Ilzenbergas manor activities for families

Interesting history and nature of fabulous beauty, and for children, great education, fun activities and endless areas to roam. The old farm has also been reborn here, with not only animals but also the tastiest organic food. Where to find it all? Only at Ilzenbergas Manor, in the northernmost part of Lithuania, right on the Latvian border. Thinking about it, is it worth travelling so far with children? We’ll prove that not only is it worth it, but it’s worth coming back again and again.

Ilzenbergas Manor is more than just a manor. If you sometimes hear that name and think: “oh, another manor house, with paintings, old furniture and boring guides, what is there to do?”, we want to stop you. This estate is completely different and believe us, Ilzenbergas manor activities for families will leave everyone satisfied. It’s a home for history, education, games, farming and nature and events. A home whose activities are designed to engage the whole family.

Reborn again

History tells us that in 1515, Baron Berndt von Kerssenbrock founded Ilzenbergas Manor on a hilltop in the Rokiskis region. In a spectacular landscape between the two lakes of Ilgis and Apvalas. The German name Ilsen berg, meaning Ilse hill, was given to the manor on the hill.

After more than 500 years of changes, historical twists and turns, and a change of owners, the estate has finally returned to its historical roots. And has also taken all the activities of the estate to a new level.

It is now:

• The only estate in the Baltic States and one of the few in Europe to have been revived and is farming according to the principles of natural farming. The manor produces a wide range of natural and organic food products according to old traditions.
• The centuries-old park-museum, with its sculptures of artistic merit that turn it into an open-air museum, is adjacent to the farmland, which, from spring to late autumn, offers bright greenery and invites you to say hello to the sheep, chickens and cows that live in the vicinity.
• The largest vineyard in Lithuania – 5 hectares.
• A place where cultural life is fostered and unique spaces are created. Events are organised on weekends with a tasting menu created exclusively for that evening by the restaurant’s chef, historical tasting tours, wine and estate snack tastings.
• A space that organises the most interesting history and nature education for children.
• A complex of special spaces, perfect for both events and private celebrations.

Restored Ilzenbergas manor

All the historical and monumental stone masonry buildings have been restored on the estate. Ilzenbergas Manor welcomes you with a luxuriously furnished exterior and interior. The investment in this historical wonder has been impressive. Not only restoring the manor to its former glory, but also making it suitable for the needs and expectations of modern man.

The park alone deserves its own article – a centuries-old park with more than 3 km of walking trails. And its Red Book wildlife has been preserved and beautified. The park’s artistic sculptures, the newlyweds’ favourite Love Island and the bridge leading to it can also be enjoyed here.

The park is also decorated with the Ilzenbergas Manor oak, which has a history of 500 years, and the Stelmuziukai, the descendants of the Stelmuzė oak.

To make getting around the park easier and to see more of the cool sights, you can use the park’s electric car. Because it would not be easy to walk the 30 hectares of trails.

Ilzenbergas manor activities for families – park animals

It’s no secret that animal farms are always a big attraction for families with children. So, on the grounds of Ilzenbergas Manor, you will have the opportunity to see the farm’s permanent inhabitants. During the summer season, visitors to the park can get up close and personal with the manor’s animals:

• Lithuanian black-headed sheep, which were bred in Lithuania in the middle of the 20th century. And alpacas graze at the park entrance;
• Black swans are cosily nestled by the small pond in the park;
• Japanese KOI carp swim in the large pond;
• rabbits are nestled and munching on salad leaves at the House of Crafts, next to the Grill restaurant;
• the park is home to small groups of bats. They are not visible during the day. But only thanks to them you will never be tormented by mosquitoes in Ilzenberg Manor Park, because the bats catch them;
• you can see our cows and calves on the farms or in the pastures. (Please do not go inside the farms and paddocks, as this is forbidden by veterinary laws and regulations);
• in poultry houses you can see the turkeys which are kept by the farm.

The whole farm is not only ornamental, but also fulfils its true economic function of producing fresh, natural food. Eggs, dairy products, meat, as well as honey and preserves and jams from the farm travel regularly to the farthest corners of Lithuania. Where they are available to everyone in branded or partner shops.

