renowned Latvian physician and professor Pauls Stradiņš.

Jānis Stradiņš worked as a carpenter and coffin maker and operated a small shop within the house. As the building was constructed in several stages and gradually extended along the street, local residents humorously nicknamed it the “Sausage House” (Desu māja) because of its unusually long and narrow shape.

Today, the house is an important site connected with the history of the Stradiņš family and Viesīte. A memorial plaque dedicated to Professor Pauls Stradiņš is mounted on the building. The portrait featured on the plaque was created by the Latvian artist and medallist Jānis Strupulis.

The Sausage House offers visitors a glimpse into the everyday life of one of Viesīte’s most notable families and serves as a reminder of the town’s connection to one of Latvia’s most distinguished medical scholars.

Coordinates: 56.347629, 25.554950

Address:
Raiņa Street 14,
Viesīte, Latvia

A stop at the Sausage House is particularly worthwhile for those interested in local history, architecture, and the legacy of the Stradiņš family.

Āžu Pub

The Āžu Pub (Āžu krogs) is the oldest surviving building in Viesīte and was most likely constructed around 1840. Located at a historic crossroads, the pub played a crucial role in the development of the settlement. It was around this crossroads that the first buildings began to appear, giving rise to the community initially known as Āži or Āžu Miests (“Goat Village”).

For many decades, the pub served travellers and local residents alike. Alongside the pub stood a stable where horses could be accommodated, making it an important stop on regional travel routes. Both the pub and its stable remained in operation until the Second World War.

Following the war, the building was adapted for use as a fire station depot, a function it continued to serve until November 2020. This long period of public service added another important chapter to the building’s history and its connection to the local community.

Today, the Āžu Pub stands as a valuable architectural and historical landmark, preserving the memory of the settlement from which modern-day Viesīte emerged.

Coordinates: 56.349966, 25.555723

Address:
Āžu Pub
Amatnieku Street 2,
Viesīte, Latvia

The Āžu Pub is a significant stop for visitors interested in the origins of Viesīte and the history of travel, trade, and community life in the Selonia region.

Biržu Street

Biržu Street is the last street in the centre of Viesīte where the historic cobblestone pavement has been preserved along its entire length. As one of the town’s oldest streets, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the character and atmosphere of Viesīte as it appeared more than a century ago.

The street originally formed part of the historic road connecting Jēkabpils and Nereta, serving as an important transport route through the region. Over time, the road became integrated into the growing settlement and remains an important element of the town’s historical layout.

Today, visitors can stroll along the street’s winding course and admire a variety of well-preserved low-rise buildings constructed from both brick and timber. Together with the original cobblestone surface, these buildings create an authentic glimpse into the architectural heritage of a traditional Selonian small town.

Coordinates: 56.349597, 25.557632

Address:
Biržu Street 6,
Viesīte, Latvia

A walk along Biržu Street is highly recommended for those interested in historic architecture, urban heritage, and the unique atmosphere of old Viesīte.