Kokmuiža manor

Until now the eldest source mentioning the name of Kokmuiža are the land revision remarks by Swedish dating back to 1601. According to the document a manor has already been here before 1582, and most probably also before 1560.

In 1880, the Baltic-German Family Schroder commenced the construction of the present Neo-baroque manor-house. At present the dome, like during the time of Family Schroeder, features a clock.

Between early 20th century up to 1930 the manor-house was destroyed. But in 1937 the manor was turned into a school; and pupils are still having classes in the manor-house.

Beer was brewed in Kokmuiža already since 17th century. Later, in the 19th century, beer was brewed for industrial purposes. The local spring water was used for brewery, and it is said this is why the beer was especially tasty.

The manor brewery became the largest rural brewery in former Vidzeme province, and later – also in the whole Russia. For example, in 1898 it manufactured 270 200 buckets (3323190 litres) of beer. The brewery was run until the Second World War.

Once the Kokmuiža park was an exquisite example of gardening made in the English style. It hosted major park parties, where the guests were invited to listen to lecturer, orchestra performances, theatre performances, and a there was ball-room dancing.

Kokmuiža manor consists of  manor house, stable premises, building of the manor's administrator, both barns, and the brewery basement.

One of the barns, which is a library and a sports centre nowadays, features a floorball exposition – hall of fame, which is located in the vault hall in the basement. Here you can see cups, medals, sports uniforms, pennants, publications, and photos.

In the stalls of the manor-house the travellers can try telling the time by using the first spherical sundial in Latvia.

Facts and figures

The information stand in the Kokmuiža manor park tells about trees and their location the park

In the manor there are information stands telling about each manor's building and their history

It is said that the Kokmuiža manor was initially made of wood, which is where it got its name from (in Latvian „koks“ stands for „tree, timber“) Since its erection it was reconstructed at least three times

In the corridor of the manor-house, during reconstruction, Neo-renaissance wall paintings from the 19th century were found. A template of these stems from the 1st century AD in the House of the Vettii

The principle of the school, which was accommodated in the manor from 1941 to 1944, was the famous Latvian choir conductor Roberts Zuika

Kokmuiža party is held every September, and guests are invited to take part in various activities, creative workshops, and listed to musical performances, or buy some nice things in the local trade fair. Inhabitants of Kokmuiža manor dress up for the party in historical garments

The brewery of Valmiermuiža has developed the Kokmuiža beer bringing the taste of the beer of the once large brewery back to life

Extra services

Guide services are subject to prior reservation at the Valmiera Tourism Information Centre

For your conveniences

• Free parking