tourism sigulda

10 Things to do in Sigulda, Latvia (Plus Amazing Pics!)

Updated December 4, 2020

// By Margherita

I’m sure you’ll know Riga – but have you ever heard of Sigulda, Latvia’s adventure capital? Sigulda is a great day trip from Riga, perfect for nature and adventure lovers, and the best place in Latvia to enjoy magical autumn colours!

If you only had time for one destination in Latvia besides Riga, make sure you pay a visit to Sigulda. It’s only an hour away from Riga, but you’ll feel as if you’d left the big city bustle well and truly behind – Sigulda is surrounded by beautiful nature and offers a variety of interesting things to do , that will please history lovers (did anyone say castles?) as well as nature and adventure junkies.

The first spectacular thing about Sigulda is its location . In a relatively flat country like Latvia, where hills are few and far between (let’s not forget that the highest point in the country is only 311 metres above sea level ), a place like Sigulda is a true rarity.

The town sits in an elevated position above the Gauja river valley, surrounded by forests which show their best when they turn golden, flaming red and deep orange – making Sigulda one of the best places in Latvia to enjoy autumn .

Having said that, don’t expect to have Sigulda all to yourself , especially if you’re visiting in autumn. Locals are well aware of how beautiful Sigulda is, and during the weekends the town is very popular with day trippers from Riga. Luckily, there’s an easy solution to this – visit during the week , and get ready for your visit with this selection of things to do in Sigulda, Latvia!

BTW, another place we loved in Latvia was a town called Aluksne, in the eastern part of the country. Give our Aluksne post a read to know more!

What to do in Sigulda, Latvia

1) visit sigulda’s medieval castle (and new castle).

Sigulda is famous for having not one, not two, but three castles – actually, four if you count the manor house across the river valley in Krimulda, which is currently closed to the public and only used as a rehab centre.

We started our Sigulda exploration with the oldest of the three castles – the Medieval Castle , also known as Castle of the Livonian Order . This castle was built in the 13th century by the Livonian Brothers , a fraternity of warrior-monks, whose mission was protecting their homeland of Livonia, roughly corresponding to modern-day Latvia.

The castle was damaged during the Polish–Swedish war, and it is now little more than a ruin. However, it is possible to climb to the Castle’s southern and northern towers , to enjoy views over the river valley and Turaida Castle just across, once home to the bishop who was the arch-nemesis of the Livonian Brothers.

Near the Castle of the Livonian Order, it is also possible to visit the New Castle , built in the 18th century. It was being be restored when we visited, but it should be open again by summer 2019. If you’re looking for souvenirs, make sure you also pay a visit to the workshops outside the New Castle, including a jewellery, a paper workshop and an ironsmith.

2) Enjoy the Best Views over Sigulda from Paradise Hill

If you are visiting Sigulda in autumn , chances are you’ll be looking for a place to enjoy views over the river valley painted with all shades of autumn. There are many panoramic places in Sigulda, but my favourite is definitely Paradise Hill , located about 30 minutes walk from Sigulda’s historic centre.

Paradise Hill is also known as Painter’s Hill , as it was a favourite destination of local artists for landscape scenes. Paradise Hill is a little tricky to find – the car park is right next to a cemetery, and you’ll have to walk a further 600 meters to get to the viewpoint itself, marked by wooden ‘umbrellas’ vaguely reminiscent of mushrooms.

Just keep going – this stunning view will be your reward!

3) Go Hiking in the Gauja River Valley

Once you reach Paradise Hill, don’t just turn back towards Sigulda after enjoying the views. Paradise Hill is the departure point for many hiking trails crossing the Gauja River Valley, which can keep you busy for as little as half an hour, or for the entire day.

We couldn’t resist checking out the river valley trails , and started hiking even though we did have so many more things to do in Sigulda. We ended up hiking for about an hour and a half, through the autumn-coloured forest and all the way to a red sandstone ravine.

We’d love to return to Sigulda and hike more – the town and surrounding area are probably Latvia’s prime hiking destination, so much so that Sigulda’s most popular souvenirs are walking sticks. There’s also a ‘walking stick’ park in the historic centre, where you can pose with pictures next to oversized walking sticks, painted green and red.

Planning to visit Latvia in summer? Have a look at our Latgale itinerary post , with plenty of cool outdoor activities and the best of Latvian nature!

4) Visit Peter or Gutmanis Cave

The Gauja river valley is rich in red sandstone , eroded over time by the action of glaciers, river and underground water springs. As a result, the valley presents several caves and rock formations – by far, the best known is Gutmanis Cave ( Gūtmaņa ala), which also holds the double record of being the largest cave in the Baltic countries , and the oldest tourism attraction in Latvia , visited since the 18th century.

Now, don’t expect Gutmanis Cave to be a Latvian equivalent of Mulu caves in Malaysia – it is only 18.8 meters deep, 12 meters wide and 10 meters high, but it still makes for an impressive sight surrounded by the forests of the Gauja river valley. The cave walls are full of graffiti and inscriptions dating from the 19th and early 20th century.

If you don’t have time to visit this cave, the smaller Peter’s Cave ( Petera ala) is only about 15 minutes hike from Paradise Hill through the forest.

5) Choose Your Favourite Adventure from Tarzan’s Adventure Park

All adventure lovers, big and small, shouldn’t miss the Tarzan Adventure Park , located on a hill overlooking the Gauja River Valley. Yes, that’s right – there are also wonderful panoramic views!

There are several activities to choose from around the park , suitable to ‘all adventure levels’ – if you really are an adrenaline junkie, you can opt for the ‘Big Swing’ or ‘Crazy Roller’ , basically a huge wheel with seats in the centre, which is rolled down a hill. If you prefer something less extreme, you can ride the cable car up and down the hill, or try your hand at archery or crossbow.

We started with a toboggan ride down the hill, and then decided to have a go at the ‘Human Catapult’ – you’re strapped into a harness attached to large elastics which are pulled to tension, then released, shooting you 20 meters into the air. Similar to a less extreme version of bungee jumping .

A really cool thing about Tarzan Adventure Park is that there’s no fixed entrance fee , rather you pay each attraction separately, making it ideal for mixed groups or people who enjoy different things. Prices start around €2-3 for archery and tobogganing, and rise to €6 for the Human Catapult and Big Swing.

6) Fly Over the River Valley on Sigulda Cable Car

By now I’m sure you’ll have realised that stunning views are not hard to come by in Sigulda . Paradise Hill was indeed my personal favourite, but it is closely followed by the Vagonin , Sigulda’s beloved cable car running up and down the river valley.

The cable car has been operating since 1969, and it connects Sigulda with Krimulda, on the other side of the river valley. It travels at a height of 43 meters, just higher than the treetops, offering the ideal vantage point to admire them in their flamboyant autumn colours. There’s a tree with a bear on top – don’t ask me why. See if you can spot it, the cable car runs just above it!

There’s only one cable car travelling back and forth across the valley, with departures once every 20 minutes from either side between 10 am and 6.30 pm during the summer, and from 10 am to 5 pm during the winter. If you purchase a return ticket, you’ll have to get out and queue again on the other side, and queues get very long during the weekend. So plan accordingly, or travel one way and hike back!

7) Visit Turaida Castle

The Sigulda Medieval Castle is wonderful indeed, but the real star attraction in my opinion is Turaida Castle , located across the river valley about 15 minutes drive from Turaida.

Don’t make the mistake we did, and think that a couple of hours will be enough to visit this castle. The grounds are expansive, and besides the main castle building located right on the edge of the river valley with (yes, you guessed it) wonderful views, there are also several other smaller buildings , containing exhibitions about life in the castle or Latvian history and culture in general.

We visited a homestead with an exhibition about the Livonians or Livs , Latvia’s native Finno-Ugric people. The last native Livonian speaker died in 2013 , marking the language as dead. We also wandered around a tiny wooden Lutheran church, and visited the grave of the Rose of Turaida , a legendary beautiful maiden who sacrificed herself in order not to betray her love.

If you’re visiting in autumn or spring , we recommend taking some time to walk around the Folksong Park , one of the places where the Singing Revolution took place, eventually leading to independence from the Soviets. The park contains sculptures by artist  Indulis Ranka , inspired by Latvia’s traditions and folklore.

8) Enjoy Latvian Food

Latvian food was one of the best surprises of our trip. We didn’t know anything about local food before travelling to the country – I mean, who has ever said ‘I fancy some Latvian’ tonight?

Latvian cuisine borrows from the Russian, Central European and Nordic traditions , with dishes like potato pancakes with salmon, dumplings and schnitzel often featured on menus. It also makes use of fresh, seasonal ingredients like freshwater fish, forest mushrooms and berries, creating unusual flavour combinations.

We had a delicious dinner at Aparjods , an elegant old-fashioned dining room with open fire not far from Turaida Castle. Nick opted for a schnitzel with mushroom sauce whereas I couldn’t resist ordering turbot with garlic butter, one of my favourite dishes. We also had a starter of fried black bread with a cheese and garlic sauce, and a chocolate cake for pudding – and the whole thing came under €50.

We also heard amazing things about Mr. Biskvits , a café with delicious cakes, and the Restaurant at Hotel Sigulda .

Things to do in Sigulda for our Next Visit

9) visit the sigulda bobsleigh track.

My greatest regret of our time in Sigulda was not heading to the bobsleigh and luge track , a massive six-storey complex where Olympians also train. Visitors can have fun descending the bobsleigh track on a regular bobsleigh during the winter (Nov-March), or on a wheeled bobsleigh in summer (May-Sept).

Sadly, we visited in October and rides were not available. Apparently, the view from the top of the bobsleigh track is also one of the best in Sigulda! Definitely add it to your list of things to do in Sigulda if you can!

10) Explore the Obstacle Tracks at Tarzan’s Adventure Park

Among the dozens of adventures you can have at Tarzan Adventure Park, there is one I really love – tree obstacle tracks! I already experienced obstacle tracks in Turku (Finland) and in the Moravian mountains (Czech Republic) and had an amazing time.

Sadly we only had a couple of hours to enjoy at the adventure park, so we had to give the obstacle track a miss. Next time!

Getting to Sigulda from Riga

• By Car – it takes about an hour to drive the 52 km separating Sigulda from Riga. Finding your way is really easy – just follow the A2 . Having your own car will also make it easier to travel around Sigulda, since the centre is compact but other points of interest like Paradise Hill and Turaida are a few km from the town.
• By Bus or Train – if you don’t have access to a car, it’s also possible to travel to Sigulda by bus or train. Both options take about one hour and cost around €3 – the only difference is that trains are about once every three hours, while buses depart hourly, making them a more convenient choice.

