Sigulda is a small town in the Gauja National Park, just 50 km from Riga. The city is especially beautiful in autumn with its hiking and biking trails and hills offering stunning views of nature.
1. Sigulda medieval castle and new manor complex
Since 2013, the development of the Sigulda Castle Quarter began in Sigulda. Today, it houses workshops for artisans and artists where you can learn new skills and buy souvenirs.
2. Pikene cliff and Small Devil’s Cave
Being a 1-km long picturesque stretch of the right bank of the Gauja, the sandy Pikene cliff represents a natural spot with numerous gorges and several caves, covered with nationally protected woods. Murmuring streams flow down from it, forming a small waterfall, which turns into an icefall in winter.
3. Krimulda
Krimulda is located on the hill on the right bank of the Gauja, on the opposite side from Sigulda. This is one of the most famous historical places in Latvia.
4. Pedestrian bridge over the Gauja
The bridge over the Gauja was opened in 1979 aiming to establish a circular route through the ancient valley of the Gauja, allowing visitors to see the picturesque Devil’s Rocks and the cave from the opposite bank.
5. Paradise Mountain (Artists’ Mountain)
This picturesque place in Sigulda is meant for those who are into nature and art.
From the mountain, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Gauja National Park and the Veiupite River with a viewing range of 12 km.
6. Krauklu (Ravens) gorge and cave
Geological and geomorphological monument of nature, on the slope of the Veiupite ravine, a tributary of the Gauja, was formed in dark red sandstone during the Middle Devonian. Its maximum height is 11.5 meters.
7. Satezeles Canyon
A well-maintained nature trail that overlooks Sigulda from the Sateseles castle mound goes down to the spring, taking you to the canyon.
8. Kalkugravas (Mežmuižas) springs
Kalkugravas (Mežmuižas) is an amazing place in the Sigulda region. Spring water creates calcareous tuff, and the water in the pond does not freeze even in winter. After rain, you can count as many as 14 springs here.
9. Bobsleigh track in Sigulda
The bobsleigh track in Sigulda has been open since 1986, being one of the few tracks in the world accessible not only to professional athletes, but also to public.
Visitors can get to the observation deck with a panoramic view of the ancient valley of the Gauja river, the city and the bobsleigh track.
Material prepared by Juliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)
