Gauja National Park: Sigulda, Cēsis and the Gauja valley

Why go

The Gauja valley is sometimes called the Switzerland of Latvia, which says more about how flat the rest of the country is than about mountains. What it does have is a deep, winding valley with sandstone outcrops, more than five hundred cultural monuments and three medieval castles within a few kilometres of each other. In autumn the forests turn gold and red, and it is one of the loveliest sights in the Baltics.

Sigulda

**Sigulda** is about an hour from Riga by train and the park's main activity centre. Walk to the ruins of the **Sigulda Medieval Castle**, built by the Livonian Order, and the New Castle beside it. Ride the **aerial cable car** high across the valley to **Krimulda**, where a classical manor house sits above the river.

Across the valley, the **Turaida Museum Reserve** is the highlight: a red brick castle tower with wide views, a wooden church, a folk song garden of sculptures and the grave of the Rose of Turaida, heroine of a famous local love story. On the way, stop at **Gūtmaņa Cave**, the largest cave in the Baltics, its walls covered in centuries of carved names.

Sigulda is also Latvia's adventure town. The **bobsleigh and luge track** offers rides on a real training track, with wheeled bobs in summer and ice in winter. **Tarzāns Adventure Park** has rope courses and toboggan runs for families, and in winter the slopes host small ski runs.

Cēsis

**Cēsis**, further up the valley, is one of the oldest towns in Latvia and many travellers' favourite. The **Cēsis Medieval Castle** is explored with a candle lantern, climbing dark stairways in its towers. Next door, the **New Castle** holds the history and art museum, and **Maija Park** below has a pond and swans. The cobbled old town around **St John's Church** has wooden houses, cafés and a calm, lived in feel.

Cēsis also has a strong cultural life, with the **Vidzeme Concert Hall** and the summer **Cēsis Art Festival**. Nearby, **Āraiši Lake Fortress** recreates a ninth century settlement on a lake island, and **Ungurmuiža** is a rare wooden baroque manor.

Nature and walks

The park's trails follow the river past sandstone walls such as **Ērgļu klintis**, the Eagle Cliffs, and the **Zvārtes iezis** rock on the Amata river. Marked paths range from short loops to multi day hikes, and part of the long distance Forest Trail crosses the park. Paths can be muddy after rain, so wear good shoes.

Canoeing the Gauja

The Gauja is slow, clean and wide, perfect for beginners. Local operators rent canoes and rafts for routes from a few hours to several days, with campsites along the banks, and they can arrange transport back to your start. Wear a life jacket and check water levels in early spring.

Food and stays

Both towns have cafés, bakeries and restaurants serving Latvian food, plus country guesthouses, manor hotels and campsites in the park. Book ahead for weekends in summer and during autumn colour.

Getting there and around

Trains from Riga run to Sigulda and Cēsis on the Valga line, and buses are also frequent. Within the park, local buses link Sigulda with Turaida and Krimulda, though many visitors simply walk or use the cable car. To reach smaller sites, join a tour or plan around bus times.