We would like to thank Linda and Lelde from LIAA -Investment and Development Agency of Latvia for supporting our autumn trip to Golden Latvia!

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12 best things to do in sigulda, latvia: travel guide for first-time visitors.

Disclosure : I was a complimentary guest of  Sigulda Tourism  and the Investment and Development Agency during my time here. All opinions and recommendations are my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

Although it’s located just an hour outside of Riga by train, Sigulda feels a world away, a charming town surrounded by gorgeous greenery and a surprising amount of adrenaline-pumping adventure activities. When my friend Chantell from Adoration 4 Adventure suggested we visited Latvia, I had no idea what to expect. I’d only heard of Riga, Latvia’s capital (which we visited as well), but it was Sigulda that surprised me. If you’re planning a visit to Latvia, Sigulda is not to be missed! It’s a perfect overnight trip or day trip from Riga. Keep reading to learn why you should visit plus all the best things to do in Sigulda, Latvia!

Table of Contents

The Best Things To Do in Sigulda, Latvia 

Learn about olympic history at the bobsleigh and luge track.

Fun fact: Latvians are excellent at the luge, bobsleigh, and skeleton, and Sigulda is home to the giant track where the Olympians train. The country has won a significant number of medals in these sports and Sigulda has hosted numerous championships over the years.

So, what’s so cool about this track anyway and what makes it one of the top Sigulda attractions? Well, not only is it over 1200 meters long, but it’s also six floors high. It’s one of the only tracks in the world that’s open to the public, where visitors can either walk down the track…or do a little bobsleighing of their own. They offer both summer and winter bobsleighing here, with sleds reaching speeds of 80-85 km (~50 miles) per hour! How’s that for a dose of adrenaline?

Get in touch with your inner child at Adventure Park Tarzans

I’m not going to lie – I was a tad bit surprised when we arrived at Adventure Park Tarzans . Not only were there tons of children around, but the park was also HUGE – the largest outdoor adventure park in the Baltics, I later found out.

Despite being a bit of a fraidy cat, I’m also an adrenaline junkie (you can totally be both, right?) so I was super excited when our tour guide Lelde told us we could pick which adventure activity to do. We warmed up a bit with the 40 km (~24 miles) per hour toboggan, winding our way down the track, desperately pulling the brake when it got “too fast.” I should clarify that this was a one person ride, and I was just a tad too brake-happy. Oops.

Afterward, Chantell and I opted to do the Crazy Roller together. It’s essentially a large wheel that rolls up and down a hill. Let’s just say our vocal cords got a little bit of…ahem, exercise. We finished up our adventure excursion with a chairlift back up the hill, which offered beautiful views of the Gauja Valley. This is definitely a side of Sigulda that is not to be missed!

Channel your princess powers at the castles

Despite being on the smaller side, Sigulda has an impressive THREE castles: Turaida Castle, The Sigulda Castle Complex (including both the Castle of the Livonian Order in Sigulda and Sigulda New Castle) and the Krimulda Historical Centre.

Turaida Castle

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To call Turaida a simple castle would be like calling Big Ben a clock. While there’s a beautiful stone castle on the Turaida grounds, it’s actually a museum reserve, containing both an estate and a castle, a large garden, a church and more. One of the most memorable parts of Turaida is easily the Rose of Turaida Memorial, in memory of a Latvian girl who sacrificed her life for love…think of it as the Latvian Romeo and Juliet story , with just as depressing of an ending. Anyway, you can easily spend half a day exploring the Turaida grounds – be sure not to miss the garden with the multi-faced statues.

The Castle of the Livonian Order and Sigulda New Castle

The Castle of the Livonian Order and Sigulda New Castle are located within walking distance of each other, despite the fact that they look completely different. The Sigulda New Castle was built in 1878 with a distinct Neo-Gothic style whereas the Livonian Order was built in 1207 in a medieval style, initially built to be a fortress. They’re both in the same compound, and you can actually climb up the towers for beautiful views of the surrounding forest. The coolest thing about this area is the stage that was built in the open courtyard; here, they hold outdoor picnics, concerts, and cultural events when the weather is warm. How cool would it be to tell people you’re casually dancing the night away in a castle? #Goals.

Marvel at the sandstone of Gutmanis Cave

Traipse through the Gauja National Park to get to Gutmanis Cave , the widest and highest cave in the Baltics . It has a ton of cool inscriptions and carvings on the walls, and many claim that the spring water has healing powers. This cave also plays a central role in the tragic Rose of Turaida tale that I linked to above.

Hike to Krimulda Manor

Krimulda is technically Sigulda’s fourth castle although all that remains are a pile of stones, due to its destruction in 1601. Now, the most notable part of the Krimulda Estate is the manor, which has since been transformed into a rehabilitation center. The surrounding complex still has various houses and cottages standing. Plus, the walk from the center to the edge of Krimulda is truly picturesque – we spotted some beautiful paths, river views, the main bridge and even ran into the Walking Stick Park. However, to get up to the Krimulda Manor, you have to “hike” aka climb a TON of stairs. Not only did I wear sandals (not the smartest decision) but I was definitely huffing and puffing my way up all those stairs. My two-week foodie binge while on vacation was definitely catching up to me #SLIGHTregrets.

Get outdoorsy on a kayaking adventure

Just outside of Sigulda is Ligatne, a small town located on the Gauja River. This was also the location of one of my favorite Sigulda activities: a 6 km kayaking adventure with Makars . Chantell and I totally expected to be on a sailboat (I think we were channeling inner laziness or something) so we were a little surprised when we realized our option was to either canoe or kayak. Nonetheless, we totally enjoyed our kayaking tour…despite the fact that I led us directly into sand on the edges…twice. I’m really dangerous and clumsy with all activities, honestly. Anyway, one of the awesome things about Makars is all the cool outdoor activities they offer. Not only can you kayak and canoe, but you can also do stand-up paddle boarding, camping, safaris, and more. P.S. If you’d like to book an all-day Sigulda kayaking tour from Riga, check out this one .

Pose for photos at the Walking Stick Park

Walking sticks are a symbol of Sigulda, due to their popularity with hikers. Back in the day, paths were incredibly rough and rocky, so sticks were a necessity. Now, they’re more of a tourist gimmick. Fun fact: they’re symbolically painted in red and green ink because those used to be the only paint colors people had access to during Soviet Times. Anyway, these sticks are so important to the town that they’ve created an entire park around them. It reminds me of a real-life Candyland!

Hike in Gauja National Park

There are SO many hiking trails in Gauja National Park . While we did a few short ones and leisurely walked through, there are plenty of longer trails for the more intense hikers out there. The park is huge with a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by all ages – you can spend anywhere from an hour to an entire day (or more) checking out the different corners and trails of the park!

Try out an obstacle course at Mežakaķis amusement park

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @mezakakis_piedzivojumi on Jun 11, 2019 at 3:43am PDT

If you thought one adventure park was enough for Sigulda, you thought wrong. Mežakaķis is an awesome adventure park with obstacle courses of various degrees of difficulty that includes lots of physical activities that I would likely fail at. They have options for both kids and adults and they definitely aren’t easy. But hey, Sigulda is all about being an adventure destination!

Cable car over the Gauja River

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If you’re wondering what to see in Sigulda, how about a spectacular view of the city from the top? The cable car is an excellent way to see some aerial views of Sigulda. The car has been around since the late 60s, connecting Sigulda with Krimulda. I recommend hiking one way and using the cable car for the way back, but you can always purchase a round trip ticket if you’d like!

“Fly” at the Aerodium

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by AERODIUM Sigulda (@aerodium.lv) on Jul 25, 2019 at 5:13am PDT

The Aerodium is a vertical wind tunnel that allows you to experience what it’s like to free-fall….without actually free falling. I’m certain that this is what it would feel like if humans could actually fly (can we all get jet packs or something?) and I’m so sad I didn’t get a chance to do it when I was in Sigulda. It actually looks SUPER fun and I would have 100% done this if I’d had more time there!

Bungee jump from a cable car

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Julie Ilatovskaya (@juliet_juice) on Jun 14, 2015 at 11:17am PDT

Yeah, you didn’t misread that. You can bungee jump with an epic view of the Gauja River. I’ve honestly wanted to bungee jump for like a decade now and I’m low-key upset I didn’t get a chance to do this in Sigulda. However, it just so happened that the bungee tours weren’t running the day we were there. Incidentally, they don’t operate every day so be sure to check the website when planning!

Where to Eat in Sigulda

• Doma :  Doma is the café where farm to table ingredients meet a relaxed ambiance. While their menu is simple, the flavors certainly aren’t. Our dishes exploded with flavor and were perfectly portioned for us to leave full, but not stuffed. Chantell and I shared both the burrito and the home burger, both of which were delicious.
• The Restaurant at Hotel Sigulda : I’m going to be honest…I almost never eat at hotel restaurants. In my experience, the food is often mediocre and overpriced. The opposite was true for the restaurant at Hotel Sigulda. The menu was quite extensive and showcased many local Latvian dishes. As guests of the restaurant, we were served an amazing and beautiful three-course meal: dried beef with edible flowers, chicken breast with a turnip puree, and a gingerbread dessert with ice cream. SO. GOOD. Not only was the service exceptional, but they took our dietary restrictions very seriously, which I appreciated. This was by far the best meal I had in Sigulda.
• Mr. Biskvits : After several people recommend Mr. Biskvits as a good lunch spot, Chantell and I made it our mission to try it. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get lunch there because it was SO busy but we did stop by for an afternoon cake and caffeine boost before our train to Riga. Judging by our one slice of cheesecake and how busy it was for lunch, I’d say this is a solid bet as a good spot to eat.

Where to Stay in Sigulda

Chantell and I were guests of the lovely Hotel Sigulda . We seriously couldn’t have asked for a better location. It was a 5-minute walk from the train station and had its own delicious restaurant , which I wrote about above. The room was clean and comfortable and the staff was incredibly friendly. Plus, there’s a buffet-style breakfast included as well. Win!

If Hotel Sigulda is sold out (yes, it’s that popular), check out this equally charming bed and breakfast instead!

How to get to Sigulda from Riga

There’s no airport in Sigulda, so your best bet is to fly into Riga International (it’s Latvia’s main airport). You can take either a bus or the train from Riga (I prefer trains when possible) for around $4. The train ride takes a little over an hour and drops you off right in the center of town. Easy! It’s also a straightforward drive if you’re renting a car. I always use Rome2Rio to check out transport options.

