Līgatne cellar caves and cliffs

Līgatne cellar caves and cliffs offer a unique opportunity to put yourself in the shoes of an explorer to find out how more than 300 artificial caves, which surprise with their shape and labyrinths, were created.

The sandstone cliff rocks that glisten golden, reddish and grey in the sunlight formed from sand and clay sediments accumulated by flowing water. Over the time they settled and compressed, forming these majestic and robust cliffs!

Roaming the caves and pressing your palms against the sandy walls, you can imagine how the ancient people bustled in this underground labyrinth.

This unusual place has been a saviour of many generations as it provided a storage space for the necessary provisions. The unchanging temperature in the Līgatne cellar caves makes them fit for food and beverage storage.

Free of charge

Facts

• The sandstone rocks formed 350–370 million years ago
• The sandstone cave system consists of 333 joint and individual cellars
• The longest sandstone cave system is Remdenkalns Hill, or Beiwerkas Cave. It is 59 m long and consists of 28 cellars
• The first cellar caves were carved around 1770
• The last cellar caves were carved in the 1970s
• Beer cellars are located at Skolas hill, Rīgas Hill, Ķiberkalns Hill, Remdenkalns Hill, the vicinity of Strautu iela, and on the banks of the Līgatne and Gauja Rivers
• In autumns and winters several of the caves serve as shelter for bats

Services

• Guide services available with prior booking at Līgatne Municipality Tourism Information Centre (address: Spriņģu iela 2, Līgatne, phone: +371 64153169, +371 29189707; e-mail: info@visitligatne.lv). Cost: from EUR 2.50 to EUR 4.00. Guide services with prior booking available on weekdays and upon request on weekends

For your convenience

• Free parking in the Līgatne city centre
• Picnic spot by the Līgatne River. Payment must be made at Līgatne Tourism Information Centre (address: Spriņģu iela 2, Līgatne, phone: +371 64153169, +371 29189707; e-mail: info@visitligatne.lv)
• Accessible to people with disabilities (with a companion only)

Other information

• Some of the ancient caves are still in use today, but they can be visited in the accompaniment of a knowledgeable and experienced guide only to make sure that the necessary nature protection and safety rules are met

Other nearby attractions

• Fish Spawn Trail
• Anfabrikas Cliff. 17 m high red cliff. The rectangular holes at the bottom of the cliff are abandoned cellars that were once used for storing wine and food products. Address: Spriņģu iela, Līgatne. GPS: Lat: 57.230908; Lon: 25.046237