Gauja National Park

Castle & palace tours

Embark on a personal and immersive adventure on a private van tour from Riga to Sigulda and Turaida. Customize your itinerary to your preferences and visit sights such as Gauja National Park, Sigulda Manor and Castle, and Turaida Castle. Sit back and relax in the comfort of your private vehicle and watch the landscape change from city streets to lush greenery as you head out of Riga. Make your way to Sigulda, a town near the river Gauja that is also known as the Switzerland of Latvia by locals. Marvel at the Gauja valley with its dense forests, meandering river, and the Gauja National Park. Stop to stroll through the park before seeing the Sigulda Medieval Castle ruins, the new Sigulda Castle, the Turaida Castle museum with its watchtower peering above the trees, and Gutman's Cave, the widest and highest cave in the Baltic countries. Cross the river on the optional cable car ride for a different perspective of the region or enjoy a glass of local wine made in the Cremon Winery at Krimulda Manor. See local craftsmen and women at work to gain an insight into local and cultural life before heading back to Riga. This half day tour is a must for those who have visited Riga and Jurmala before and is especially recommended for bloggers and social media fans.

During the tour, you'll delve into the history and lifestyle of ancient Latvian tribes amidst the breathtaking beauty of Gauna National Park. Highlights include visits to the Livonian Order Castle ruins, the Turaida Medieval Castle dating back to 1214, and the wooden church constructed in 1750. You'll also have the opportunity to explore Gutmanis Cave, the deepest internal erosion cave in the Baltic States, measuring 19m deep, 12m wide, and 10m high. Nestled within Gauna National Park, this natural wonder is rich in myths and legends, adding to its allure. Additionally, you'll have fantastic dining options featuring both traditional Latvian and modern cuisine throughout the tour.

Discover the charming towns of Cesis, Sigulda, and Turaida on this private day trip from Riga. Learn basic historical information from your driver, as well as the best restaurants to stop for lunch. Depart from Riga with private transport and head to Cesis, where you'll find an 800-year-old medieval castle. Learn about its connection to the town's history and its continued expansion during the years. Then head to Āraiši Lake Castle Archaeological Park, where you can visit the castle, nominated as the Latvian archaeological monument of 2021. Check out the permanent exposition with fascinating archeological finds from the area. Next, it's on to the Livonian Order Castle in Sigulda, built in 1207, and current host to the International Sigulda Opera Music Festival. Finally head to the Turaida Museum Reserve, where you'll discover archaeology, culture, and art dating back to the 11th century. Please note that from 1st of November to 30th of April Cesis Castle museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. During this time we will be able to see Castle only from outside, we'll do walk thru Cesis old town part.

Immerse yourself in the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Cesis and Sigulda on a day trip from Riga with hotel transfers included. Visit the Cesis Castle ruins, the Old Town, Ungurmuiža Manor, Gutman's Cave, and Sigulda Castle. After a hotel pickup, start your day with a visit to Cesis Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Baltic States, where more than ten centuries of Latvian cultural history meet. Soak in the historic ambience with authentic candle lamps lighting up the castle. Listen to the castle gardener Līga share what can be found in the garden – the same vegetables and herbs that grew the Livonian gardens 500 years ago. In summer, watch craftsmen display their skills in workshops, processing stone, metal, and clay, weaving ropes, and printing using early techniques. Then, dive into the Old Town’s cultural and historical heritage by exploring the remaining street network, masonry, ancient manors, and wooden villas built on the banks of river Gauja. On way to your next destination, stop at Ergļu klintis (Eagle Cliff), a sandstone outcrop on the banks of the Gauja River. Continue to Ungurmuiža Manor House, the only wooden baroque building of 18th-century Latvia that has survived to the present day. Walk around the park, Tea House, and Children's House while hearing stories about Baron Campenhausen. On your way back, stop in Sigulda, a town known in the heart of the picturesque Gauja River Valley. Explore Gutman's Cave, the widest and highest cave in the Baltic countries. Continue to the romantic ruins of Sigulda Castle, which has been a popular meeting place for lovers since the 18th century. Stop by the Sigulda New Castle, the summer residence of Prince Kropotkin, which is an architectural monument of national significance, which has retained its Neo-Gothic style and a luxurious interior.

Meet your guide in the morning and head to Gauja River Valley to begin your kayaking trip. The curving, wild nature of the Gauja River and its tributaries makes this experience one to remember, and a must-visit for travelers who like to venture off the beaten path. During your kayaking tour, see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Gauja River Valley, including stunning steep riverbanks, awesome sandstone cliffs, the dense forests of Gauja National Park, and more. Your eco-tour leader will engage you with a special “improv-travel” approach and tell you about the nature, culture, and traditions of Latvia. Paddle for 15 to 20 kilometers downstream on a truly enjoyable adventure. There are several alternative points to finish on the way so the length of the trip can be adjusted according to your wishes. After reaching your final destination, benefit from a transfer right back to your hotel in Riga, or stay in the scenic town of Sigulda.

