Jelgava, as one of the largest and oldest cities in Latvia, with a rich history and a view of the future, is a great place to find space for conferences, seminars and other events or just to visit. Jelgava Castle, the Latvian University of Agriculture, creative cultural life and spacious, green parks create an environment that inspires activity and growth. The city offers convenient and well-developed infrastructure, good transport links to the country’s main international airport and diverse opportunities for organising events and recreation.
Jelgava was founded in 1265, when the Livonian Order castle on the Lielupe River was built, which is considered the beginning of this city. Historically, it was the capital of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, which over the centuries had become a cultural, educational and economic centre. Jelgava residents are proud of the city's historical heritage and distinct Semigallian identity. Jelgava is a place where professional meetings are intertwined with the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful, aesthetically attractive environment, which is truly important after an intense working day for both business event participants and city guests.
Why is Jelgava a great place to organise events of various sizes?
Good location
A particularly important advantage of Jelgava is its convenient location. Jelgava is located only about 40 km from Riga, which is the largest transport hub in Latvia – with an international airport, railway and road connections. Thanks to good infrastructure, Jelgava is easily accessible both by car and by public transport – trains and buses run frequently. This advantage of the city is emphasised by Ilze Repša, a representative of the Jelgava Regional Tourism Centre: “Jelgava is a dynamic and developed city in the central part of Latvia. We are located only a 45-minute drive from Riga, which makes it strategically accessible for local and foreign guests. Regular public transport services connect Jelgava with the capital, as well as with other cities in Latvia.”
Excellent infrastructure
Ilze Repša continues by describing Jelgava's adapted infrastructure: "The city combines excellent infrastructure, a modern approach to organising events and historical charm. Jelgava is an excellent choice for conferences, seminars, corporate events, as well as cultural and entertainment events both indoors and outdoors. In addition, there are spacious car parks both in the city centre and its surroundings. Jelgava is also an attractive choice for those who want to organise events outside the capital without losing mobility and convenience."
Caterer Experience
High-quality catering service and the experience of professional caterers are certainly one of the main criteria when choosing a specific location or city for holding MICE events. The city of Jelgava has taken a big step in supporting catering companies and promoting the development of the segment. This is also confirmed by I. Repša: “The Jelgava Catering and Hospitality Industry Association was established in February 2024. The goals of the association are: promoting the development of the catering and hospitality industry in the city of Jelgava and the Jelgava region, representing the interests of the industry at the municipal and national levels, and promoting accessibility and development in matters related to catering and hospitality.”
Most popular event venues and accommodation
Jelgava Castle
Jelgava Castle is the largest Baroque castle in the Baltic States – you can still feel the breath of history in the 280-year-old castle. The castle complex is the pride of the city and an important tourist attraction. Jelgava Castle is used for both academic and public needs. The interior of the castle houses lecture halls and halls for students of the Latvian University of Biosciences and Technology, as well as the Jelgava Museum. Public events are regularly held in Jelgava Castle – exhibitions, conferences, concerts, Jelgava City Festival performances, various cultural events, etc.
The following premises are offered for rent: Silver and Golden Halls, the Aula and the Aula Foyer, auditoriums are also offered for various training sessions and lectures and additional equipment is provided.
Jelgava House of Culture
Jelgava House of Culture is the city’s main cultural centre, providing performances, concerts, dance and art events, and is a typical architectural monument of the Soviet era. Jelgava Culture House regularly hosts guest performances of professional theatres and concerts with recognisable artists, performances of amateur theatres and dance groups. The building has an area of 5,206 m2 and has five different halls intended for audience seating, dance classes, rehearsals and other activities.
Description of the premises for rent: Jelgava Culture House has several functionally equipped halls available for rent. The main audience hall with 671 seats provides professional sound and light technical equipment. There is also a conference hall for up to 50 seats, suitable for seminars and presentations. In addition, the Small Hall and the Dance Hall (almost 300 m2 each) are rented separately for dance or rehearsal purposes.
