Best Places to Shoot Photos in the Gauja National Park

Overview
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Gauja National Park is included in Natura 2000 — the network of protected areas across the European Union.

It is a place where a large variety of habitats and species, and a large number of plants, birds, and animals are found within a relatively small area (dense populations). Relatively often one can find species here, which are rare and scattered over a large area elsewhere in Europe. The primeval valley of the River Gauja (with its lateral tributaries and primeval valleys of other tributaries — Amata, Brasla), which is shaped by the glacier, is among the most impressive terrain forms in the Baltics, which was an important pre-condition for people to settle down here. The local natural conditions have affected and contributed to the development of very diverse heritage monuments (hillforts, medieval castles, lake fortresses, manors, manor parks, etc.), which have developed a unique landscape over the course of time thanks to the interaction of man and nature. The dense network of trails, accessibility of area, and rivers open for canoeing are yet another reason, why it is easy to travel, learn, and take photos at any period of the year!

What is best seen in Gauja National Park over the course of a year

I	Views of ravines and river valleys (leafless period)
II	Frozen waterfalls, snow-covered landscapes, frost, winter sports disciplines
III	Footprints of animals in snow, early signs of spring in the nature
IV	Spring floods, floating ice, water tourists on the River Amata — mid-April, while bird migration, early mushrooms in late April
V	Blooming bird-cherry trees, dandelion meadows, birds, animals, spring plants
VI	Plant diversity. Heritage monuments, settlements
VII	Canoeing on the Rivers Gauja or Brasla. River views. Various habitats, heritage monuments
VIII	Mushrooms, bird migration
IX	Mushrooms, bird migration
X	Golden leaves of autumn on the banks of the primeval valley of the River Gauja, at the end of October — migration of salmon-like fish
XI	Sandstone outcrops and related habitats and landscapes
XII	Views of ravines and river valleys (leafless period)

	1. Vicinity of Velnala Cave in Krimulda Primeval valley of the River Gauja with a scenic sandstone outcrop from the other side of the river, and a view from the top of the cliffs. Sunshine over the cliff at sunset.
	2. Sigulda Local Skiing Track Since the slope of primeval valley of the River Gauja has been deforested, photos can be taken both on foot, and from the cable car. Best views are granted before noon.
	3. Sigulda Cable Car Views over the primeval valley of the River Gauja from the only cable car in Latvia.
	4. Sigulda Open-air Stage and Castle of Livonian Order in Sigulda An excellent view over the primeval valley of the River Gauja and Turaida Castle.
	5. Mound Paradīzes (Gleznotājkalns) View over the primeval valley of the River Gauja northward during the whole day and towards Turaida Castle. Sunshine playing beautifully over the landscape at sunset.
	6. Turaida Museum Reserve Dainu Hill offers beautiful sights towards Turaida Castle, Turaida Lutheran Church, manor houses. One of the most impressive views over the primeval valley of the River Gauja is offered from the tower of Turaida Castle.
	7. Līgatne Nature Trails With a telephoto, pictures of several animals living in Latvia can be taken.
	8. Līgatne Village Industrial heritage hand in hand with man-made circumstances —the valley of the rapid River Līgatne and sandstone outcrops.
	9. Historic build-up on Skolaskalns and Rīgaskalns in Līgatne Cultural environment of the workers in 19th century. The only one of such type in Latvia.
	10. Ānfabrika Cliffs A beautiful view from the cliff and its viewing platform over the historic village of Līgatne Paper Mill. Fish ladder on the River Līgatne, where the migration of salmon can be photo-shoot in autumns.
	11. Ķūķu Cliffs A viewpoint with a magnificent landscape of one of the largest sandstone outcrops in Latvia and Ķūķu Rapids. Particularly eye-catching in autumn or winter, when frozen waterfalls are formed here. Beautiful sights in early morning hours, at sunrise.
	12. Waterfalls of River Meldrupīte Facilitated place with three waterfalls. Fish jumping over the waterfalls during the migration of salmon-like fish. Illuminated park in the dark evenings of autumn and winter.
	13. Valley of the River Amata One of the most beautiful valleys of small rivers in Latvia with a large number of sandstone and dolomite rock outcrops. Most precious landscapes towards/from Ainavu Cliff, Ķaubju Rock and Zvārte Rock, as well as in the section of the River Amata from Zvārte Rock to Veclauču Bridge. At macro level you can take photos of moss, lichen, and fern species growing on the outcrops. Various species of birds living in the forests. Traces of beavers.
	14. River Gauja between Cēsis and Līgatne Most beautiful section of the river in terms of the number of sandstone outcrops and landscape sights. Interesting views from the river. Various species of water birds, including the kingfisher.
	15. Vicinity of Āraiši One of the few places, where very different heritage objects are located — Āraiši Lake Fortress, ruins of the Livonian Order Castle, Drabeši Manor, Āraiši Windmill, and Zviedru Pine — within a relatively small area. Located over a rolling terrain with smaller roads and interesting viewpoints on the way. Suitable place to take photos of winter sights.
	16. Views in the vicinity of “Ozolkalns” and “Žagarkalns” Excellent views over the primeval valley of the River Gauja from the skiing tracks (the trees and their leaves do not cover the view over the primeval valley).
	17. Cīrulīšu Nature Trails On the slope of the valley wall of the River Gauja — an oxbow lake with bluish, perfectly clear water, which is like a mirror to the Cīrulīšu Cliffs (also Spoguļklintis or the Mirror Cliffs). Traces of beavers, photo-shooting of the wild nature.
	18. Lake Ungura Largest lake of Gauja National Park with landscapes of nearby vicinity. Interesting plant communities to photo-shoot while boating.
	19. Ungurmuiža Manor A particularly scenic place. Park with old oaks with interesting species of polypores. Suitable place to take photos of the culture landscape, and species of mushrooms and insects.
	20. The Old Town of Cēsis Among the few places in Latvia, demonstrating medieval build-up elements and medieval street planning within a relatively small area. Excellent place to study architecture and its elements.
	21. Ērģeļu (Ērgļu) Cliffs Most monolith sandstone outcrop in the Baltic States. Beautiful view over the primeval valley of the River Gauja.
	22. Veselava Manor Excellent manor premises from the 19th century with a restored master’s house and a park.
	23. Līču–Laņģu Cliffs A place where close to a settlement there is the wild nature demonstrating active geological processes — erosion, suffusion. Large outcrop with specific geological forms.
	24. Valmiera Town closely merging the man-made environment with the nature. The tower of St Simon’s Church of Valmiera and the top of Mound Valterkalniņš offers beautiful views over the old town. Magnificent landscapes are seen near Kazu Rapids, the bridge over Gauja, and Livonian Order Castle ruins. The steep banks of the River Gauja have been inspirational to many artists. Here one can watch the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises while listening to nightingales and other birds.
	25. Liepas Ellīte Extraordinary geological formation for Latvia — atypical arches, caves, and rare suffusion and erosion forms.
	26. Sietiņiezis Cliff Nearby — nice pine forests, view towards the primeval valley of the River Gauja. The outcrop is not homogenous — there are interesting geological forms, site of the single bee colonies.
	27. Lake Vaidavas Steep banks covered with wood and such objects like Vaidava Hillfort, spring, etc.