Best Time to Visit Sigulda

Latvia is generally colder year-round, with frigid winters. Summer has the best weather but is also peak tourist season. May and September are the best months to visit for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

April – May: Springtime is still on the rainier and cooler side, but it’s a great time to visit for beautiful blooming flowers without the frigid cold of winter. May is usually a solid choice for decent weather and lower prices.

June – October: Summer is peak travel season in Latvia, with the best weather in July and August: around 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. If fall leaves are what you’re after, then your best bet is to visit in September, although you can get away with visiting in October if you don’t mind cooler temps.

P.S. Autumn in Sigulda is particularly colorful and beautiful and thus, popular with visitors. If you decide to visit then, be sure to book accommodation ahead of time or consider visiting during the week.

Transportation in Sigulda

We explored Sigulda both by car and by foot. If you have some extra time in the town, I definitely recommend walking or renting a bike, as both are great ways to see the various sites while enjoying the scenery. If you’re pressed for time (i.e. you’re on a day trip to Sigulda from Riga), then I recommend booking a tour or renting a car for the day or for a couple of days so you can explore without feeling rushed.

While many people opt to only visit Riga, Latvia’s capital (which you should also visit ), I suggest making time for Sigulda as well (especially know that you know what to do in Sigulda!). This charming small town has more to offer than meets the eye and is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Come for a couple of days or more for a leisurely travel destination.

More Latvia Resources

• Latvia Travel Guide
• 5 Cool Things to Do in Riga, Latvia
• Best Things to Do in Sigulda, Latvia: Where Nature Meets Adventure

Tell me: Do you prefer visiting big cities or smaller towns? Share in the comments below!

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20 thoughts on “ 12 Best Things to Do in Sigulda, Latvia: Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors ”

Wow so much to see and do! Thanks for continuing to introduce us to lesser known destination – Sigulda sounds great! I love that there’s such a great combination of culture and nature – would loooooove to visit those castles! And caves. And take advantage of the hiking. Have to visit soon!

I’ve become a huge fan of visiting lesser known destinations lately! They’re usually super cool and don’t have many tourists so win win haha. I highly recommend a visit! If you like hiking, there are tons of great trails out there as well!

I have to admit that I never heard of Sigulda until now and now I really want to go! I love doing things outdoor too. This seems like the perfect place to go and isn’t as well known and overrun by tourists!

Honestly, I hadn’t either until i started researching Latvia! I highly recommend a visit. It is PERFECT for an outdoors lover and there are hardly any tourists – win win!

I read a lot of blogs and I take special interest in offbeat locations, the Baltic region being one of them; yet I never ever read about Sigulda. So firstly thank you a lot for not just writing about this unique place but also putting up a destination guide! I don’t know how such a pretty green place with exotic castles (with stories of their own) went unnoticed by the mass media. I will plan a trip to the Baltics soon so don’t mind me bookmarking your post for future reference! 🙂

Yay! I’m glad you liked it. I have no idea how this place has flown under the radar for so long – but I don’t think it’s going to last! I highly recommend a visit to the Baltics soon before everyone realizes how awesome they are!

Oh wonderful. I’ve been to Romania (though not for a few decades) and Tallinn but never to Latvia, though it has been on “the list” for a long time. I love your decision to go to Siguida to look at places that are far less known – and it looks like there’s way more to do there than many might think. The adventure park looks scary but fun, I always love castles, and the caves and natural landscapes are really attractive.

Coincidentally I went to both Romania and Estonia on this trip! How funny. I’ve been finding that the lesser known places are surprisingly amazing – I hope to discover more! sounds like you’d really enjoy a visit here though – go soon! 🙂

I’m always amazing at how many natural sites and adventurous activities there are in countries that you don’t think of as “natural destinations”. There is so much to do Latvia that I’ve never even heard of! I definitely want to visit Gutman’s Cave!

I know exactly what you mean! I was beyond surprised by Sigulda – it truly is a nature lover’s destination!

I love visiting cities that are less popular with tourists. They often have just as much to offer as their more popular brethen, but things are less crowded and the locals aren’t fed up with annoying foreigners! I’ll have to add Sigulda to my list.

ME TOO! It has become a bit of obsession lately haha. And yeah they also are just as amazing – people just dont know about them yet ;). Highly recommend a visit!

Latvia looks like an incredible place to have an adventure! I would love to check out the castles and Gutmans Cave.

It really is! If you get a chance to go to Latvia, don’t miss it!

I’ve only been to Riga, and you are totally right — Sigulda does feel like an entire world away. I had no idea there were so many fun outdoors things to do! I love the idea of visiting the caves, hiking, grabbing the oars or visiting the adventure park. And, of course, I’m a sucker for castles. Looks like I’m going to need to go back to Latvia!

It’s crazy how it’s an hour away but has a totally different feel compared to Riga! Sounds like you need to go back and experience Sigulda for yourself 🙂

I love visiting the less popular destinations and this seems like a perfect choice. So many unique and great things to see and do. I love how unique the walking stick park is. It would be so much fun to do a photo shoot there. Will have to bookmark for when I travel to Latvia.

Yeah it’s a really amazing and surprising place! I highly recommend a visit if you get a chance 🙂

I’ve never heard of Sigulda. Thanks for bringing this beautiful destination to my attention. The Turaida Castle looks stunning! Sounds like you had some fun kayaking on the Gauja River. I would love to try paddleboarding if the water is calm!

I hadnt either until I started researching Latvia! If you get a chance, you HAVE to go! I’m sure you’d love it!

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Privacy Overview

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By train
• 3.1 By foot
• 3.3 Itineraries
• 9.2 Mid-range and splurge

Sigulda is administratively in the Riga region , however culturally a part of the Vidzeme region. It is a resort town just over an hour from Riga by train (50 km east), featuring a wooded river valley containing forest walks, cable car, bobsleigh track, three castles and a former times rehabilitation centre featuring a hostel, all of which is manageable as a day visitor on foot.

Understand [ edit ]

Sigulda is at the south-western end of Gauja National Park. Located in the picturesque Gauja valley, with its steep banks and cliffs, Sigulda has become known as the 'Switzerland of Latvia'.

At lot of information can be found an the tourism office website.

• 57.1532 24.8537 1 Tourist Information Centre ( Siguldas novada Tūrisma informācijas centrs ), 6, Ausekļa iela ( part of the train station ), ☏ +371 67971335 , [email protected] . Daily 09:00-19:00 . Has all the information and maps with tracks.  

Get in [ edit ]

1188.lv provides up-to-date bus and train schedules, route planner and prices.

By train [ edit ]

The train from Riga takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, and a single ticket costs €1.90. Train runs approximately every 90 minutes.

By bus [ edit ]

The bus also takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Riga .

By car [ edit ]

If going by private transport, be wary of traffic jams during nice summer weekends – lots of people go there during season, and sometimes it's better to take the train.

Get around [ edit ]

By foot [ edit ].

Sigulda is a small town, and every major sight is easily accessible on foot. In winter, some hiking paths are even cleared of snow.

A local bus goes to Turaida and Krimulda every day and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Itineraries [ edit ]

Walk the wooded trails to Turaida . Take the cable car across the valley, then up and down a variety of paths and steps to Turaida village and castle, before returning along the river valley and a visit to Gutman's Cave . Distance is around 10 km.

See [ edit ]

• 57.171451 24.876717 6 Peter's Cave ( Petera ala ).  
• 57.16181 24.84964 7 Walking-stick Square ( Spieķu parks ). Opened in 2007. The walking stick is a symbol of Sigulda town. Locals have made walking sticks since the 19th century to help tourists walk up and down the primeval valley of the Gauja River.  
• 57.159607 24.852808 8 Keys Square ( Siguldas atslēgas ).  

Do [ edit ]

• Canoeing . Do a canoe tour in Gauja National Park. Take care of your arms.  
• 57.16457 24.84566 1 Cable Car , ☏ +371 28020088 , [email protected] . 10:00-18:10 . Ride Latvia's only cable car across the Gauja valley. With it, you can take a 1.1 km trip across the Gauja valley. From the 45 m high cable car you can enjoy the beautiful view, the castles of Sigulda and Turaida, the Krimulda estate, and even the Bobsleigh race track. One-way/return: €7/12 adult, €5/8 child . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 57.16457 24.84566 2 Bungee Jumping & Zipline ( same as the cable car ), ☏ +371 28383333 , [email protected] . Sa Su 18:45 (weekdays with more than 10 customers) . The cable car also features as bungee jumping platform for a 43 m fall. The cable on the other hand is used for the zipline experience. Both over the picturesque Gauja valley. Bungee: €60/105 single/tandem, Zipline: €55/95 single/tandem . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 57.159996 24.839036 3 Sigulda Adventure Park Tarzan ( Siguldas Piedzīvojumu parks „Tarzāns” ), Sigulda, Peldu 1 , ☏ +371 27001187 , [email protected] . Daily 10:00-20:00 . The largest outdoor adventure park in the Baltics. Tree climbing, etc. €15-36 .  
• 57.15097 24.84124 4 Bobsleigh and Luge track , ☏ +371 67973813 , +371 29185351 , [email protected] . Nov-Mar & May-Sep: Sa Su 12:00- . In winter, slide down the Bobsleigh track or ski in the mini ski resort. During summer weekends, the bobsleigh run is converted for use by 'wheel-bobs'. The ride takes about 1 minute and achieves speeds of up to 85 km/h, both in summer and winter. €10 per person .  
• 57.143979 24.829148 5 Amusement Park Wild Cat , ☏ +371 67976886 , [email protected] . May-Sep: 11:00-20:00 . Adventure Park Mežakaķis is a sporty activity with walks in the trees, and more active time in open air. €8-18 .  
• 57.133447 24.786245 6 Aerodium , ☏ +371 28384400 , [email protected] . 12:00- . Free flight simulator – the first vertical wind tunnel in Eastern Europe. It breaks gravity rules and allows you to fly with the help of newest technologies.  

Buy [ edit ]

• Sigulda Walking Stick . It is the most popular tourist souvenir for more than a hundred years. The canes have different sizes, starting from very small (almost like a key ring) till actual size, which you could use exploring the city. You can find them at Turaida castle, Tourism information centre, Gutmanis cave, etc.  

Eat [ edit ]

In the centre of town (Pils Iela) there are two large buffet cafés opposite the main shopping area that are open throughout the day all week from breakfast until late evening. There is also a Hesburger outlet behind the bobsleigh course, but this is a good walk from everything else.

In Turaida there are no food options for lunch beyond a microwaved hot dog at the village store.