Ilzenbergas manor activities for families

Both the estate itself and the whole area are full of interesting places to visit and fun activities for the whole family. There are:

1. Tours of the estate

Depending on the theme of the tour, the guide will tell you the stories of life here and the elegant dining room will give you a brief introduction to the cuisine of the different periods of the estate. During your guided tour, you will hear the 500-year history of Ilzenbergas Manor and the fascinating life of the nobility as you walk through the beautifully landscaped park and gardens. You will see the authentically restored buildings: the smokehouse, the barn and the stables.

2. Educational tour “With your smartphone, explore the 500-year-old park!”

A very interesting and playful education that will engage both young and old. After the guided tour, a map of the territory of the Manor Park and a task are given, which can only be completed after finding the object you are looking for, marked with a specific number of the task. Participants have to arrive as soon as possible at the agreed location and open the mysterious “treasure chest”. Recommended for families, birthdays, baptisms, groups.

3. Educational excursion “Harmony between man and nature in Ilzenbergas Manor Park”

From the very first minutes of the excursion, you will be involved in the exploration of the nature of the Manor Park, you will understand the basic interrelationships between living and non-living nature, and you will learn to identify the plants and animals that live in the Ilzenbergas Manor Park. This education is also recommended for groups, families, birthdays and baptisms.

4. Tasting of food and special estate wine

Visitors to the manor are invited to experience the world of flavours and aromas of the food and wines produced on the Ilzenbergas Manor Farm or by friends of the manor in harmony with nature, by ordering tastings and catering. Advance reservation required.

5. Tours on the newest electric catamaran

A tour on the new eCatamaran awaits you at the marina of the Lake. A luxurious deck with tables and an hour-long trip on the lake await you. Your gaze will wander through the waves and catch the sun’s reflection, then glide across the water and rest on the lush greenery of Love Island, the rotunda, the Janis oak and the distances of Latvia. The sights will change gradually, surprising you with unusual angles. The duration of the swim is 1 hour, and the cruises run from June to October.

6. A glorious corn maze

The most fun educational activity for the whole family. A mysterious journey in the greenery awaits you. The labyrinth route is not easy, but all the more interesting for it. It’s good to wander around and get lost for a while, hide from your friends and be intimidated by the chirping of a bird or the rustling of the wind. Eventually, the way out is in front of us – after successfully escaping the green fortress, we experience the joy of victory. And for those who find the exit sooner and are waiting for their friends who are still unravelling the labyrinth’s false paths, there is a children’s playground with a large climbing structure and the park’s resident “inhabitant” Jonas the Moose. Opening hours of the Labyrinth: July – October.

Ilzenbergas manor activities for families – Manor playground

The Ilzenbergas Manor grounds are home to perhaps the most interesting and varied playground in Lithuania! If, like us, you like to search and discover the most fun playgrounds, then this one will definitely be on your list!

What makes it special?

• Memo Interactive Playground.

It’s the highlight of the estate playground, with a diameter of up to 8 metres! It is not only for active games, but also for developing mathematical, logic and reaction skills.

• The play wall.

The fun starts by spinning the wheel to generate human energy. Both the display and the sounds indicate when the Game Wall is charged, and then it’s time to choose one of four unique and fun games! There’s plenty of choice! – “Speed Test”, “Turn off the light”, “React” or “Follow the light”. Large buttons with bright LED backlighting, display and fun sounds create a fantastic gaming experience!

• Hamster Wheel.

Especially for active visitors. It is a lively installation inspired by the favourite hamster pastime. Once you get on the wheel and have fun letting it spin while keeping your balance, you will never want to get off. This game is available for children from 6 years old. Spinning allows the child to experience the excitement and speed, to feel that “head spinning” effect or the “legs rising”.

• Children’s excavators.

This is another innovation for little guests – these excavators are specially designed for them! It’s a fun way for children to try operating a vehicle and test their digging, building or demolition skills. The excavators are sized for children, but handle like real vehicles.

• Play Planetarium.

A unique play and learning environment that can accommodate an entire school class at once! The stars are visible even during the day: the light filtering through the small holes accurately shows the constellations inside the dome. The stars are also reflected on the ground, creating a magical sensation as if you were walking among real stars. The dome can accommodate up to 49 children, so a whole class of schoolchildren or kindergarteners can enjoy a day of “starry skies”.

• Distorting mirrors.

