Gauja National Park

Gaujas nacionālais parks

Latvia's oldest and largest national park, spanning the ancient Gauja River valley with sandstone cliffs, caves, and dense forests. It is prized for hiking, canoeing, and its concentration of castles and nature trails.

Things to do

• Turaida Museum Reserve — Explore the reconstructed red-brick medieval castle, its tower with panoramic valley views, and the sculpture-filled Dainu Hill.
• Gūtmaņala Cave — Visit Latvia's largest cave, famed for the legend of the Rose of Turaida and centuries of carved inscriptions in its sandstone walls.
• Sigulda cable car — Ride the aerial cableway across the Gauja valley between Sigulda and Krimulda for sweeping views, especially in autumn colors.
• Sigulda Medieval Castle ruins — Wander the 13th-century Livonian Order castle ruins with an open-air stage set against the valley backdrop.
• Canoeing the Gauja River — Paddle the slow, meandering river past sandstone cliffs and forest, a classic multi-hour or multi-day trip from Cēsis or Valmiera.
• Cēsis Medieval Castle — Tour the atmospheric ruins by candlelight-style lantern and visit the adjoining New Castle and old town.
• Līgatne nature trails — Walk forest paths to see native wildlife like lynx, deer, and bison in large enclosures, plus a Soviet-era secret bunker nearby.
• Bobsleigh track in Sigulda — Try a summer or winter ride down the Olympic-standard bobsleigh and luge track, one of few in the world open to the public.

Food to try

• Sklandrausis — A traditional Latvian rye-crust tart filled with carrot and potato and sweetened lightly, sold at markets and cafés in the region.
• Grey peas with bacon — Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi, the hearty national dish of boiled grey peas with fried onion and bacon, often served in Sigulda taverns.
• Sigulda walking stick — A local souvenir tradition rather than a food, but paired with regional honey and herbal teas sold along the trails.
• Rye bread — Dense dark sourdough rye is a Latvian staple; try it fresh from local bakeries or as a sweet dessert soup (maizes zupa).
• Foraged mushrooms and berries — Autumn brings chanterelles, bilberries, and lingonberries into local dishes, jams, and market stalls throughout the park.

Local customs & good to know

• Buy a park and site tickets — Major sights like Turaida and Cēsis castles charge separate entry fees, so carry cash or card and check seasonal opening hours.
• Come in autumn for foliage — Late September to October transforms the valley into golden reds, the most celebrated and popular time to visit.
• Respect forest foraging etiquette — Picking berries and mushrooms is a cherished Latvian right, but stay on trails in protected zones and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Legend of the Rose of Turaida — Locals honor Maija, a young woman who chose death over betrayal; brides often leave flowers at her grave near Turaida church.

Nearby

• Turaida Castle — 12 km
• Gutmanis Cave — 12 km
• Krimulda Manor and Cable Car — 13 km
• Sigulda — 14 km