• 57.156367 24.851785 1 Kaku maja bistro , Pils iela 8-10 , ☏ +371 29150104 . daily 08:00–21:00 . A cafeteria style restaurant with soup, pastries, and hot menu. ( updated Oct 2017 )
• 57.157256 24.850928 2 Zalumnieku Piestatne , Pils iela 9 , ☏ +371 29150104 . daily 10:00–22:00 . Best food for a small price. Also praised for its pizza. ( updated Oct 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

• 57.156392 24.851303 1 Kaķu māja ( Melnais Kaķis ) ( Located in the city centre ). Su-Th 22:00-02:00, F Sa 22:00-04:00 .  
• Melnais Kaķis , 8 Pils iela , ☏ +371 29150104 , [email protected] .  

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

• 57.1678 24.8299 1 Krimulda Palace ( Krimuldas pils ), Mednieku iela 3 ( on the other side of the Gauja valley ), ☏ +371 67972232 , +371 29111619 , [email protected] . This is a unique and interesting experience. The place is an old and ageing palace, which is also used as rehabilitation centre. But it also features a variety of inexpensive but also upper accommodation. The interior is Soviet style, but clean and proper. The summer cottages are the cheapest option, but they do not feature WiFi, TV, etc. Also in spring and fall they might become quite cold. But the palace also has warm dorm rooms inside of the building. They are separate from the rehabilitation accommodation. Dorm from €9/11 . ( updated Sep 2017 )

Mid-range and splurge [ edit ]

• Siguldas Pludmale , Peldu iela 2 , ☏ +371 29244948 , fax : +371 67970164 , [email protected] . Nice camping place for a canoe tour.  
• Aparjods , Ventas iela 1a , ☏ +371 67972230 , [email protected] .  
• Hotel Pils , Pils iela 4b , ☏ +371 67709625 , [email protected] .  
• Hotel Segevold , Mālpils iela 4b , ☏ +371 6 7974848 , [email protected] .  
• Hotel Santa , Kalnjāņi, Siguldas parish , ☏ +371 67705271 , [email protected] .  
• Hotel Sigulda , 6 Pils iela , ☏ +371 67972263 , +371 67971443 , [email protected] .  
• SPA Hotel Ezeri , Ezeri, Sigulda parish , ☏ +371 67973009 , [email protected] .  
• Viesu nams Vālodzes , Saltavota iela 54 , ☏ +371 29 259 228 . Here you can really get a taste for the Latvian country life. A guest house with restaurant and hospitality. $36 . ( updated Jul 2021 )
• Livonija , Pulkveža Brieža iela 55, , ☏ +371 67 973 066 . A guest house with tranquil grounds and complimentary breakfast. €23 . ( updated Dec 2022 )

Go next [ edit ]

• Ligatne – A village fairly well known for its nature trails, with a great natural park with wildlife animals and "fairy tale" forests with characters from famous Latvian fairy tales. Nearby, also an old Soviet bunker complex can be visited, which was built in case of a nuclear war.
• Cēsis – One of the country's oldest towns. It has an impressive castle complex of Livonian Order origin, a charming city centre with some cobblestoned streets, and historic wooden buildings.
• Vidzeme – Check out the nearby towns and attractions of the Vidzeme region, like Straupe with the Lielstraupe Castle.
• Limbaži - a former Hanseatic city, nowadays its castle ruins hints of its glorious past.

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• GAUJA Aplikācija

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.

Active leisure adventures

The only bob, luge and skeleton track in the Baltic States allows enjoying the speed by rushing down in a tailor-made sledge either in winter or summer. Meanwhile swimming in the air while resting on an air current may be enjoyed in the vertical wind tunnel “AERODIUM”, which has become world-famous through participation in various global events.

The steep slopes of the River Gauja banks are now home to tree top rope adventure tracks “Mežakaķis” and “Tarzāns” allowing to enjoy not only physical activities, but also great views.

The cable car linking both banks of the River Gauja is not only an excellent viewing platform offering views over the historic castles and the valley, but also a real adrenaline bomb with its bungee jumping offers in the evenings.

During winter, the slopes of Sigulda are a place for downhill skiing or snowboarding, and the unique, frozen track made by Sigulda Sports and Active Leisure Centre (“Siguldas Sporta un aktīvās atpūtas centrs”) offers also cross-country skiing. Each winter  Sigulda  is the host town of the World Luge Championship, and downhill and cross-country skiing competitions of national or Baltic States’ level.

During the warm season the curvy trails leading through Sigulda and along the River Gauja invite to hike, cycle, or take canoeing trips revealing ever new postcards of nature behind the next curve. Sigulda is a regular host of cycling competitions, including the most important event — Unity Ride, gathering more than 6000 visitors.

Impressive nature objects and sceneries

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 with historic inscriptions on its walls dating back to the 17th century. Gutman's Cave is related to a love legend about the Rose of Turaida — a girl named Maija, who secretly met her lover Viktors here.

Trails in Sigulda lead to other significant nature objects as well. Kraukļu Ravine and Kraukļu Cave, Pēter's Cave and the most impressive cliff wall of the primeval valley of the River Gauja — the Velnala cliffs and cave, which is best seen from the pedestrian bridge over the River Gauja.

Breathtaking landscapes over the primeval valley of the River Gauja, which is up to 85 m deep, are seen both from the Gleznotāju or Paradīzes (Painter’s or Paradise) hillocks, which was once the place where the Latvian masters of painting like Jūlijs Feders, Jānis Rozentāls, and Vilhelms Purvītis have painted, and from the Ķeizarskats and Ķeizarkrēsls that nowadays are a reminder of the visit by the Russian Tsar Alexander II in  Sigulda .

Allaži is a settlement in Sigulda Municipality, where there is a unique geologic object — one of the rare karst sinkhole systems in Latvia, and during its active period the Lake Linezers disappears for some time leaving only an S-shaped bed of the lake. Meanwhile a very steep slope is seen in Mežmuiža, from which 7-17 springs are flowing out and are merging to become the small Lake Dzirnavu, the bed of which is covered by the Devonian blue gley.

Authentic castles

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.

The Sword Brothers, who controlled the left bank of the River Gauja from 1204 to 1209, built the  Sigulda Castle . Initially it was a castellum-type fortification with a chapel. Later the castle was transformed into a convent-type building, which now reveals the everyday life of the brothers of the Livonian Order.

 Turaida Museum Reserve  was erected in 1214 on the right bank of the River Gauja. It was one of the residences of the Archbishop of Riga. After a fire in 1776 the castle was not restored, but the romantic castle ruins caught the interest of travellers. Castle restoration was commenced in 1953 with the reconstruction of the castle tower.

Meanwhile archaeological excavations, lasting for more than 25 years, were started in 1973, followed by restoration and reconstruction works, which can be observed when visiting one of the most popular museums in Latvia — Turaida Museum Reserve.

Looking over the primeval valley of the River Gauja to the right bank you shall spot another building — Krimulda Manor, built by the princes and princesses of the Von Lieven Family in 1848. The manor is located on the edge of the primeval valley, and its terrace offers a magnificent view towards Sigulda.

Sigulda New Castle is situated next to Sigulda Medieval Castle. It was erected by Duke Kropotkin in 1878 and it was rebuilt in 1936, still retaining the unique interior of national romanticism.

Large-scale culture events

Each summer, the International Sigulda Opera Festival allow enjoying the performance of many excellent artists reviving powerful emotions.

Culture events

• At the end of spring,  Sigulda  Municipality Festival is organised, hosting many culture, art and sports events
• In summer,  Sigulda  Opera Festival gathers national and international opera stars. 

Sports events

• In winter,  Sigulda  hosts downhill and cross-country skiing competitions, and World Luge Championship
• In autumn, runners come to participate in half-marathon or marathon, while cyclists — in the Unity Ride of Latvian Cyclists
• Cycling and Olympic cross competitions are organised on a regular basis
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• Siguldas novads Sigulda Ausekļa iela 6
• Tel.: +371 67971335
• [email protected]
• www.tourism.sigulda.lv

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Adventure Travel , Latvia

What to Do in Sigulda, Latvia – the Nature Bound Day Trip From Riga

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What to do in Sigulda, Latvia – a town on the edge of Gauja National Park, granted the status as one of the most beautiful in the country.

Sigulda, Latvia is a town granted the status as one of the most beautiful in the country.

Found in the Vidzeme Region, less than an hour from the capital of Riga, Sigulda rests on Gauja National Park’s valley edge; an elevated outer-city hideaway hugged by dense forests famed for their spectacular colour change to fiery hues in autumn, filled with rocky cliff faces and caves of ochre red sandstone, and fed by the tributaries of the Gauja River.

Its natural offering has given Sigulda the name of the ‘Switzerland of Latvia’ and attracts those eager to explore the countryside.

Yet, while Sigula’s natural history is accessible via hikes and extreme adrenalin fixes, it is further complemented by cultural attractions from castles to heritage museum reserves. I’ve visited the region twice, sampling everything from its great wide-valley view heights and thick, woody depths.

An easy day trip from Riga, just over 50 kilometres from the grand city, here’s where to go and the things to do in Sigulda, Latvia to make the most of this cultural and adventurous nature haven.

What to do in Sigulda, Latvia – The Nature Bound Day Trip from Riga

Getting Around Sigulda

Ride the sigulda cable car, hiking sigulda’s 7km path, visit gutman’s cave – the largest grotto in the baltic states, zipline and bungee jump, sigulda adventure park tarzan, ride the olympic bobsleigh track, sigulda medieval castle, the turaida museum, krimulda manor house, the walking stick park, tours of sigulda, elegant hotels, wellness hotels, traditional and private properties.

While the heart of the green valley is only a 15-minute walk from the train station, the area is more expansive than it looks, so it pays to have a car or two wheels to get around.

I hired an electric bike and set out to visit the Sigulda Medieval Castle and the Turaida Museum Reserve on the valley’s fringes. The 42m high cable car takes you from one side of the valley to the other, more notably across to Krimulda Manor.

Fat biking through the forest in Sigulda, Latvia.

Woodland hikes and bike rides are the main draws. You can choose hour-long tracks or half or full-day biking tours if you want to cover a lot of ground, and it’s a scenic route to seek out the city’s famous cave dwellings.

The cable car is often combined with a hike into the valley, eliminating a strenuous clamber.

Sigulda’s Nature Highlights

Don’t want to work up a sweat and get a view of the area’s green basin? The Sigulda Aerial Cableway connects both sides of the Gauja River valley. This gentle glide across is a chance to see how architecture and nature intertwine in Sigulda, with elevated views of the tributary, castles and the city’s famed bobsleigh track. 