In the playground next to the Craft House, visitors young and old can enjoy the “crooked” mirrors. Looking at your reflection with its unnatural shapes is sure to bring a smile to your face. As with the other devices, the working principle of the distorting mirror is explained in scientific terms, encouraging children to further explore the world around them.

• Optical illusion circle.

This activity will show how the information our eyes provide to our brains is misinterpreted. By turning the knob, you can watch the image in the rotating circle move and try to play a joke on your brain.

• Physics law entertainment

Walking around the estate, children will be able to try out various science-related activities, such as kinetic story benches, where energy is extracted and transformed into a historical narrative by squatting on them. One bench points to Love Island, the other to the Manor House. Or parabolic antennas for talking across a distance without shouting, and understanding how sound waves travel.

• Special climbing platform.

Young visitors to the park can enjoy the playground, where they will find a wooden climbing platforms of exceptional design. The climbing structure is made of hand-carved logs. Its irregular and expressive shapes make it perfectly integrated into the natural environment. The playground can accommodate a larger number of children at the same time, so that even if a group of children arrives, they can have fun together. The climbing structure is designed for children from 6 years old.

• John Moose Harvester

Just like every manor house has a caretaker, Ilzenbergas Manor has a John the Moose, who is on duty at the playground, waiting to meet every visitor. Children have the opportunity to see the inside of the combine harvester, to feel like real farmers behind the wheel and to get a high view of the farm.

Ilzenbergas manor activities for families – all year round

Although most of the estate’s coolest activities take place in the warm season, the estate is open all year round and will not let you get bored.

The Manor hosts concerts, plays, and celebrates the major festivals of the year – Christmas, Easter, St John’s Day, Midsummer Day, and even Dad’s or Mum’s Day.

Ilzenbergas Manor is also making solid preparations for Christmas. This year, for example, it invited families to experience a winter and Christmas fairy tale on the estate throughout December. Christmas stories were told, families wrote letters to Santa together and enjoyed special food and drinks on the estate while waiting for Christmas.

Ilzenbergas Manor is therefore worth a visit not only in the summer, but also at other times of the year, when the Manor announces the latest ideas for the coming season.

Innovations for 2024 at Ilzenbergas Manor

As every year, while the snow covers the fields, the Manor is working hard to prepare surprises and new spaces for its guests.

Next year, a special space will be unveiled for visitors – the grape greenhouse! It will be home to a variety of grapes, an exhibition and guided tours. During this wonderful educational trip, you will be able to taste the grapes – the tasting will allow you to experience the differences and peculiarities of the grapes grown.

It is hoped that this space and grape education will not only attract the attention of visitors to the estate, but will also become a great choice for those looking for an interesting alternative to corporate outings and group education.

Manor spaces for celebrations

Ilzenbergs Manor is not only suitable for visiting with children, but also for every kind of celebration – your own personal or company celebration, an event, a photo shoot.

Here, you can choose between different spaces depending on the celebration you are planning:

• The magnificent Manor House and the decorative Park-Museum – for a memorable celebration, a meeting, a gala event. The palace has two large halls, a spacious basement, a meeting room with terrace, a library and places to stay.
• On the edge of the Ilzenbergas Park-Museum, on the picturesque shores of Lake Ilgis, the restored manor bathhouse, which commemorates the spirit of the 1863 uprising. Its heating room is probably the largest of any manors in Lithuania and the Baltic States, and as many as 25 people can enjoy its pleasures at once. The sauna has been rated by Lithuania’s most renowned professional sauna practitioners and has been awarded the “Vanta Leaf”.
• The picturesque park spaces and amphitheatre are perfect for cultural events.

If you dream of an unforgettable photo shoot, the grounds of Ilzenbergas Manor really have something to offer:

• The luxurious and ornate interior of the palace, the furniture, the lounge, the staircases.
• The Love Island and the bridge that floats gracefully across the lake.
• Artistic sculptures that speak of Love, Harmony and Courtliness.
• Park, spring bridges, panoramic viewpoints and cannon platforms.

The grounds and activities of Ilzenbergas Manor have been carefully restored and adapted to meet the needs and expectations of the most discerning visitors. That is why it is worth returning here again and again, to discover new tastes, attractions and opportunities. Ilzenbergas Manor’s activities are suitable for the whole family, groups of friends and corporate teams. To make sure you don’t miss out on the estate’s coolest activities, be sure to keep up to date on the Ilzenbergas Manor website and Facebook account.

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