Home / News & Events / News and information

Summer Solstice in Gauja National Park 2024

07.06.2024
During the summer solstice, there is a magical feeling in the air, a verdant and blooming maturity in nature, and the most light-filled days.

Latvian folklore is the nation's wealth and we are proud of the preserved traditions that teach Latvian folk folklore to the younger generations during the summer solstice festival, which allows parents and grandparents to remember the fun of their youth and childhood.

An exciting program of summer solstice events is expected in the green cities and cultural and historical objects of the Gauja National Park. Let's celebrate Ligo holidays in the oldest national park in Latvia!

Already on June 15, feel the festive mood at the Summer Solstice celebration and market at the GARDU MUTI in Valmiermuiža brewery park. At the market, you will be able to meet many different traders from all over the world, who will have brought with them both summer delicacies, hearty bread, cheese, meat and drinks for all tastes, as well as beautiful jewelry, clothes and handicrafts. The masters of the Valmiermuiža brewery will have prepared various brews for the celebration.
 
On June 19, we will welcome a beautiful sunset at the Áraiši windmill accompanied by the music of Marta Ritova, Gints Smukais and Gustavs Kalējs. Bring a mat or a chair to sit on and a good mood. Entrance from pl. 7:30 p.m., concert starts at 8:00 p.m
 
On June 20, Summer Solstice in Mālpils will take place on the hill of "Saules vārti / Gate of the Sun" from 21:00 to 24:00. Soak up the festive mood and take part in traditional activities - braiding wreaths of holly and oak branches, lighting a midsummer bonfire, midsummer games and dancing, performance of Nila Īle's ethnopercussion group "ZemeDunn" and procession of torches and rolling of the wheel of fire.
 
On June 20, the master class of weaving wreaths at the campsite "Leiputrija" at 19:00. Application and more info by calling 29454764.
 
On June 21, the sound of the summer solstice in the Turaida Museum Reserve from 16:00 to 21:00. A walk in the meadow of Jāņkalns, learning about St. John's wort, together with Margita Porieti, head of the Folklore Commission of the Latvian Society of Riga, and museum teacher Ija Kivlina. The master class of the herbal wife Līga Reiteres - in recipes and traditions of St. John's wort. Singing the mean songs of the medicine wife Līga Reiteres together with "Kocinkapella". The magical sounds of bagpipes. Midsummer's games and dances together with Anita Feldmani and members of the senior dance group "Sidrabdancis" of Sigulda County Culture Center "Siguldas Devons" interclass - in the recipes and traditions of Midsummer's Hall.
 
on June 21 at 20:00 enjoy the classic - the movie "Limousine in the color of Midsummer's Eve" in the open-air cinema in Ozolkaln! The organizers of the event will take care of the mood by lighting bonfires and offering a chair lift excursion in the Gauja valley. Bring picnic blankets/chairs.
 
on June 21 from 3:30 AM to 7:00 AM Solstice Sunrise Boat Adventure on the Guja River. The Boards You team organizes a boat trip in the Gauja mouth from the Regional Research Center in Carnikava to the mouth of the Gauja river in the Baltic Sea. After the adventure together, a healthy and invigorating Boards You breakfast made at home and warmed up with a warm herbal tea.
 
On June 21, Laser Tag Polygon in Sigulda is organizing an Open League night game! Event 21:30 - 23:00. From all those who want to play, who will come, 2 teams of equal number will be formed. No previous laser tag experience is required! P.S. Jānis and Līgas play for free.
 
Gain energy and strength while boating in Gauja, whose shores are surrounded by mighty sandstone outcrops. The sections Līgatne - Sigulda and Cēsis - Līgatne are among the most popular sections of the river, and for good reason - the views are fascinating and never cease to amaze! During the Līga holidays, Makaras tourism agency offers boat rentals for the Līgatne - Sigulda route for 4-6 hours, the adventure starting at Sigulda beach at 10:00 am. As well as the Cēsis - Līgatne route boat rental for 3 - 4 hours, starting the adventure at Kanoe camping in Līgatne at 11:00 a.m. Boat rental 60 Eur.
 
As the Ligo holiday approaches, the chef of the Mālpils manor restaurant, Aija Gabrāne, will prepare the delicious Midsummer cheese and strawberry chutney! Until May 17th, you can apply for this delicacy at Mālpils manor and reserve Midsummer cheese and strawberry chutney prepared by Mālpils manor restaurant. It will be possible to receive the delicacies at the manor from June 20 to June 22. Contact information: 26666600 and info@malpilsmuiza.lv
 
Summer solstice events, including markets, lighting and green balls, in Sigulda, Cēsi and Valmiera counties:
 


Back to top