Gauja National Park

There are more than 500 cultural and historical monuments, from ancient hill forts and medieval brick castles to churches, manor houses, watermills, windmills, and other archaeological, architectural, and art monuments. The Gauja National Park includes the nature-surrounded city of Sigulda, the romantic city of Cēsis and the green and dynamic city of Valmiera.

Green and dynamic Valmiera

You may decide to start exploring Gauja National Park in Valmiera, an active, bustling town through which the Gauja River flows serenely. You will find amazing landscapes in the open air of the city and capture the ancient feeling in the historic buildings.

Gauja River Steep Banks is one of the most picturesque and beautiful places at the shores of Gauja. St. Simon Church of Valmiera has witnessed many historical events and if you climb to the top of the church tower, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the town. And if it’s a clear day, you may even see Zilaiskalns (Blue Hill) in the distance, about which so many legends have been told. Close to Valmiera city, you can find Sietiņiezis Rock - the largest and one of the most beautiful sandstone outcrops in Latvia. Like a luxurious and beautiful sandstone castle designed by nature itself.

In Valmiermuiža Manor, you will have an opportunity to learn about the historical events of this place, see the tower of manor castle, relax in the shadow of trees in the park and go on horseback to a former hunting park. The hospitality of Valmiermuiža Manor invites travellers to stop for a hearty meal and a glass of delicious beer, brewed in the adjoining brewery. 

Little Switzerland Sigulda

Sigulda is one of the biggest towns in Gauja National Park. Here, the old Gauja glacial valley reaches its maximum depth of 85 metres, so the natural sights are particularly spectacular. Sigulda is where the nature lives in the town, and is an integral part of it. The forest-covered valley of the River Gauja hides away many exciting, myth-enshrouded culture, history, and nature legends, as well as unique active leisure adventures. Valley of the River Gauja in Sigulda accommodates the eldest tourism object in the Baltic States — Gutman's Cave, which is the largest grotto cave in the Baltics. The mighty witnesses of the past — three castles standing at a shooting distance of a cannon from each other — Sigulda Castle, Turaida Castle and Krimulda Castle — are the first objects to be seen by travellers who have approached the primeval valley of the River Gauja. Events related to these castles date back to the 13th century when each bank of the River Gauja remained in the possession of different rulers — Riga Bishop and Order of Sword Brothers.

Romantic and historical Cēsis

Gauja National Park is unimaginable without the town of Cēsis. Founded approximately 800 years ago, it’s one of the most vivid medieval towns in Latvia. The Cēsis Old Town is a treasure that has retained its historical street layout. The impressive Cēsis Castle ruins attract visitors with the romantic appeal of their medieval architecture. All through the year there are exciting excursions in the Cēsis New Castle and Medieval Castle, where one can also have a try of the medieval crafts and games. 

An exciting adventure is the walk along Cīrulīši Nature Trails, which shall demonstrate you the development of the primeval valley of the River Gauja up until nowadays. While in the area, we suggest also seeing the majestic Ērgļu Cliffs. According to legend, an echo that bounced off of these rocks sounded like a pipe organ, leading to the name Ērģeļu Cliffs (Organ Cliffs), which eventually morphed into Ērgļu Cliffs (Eagle Cliffs).

Find more information about activities, accommodation options and tours on the website 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 !

Contact Enter Gauja office:

E-mail: info@entergauja.com

Mobile phone +371 28658900