Enjoy autumn splendor in Gauja National Park

Autumn is the time of colors, when the maples and birches in the valley of the Gauja river, around the majestic castles, in the parks and in the mountains are as if gilded. The fresh autumn air is in addition to the picturesque views.

The entire land is covered by the spectrum of autumn colors: yellow ‒ red ‒ orange ‒ green! There are many hiking trails in Gauja National Park that offer views of cliffs, caves, rivers, lakes and many other natural objects . The trees on the rocks are dressed in yellow and red!

A very nice 12-kilometer hiking trail, whose name translates as Valmiera between the four bridges, runs along the golden banks of the Gauja river, in autumn colors, and passes many of the most noteworthy and popular sights of the city. The river Gauja paints the city with its flow like an artist's brush. In some places, its banks intertwine with the rapid flow of the river in an intense color palette, in other places, other colors can be felt in the calm painting of nature.

If you climb the tower of St. Simon's Church in the center of Valmiera , you can admire the city from a bird's eye view. In clear weather you can even see Zilaiskalns (Blue Mountain), about which many legends are told.

In the Cecīļu nature trail , on the banks of the Kumada and Amata rivers, you will feel like you are on a lonely autumn island. Dančupite Canyon and Cave in the Gauja Valley, a miniature waterfall, the impressive Cecīļu Rock and the Cecīļu Pine proudly reveal themselves to visitors, dressed in orange and yellow. Here hikers can have a nice picnic and learn about legends and stories.

You can also go to the Cīrulīš nature trails on the outskirts of Cēsis . There you will learn about the ancient Gauja Valley from prehistoric times to the present day. The Mirror Rock is wonderfully reflected in the water of the swamp, small waterfalls flow from the streams, and the story of the Bride's Cave convinces us again of the power of love, but the Cīrulīš Cave is also called an abyss.

From the Sigulda castle quarter nature trails lead to sandstone outcrops, caves, springs and streams. The routes are 5 - 15 kilometers long and lead to unique places. You have to overcome steep ups and downs to see them, but what a beautiful adventure you will remember later! The old glacier area of ​​Gauja extends to a depth of 85 meters in Sigulda and creates a majestic view, where the mist mysteriously shadows the river and forests. Paradise Hill and the Emperor's Chair are easily accessible. From there, the view of the golden autumn landscape opens up to a distance of 12 kilometers.

The beginning of autumn also offers something unusual. Līgatne is a fish spawning channel . There you can see one of the most intimate acts in nature - the spawning of salmon and trout. The fish spawning trail starts at the Ānfabrikas bank , which stretches towards the sky like a castle tower, and continues along the Līgatne river to the Lustūža rock. In October and November, fish move to spawning grounds. From above, it is good to see how the fish move in the water and carefully choose the place to spawn.

Nature trails in Gauja National Park HERE

History buffs might be interested in the hiking trail through Āraiš. This three-kilometer circuit runs through the archaeological park of the historic Āraiš Lake Fortress , offering a unique trip into the past and plenty to explore. The park is 9-10. century AD lake settlement, the only reconstruction of its kind in Europe and some remarkable stone and bronze age dwellings. The Āraiš lake bird completely merges with nature in autumn!

Candlelight goes very well with autumn! Explore the medieval castle of Cēsis by candlelight! Visitors are given candles and can walk up the narrow staircase of the west tower, which offers an unforgettable view of Cesis Castle Park and the city in autumn colors.

Visit castles and manors in Gauja National Park HERE

After hiking and discovering the gilded autumn fairy tale, the SPA and very special bathhouses await you . Rituals organized by Ziedlejas sauna masters give strength, peace and, above all, unforgettable experiences. Ziedleja has a glass-walled sauna with its soothing nature views. However, the smoke sauna exudes antiquity, and the wool sauna has a very special interior construction and spiral design.

Annas Design Hotel & SPA offers a wide range of relaxing massages and procedures for both body and inner and outer beauty. The uplifting SPA rituals also include baths, a pool and a sauna. Rehabilitation center Krimulda is located in the manor building and pampers its guests with various water and mud procedures and rehabilitation services. Water treatments, underwater massage, pearl and aroma bath and much more are offered! SPA Hotel Ezeri will help you get rid of tension and fatigue and restore a lively attitude to life, offers a wide range of body treatments and massages, swimming pools and two types of sauna. Rixwell Segevold Hotel welcome to SPA with 2 saunas, a hot tub and a swimming pool.

SPA treatments in Gauja National Park HERE

Autumn must be enjoyed with all your senses! Not only with sight, touch, smell, but also with taste! Excellent flavors can be found in seasonal products - berries and wild mushrooms grown in the garden and in the field. To enjoy local and authentic flavors, visit Valmiermuiža beer kitchen, Aparjodi restaurant and Ungurmuiža manor restaurant. Every second Sunday, the merchants at Straupe Hansaturu surprise you with a large selection of home-grown organic products.

Restaurants and Cafes in Gauja National Park HERE

Visiting Gauja National Park in autumn, observe the unique play of colors of tree leaves, their picturesque reflection in lakes and rivers, and enjoy the idyllic smell of maple leaves in the crisp air! All this can be enjoyed during a pleasant walk, hike, boat trip, cycling, horse riding and cable car ride, as well as on a Ferris wheel or on an adventure trail attached to the trees.

But that's not the only reason to visit the country's oldest and largest national park. The park is also a place where modern and cozy guesthouses, restaurants and leisure facilities live side by side with the legends of the past.

Look for great events of art, gastronomy and fun HERE

Gauja National Park was established in 1973. The park covers an area of ​​over 90,000 hectares and protects the most beautiful part of the Gauja river valley between Valmiera and Murjāņi. Gauja National Park has more than 500 cultural and historical monuments, from ancient mountain fortresses and medieval stone fortresses to churches, manors, water and windmills and other archaeological, architectural and artistic monuments. Come and get to know them more! Find more information about vacation opportunities in Gauja National Park at  www.entergauja.com .

Taking care of its visitors, Enter Gauja has created a special and easy-to-use mobile app - Enter Gauja, which simplifies your stay in nature and allows you to comfortably navigate the territory of the Gauja National Park. Download it here !