Hike In Gauja National Park - Up And Down The Switzerland Of Latvia

What is waiting for you on this hike? Impressive sandstone outcrops and the biggest cave in the Baltics – Gutman Cave. Ancient historical sites, like Sigulda Brother of Swords castle ruins and Krimulda manor. A well-established trail along the Gauja River. A bit of climbing on the steep river banks to see the primeval Gauja River valley. And… a lot of fresh air!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sigulda town with its ancient castle ruins

Sigulda is famous as the winter sports capital of Latvia, there is a bobsleigh track, various sports facilities, and mountain skiing tracks with lifts. The surroundings of the Gauja river are one of the main centers of attraction in Latvia. You will also see the ruins of Sigulda's Livonian Order castle, which was built back in 1207, and how the remaining walls represent the Middle Ages. You will go up to the tower, from where you can see a great view of the valley of the Gauja National Park. In the center of the castle ruins, there is a modern stage where open-air concerts and festivals are held, including the Sigulda International Opera Music Festival.

• Primeval Gauja River valley

Gauja National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Latvia. It is characterized by high biodiversity, relief variability, many springs, sandstone cliffs, picturesque landscapes and outstanding natural and cultural monuments.

• Pīķene Bluff

The Pikene Cliff is about 1 km long and 70-80 meters high. It is located on the right bank of the Gauja River and there is a small canyon nearby. Along the route, you can see several sandstone cliffs and a small waterfall.  The Piķene cliffs are covered with overhanging forests, with oak, lindens, maple and hazel trees.

• Krimulda manor

Krimulda manor was built in the second half of the 13th century. It is located where the right bank of the ancient Gauja valley is divided by the deep Vikmeste gorge. Belonging to the Council of Bishops of Riga, the castle is an impressive building with a large courtyard and a 1.5-meter-thick defense wall. In 1601 the Swedish army blew up the castle while retreating. Today, the castle hill is overgrown with trees, and only a small piece of the castle wall can be seen...

• Gutman Cave

 You will stop stop by Gutman’s cave, a unique cave carved with old inscriptions on the walls, left by ancient travelers. Currently, the oldest visible inscription is from 1667. It began to form 10,000 years ago, when the waters of the ice age eroded the sandstone rocks. Gutman’s cave - translated from German means the cave of a good man. Gutman’s cave is associated with a real, 410-year-old love legend about the Turaidas’ Rose.

TRANSPORTATION

The hiking tour starts from Riga, driver will arrive at the arranged time and location and contacts of the driver will be provided at least a day before the tour starts.

The price is negotiated separately, according to the number of passengers and the place of departure.

Level of difficulty: a quite easy hike with few steep climbs. Walking around the town, small footpaths through the woods, boardwalks and countryside roads.

What to bring with you:

2 l of water per person as a minimum

Lunch and snacks for personal usage

How to dress:

Please dress accordingly to the weather conditions, wear appropriate footwear (sandals or hiking shoes depending on weather conditions would be ideal).

Photos by: Solveiga Kaļva.

Notes:  Ticket prices and the order of visited objects might slightly change.

Cancellation rules: click here.

The hiking tour program was prepared by UAB Ingrida tours. The use or distribution of the travel program is prohibited without the consent of the authors.

If you have any questions about hiking tour contact us by phone: +37064442909, +37065556313, by e-mail - [email protected].