Guest house Abgunste (manor)
Guest house Abgunste manor is a historical place in Zaļenieki parish, which has been rebuilt into an event hotel and creativity residence. It is suitable for holding art and cultural events, as well as private and corporate events. The manor offers guests creative workshops (ceramics, textile art, etc.), art symposia, seminars, exhibitions, etc. Hotel rooms are available during the summer period – a cosy, pet-friendly environment, with air-conditioned rooms. There is a guest house restaurant, outdoor event venues – near ponds and a park.
Accommodation: 70 beds in 13 rooms and 11 attic rooms.
Description of the premises for rent: Large hall 70 m2 and Small hall 35 m2 for corporate events, Abgunste granary (400 m2) is more suitable for group gatherings of various sizes.
Brankas Branch Place
Brankas Branch Place is waiting for you in Branka, Jelgava region. It is a place for celebration and work, offering 180 m2 of space, divided into two parts. A hall is offered for organising various events – it is large enough to accommodate up to 150 people, but up to 120 people can sit at tables. The recreation area has a bar and comfortable sofas, the space is even perfect for dancing. The glass walls are tasteful, which give the rooms light and cosiness during the day, and create romantic feelings in the evenings. Regardless of whether you are organising a seminar, conference, team-building event here, or simply enjoy being together, your hospitality and unique interior will provide pleasant emotions and service.
Jelgava Hotel
The Jelgava Hotel is located in the city centre next to Jelgava Castle, the former residence of Duke Biron. Nearby are shopping and business centres, as well as popular tourist attractions. The hotel offers three conference halls – Glass Hall (30 people), Golden Hall (50 people) and Bell Hall (75 people) – for seminars, presentations and other events. The conference halls are professionally equipped. The Debeszvanu pagrabiņš recreation complex, with a sauna and Turkish bath and a summer garden, is also available.
Capacity:
- 41 rooms and 94 beds
- 3 meeting rooms – for 30, 50 and 75 people
Zemgale Hotel and Sports Complex
The Zemgale Hotel and Sports Complex is more oriented towards visitors of sports events and lovers of active recreation, as it offers a wide range of activities. The hotel has 78 beds with the possibility of increasing this number to 92 beds. The Zemgale recreation and sports complex has extensive active recreation opportunities – bowling, billiards, a hockey rink and public skating, basketball, football and volleyball fields, as well as a skate park. Conference halls and lounges for corporate events, sports school training and celebrations. The complex’s cafe can host banquets for up to 70 people
Capacity:
- Up to 92 beds
- 2 meeting rooms – for 50 and 100 people, respectively
Rikap Co-living Spaces Hotel
The Rikap Co-living Spaces Hotel – a newly renovated building combines modernity with functionality, creating a cosy and accessible environment for guests with different needs. This is a great choice for both travellers and long-term residents who appreciate comfort and quality. The Rikap Co-living Spaces hotel is located on the quiet and scenic outskirts of Jelgava, offering peace and relaxation, but at the same time within easy reach of the city centre. Hotel prices are competitive.
Capacity: Currently, 61 rooms with 173 beds are available.
Current information and support
We offer a small summary of the Jelgava Regional Tourism Centre’s recommended accommodation, event venues and professional event organisers in the Jelgava and Jelgava region:
- additional accommodation and event venues in Jelgava: the Kārklu muiža guest house, the Zemgale Olympic Centre, the Ģ. Elias Jelgava History and Art Museum, the Jelgava Sports and Water Tourism Base, Blankenfelde Manor, and the LIZARI conference and recreation complex-hotel.
- quality event organisers in Jelgava: DACE event agency, professionally organised hikes, Dabā events and camps organisers, and the team-building event organiser Piedzīvujumi dabā.
To receive professional support, contact the Jelgava Regional Tourism Centre.