Sigulda’s forest connecting cable car.

For those wanting to get stuck into the broader expanse of Sigulda, the town has a 7 km hiking trail that runs through woodland, eventually bringing you to the 10,000-year-old Devil’s Cave.

Nature immersion, hiking in Sigulda, Latvia.

Hiking trails in Sigulda are clearly marked.

Forest seclusion by the river.

If you don’t have much time, you can drive on a narrow, bumpy pathway down to the River Gauja, where you can park up and walk for around 10 minutes on the signed tracks to the pedestrian Kajnieku Bridge. Crossing it gives you a better view of Devil’s Cave and the nature that engulfs it.

The forest encased ochre-red Devil’s Cave.

More accessible is Gutman’s Cave, which is just metres from the main road that runs through Sigulda town and at the woodland’s opening. The largest grotto type cave in the Baltic States, Gutman’s Cave is filled with detailed wall inscriptions dated back to the 17th century. 

The entrance to Gutman’s Cave.

The carvings inside Gutman’s Cave in Sigulda.

Adventure Activities in Sigulda

You can also bungee jump off the same cable car or add some speed on the zip line flight route since the cable doubles as a parallel zipline that runs above it.

It’s not a super-fast journey, more a fast glide but at a speed where you can comfortably take in your surroundings before you hang suspended above the opening in the trees as you await the cable car (which pulls the zip liners back up).

Dare to try the Sigulda zipline?

Down in the valley is the Adventure Park Tarzan, where you can climb, jump, bounce, and roll via all manner of adrenalin attractions like zorb balls and catapults. You might be tempted to take the toboggan down there and only get the ski lift back up from the town centre. It’s an added adventure, almost hidden inside the park.

Thw cataput line at Sigulda adventure park.

You can also ride Latvia’s Bobsleigh track and garner some speeds up to 80 km/h on this Olympic track with 16 turns, affectionately known as “Fast Bob” (you can take a slower version of the ride too). Before the Sochi Russian Olympic tracks, the 1986 Sigulda track was the only track in Eastern Europe.

See the Olympic bobsleigh in Sigulda.

Sigulda’s Monuments of Heritage and Culture

Livonian Castle is the closest to the centre of Sigulda – a fortress from 1207 frequented by crusading knights and later rebuilt as a convent. Climb the north tower for regal views and wander the medieval ruins of other ramparts.

The woodwork and leather workshops on-site continue old trade traditions. Livonian Castle is a fortress from 1207 that was a base for crusading knights and later served as a convent.

Wander the ruins of a Latvian medieval castle.

Nature reclaiming Sigulda Medieval Castle.

The Turaida Museum is the most visited in Latvia and is preserving Latvia’s heritage and cultural history. A protected cultural monument, this huge estate is a living history showcase of the past 1,000 years, with old manor houses, churches, and a medieval castle (Turaida Stone Castle), amongst some of the structures.

The Folk Song Sculpture Park stands in tribute to the great cultural love of sound, continued in the Latvian Song and Dance Celebration in Riga every five years.

Turaida Museum is the most visited museum in Latvia.

Visit the remains of Turaida Castle in Latvia.

Your first glimpse of Krimulda Manor will likely be from the left side of the valley from which it stands as you embark on the cable car journey, its buttery yellow neoclassical structure with white columns poking through the jade of the valley.

The hilltop Krimulda Manor House.

It was built in 1848 – a noble structure overlooking the Gauja River Valley that often appears to sit above the valley fog blanket. Today it is a hotel and spa with an accompanying herb garden and winery. You don’t have to stay overnight to visit; instead, you can tour the collection of historic buildings as well as visit for a wine-tasting experience.

Getting up close to the historic Krimulda Manor in Sigulda.

The Walking Stick Park was constructed in 2007 in tribute to Sigulda’s most popular souvenir and 200-year history when walking trips in Sigulda became popular in the 1920s and ’30s. The Walking Stick Park is a tribute to the 200-year history of Sigulda’s most popular souvenir when walking trips in Sigulda gained popularity in the 1920s and ’30s.

Pay homage to tradition at Sigulda’s Walking Stick Park.

This full-day Cēsis, Sigulda & Turaida Castle tour from Riga covers Gauja National Park’s highlights and medieval castles with a guide. The price includes hotel pick up and drop off, transport, guide, and all entry fees. 

A full-day Sigulda hiking tour takes you through Sigulda’s nature and cultural attractions. 

Tours to Sigulda get you out into the best of Latvian nature.

How to Get to Sigulda from Riga

A popular day trip from Riga, Sigulda is easily accessible and close by, with all transport modes to the town centre taking one hour. 

READ MORE: How to Explore Gauja National Park

READ MORE: Alternative Riga Travel Guide

A 50-minute train brings you to Sigulda, which runs approximately every two hours from Riga Pasažieru Station and costs less than 2 euros. I’ve used the Latvian Railways (PV) service, and it’s cost-effective, comfortable, and not difficult to navigate. You can find and book Latvian trains here .

The bus from Riga to Sigulda is a more convenient option since the buses run more frequently. The main bus services are CASA, 1188 Latvia, and Nordeka. The cost is between 1-3 Euro.

The A2 road connects Riga and Sigulda on a one-hour, 52.7km drive. My second trip to Sigulda was via a road trip. It made things easier and is an ideal accompaniment if you want to get to all the major highlights outside the centre, such as the Turaida Museum.

Car hire is an easy way to get to Sigulda from Riga.

Where to Stay in Sigulda, Latvia

If you are spending the night in Sigulda to make the most of the attractions on offer and see them at a leisurely pace, then there are plenty of Sigulda hotels to choose from.

Want to know where to stay in Sigulda? It’s a great getaway beyond a day trip.

The Sigulda Hotel is an elegant building set in a leafy area close to Sigulda’s Castles and the famed Bobsleigh track. A restaurant serves international cuisine, and a swimming pool, sauna, and steam room add to the relaxation after a day in nature.

Spa Hotel Ezeri is a lakeside property close to the centre of Sigulda. With a focus on wellness, you can enjoy the sauna, steam bath, and whirlpool, amongst other treatments. There is even a dedicated garden for relaxation, filled with the sounds of nature. Kakitis is another spa property built as an alpine-style guesthouse.

For quirky and traditional style holiday homes, check out Mednieku Namiņš . It looks like a gingerbread house standing in the quiet forest area of Gauja National Park and was once a former hunting lodge and tea house belonging to a baron.

The Pilskalni is a similar style property – a detached, ecological holiday home with wooden décor and a private garden. Mazais Līvkalns is on the outer edges of the town, based close to the hiking routes. It also includes an option to use the traditional bathhouse.

This post was created in collaboration with Magnetic Latvia as part of the #TasteOfLatvia campaign.

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

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The Best Things to do in Sigulda, Latvia

This post is about the best things to do in Sigulda, Latvia. Sigulda in Latvia is an ancient town just 55 kilometers northeast of the capital Riga . It is in the Vidzeme region and is located within the borders of Gauja National park.

Among locals it is already a popular adventure and outdoor destination. Foreigners also increasingly visit Sigulda, but mostly as a day trip from Riga.

This gives you just enough time for the things to do in Sigulda itself. However, to truly see the natural beauty of Gauja National Park and the Gauja river valley I recommend staying longer.

Why visit Sigulda Latvia

At first sight Sigulda is an average Latvian rural town with beautiful wooden houses, some Soviet flat apartments and the occasional dilapidated building. From it’s small center you wouldn’t say that Sigulda has a history of more than 800 years.

It’s the sights around Sigulda that truly show the rich history of the area. Sigulda is surrounded by several medieval castles, fortifications, ancient caves and majestic manors.

Sigulda is within Gauja National Park. This park of forests and sandstone cliffs has extraordinary natural beauty and a unique flora and fauna. From Sigulda there are plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore the incredible nature of the Gauja river valley.

Sigulda is therefore a great destination for outdoor lovers that could easily spend a week hiking and biking in the area. 

I already said that Sigulda is a popular holiday destination in Latvia. As a result there are plenty of things to do in Sigulda. There is a cable car, an adventure park and a bobsleigh.

Plenty of manors in the area are now hotels or spas where you can feel like a king or queen. In addition, there are excellent restaurants offering the chance to taste Latvian cuisine. 

Things to do in Sigulda

Sigulda’s old castle.

The castle ruins of Sigulda’s old castle date back to 1207 when it was built by the Livonian Order.

It was damaged in the Polish-Swedish wars and the Great Northern War and saw plenty of renovations and fortifications. By the 19th century the castle lay in ruins and the Kropotkin family who owned the land built a new castle to live in.

The last renovations to the ancient castle walls were in 2012. You can visit the castle ruins and see the walls and inner courtyard. There are some nice viewpoints over the Gauja River valley too.

Sigulda new castle

Sigulda’s new castle was the project of Olga and Dimitry Kropotkin. It was built in Neo gothic design and its new location offered beautiful views on the old castle and the river valley.

On a beautiful day you could see the Krimson manor and Turaida castle on the other side of the river.

The castle was destroyed in the First World War and it was the Latvian Union of Writers and Journalists that rebuilt it. It then became known as the Writers house. It is now a museum about the history of the castle.

Sigulda cable car

The best way to cross the river to see the Sigulda sights on the right bank of the Gauja river is by crossing the Sigulda cable car.

The cable car offers splendid views and brings you to the Krimulda manor estate from where you can start a nice hiking trail to further sights such as the Gutmanis cave and the Turaida castlre. .

Krimulda manor

The Krimulda manor was built in 1848 by the von Lieven family. The main building was in neo classical style and is now a rehabilitation center.

The Krimulda estate also has beautiful gardens and additional buildings that had different purposes to serve the Krimulda household. 

There is also a hotel and hostel with dormitory beds for 12 euros making it possible to sleep at a manor on a budget.

Krimulda castle ruins

Before the Krimulda manor there used to be another medieval castle from the Livonian order. This 14th century castle was burned down in the Swedish Polish wars and was never restored.

There are some ruins right next to the Krimulda estate that you can visit.

Gutmanis cave

The Gutmanis cave is one of the oldest and largest caves in Latvia. The result of melting ice from the latest ice time and a spring with healing waters surrounded by myths.

One story is that a man buried his unfaithful wife in the cave and that the spring is her tears of regret. The other is the story of the rose of Turaida who let herself be killed in the cave by the man who kidnapped her.

The cave itself is not the most impressive cave. The first thing you notice are thousands of inscriptions. The red sandstone cliffs from the Gauja river valley are easy to write on and so many people did. 

