The Berķenele semi-estate is a historical monument of national importance, known as the place where the distinguished Latvian author and politician Rainis (1865-1929) spent his childhood. The house was restored in 1995, and since 1996 it has been the Rainis house in Berķenele. Rainis recorded his childhood impressions in a poetry collection called “Five Sketch Notebooks from Dagda.” Today the managers of the house offer tours, creative workshops and exhibitions. Visitors can don the clothing worn by the lord and his servants. Around the house is a large orchard, featuring a programme called “Route of Apples.” The house also has a lovely landscape that is interesting to see.
The orchard represents various periods in Latvian history. The most interesting period of time to visit is when the fruit is being harvested, enjoying the route “The Route of Apple Tastes.” The route begins at a local tree farm, where owner Alfrēds Mendriķis will tell you all about apples from the planting of seeds to the harvesting of apples. He will offer a tour of the orchard, the warehouses and the processing facilities. Children will enjoy apple juice, while adults can drink apple wine. The owner will talk about the secrets of growing apple trees, as well as stories about the lives of winemakers. After the tour of the orchard and the home, museum employees will invite you to a traditional Lettigalian table, where you will enjoy apple dishes and beverages, including apple pies, puddings, roast apples and apple juice. You will love the taste of apples by drinking apple juice and wine and tasting delicious and aromatic apple cakes, puddings or roast apples. The route continues through the homestead where Rainis spent his childhood. The apple orchard dates back to that period, and the site still has many apple trees.
