The Kurzeme Fairytale of «Bukmeķi»: 1,000 Walnut Trees, 800 Roses, Trout and Truffles on One Farm (video)
Foto: walnut.lv | Autors: Baiba Roznaja | 2026.09.09
What if, instead of simply going on a tour, you could visit a place where a new story awaits around every corner?
A place where, amid the landscapes of Kurzeme, approximately 1,000 walnut trees grow, 800 rose bushes bloom in summer, trout leap from a lake, unusual black chickens roam freely around the grounds, and shiitake mushrooms and truffles grow nearby?
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Such a place really exists.
In the Renda Parish of Kuldīga Municipality lies “Bukmeķi” — an unusual farm that is difficult to describe in just one word. It is a family story, a garden, a working farm, a place to relax in nature, and a small world that invites you to explore it step by step.
If you are looking for places to visit in Kurzeme, wondering what to see near Kuldīga, or want to discover a unique example of agritourism in Latvia, “Bukmeķi” could become a place that stays in your memory for a long time.
It All Started with Two Small Saplings
The story of “Bukmeķi” began in 2008, when the farm’s founder, Boris Ostrobrods, and his family purchased land in Kurzeme.
Boris dreamed of creating not simply a farm, but a place that could eventually become a family legacy.
Everything changed after a trip to a fair in Ēdole.
Among the fruit, vegetables, honey and seedlings, Boris noticed a seller who had two unusual little trees.
They were walnut trees.
At the time, the very idea of growing walnuts in Latvia seemed rather bold. The climate did not promise an easy journey, and no one could guarantee that the trees would take root, grow well and, even more importantly, eventually produce crops on a regular basis.
But both saplings found their new home at “Bukmeķi”.
Today, instead of those first two trees, there are approximately 1,000 walnut trees. Walking between the rows of walnut orchards, it is easy to understand just how big a small idea can become when it is given time, care and a little perseverance.
A Family Farm Passed from Father to Son
“Bukmeķi” has another important feature — it is a story spanning several generations.
Boris Ostrobrods is the founder of the farm and the father of Eduards. Over time, the farm was passed on to his son. Today, Eduards Ostrobrods runs “Bukmeķi”, continues to develop the farm and carries on the work his father began.
Yet the farm is anything but frozen in the past. Quite the opposite — it is constantly changing, with new plants, animals, products and unusual ideas appearing over time.
And perhaps that is precisely what makes “Bukmeķi” so interesting: rather than visiting a finished historical museum, you get to see a living farm that continues to develop right before your eyes.
A Rose Fairytale Grew from the Walnut Orchard
Over time, walnuts were no longer the farm’s only distinctive feature.
One of the most beautiful parts of “Bukmeķi” became its rose garden, featuring approximately 80 varieties and 800 rose bushes.
During the flowering season, the entire property is transformed. The different shades of roses, their fragrances and the surrounding greenery create an atmosphere that is difficult to simply walk past. You want to stop. Look at the flowers. Breathe in their scent. And, of course, take a few photographs.
For gardening and flower enthusiasts, as well as anyone looking for beautiful places to visit, the rose garden has become one of the main highlights of the tour.
There Is No Single Season at “Bukmeķi” — There Are Four Different Stories
The farm changes together with nature.
In spring, “Bukmeķi” awakens after winter. The trees begin to blossom, the first flowers appear, and everything around becomes fresh, bright green and filled with anticipation of the new season. It is the perfect time to observe nature coming back to life.
In summer, the farm becomes a true celebration. The first harvests arrive, the roses bloom, and the surroundings are filled with colours and scents. This is an especially pleasant time to walk around the grounds, meet the animals and simply enjoy nature.
In autumn, Kurzeme reveals another side of itself. The leaves turn incredible shades of gold, yellow, red and orange, while the gardens and orchards delight visitors with their harvests. It feels as though nature is putting on its most spectacular final performance before winter.
In winter, the farm becomes calmer and quieter. Nature takes a pause, preparing for the next season.
That is why “Bukmeķi” is not necessarily a place to visit only once. Each season offers completely different landscapes, colours and plants, as well as a different atmosphere.
And Then, Around the Corner, Trout Appear
After 1,000 walnut trees and 800 roses, it might seem difficult to surprise visitors any further.
But walk a little farther — and you will find a lake.
One of the farm’s lakes is home to approximately 2,000 trout. Visitors can feed them and watch a little spectacle of their own: the fish leap out of the water at lightning speed as soon as they notice the food.
For children, it is one of those experiences that tends to remain especially vivid in their memories.
And the tour continues.
Goats, sheep, rabbits, ducks — and unusual, completely black Ayam Cemani chickens.
And That Is Still Not All
At “Bukmeķi”, chickens roam freely around the grounds and lay their eggs while classical music plays in the background.
They have a special diet — everything is carefully considered to produce a high-quality product and give the eggs their distinctive flavour.
These eggs are sold in farmers’ food stores under the Edolas.lv brand.
At first glance, the story of chickens listening to classical music may sound a little unbelievable.
But it is precisely these kinds of details that turn an ordinary trip to a farm into a story you will want to tell your friends afterwards.
Bees, Honey and a Little Peace and Quiet
The farm is home to approximately 15 bee colonies.
Visitors can visit the apitherapy house, learn more about the life of bees and taste local honey.
This is another side of “Bukmeķi” — here, you can do more than simply look and take photographs. You can taste, listen, observe and learn.
Little by little, the tour becomes a genuine introduction to life on the farm.
Shiitake and Truffles — An Unexpected Part of a Kurzeme Farm
If you think that after walnuts, roses, trout, bees and black chickens there is nothing left to surprise you, “Bukmeķi” still has a few more secrets.
Here, visitors can see a shiitake mushroom plantation and a truffle garden.
For an ordinary walk around a Latvian farm, this is quite an unusual combination.
And it is precisely these details that make “Bukmeķi” such an interesting destination for people who enjoy unusual routes, nature, gardening and agritourism.
The “Bukmeķi” tour is approximately 1.5 kilometres long and takes around two hours, but the distance is not what matters most.
The real highlight is the number of stories you encounter along the way.
During the tour, visitors can discover a variety of plants and animals, see how the farm is developing, taste and purchase local products, and simply spend some time in nature.
It is a great option for a family day out, a gathering with friends, gardening and nature enthusiasts, or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
Want to See It All for Yourself?
You can book a tour here: lv.walnut.lv/tour