Don’t expect prehistoric petroglyphs. The oldest name is from 1654. Lots of others are from the 19th and 20th century and although it is now forbidden there are some recent ones too.

Turaida castle

The Turaida castle is the most beautiful castle around Sigulda. A large part of the castle is renovated including the tower that offers sweeping views over the Gauja river valley.

The Turaida castle was also built by the Livonian Order in 1214. Making it slightly newer than the Sigulda castle on the other side of the river. Unlike the other castles it was not damaged during war, but left abandoned after a fire in 1776.

The Turaida Museum Reserve includes not only the castle, but also an open air museum with an old wooden church and other historic buildings. 

Paradise Hill

Paradise hill is quite a climb and the stairs are very tricky in winter, but you will be rewarded with the most beautiful views in Sigulda. 

You will be able to see the Sigulda and Turaida castles as well as the Gauja river valley

Gauja river

The Gauja river runs through the valley of the National Park. The sandstone cliffs formed more than 10,000 years ago by melting glacial waters.

In summer the best way to explore the natural beauty of the Gauja river is by canoe. There are several agencies where you can rent a canoe

Latvian pirt experience

Sigulda is also home to a number of spas where you can relax and experience a traditional pirt. The Latvian sauna ritual is somewhat similar to the Russian sauna, but has its differences too. 

In Sigulda you can book a professional pirt master that guides you through the rituals.

Things to do near Sigulda

Hiking in gauja national park.

Gauja National Park is one of the best places in Latvia to go hiking. The tourist information center has a number of well marked trails in and around Sigulda.

You can find the trails on Enter Gauja. There are challenging day hikes of around 20 kilometers as well as easy going hikes of less than 10 kilometers. 

Ligatne Soviet bunker

About 30 minutes away from Sigulda is the small village of Ligatne. Hidden in the forests north of Ligatne is an old Soviet Bunker that gives tours during the weekends

How to get there : the best way to reach the Soviet Bunker is with your own transport. There are a few buses from Sigulda with a change near Ligatne

Cesis is an old Hanseatic town with one of the most impressive castles in the Gauja National Park. 

Like the Sigulda and Turaida castles it was built by the Livonian Order at the start of the 13th century. It was one of their largest and most important castles. The castle alone makes Cesis worth the trip, but it also has a nice small old town

How to get there : Cesis is about an hour by train or bus from Sigulda.

Where to eat in Sigulda

For a decent budget restaurant with Latvian food I can recommend Kaku Maja. It has a buffet style canteen where you can point and choose what you like to eat. You pay per item. 

Great for vegetarians as they have a wide choice of salads.

Kungu Rija is a great midrange restaurant that is unfortunately located a bit outside Sigulda. We went there after our visit to Turaida castle and then took the bus back to Sigulda.

The food was delicious, so in my opinion it is worth the effort to get here. I can recommend the venison meatballs or the domestic trout.

Aparjods is one of the best restaurants in Sigulda. It’s a bit of a fine dining experience, but well worth the price 

Even in winter we needed to make a reservation to get a table. We could see why, because the food is great. They have a few vegetarian options too. I can recommend the venison medallions.

Where to stay in Sigulda

City center Kakis or Kaku maja means the cat house in Latvian. It is a great budget place to stay not far from the train station. Rooms are a bit outdated and noisy, but are good value for Sigulda. For sure the cat Adolf will welcome you.

If you would likle the experience of staying in a manor you can stay in the krimulda manor . It is one of the few manors with a dormitory that allows budget travellers the experience of staying in a manor.

Sigulda Travel Tips

How to get to sigulda.

Sigulda is very easy to reach from Riga. There are frequent trains and buses. The journey takes about one hour.

Trains leave from Riga pasazieru train station near the central market. You can buy tickets at the station or from the Latvian Railways online .

How to get around Sigulda

Most things to do in Sigulda are either centered on the right bank of the Gauja river valley or the left bank. There is a cable car to get from one side of the river to the other.

It is possible to hike in between the sights. There is a hiking trail that runs from the Krimulda manor to the Gutmanis cave and the Turaida castle that I can recommend.

It does involve climbing up and down some stairs to get from the top of the cliff to the bottom of the river valley and up again. The total hike will be around 5 kilometers.

If you are less mobile you might want to use a taxi. The taxi hailing app Bolt is not too expensive. 

When to visit

The best time to visit Sigulda, Latvia, largely depends on your preferences and the activities you want to engage in. Sigulda experiences distinct seasons, each offering unique attractions:

Spring (April to June): Spring is a lovely time to visit Sigulda when the weather starts to warm up, and nature comes to life with blossoming flowers and greenery. The temperatures are moderate, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities.

Summer (July to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Sigulda. The weather is typically warm, and the days are long. This is an ideal time for hiking and cycling, but it can be crowded.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings colorful foliage to the landscape, creating a picturesque setting. The temperatures start to cool down, and it’s a great time for hiking in the crisp air. The fall foliage is particularly beautiful in the Gauja National Park.

Winter (December to February): Winter is considered off season in Sigulda. As you can see from my pictures, I did visit Sigulda in winter and absolutely loved it. Sigulda and Gauja National Park transform in a snowy winter wonderland. Some of the longer hiking trails are closed, but I was surprised how easy it was to still hike through the forests around Sigulda.

Sustainable Travel to Sigulda

Latvia’s national parks do not charge any entrance fees. Like in many Scandinavian countries, such as  Swedish Lapland , there is free access to nature. You are free to wander in the forests and pick berries and mushrooms as you like.

The northern ecosystems are fragile though. Traveling sustainably to Sigulda and Gauja National Park is essential to minimize your environmental impact and preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations.

Support the community : You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local markets and restaurants. It is better to try Baltic cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in small-scale guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels. You can also look for hotels that prioritizes sustainable practices.

Leave no trace principle : When hiking around Sigulda and Gauja National Park, stick to designated trails to protect nature. Straying off the marked paths can cause soil erosion and damage to plant life. If you are lucky enough to spot wildlife, observe quietly from a distance to prevent disruption to their habitats and help maintain their natural behaviors.

I encourage you to take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. In other words, leave no trace of your visit. Even better is when you bring something to pick up any of the trash that other people left behind.

To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Disclaimer :  This post about the best things to do in Sigulda Latvia contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

3 thoughts on “The Best Things to do in Sigulda, Latvia”

Hi Ellis ! I just discovered your blog, it’s a treasure of informations thank you ! I was wandering if you think Sigulda’s castle, Krimulda, the hike, paradise hill, and Turaida castles can be done in one day coming from and back Riga ?

It would be a full day, but it is definetly possible

Sigulda looks like an amazing destination for outdoor enthusiasts! I’m especially interested in the bike rentals and the possibility of trying the Latvian off-road motorcycle championship. Thanks for the detailed post, can’t wait to plan my trip!

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Top 7 Amazing Things to Do in Sigulda, Latvia

When visiting Latvia, one of the best things to do is basing yourself in Riga and exploring the country on day trips. From here, you have the choice between seeing many different parts of Latvia. Do you want to visit the seaside in Jurmala? Or do you prefer strolling through the medieval town of Cesis ?

Or are you expecting outdoor adventures, while also seeing a few castles along the way? Then you should head to Sigulda.

Here, you can hike through the Gauja National Park, explore caves and castles or seek out adrenaline rushes on the bobsleigh track. And the best part is that it only takes an hour to get here from Riga.

Table of Contents

Our favourite things to do in Sigulda

#1 sigulda castles.

If you like castles, you are in luck. On a day trip to Sigulda, you can visit up to three of them, four if you count the giant manor house in Krimulda.

In Sigulda, you will find two castles just next to each other. The first one you’ll walk past is the Sigulda New Castle. The Russian prince Dimitri Kropotkin started building this castle in 1878 but never lived to see its completion. A year later, a revolutionary terrorist killed him.

While the New Castle is not open for visitors, you can find lots of craftsmen and artists in the manor houses. If you have enough time, you should participate in one of the many workshops offered there. How about making your own walking stick for a hike later on, for example?

After passing through the New Castle, you will get to the Sigulda Medieval Castle. It also runs by the name of the Castle of the Livonian Order in Sigulda, and it dates back to 1207. For centuries, it played a significant role for the region until gradually, it lost its importance. In addition, it got destroyed during the Northern War in the 18th century.

Today, only the ruins remain. You can walk through them and climb the former castle walls. Make sure to also go to the top of the Northern tower, from where you have a fantastic view of the valley. From here, you can see as far as the Turaida Castle Reserve!

#2 Hike through the Gauja National Park

Sigulda is perfect if you want to spend a day hiking. From here, you can walk into the Gauja National Park and explore a vast range of trails.

We decided to combine hiking with sightseeing and followed an easy tour that we highly recommend. From the Sigulda Castles, take the cable car across the valley and go to see Krimulda Manor. Then, continue to Gutmana Cave before eventually ending up in the Turaida Museum Reserve. You can now take a bus back to Sigulda, or hike back if you still have the energy.

The Sigulda Tourism Information also has tons of information on hiking trails and can provide you with maps if needed. You can find them next to the train station, and you can also look up hiking trail information online .

#3 Explore Gutmanis Cave

While in Sigulda, you should make sure to visit Gutmanis Cave. This cave might be the highest and widest in the Baltics, but we didn’t find it impressive for its size. Instead, the cave is famous for the graffiti you can see here, some of which dates back to the 17th century.

Yes, people have been leaving graffiti in this cave for that long. You’ll see inscriptions all over the walls. Plus, the cave famously features in a local legend.

The story goes that in the early 1600s, after a battle, the record keeper of the Turaida castle found a little girl on the battlefield. He decided to name her Maija and took her into the court. She grew into such a beautiful woman that everyone called her the Rose of Turaida.

Even though Maija had many suitors, her heart belonged to Viktor, a gardener at the Sigulda Medieval Castle. In the evenings, they would meet in Gutmanis Cave.

One day, a soldier who was desperately in love with Maija sent her a forged letter to lure her to the cave. When she arrived, he kidnapped her. Maja pleaded to let her go and offered her red scarf, a gift from Viktor, for her freedom. She claimed it had magical powers and that no sword could cut through it.

So her kidnapper took his sword, swung it at her and killed her in Gutmanis Cave.

And while this might sound like a legend, court documents from the early 1600s prove that this story is true. In the end, the soldier was captured and hanged for his crime.

#4 Visit Turaida Castle

Close to Sigulda, you can find the Turaida Museum Reserve. If you’ve visited the Sigulda Castle, then you’ve already seen this one from the top of the tower.

