Ziepniekkalns

Meaning 'Soap Hill' in Latvian, Ziepniekkalns is a large, densely populated residential district on the left bank of the Daugava. Dominated by Soviet-era apartment blocks, it's a practical and self-sufficient neighborhood that offers a very local, non-touristy living experience. While primarily concrete, it is bordered by green spaces and forests, providing a balance for its many residents.

residentialsoviet-erafamily-friendlypracticallocal-living
Stay here if you like…
  • You're seeking affordable housing in a large, self-contained residential district with good transport links to the city center.
  • You want a practical, family-oriented environment with schools, parks, and daily amenities all within easy reach.
  • You prefer living among locals in an area completely removed from the tourist trail.
Map notes

We’re collecting points of interest for this neighborhood.

Good to know
A Clean History

The name 'Soap Hill' harks back to the 18th century when soap boiling workshops operated in the area.

The district is one of Riga's most populous, primarily developed in the 1980s with typical panel-block housing projects.
Urban Greenery

Despite its urban density, the neighborhood is adjacent to the Ziepniekkalns forest and includes the historic Ēbelmuiža Park, offering residents nearby green escapes.

Essentials
  • Well-connected to the city center via frequent trolleybus and bus services, with a typical commute time of 25-35 minutes.
  • A largely self-sufficient area featuring numerous supermarkets, a local market, schools, and polyclinics.
  • The layout is defined by large 'micro-districts' of apartment buildings, typical of late-Soviet urban planning.

Highlights to plug in

Ēbelmuiža Park

Despite its urban density, the neighborhood is adjacent to the Ziepniekkalns forest and includes the historic Ēbelmuiža Park, offering residents nearby green escapes.

Ziepniekkalns Ski Hill

Plot a stop at Ziepniekkalns Ski Hill while exploring Ziepniekkalns.

Ziepniekkalns Cemetery

Plot a stop at Ziepniekkalns Cemetery while exploring Ziepniekkalns.

Dienvidu Tilts (Southern Bridge)

Plot a stop at Dienvidu Tilts (Southern Bridge) while exploring Ziepniekkalns.

Things to do

A Clean History

The name 'Soap Hill' harks back to the 18th century when soap boiling workshops operated in the area.

The district is one of Riga's most populous, primarily developed in the…

The district is one of Riga's most populous, primarily developed in the 1980s with typical panel-block housing projects.

Where to stay

Stay here if

You're seeking affordable housing in a large, self

You're seeking affordable housing in a large, self-contained residential district with good transport links to the city center.

Stay here if

You want a practical, family

You want a practical, family-oriented environment with schools, parks, and daily amenities all within easy reach.

Stay here if

You prefer living among locals in an area completely removed from the…

You prefer living among locals in an area completely removed from the tourist trail.