News
Events
| 07 Sep - 14 Sep |
Gauja National park Travelers Days 2025 » |
To call Gauja National Park just a "park" is to sell it short. Spanning over 90,000 hectares, it is the country's largest and oldest national park, a sanctuary established in 1973 to protect the stunning Gauja River valley. But it is so much more than a protected territory. It is a destination that captures the very essence of Latvia—wild, beautiful, and steeped in stories. This is not a place you simply see; it's a world you step into and experience with all your senses. To truly understand its soul, you must begin with its lifeline: the Gauja River itself.
Everything you see in this magnificent valley owes its existence to the Gauja River. For 452 kilometers, it twists and turns, carving a deep, primeval path through the landscape, exposing dramatic, ancient sandstone cliffs and feeding the lush forests that cling to its banks.
To truly connect with the park, you must get on the water. Renting a canoe or kayak for a trip downriver from Cēsis or Līgatne to Sigulda is a decision that will transform your visit from a simple tour into a genuine adventure. From the river's perspective, the modern world melts away. The sound of traffic is replaced by the gentle splash of your paddle, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the cry of a distant bird of prey.
Rent kayaks, canoes from local companies in Gauja National park: Rāmkalni, Ozolkalns, Boards You, Kārļamuiža Country Hotel, Sigulda Adventures.
One moment, you’ll be drifting through a serene, mirror-like stretch of water, with ancient pine trees standing like silent sentinels on the shore. The next, you’ll be navigating a faster current, sweeping past a towering, 20-meter-high sandstone outcrop glowing fiery red in the afternoon sun. These cliffs, known as the Devonian sandstone outcrops, are the park’s geological signature. Formed around 350 million years ago, they are like the exposed bones of the earth, telling a story far older than any human castle. Paddling beneath them is a humbling experience, a powerful reminder of the sheer scale of geological time. For the ultimate immersion, consider an overnight trip, camping at a designated riverside spot. A small bonfire, the quiet flow of the river, and a brilliant canopy of stars create a memory of pure, unadulterated tranquility.
While nature provides the breathtaking stage, it is history that populates it with epic tales of knights, bishops, and star-crossed lovers. The Gauja River was once a critical trade route and a fiercely contested border, and the castles that loom over its valley are a testament to centuries of conflict and power.
Your journey through this history should undoubtedly include the Turaida Museum Reserve. This isn’t just one castle; it's a sprawling complex featuring the beautifully restored Turaida Castle, a historic wooden church, and a sculpture garden dedicated to Latvian folklore. Climb to the top of the main brick tower for a view that is simply staggering. From this vantage point, the Gauja valley unfurls below like a vast, green and gold carpet, stitched together by the silver thread of the river—a vista that has inspired awe for 800 years.
Turaida is also home to one of Latvia's most cherished legends: the tale of Maija, the Rose of Turaida. In the 17th century, this beautiful young woman, deeply in love with a local gardener, was tricked into a meeting at Gūtmanis Cave by a Polish officer who desired her. To protect her honor, Maija claimed a magic scarf she wore would make her invincible and dared the officer to test it. He struck her down, and she died as she had wished, pure and true to her love. This tragic, romantic tale infuses the entire area with a sense of poignant beauty.
Across the valley in Sigulda, another pair of castles demands your attention. Explore the rugged and evocative ruins of the Sigulda Medieval Castle, built in 1207 by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. As you walk the ancient stone walls, you can almost hear the clang of swords. Just a stone's throw away stands the New Castle of Sigulda, an elegant 19th-century manor house that now serves as a creative hub for local artisans. The contrast between the grim medieval fortress and the stately manor paints a perfect picture of the region's layered past.
Venture further upstream to Cēsis, a town that feels like the historical heart of the entire region. The Cēsis Castle Complex is arguably the most impressive and best-preserved in all of Latvia. Once the master residence for the powerful Livonian Order, it offers a uniquely authentic visitor experience. You’ll be handed an old-fashioned lantern with a real candle to explore the dark, winding staircases of the Western Tower. With only the flickering candlelight to guide you, the cool air smelling of stone and damp earth, you will feel as if you’ve stepped directly into the Middle Ages. It’s an unforgettable, atmospheric journey into the past.
Rising above the tranquil waters of Lake Bīriņi, the Neo-Gothic splendor of Bīriņi Castle whispers of romance, elegance, and the faded grandeur of 19th-century Latvia. Once the heart of an estate designed as much for beauty as for function, it is surrounded by sweeping gardens, ornate parkland, and a serene lake that reflects its pale pink façade like a dream caught in glass. Today, visitors wander its halls and grounds not only in search of history, but also to touch the atmosphere of timeless grace that still lingers in its stones and waters.
History in Gauja isn't just confined to stone walls; it's whispered from the very earth itself. The river's patient work has created not just cliffs, but a network of caves and grottoes, each with its own story.
The most famous of these is Gūtmanis Cave (Gūtmaņa ala), the largest grotto in the Baltic States. This massive, wide-mouthed cavern is a natural archive. Its walls are covered in centuries of inscriptions—names, dates, and coats of arms left by visitors going back to the 1600s, creating a living guestbook of history. A spring flowing from the cave was once believed to have healing properties, and it was here, according to legend, that the Rose of Turaida met her tragic end. Standing inside, looking out at the green forest, you feel a deep connection to the countless souls who have sought shelter, healing, or reflection in this sacred place.