The Turaida Castle is a large red-brick structure that dates back to 1214. The archbishop of Riga ordered its construction back then, in the position where the wooden castle of Liv once stood. The Livonian Order, who built the castle, called it Fredeland – Land of Peace, but the Livonian name Turaida is the one that survived until today.

While visiting the Castle, you can go into the reconstructed buildings and visit a museum. Here, you can learn more about the history of the castle as well as about the Liv people in the area.

While visiting the Turaida Castle, you will notice that it is part of the large Turaida Museum Reserve. The castle might be its highlight, but you can find many other noticeable structures here. Take a look at the church, for example, which is one of the oldest wooden churches in Latvia. Nearby, you can find the grave of Maija, the “Rose of Turaida”. You can also see many preserved buildings from the Turaida Estate.

#5 Take a cable car across the Gauja River Valley

While hiking to the Krimulda Manor, you have the choice between crossing the river valley on foot or taking a cable car across it.

We highly recommend the cable car, not only because it’ll save you from having to climb up on the other side of the valley but also because you can get fantastic views. The ride lasts 7 minutes in total, and you’ll cover a distance of more than 1 kilometre.

The company operating the cable car also offers lots of adventure and adrenaline sports. If you’ve always wanted to go bungee jumping, this is your chance!

#6 Visit Krimulda Manor

The Krimulda Manor also goes by the name of Krimulda Castle, a confusing name as you can also find the real Krimulda Castle Ruins nearby. The beautiful manor house dates back to the 19th century and currently houses a hotel and rehabilitation centre.

While walking around the manor grounds, you will see a large wooden structure opposite the main building. Back in the early 1900s, when this house served as a tuberculosis sanatorium, the patients would sit here and enjoy the sun.

Besides looking at the building from outside and exploring the gardens, you can also join guided tours to learn more about Krimulda Manor. As the prices are calculated per group, this is especially worth it if you arrive with multiple friends or family.

In addition, the manor has its own winery. A wine tasting offers you the unique chance of tasting the wines produced at the estate and learning more about local history and traditions.

1/2-2h, depending on if you join a tour

#7 Climb to the top of the Sigulda Evangelic Lutheran Church

Close to Sigulda Castle, you can find the Evangelic Lutheran Church. The first church in this area dates back to 1226, and historians assume that it was a wooden structure. The church, as you can see it today, was first mentioned in writing in 1438.

If you want to get an overview of Sigulda, you should go inside and climb to the top of its tower. You can find many viewpoints overlooking the Gauja River Valley, but this is one of the few from where you can see more of Sigulda.

Bonus: Ride the bobsleigh track

We didn’t get to do this one, as we ran out of time, but it’s at the top of my list for when I come back. In Sigulda, you can find a bobsleigh and luge track. Not only can you visit the structure, but you can also ride down in a bob! Going down the trail, you’ll reach speeds of around 80km/h.

Doesn’t this sound like lots of fun? If you have the time, you should check it out. And please let us know in the comments below if you’ve been there and how you liked it.

Practical Information

When to visit sigulda.

You can visit Sigulda at any time of the year. However, if you are looking for decent weather and beautiful views, we recommend that you come here in spring, summer or autumn.

We went to Sigulda in winter and loved our trip. The region is beautiful at any time of the year. However, with all the trees without leaves, it looked a bit desolate at times. Therefore, you might enjoy spring to autumn more, with autumn being especially gorgeous as all the leaves turn yellow and red.

If you visit in summer, you can enjoy great weather and fantastic hikes. Be aware, though, that all Latvians know about the beauty of Sigulda. Therefore, expect to run into lots of other tourists during your visit.

How to get to Sigulda

The easiest way to get to Sigulda is from Riga. You can either catch a bus or a train. Both will take around one hour and cost approximately the same. The main difference is that buses leave more frequently so you might find them slightly more convenient, but in the end, the choice is up to you.

If you’re coming from Tartu in Estonia, you can arrive by train. Be aware that you will need to change trains at the border, so most people prefer going by bus to Riga first and then continuing to Sigulda.

How to get around Sigulda

If you look at a map of Sigulda, you will notice that everything is quite spread out. This is a fantastic hiking destination, but that also means that, unless you have a rental car, you will be walking a lot. If you get tired, catch bus number 12, which connects Turaida Castle and Sigulda.

If you’re visiting Latvia, you are in luck because we have a few other resources for you. Check out the following posts to help you plan your trip:

• The best things to do in Riga
• Visit Cesis and explore this cute castle town
• Travelling on to Estonia? Check out the best things to do in Tartu!
• Expand your trip and find out about the best things to do in Lithuania

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Ilona is a world traveller passionate about sharing her experiences and giving advice to fellow travellers. Having visited over 70 countries, she is always excited about her next trip.

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What to do in sigulda: a day trip from riga to sigulda in latvia.

Sigulda is the perfect combination of adventure, nature and culture and makes a wonderful day trip from Riga.  I visited Sigulda as part of a complimentary guided tour arranged by the WITS conference, and only got to spend the day there – but if you have more time you could easily spend a weekend in Sigulda exploring all the things to do in Sigulda and the surrounding Gauja National Park.

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How to Get from Riga to Sigulda

To get to Sigulda from Riga there are regular direct trains which take around 45 minutes.  There are also buses which are cheaper but take longer.

Know Before You Go to Riga

Before travelling to Riga, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.

🛌 MY FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION IN RIGA:

$$ Dome Hotel : Quirky hotel in a great location

$$ Neiburgs Hotel: beautiful hotel with apartments and suites

$ Cinnamon Sally : friendly hostel with private or shared rooms including breakfast

⭐ TOP RIGA ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:

1. Central Market Latvian Food Tour – with tastings included!

2. Guided Old Town Walking Tour – see top sights in Riga in one easy tour

3. Riga Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat – take the scenic route on the water

Getting Around Sigulda

Getting between the various attractions in Sigulda is easier with your own transport, if you don’t have a car then you could look at hiring a bike or e-bike to whizz around town.  It is also possible to hike if you’re feeling energetic – start off in Sigulda and take the cable car across the valley to Krimulda, and hike down the mountain back to Sigulda, stopping off at Turaida Castle and Gutman Cave on the way 

What to do in Sigulda

There are plenty of things to do in Sigulda to suit every taste, so it just depends on what you are into.  The time of year might also change what you do in Sigulda, as warmer weather encourages different activities than you would do in Sigulda in winter!  Most cultural attractions in Sigulda are fine all year round.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fabulous Day Trips from Riga

Active Things to do in Sigulda

Sigulda could easily be the adrenaline capital of Latvia!  If you enjoy outdoor activities with a dash of excitement, look no further!

Sigulda Cable Car & Sigulda Bungee

You can take a cable car across the Gauja River for spectacular views – adrenaline junkies may like to know that you can arrange to bungee jump from the cable car, although we didn’t take the plunge ourselves.  During the summer you can also zipline across the cable car wire!

What to do in Sigulda – Rent an E-Bike

Sigulda Adventures have e-bikes available to rent by the hour or by the day.  The e-bikes are very useful for the hilly terrain around Sigulda and can last between 30km – 60km on a single battery charge so you can explore the whole area.  Even if the battery does die, you can still use it as a normal bike.  We rented a bike just to go to Sigulda Castle, which was my first time on an e-bike, and I loved it!  They can get up to fast speeds, so a bicycle or drivers license is required to ride them.  Contact Sigulda Adventures if you have any queries about hiring the bikes. 

AERODIUM is an outdoor vertical wind tunnel where you can get the experience of jumping out of a plane without actually having to do it!  Open from May to October, prices start from €45 per adult. 

Sigulda Bobsleigh Track

Have you ever dreamed of zipping down a bobsleigh track at the Olympics?   Sigulda Bobsleigh track is where Latvian Olympians train by speeding down the icy track.  It is open for public visitors, and for a bargain 10€ per person, you can have a go yourselves (if you have a team of 4 people).  We zipped down the track faster than I imagined but emerged unscathed and having thoroughly enjoyed the adventure!  I do recommend coming here before lunch though, as my stomach was doing somersaults as we were thrown around the corners!

Hiking in Gauja National Park

You could easily spend several days walking the various hiking trails around the Gauja National Park, close to Sigulda.  We spent a separate day here walking with our fabulous guide Sigita from Cesis Inside and barely scratched the surface.  The scenery is beautiful, and we hiked along the Amata trail along the Gauja River and part of the Cecīļu Nature Trail.

The Cecīļu Nature Trail is actually on private property, but the owners maintain the trails and allow public access.  As we walked through the forest we came across waterfalls, dancing rivers (so-called because of the fast-moving water) and rustic cabins – even a sauna! 

From there we hopped in the car to get to the Amata Hiking trail where we walked through the forest along the Amata River to Zvartes Rock, one of the steepest sandstone and dolomite bedrock banks of the river.  The rock is more than 350 million years old and is 20m high, and in summer is a popular swimming destination where families picnic and camp.  Sigita’s daughter Tereze runs the Tourist Information Centre at Zvartes Rock , where we finished our walk with a delicious lunch.  You could also start your hike from there and pick up maps and supplies before you go.  It isn’t open every day though, so get in touch before you go.   

Cultural Things to do in Sigulda

Sigulda castle.

The Livonian Order Castle of Sigulda was built in 1207, and although is now mostly in ruins, you can still climb part of the tower.  There are lovely views across the valley where you can see the Turaida Castle in the distance. 

Make Your Own Walking Stick

Around the old castle, the New Castle of Sigulda district has a host of craftsmen and artists where you can watch them at work and buy souvenirs.  We stopped off at the walking stick maker’s, where the lady showed us how to make our own mini walking stick.  Walking sticks are a symbol of Sigulda, as the first historical mention of a walking stick was in a 19th-century travel guide when the writer suggested that a walking stick may come in handy while walking in the valleys of Sigulda.  You can buy walking sticks of all sizes, from tiny fridge magnets to full-sized usable walking sticks.  In Sigulda, keep your eyes open for Walking Stick Park, which has models of walking sticks dotted around the grass. 

Turaida Museum Reserve

Turaida Castle and Museum is the most visited museum in Latvia.  The Medieval Castle has a fascinating history, and the views from the top of the tower are well worth the walk up – if you have a clear day!  It was grey and foggy when I was there, unfortunately, but that added an air of mystery to the place.  In the grounds, there is a Lutheran church which is one of the oldest wooden churches in Latvia, built in 1750.  There is also a sculpture park dedicated to Latvian folk songs, and the grave of the Rose of Turaida, a beautiful young woman who was slain by a jealous soldier. 

