What’s new for families in Gauja National park

In the article learn more about new and thrilling places for family-holidays that will bring huge joy for kids and their parents.

Discover charming town and village on a sightseeing tours

Hop in Siguldiņš - the yellow hop–on hop-off tour bus equipped with audio guide in several languages - to discover the top places of Sigulda town. Sigulda has the title of Latvia’s small Switzerland. The special places you will see on the tour of 1h will showcase Sigulda town and Gauja National park: valley of river Gauja takes the breath away, manors and castles embody centuries of history, nature landscapes and objects are surrounded by legends.

Once you have visited Līgatne - it always stays in your heart. Līgatne sightseeing tour with restaurated retro minibus “Latvia” of 80s shows the visitors the historical, nature, unique characteristics of Līgatne village. During the retro tour learn the history of Līgatne paper mill, historical wooden houses, impressive sandstone outcrop cliffs and cellar caves, Līgatne ferry over Gauja river.

Tours available on Saturdays and Sundays from May to October. Departure every hour 10:00 - 18:00.

Enjoy even more faster zipline ride over river Gauja

This year Sigulda Adventures has prepared a new activity for those who want to feel adrenaline and enjoy breath-taking views at 100%. (Drum roll) Turbo Zipline! In the Turbo version, Zipline is equipped with an aviation turbine for extra power and an even faster and more exciting adventure - that will accelerate your flight up to 90 km/h. On the flight observe the winding and charming river Gauja and its valley in the height of 55 meters and length of 800 meters.

Sigulda Adventures provides a wide range of leisure activities - Zipline, Bungee jumping, Sigulda cable car drive, flight in wind tunnel Aerodium, E-bike rental, kayaking, canoeing and SUPing in river Gauja and Happy Ending brunch.

Explore Universe - go on a Mission in Space Education Centre

Opened in autumn of  2023 Cēsis Space Education Centre entertains and educates kids and families on themes Space and STEMS through interactive games, exhibition, role-play mission, science shows and camps. Space is closer than you think! Join us on a journey of exploration and discovery!

Neon lights, multimedia and adrenaline

The park also offers interesting recreation places that attract the eye with the splendor of colors. One of them is Fantasy Land “Neonija” in Valmiera where peaceful nature-like artistic objects are highlighted in  neon light and rooms are filled with sounds of birds and water. Another place revealing colour splendor is multimedial story displayed in one of the towers of Cēsis Medieval Castle reliving the most important historical events.

For fun family activities visit Leisure park Rāmkalni, Laser Tag Poligon Sigulda, Soviet Secret Bunker in Līgatne, Sigulda Footballgolf park.

Family-run pottery and workshops

Located in a scenic and well preserved corner of Gauja National park at shore of Vaidava lake Vaidava Ceramics invites on factory tour where clay of local Lode quarry turns into authentic tableware in hands of masters, offers to participate in thematic workshops and shop in Vaidava Ceramics concept shop.

Nature center that shows history of Gauja National Park

The creation and history of Gauja National park goes back more than 350 million years. Learn about the flora and fauna in Gauja National park Nature Centre opened in 2022. Change the course of the river with your own hands, find out what living creatures lived in which historical era and much more! It is necessary to apply in advance.

Gauja National park holds pristine nature, rich cultural historical heritage, exciting leisure parks, adventures and a variety of cultural events in territory of more than 90 000 hectares. Reserve several days to explore the legendary park. The park offers a wide choice of family-friendly accommodations. Whether they are hotels, cozy holiday houses and guest houses, nature surrounded campsites and glamping - the choice is yours!

Hotel Tigra in Priekuļi has all beauty of Gauja National park in near distance. Three star hotel has a wide variety of suites, runs a restaurant, offers bike rental and a SPA zone.

Hotel Wolmar located in the heart of Valmiera town holds not only four stars but also the historical name of the town. Interesting facts! The hotel is a miniature of the town - the corridors are given the names of city streets. The chirping of the parrot Charlie conjures up a true sense of nature’s uniqueness and beauty.

Holiday House “Sweetest House” located between Sigulda and Cēsis towns is nature surrounded and the name itself says a lot! combine two things that everyone is looking for – love and home. Neither can be too much and both together are a formula for happiness for each and every one of us. This house gives people peace, rest and comfort.

Let the bird songs be your alarm clock in picturesque landscape campsites at the banks of rivers and lakes. Campsite Ozolkalns hosts the guests in holiday houses, cottages and in the tents. Enjoy an outdoor picnic and picnic in sunset glass pavilions in the top of the valley. Additionally available sauna and raft rental.

You can find more information about holidays options in Gauja National Park on the website of the Gauja National Park Tourism Association https://www.entergauja.com.