Sigulda

Turaida_2

City of Sigulda is called the center of active tourism in Latvia as well as the Switzerland of Vidzeme because of the spectacular views. The city is located at the heart of Gauja National Park and encompasses Krimulda and Turaida.

We’ll begin our journey with 1020m long cable car ride above the Gauja river valley and disembark in Krimulda to explore some medieval castle ruins.

Nature richesgutmanala_autors_darren_alff_2014

We’ll spend the whole day in the territory Gauja National park soaking in the beautiful views, the fresh air (even sold in bottles) and listening to bird songs. We’ll visit caves and the biggest grotto in the Baltic’s – Gutmana cave.

Hill-forts

Our hiking trail goes through the Turaida Museum Reserve, which is one of the most important tourism sites in Latvia.

Nearby we’ll see a ruins of another castle in Krimulda and its neighboring Krimulda manor, which is one of the brightest examples of Classicism style living houses in Latvia and now serves as a rehabilitation center and a hostel.

Here we’ll have a small lunch and a tea and follow small trail towards river Gauja.

makskernieku_paradize_0Sigulda bobsleigh and luge track

Having crossed the river Gauja we’ll arrive at the bobsleigh track built here during the Soviet times. It’s the final stop of the tour and a possibility for the brave ones to go down the track in a ‘vučko’, which reaches speeds of up to 80km/h in this almost 1 and a half kilometers long track with 20 turns.

Having completed the circle we return to Riga on a train.

Additional information

Duration1 day
Physicality4/10
DatesYear-round
LanguageENG, GER, LAT, RUS
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION Pick-up and return from hotel/hostel.
DEPARTURE TIME  7:00-11:00 AM (depends on time of year and your wishes)
RETURN TIME 2:00-6:00 PM.
PATH
  • ~ 16 km on forest trails and plank paths
  • There are a few steep climbs on wooden steps
  • Total altitude gain ~570m
WEAR
  • solid hiking boots or runners
  • a rain jacket is advised (especially during cold season)
  • small bag for water, snacks or souvenirs
INCLUDED
Transportation to/from Sigulda Tour guide
Cable car ticket (7eur)
SUGGESTED
Breakfast and lunch
Vučko’ ride down the track

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