Cēsis

One of Latvia's most charming medieval towns, centered on the impressive ruins of Cēsis Castle and a well-preserved old town of cobbled streets. It offers history, cozy cafes, and a gateway to Gauja National Park.

Things to do

• Explore Cēsis Medieval Castle — Climb the towers of this 13th-century Livonian Order castle with a hand-held candle lantern for an atmospheric tour of the dark stairwells.
• Wander the New Castle and Museum — Visit the 18th-century manor house adjoining the ruins, which houses the Cēsis History and Art Museum and a viewing tower.
• Stroll the Old Town cobbled streets — Wander Rīgas iela and around Rose Square (Rožu laukums) to admire wooden and stone medieval-era buildings.
• Relax in Cēsis Castle Park — Enjoy the landscaped park with a pond, romantic ruins views, and quiet walking paths beside the castle.
• See St. John's Church — Visit this 13th-century Gothic Lutheran church, one of the largest medieval churches in Latvia, containing tombs of Livonian Order masters.
• Day trip into Gauja National Park — Use Cēsis as a base to hike sandstone cliffs, caves, and forest trails in Latvia's largest national park just outside town.
• Visit Cēsis Beer Brewery — Tour or taste at the historic Cēsu Alus brewery, one of Latvia's oldest, dating back to the 16th-century castle era.

Food to try

• Cēsu alus (Cēsis beer) — Sample the locally brewed lager that has been produced in the town for centuries and is a Latvian household name.
• Grey peas with bacon — Try pelēkie zirņi ar speķi, the hearty Latvian national dish of grey peas fried with onion and fatty bacon.
• Rupjmaize (dark rye bread) — Seek out dense sourdough rye bread, often served in cafes as a sweet layered dessert with cream and jam called maizes zupa.
• Sklandrausis — Look for this traditional Latvian carrot-and-potato tart in a rye pastry crust, sold in local bakeries and markets.
• Cozy cafe coffee and cake — Settle into one of the old town's cozy cafes for coffee and homemade pastries after exploring the castle.

Local customs & good to know

• Cēsis is a cradle of Latvian identity — The Latvian national flag's maroon-white-maroon design is linked to a legend from Cēsis, so the town carries deep patriotic significance.
• Bring cash and dress warm for the castle — The candle-lantern castle tour goes through cold, unlit stone passages, so wear layers and expect a small entrance fee.
• Slower pace and quiet evenings — This is a small provincial town where cafes and sights close early, so plan main activities for daytime.
• Respect church quiet — St. John's Church is an active place of worship, so keep voices low and dress modestly when visiting.

Nearby

• Āraiši Lake Fortress — 7 km
• Gauja National Park — 18 km
• Valmiera — 27 km
• Turaida Castle — 29 km