Gūtmanis Cave

Gutmanis Cave is the oldest tourist site in Latvia, and people have been writing their names on the walls here since the 17 th Century.  It may seem bizarre to have historical evidence in the shape of graffiti, but tradition is tradition!  It is said that the springs emerging from the grotto have healing powers and that the cave got its name from a healer called of “Gut Mann” who lived here and treated people’s ailments with water from the spring.  The cave is set within a park, and there are several trails to take around the area which lead up to Turaida Castle and Krimulda Manor, among others.

Fruit Wine Tasting at Krimulda Manor

Krimulda Manos used to be a luxurious private home in the Gauja National Park, but now it is a health spa and hotel with pleasant grounds.  You can also arrange a wine tasting of some delicious fruit wines which were very nice indeed!

A Traditional Latvian Massage

I’d heard of Swedish massages but hadn’t realised that Latvians also have a long tradition of sauna and massage.  We had a traditional Latvian massage experience at our hotel, where a bath master in a loincloth and little hat beat us with leaves, scrubbed our skin and dunked us in a cold-water pool. 

It was a bizarre experience (best done naked as a wet swimsuit would be problematic with the changing temperatures!) but a unique one, that I certainly recommend trying if you can throw your inhibitions out of the window! 

Have you been to Sigulda?  Would you take a trip from Riga to Sigulda to experience the best of Latvian history, culture and excitement?  I’d love to hear your thoughts on what to do in Sigulda, please leave your comments below.

Have you got Travel Insurance?

• Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel.  I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items, trip cancellation and more.  
• Get a quote for your trip from True Traveller if you're based in the UK, or World Nomads or SafetyWing which both offer travel insurance for backpackers and long-term travellers.  Alternatively, use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.

Where to Stay in Sigulda

We stayed at the lovely Spa Hotel Ezeri which has an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna and a separate place at the bottom of the gardens for the traditional Latvian massages.  My room was spacious and comfortable, the food was great and I would happily stay there again.  It is about 40 minutes’ from the train station though so it is easier to reach if you have your own transport.

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Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

2 thoughts on “ What to do in Sigulda: A Day Trip from Riga to Sigulda in Latvia ”

It not true about transport. With train from Rīga its about one hour trip. And bus tickets are more expensive than train ticket. Glad to see information about my hometown in this blog. I see you had a good time in sigulda, i’m glad to read this

Love this! I’m planning a trip to Riga next year, I always like to do day trips so I’ll definitely keep this in mind. The Bobsleigh sounds great as well!

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Sigulda Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1 day

Best Time: May - September

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"Adventure and Nature in Sigulda"

Sigulda tourism.

Sigulda, located in Latvia, is a popular tourist destination for travelers looking for a unique and memorable experience. The city is situated at the foot of the Gauja River Valley and is surrounded by lush forests and picturesque hills.

The main reason to visit Sigulda is its stunning natural beauty, which is perfect for outdoor activities. Tourists can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and even ziplining through the valley. There are also several key tourist spots and attractions for visitors to explore, such as the Turaida Castle, the Gutmanis Cave, and the Krimulda Manor. Other highlights of Sigulda include the Bobsleigh and Luge track, a cable car ride to the observation tower, and the Sigulda Adventure Park. The city is also home to numerous festivals, markets, and events throughout the year. When visiting Sigulda, travelers should keep in mind that the city is quite compact and most attractions can be reached on foot. However, public transportation is available, and visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the area. Additionally, the city is quite popular during the summer months, so it is best to book accommodations in advance. Overall, Sigulda is a great destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of Latvia. From its stunning natural sights to its many attractions, this charming city is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

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Top 17 things to do and attractions in Sigulda

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1 Turaida Castle

2 Castle Of The Livonian Order In Sigulda

3 Gutman's Cave

4 sigulda bobsleigh, luge and skeleton track, 5 gaisa trošu ceļš, 6 jūrmalas tarzāns, 7 university of latvia botanical garden, 8 krimulda castle, 9 aerodium, sigulda, 10 "mežakaķis", 11 castle of the livonian order in sigulda, 12 poligon #1 lāzertags - rīga (radiotehnika) slēgts, 13 sigulda adventures, 14 paradise hill, 15 daudas ūdenskritums, 16 ziedleju cliffs, 17 satezeles pilskalns, popular road trips from sigulda, what's the weather like in sigulda.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Sigulda for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Sigulda in January
• Weather in Sigulda in February
• Weather in Sigulda in March
• Weather in Sigulda in April
• Weather in Sigulda in May
• Weather in Sigulda in June
• Weather in Sigulda in July
• Weather in Sigulda in August
• Weather in Sigulda in September
• Weather in Sigulda in October
• Weather in Sigulda in November
• Weather in Sigulda in December

All road trips from Sigulda

• Sigulda to Tallinn drive
• Sigulda to Tartu drive

Explore nearby places

• Amatas Novads

All related maps of Sigulda

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• Map of Silakrogs
• Map of Cesis
• Map of Adazi
• Map of Baltezers
• Map of Priekuli
• Map of Dunte
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• Map of Vaidava
• Map of Limbazi
• Map of Liepupe
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• Map of Rubene
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• Map of Katlakalns

Sigulda throughout the year

• Sigulda in January
• Sigulda in February
• Sigulda in March
• Sigulda in April
• Sigulda in May
• Sigulda in June
• Sigulda in July
• Sigulda in August
• Sigulda in September
• Sigulda in October
• Sigulda in November
• Sigulda in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Sigulda?

Get inspired for your trip to Sigulda with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Sigulda Itinerary
• 2-Day Sigulda Itinerary
• 3-Day Sigulda Itinerary

Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Riga

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OTHER CITIES

Sigulda Unveiled

Latvia’s charm lies in savoring life slowly, and Sigulda is no exception. Picture this: wandering through enchanting woods, discovering hidden landmarks, and feeling the town’s soul steal your heart. Sigulda tourism promises to spill its secrets, showcasing Livonian traditions dating back to the 11th century.

The Livonian Order Sigulda Castle, a medieval marvel, awaits to leave you breathless. But if you crave more action, Sigulda Tourism has you covered. Winter skiing, river boating, cycling, and visits to parks beckon. And don’t miss the cable car – the only one in the Baltics, promising genuine fun! Let Sigulda’s travel guide reveal the brilliance of this tiny city.

Sigulda’s Gems

Gauja National Park: Dive into Latvia’s largest park, often dubbed the Switzerland of the country. With 90,000 hectares of awe-inspiring natural beauty, it’s a true haven.

Turaida Museum Reserve: Step back in time within this 43.63-hectare reserve, home to the iconic Turaida Castle, a living testament to Latvia’s Christian history.

Sigulda Medieval Castle: Built in 1207, this castle-turned-monastery offers panoramic views and hosts various events, a favorite spot for leisurely walks.

Sigulda Evangelical Lutheran Church: A historic gem dating back to the 15th century, surviving even the Soviet era, it’s a must-visit for every Sigulda explorer.

Walking-Stick Park: Witness the symbol of Sigulda – the stick. Crafted with care, these sticks tell tales of tradition, adorned with unique patterns and the inscription “Sigulda.”

Top Places to Eat in Sigulda

Doma: A cozy cafe offering homemade delights without breaking the bank. Burgers, barbecues, and salads await.

Mr. Biskvits: The heart of Sigulda’s coffee tradition, where sweet treats and heartfelt conversations unfold in the center of town.

Aparjods: An inviting space offering impressive BBQ dishes, traditional Latvian fare, and delectable desserts.

Kungu Rija: Fusion at its finest – savor leg of lamb, roast veal, or smoked catfish in this unique culinary haven.

Kaku Maja Bistro: A genuine Latvian cafe offering a variety of dishes, from meat to fish and vegetarian options. Affordable and tasty, with a summer terrace for added charm.

Top 5 Things to Do

Bobsleigh and Luge Track: Feel the rush of speed on the only track of its kind in the Baltics, offering an adrenaline-pumping adventure year-round.

Adventure Park Tarzan: The ultimate amusement park in the Baltic Countries, perfect for a day of active family fun.

Gutman’s Cave: Explore a cave formed 10,000 years ago, a protected wonder in the Gauja National Park.

Aerodium: Take flight in Eastern Europe’s first vertical wind tunnel, a thrilling experience for the daring.

Aerial Cableway: Traverse the Gauja valley in 7 minutes, capturing mesmerizing views of Turaida castle and more.

Travel Tips

In cafes, tipping isn’t obligatory, but leaving 10-20% of the bill is a gesture warmly appreciated by the locals.

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EAT & DRINK

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STAY & ENJOY

Feel the spirit of local life expressions! Wellness, casinos, shopping, etc.

Iveta Gruodytė

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel. +370 698 45681

Professionally educated in sports and tourism management, Iveta is passionate about encouraging guests to explore the Northeastern region of Europe in the most attractive way. She has been working in the tourism industry since 2013, assisting customers from 64 countries, and she loves doing it!

ASK A QUESTION

Tour operator Baltic Tours Group since 1991 Address: Vasingtono sq. 1, LT-01108 Vilnius, Lithuania

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Bobsleigh and luge track in Sigulda

The Bobsleigh and Luge Track Sigulda is one of 18 constructions of this type in the world. In comparison with other tracks, this one is unique, since it is accessible for visitors and tourists for attraction rides. International competitions are held at the track every year. 1420 meters, 16 curves and a 200 m long braking distance - these parameters of Sigulda bobsleigh and luge track can be experienced not only by professional athletes but also by every visitor of Sigulda.

The design of the modern artificial ice track was carried out by Leipzig sports buildings’ scientific-technical centre. The building works were carried out by Yugoslavian company “Graming” based in Sarajevo. The first round of the track was commissioned in 1986. The maximum possible speed 125 km/h.

The track is suitable for organizing bobsleigh, luge sport, and skeleton competitions and training. Each season there are international and national competitions.

Since 2010 Sigulda can call itself an Olympic town. Sigulda locals – lugers brothers Šics and skeleton racer Martins Dukurs, at Vancouver Olympic games won silver medals.

Rides with soft bob “Vučko” are organized from November to March by prior arrangement. During the ride with soft bob Vučko you can enjoy the speed, and every turn is a new and unforgettable adventure.

Rides with winter bobsleigh and tourist attraction “Frog” are organized from November to March by prior arrangement. If you want to understand what a skeleton means, try a ride with the tourism attraction "Frog". Lying on your belly, you can enjoy both rapid curves and fast lines.

Location and sights nearby

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• Bobsleja un kamaniņu trase "Sigulda"