Your guide and driver will meet you in Riga and take you to Sigulda, which is around 35 minutes drive. Sigulda is a town, located in the picturesque Gauja valley and called "the Switzerland of Latvia". Firstly you will have a walk through Sigulda, later will visit the Gutman's cave and Turaida reservoir (entrance). Continue to Cesis - the medieval town, which cobbled streets have remained the same as during the Middle ages, preserving the medieval buildings with red tiled roofs, enclosed backyards and facades. Back to Riga in the late afternoon. At the extra cost and availability you can try the bobsleigh ride in Sigulda, as they have one of the biggest bobsleigh tracks in Eastern Europe.

Meet the guide at a hotel in Riga in the morning and get ready for the one-and-a-half-hour drive to Gauja National Park. Be ready for around 12-14 kilometers of hiking on hilly terrain during this unforgettable day. Start the adventure by hiking in some of the most beautiful nature trails in Gauja National Park. Explore pristine and unique forest habitats, fast-flowing salmon rivers, and enjoy "forest bathing" - be immersed in the forest atmosphere and soak it up through every sense. Travel down some of the most beautiful nature trails in Gauja National Park, well hidden in the wilderness. Explore Ligatne, a small charming town hidden in the beautiful forests of Gauja National Park. Have a look at the beautiful scenery and some of the more than 300 unique man-made caves made in the awesome sandstone cliffs. Get to know more about the history of this place and potentially have a taste of some local wines in the local winery. Check out one of the most beautiful towns in Latvia - Cesis and learn about its history, dating back to the 13th century and almost as old as Riga. Stroll down the historic Old Cēsis Town, see its beautiful squares, St. John's Church (built in the 13th century), the House of Harmony, House of Princesses, and other sights in this town that is both the historic and modern heart of Latvian culture. Feel the special charm and atmosphere of this town that is very different from more cosmopolitan Rīga. Visit the famous Cēsis Medieval Castle, first built in 1218 and still one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Latvia. Explore its beautiful park, dark medieval rooms, and corridors, and get to know more about its extensive history. Visit the Gauja River, and walk along the beautiful riverbanks of the longest river in Latvia. Admire some of the largest sandstone cliffs in Latvia and the most stunning natural landscapes of Gauja National Park, while soaking up the fresh and healthy air of pristine Western Taiga pine forest. End the tour filled with new impressions and emotions and return to a hotel in Riga (or stay in Cēsis, Sigulda, or Līgatne towns for more adventures in Gauja National Park).

Enjoy a full-day hiking tour in one of the Latvia's most picturesque regions. Known as the Switzerland of Latvia, the area features mountains, valleys, cliffs, and caves. Take in views of the Gauja River Valley as you cross it by the aerial cableway. Your 15-kilometer guided hike will take you through the area’s natural landscapes and through populated areas as well. You’ll help set the pace for the tour, and there’s no need to rush, as there’s plenty of time to cover the entire route. The hiking route takes you past numerous attractions, including the ruins of the old Sigulda castle, the new castle, and Goodman's Cave. Goodman’s Cave was formed over a 10,000-year period by water gradually eroding sandstone. The grotto is a protected geological site and the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia. You’ll see inscriptions on its walls dating back to 1668 and 1677. You’ll hike to Piķenes Cliff and the Little Devil's Cave, and take in spectacular views from the Velnalas Cliff overlook as well.

It will take less that one hour to get from Riga to the first stop will be at Gauja National park famous Cesarview, where you will enjoy the beauty of an amazing viewpoint. At that place you will be educated how river Gauja is related to Angels falls in Venezuela. During the tour, you will discover the history and lifestyle of ancient Latvian tribes. You will visit sightseeing attractions like Livonian Order Castle ruins, Turaida Medieval Castle. Gutmanis Cave, the deepest internal erosion cave in the Baltic States is not only a natural wonder but also a place that tells us a tragic love story from the 17th century. Additionally, you will be provided with a choice of excellent places to have lunch with traditional Latvian or modern cuisine during this tour.

Beginning the tour with a pick-up from the meeting point at 8:00 AM in Riga. Taking around an hour to drive to Sigulda Town.  Explore nature's trails and local highlights in one amazing day. You’ll get in touch both with the pristine nature of Gauja National Park and the cultural legacy of the area. Hiking several short but amazing hiking trails. Yet, be ready for some 10-15 km on your feet during this unforgettable day. Wander along the beautiful banks of the second biggest river in Latvia – Gauja. Upon reaching the Gauja National Park, where the adventure starts, either in Sigulda, or Krimulda of Turaida. Not rushing as you will get a chance to visit all the major sightseeing sites around Sigulda, Krimulda, and Turaida, including Sigulda and Turaida castles. Then be comfortably returned to your hotel in Riga at the end of the tour.