One day around Cēsis

Get to know the charming old town of Cēsis, stroll along the cobbled streets, explore the unique architecture, and enjoy a gastronomic adventure in one of the town's cafes or restaurants.

Transport to and from Cēsis

Cēsis is only 90 km from Rīga – it takes less than two hours to go there by car. Use A2 highway. 

The train to Cēsis plies the route Rīga – Cēsis – Valga (EST). From Cēsis by train, without changing you can reach the nearest towns: Valmiera, Sigulda, Līgatne, and Valka / Valga (EST).

Rīga International Airport is located 105 km from Cēsis. There is no direct transport route from the airport “Rīga” to Cēsis, but it is possible to use taxi services, car rentals or public transport. Bus No.22 has direct services between the airport and Rīga city centre. For getting from Rīga city centre to Cēsis you can use the bus or train transport services. It is also possible to get to Cēsis from the center of Riga by bus. 

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About Cēsis

Cēsis is situated in the northern part of the Vidzeme Heights, in the Gauja National Park. Therefore it is surrounded by woods and amazing natural scenery. The River Gauja with its rocky banks passes by Cēsis and the town is close to lowlands that are rich in lakes.

Cēsis is a completely different town than most of the towns in the Gauja National Park. Its history has been shaped by events that took place over 800 years.  Mound Riekstu, which was inhibited by the first-known inhabitants of Cēsis — the vendi — in the 9th century, is deemed the origin of the town.Later Cēsis became the central town of the Livonia, but nowadays, for more than hundred years, the town is an important centre of art and culture.

It is deemed the flag of Latvia comes from Cēsis. According to the Livonian Rhymed Chronicle, the armed forces of Cēsis Castle had carried a maroon-white-maroon flag in the battle near Riga in 1279. The first flag of Latvia is exhibited in the Cēsis New Castle.

The old town

You should definitely visit the old town of Cēsis. The town Cēsis conceals true pearls of architecture and history —  St John’s Church, Cēsis Medieval Castle, and Cēsis New Castle. You can walk along the cobblestone streets and watch the old wooden and stone buildings. 

Cēsis Castle Park offers a beautiful view on the Medieval castle and a nice calm atmosphere to relax while sitting on one of the park benches. The Maija Park allows watching the majestic life of the black swans. 

Visit St John’s Church  - One of the oldest and mightiest sacred buildings in Latvia. From its tower you can observe the panorama of Cēsis.

Delicious cakes created by master chefs can be enjoyed in cozy and designer rooms and outdoor terraces in the cafe "Kārumlāde", Smilga cakes&wine and H.E. Vanadziņš North restaurant next to these ancient and expressive buildings.

Cēsis New Castle and Medieval Castle

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.

Cēsis New Castle is home of the History and Art Museum, which tells about various interesting historical events and displays the ancient interior. Here one can ascend to the top of the Neo-gothic Lademacher Tower.

The museum displays a permanent interactive history exhibition “Cēsis — a symbol of the history of Latvia”. On interactive screens you can pick a topic which you are most interested in.

Visiting Cēsis Medieval Castle is a travel back in time with tours around the historic building and hands-on experience in enjoying entertainment and activities of ancient people.

The guided excursion with a castle servant will take you around the castle with bright lanterns in your hands. You will be also shown the Western Tower and the living room of the master,  proud of unique interior from the 16th century with a luxurious star vault. The attic reveals a breath-taking view over the rest of castle ruins, castle-front, park, and the town.

Built in the 19th century by the owner of Cēsis Castle Manor Carl Gustav von Sievers, the Cēsis Castle Park with its imposing travertine steps, artificial pond, boat pier, and romantic gazebos makes for a picturesque leisure place all year round.

Nature Trails 

The walking route “Cīrulīši Nature Trails” will lead you beyond the borders of the town and shall demonstrate some of the things off the beaten track. The Cīrulīši Nature trails along the Gauja River captivate with their unusual relief and the diversity of nature. Here you can see many interesting nature objects.

Another interesting object of sightseeing shall also be the Sarkanās Cliffs and the spring Rūcamavots emerging from the ground with such power one can even hear it slightly roaring (spring’s name in Latvian means “the roaring spring”).

A 12-minute drive from the old town of Cēsis are the mighty Ērgļu Cliffs, which you should definitely include in your travel plan. Ērgļu Cliffs are among the most beautiful cliff outcrops in Latvia. These are long sandstone cliffs, at the feet of which there is a white sand beach. The energetic surrounding landscapes can be seen from the viewing platforms established above the cliffs.

Local guides

If you want to see and learn about Cesis through the eyes of the locals, plan a hike with a Cesis Inside. Both on known routes and on lesser-known trails. With stories about nature, city tours to see both the history and the city from a local perspective. 

“Power Journey” guides will take you on adventures repleted with nature and new experiences.If desired, cultural and historical sites and craft workshops can also be added to the trip. With Power Journey, you can go where you've never been before and see what you've never seen before.

Boat trips

The cliffs look even more impressive and higher when viewed directly from the river, and that is why they can be added to the Gauja National Park boat route. If you want to take a boat trip along the picturesque Gauja river look here and find boat rental companies.

If you decide to stay in this charming city for another day, here are our recommendations for accommodation:

After an eventful day, you can choose a place to stay from among the many special hotels and guest houses in Cēsis. Annas Hotel - a combination of natural materials and elegant design. Love for good things and closeness to nature make this place unique. Right on the doorstep, there are countless possibilities for spending time in a corner of nature that has preserved its primeval magic. Hotel H.E Vanadziņa house is located in Cēsis, in the heart of the old town. Here you can enjoy the peace and taste a meal inspired by the Nordic countries. In the guest house of the Ungurmuiža manor, you can stay in unique baroque buildings, take a walk in the spacious and ancient oak park, and enjoy meals made from local products in the manor's restaurant.

But if you want to stay in a campsite, Apaļkalns is just what you need. Enjoy nature, the lake and a peaceful holiday in this family-friendly campsite by Raiskums lake. Here it is possible to ride a boat or catamaran or with SUP boards. Camping "Žagarkalns" is located on the banks of Gauja, in a beautiful river bend, and its territory has a beach. Boat rides are offered to guests, and there is also a sand volleyball court, a children's playground, picnic areas and  "Gaujas Grill" with delicious dishes. If you want to take home unforgettable feelings, we recommend visiting the "Supervāvere" adventure park, which is located in the Ozolkans campsite. As you walk along the ropes high above the ground, you will enjoy stunningly picturesque and refreshingly green views of the Gauja primeval valley.