Latvia · Castles & Palaces

Full-Day Gauja National Park Castles Tour with Sigulda and Cesis

1 Day Round trip from Riga Easy pace

Historic Homes of Gauja National Park, Latvia

Ancient Castles in Gauja National Park, Latvia

Architecture of Castles in Gauja National Park, Latvia

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See the Sigulda Brother of Swords Castle ruins
02 Visit Turaida Episcopal Castle and Cesis Medieval Castle
03 Experience gorgeous hiking trails in Sigulda and Krimulda
04 Admire the picturesque landscapes of Gauja National Park

Sign up for a tour of the historical castles of Gauja National Park from Riga with a local expert guide. Explore the beauty of Gauja National Park, established in 1973, as you enjoy an hour's drive from the city into the area known as "Vidzemes Sveice" - the Livonian Switzerland. Admire a unique combination of picturesque hill landscapes, the Gauja River, medieval castles, sculpture parks, and fauna and flora that are already extinct in many countries in Europe.

Enjoy a fabulous view of the Gauja River from the Sigulda Castle ruins.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Riga, Gauja National Park, Cēsis, Sigulda

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Castles and Scenic Landscapes of Gauja National Park

Get picked up from your hotel and meet your local tour guide in Riga.
Drive towards the outskirts of the city and reach Gauja National Park.
Start with sightseeing in Sigulda, a small idyllic town with 10,000 inhabitants, whose foundation dates back to the beginning of the 12th century.
Visit the large Sigulda Castle, which was destroyed during the Great Nordic War, though the ruins of the main building and the two towers remain and are used for dance and song festivals. The new castle was built in 1881 and today houses the city council and a nice restaurant.
Enjoy a fabulous view of the Gauja River from the Sigulda Castle ruins.
Proceed to the other side of the river and visit Gutman Cave, a huge red sandstone cave.
Move up the hill to see the ruins of Turaida Castle, inaugurated by Bishop Albert of Riga.
Conclude your tour with a visit to Cesis Medieval Castle before being dropped off back at your accommodation in Riga.

Where this trip takes you

Gauja National Park, Sigulda Castle ruins, Gauja River, Cesis Medieval Castle

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Riga 4 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or accommodation in a private vehicle
Certified English-speaking Gauja National Park tour guide
Entrance fees to Sigulda Castle Ruins, Turaida Episcopal Castle, and the Cesis Medieval Castle complex