Be sure not to miss the other incredible geological formations. A short drive away is the magnificent Sietiņiezis Rock. This sprawling white sandstone formation is one of the most beautiful in Europe, riddled with small caves, alcoves, and pillars that resemble a giant piece of natural honeycomb. The network of wooden boardwalks allows you to get up close, to touch the soft, sandy stone and marvel at the intricate patterns carved by millions of years of wind and water.
Līgatne Winery offers a unique wine tasting experience in the historic Lustūzis sandstone cave, located in the heart of Gauja National Park. Visitors can enjoy a selection of berry and fruit wines, complemented by local cow cheese, all under the warm glow of candlelight.
Beyond the rich history and serene nature, Gauja roars with the thrill of modern adventure. Sigulda, in particular, has rightfully earned its reputation as Latvia's adventure capital, using its dramatic landscape not just for contemplation, but for pure exhilaration.
Take a ride on the iconic Sigulda Cable Car, which has been gliding across the 1,025-meter span over the Gauja River since 1969. The view from the bright yellow car is spectacular, offering a bird's-eye perspective of the three castles and the vast forest canopy. For true adrenaline junkies, this same cable car is the launching point for bungee jumping—a heart-stopping plunge towards the river below.
If freefalling isn't your style, you can experience the sensation of flight at the Aerodium, a vertical wind tunnel where powerful turbines lift you into the air in a safe and controlled environment. It’s a unique, thrilling, and surprisingly accessible activity for all ages.
For those who prefer adventure on the ground, the park is crisscrossed by an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails. A visit to the Līgatne Nature Trails is an absolute must. This is not a zoo, but a huge, forested enclosure where you can observe native Latvian wildlife—bears, lynx, elk, deer, and wild boar—living in spacious, naturalistic habitats. The 5-kilometer trail offers a fantastic opportunity to see animals that are incredibly elusive in the wild.
The magic of Gauja extends into the charming towns nestled within its borders. Sigulda is the bustling hub, the gateway for most visitors, full of hotels, restaurants, and adventure operators.
Cēsis, however, offers a different, more tranquil pace. Its enchanting Old Town, with its cobbled streets, romantic parks, and beautifully preserved wooden houses, invites you to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. It feels less like a tourist town and more like a living, breathing community with a deep sense of its own history.
Then there is Līgatne, a town with a fascinating secret. For decades, it was known for its historic paper mill. But hidden 9 meters beneath a rehabilitation center was one of the Soviet Union's best-kept secrets: a 2,000-square-meter underground bunker. Built to shelter Latvia’s communist elite in the event of a nuclear war, this perfectly preserved relic of the Cold War is now open for tours. Walking its stark corridors, past rooms filled with gas masks and direct communication lines to the Kremlin, is a chilling and unforgettable experience—a layer of modern history hidden right beneath the idyllic park.
Gauja National Park is more than just a destination on a map; it's an experience that stays with you. It is uniquely, fiercely, and beautifully Latvian. It’s a place where you can paddle down a river carved millions of years ago, explore a medieval castle, and tour a Cold War bunker all in the same trip. It’s where you can listen for the whispers of a legendary love story and the cheers of a modern adventurer in the same valley.
So, when you come to Latvia, make your way to Gauja. Come to walk its ancient forests, to paddle its winding river, to climb its castle towers, and to listen to its many stories. Come and discover the place where Latvia's wild, ancient, and adventurous heart beats the strongest. Your adventure is waiting!
Explore Gauja National park in your own slow pace, or together with local guides or with a digital guide - Latvian Routes. Latvian routes that offers adventurous routes across Latvia on foot, by bike, or via car. These trails cater to both casual explorers and seasoned adventurers.
Discover Gauja National park together with Impro Travel and Estravel.
Stay overnight in Gauja National park in cozy, comfortable accommodations surrounded by nature.
Hotel Sigulda – A historic 19th-century hotel with modern comforts, located in the town center near Sigulda Castle. Guests enjoy a spa complex, cozy rooms, and a restaurant serving Latvian and European dishes.
Spa Hotel Ezeri – A lakeside wellness hotel offering indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and spa treatments. Perfect for relaxation after exploring Gauja National Park’s trails.
Aparjods Hotel & Restaurant – A rustic wooden complex set in an apple orchard with a renowned restaurant and wine cellar. It provides a peaceful stay with sauna and outdoor spa bath options.
Ziedlejas Glass Rooms – Unique glass-walled eco-lodges surrounded by nature for stargazing and digital detox. Each has modern comforts like heated floors and a private terrace.
Kārļamuiža Country Hotel – An elegant manor in the Amata Valley offering spacious suites with kitchenettes. Its restaurant features seasonal local cuisine, and the surroundings are rich in hiking trails.
Žagarkalns Campsite – A riverside campsite near Cēsis, open in summer, with canoe and SUP rentals. It emphasizes a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with good facilities.
Apaļkalns Campsite – Situated by Lake Raiskums, it offers cabins, tent spots, and boating activities. The site is peaceful and ideal for swimming, fishing, and cycling.
Hotel Wolmar – A stylish 4-star hotel in Valmiera with spa, sauna, and a restaurant. Each room is individually designed, making it a comfortable base near the Gauja River.
Vanadziņš House – A charming boutique hotel in the Old Town of Cēsis, offering seven modern rooms with en-suite bathrooms and cozy amenities. Guests can enjoy Michelin rescomended Northern-inspired cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which opens onto a lovely courtyard terrace.
Article prepared by Codnity Creative and Gauja National Park Tourism Association
Advertising co-financed with EU financial support in the project “Gaujas Nacionālā parka ilgtspējīgs tūrisma galamērķis EnterGauja+”
.jpg?w=144&h=96&mode=crop)
