Cēsis Municipality between the Gauja landscape and history
Accommodation in Cēsis Municipality
In Cēsis Municipality, places steeped in history meet a landscape shaped by nature. More than 65 percent of the region is characterized by forests, bodies of water, hills and cliffs; Cēsis Municipality is also home to 49 natural monuments. Parts of Gauja National Park are located in Cēsis Municipality, too. This gives you a wide range of options when planning your trip: you can explore distinctive landforms, discover medieval history, or focus on routes and outdoor activities.
Nature and trails along the Gauja
The reddish Devonian sandstone outcrop Zvārtes iezis lies on the banks of the Amata and is one of the finest examples of its kind in Latvia. You can enjoy good views from both the river and the top of the rock. The nature trails of Līgatne offer a different perspective on nature: set in wooded landscapes shaped by ravines, they provide opportunities to observe native wildlife and the Gauja valley. The Cecīļi Nature Trail follows the rivers Kumada, Dančupīte and Amata. It includes a canyon, a small waterfall and the Cecīļi rock.
The trails around Līgatne also bring together nature and culture. The cultural-history trail through the former paper mill village has a 3-kilometre walking route and a 1.8-kilometre option that is accessible by bicycle and with a stroller. Trail access and surfaces may change; check conditions before setting out.
Medieval towns and cultural heritage
Cēsis has more than 800 years of history and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Baltics. Cēsu viduslaiku pils is an 800-year-old historical landmark and one of the best-preserved castle ruins in Latvia. In summer, visitors can try medieval games and activities in the castle garden on weekends, discover traditional crafts and explore the medieval garden. As this is a seasonal program, check which activities are currently available before your trip.
The Cēsis Museum was founded in 1925 and has more than 160,000 museum objects. The Āraiši Archaeological Park offers a glimpse into a different historical period: it is home to the only reconstruction in Europe of a fortified settlement dating from the 9th to 10th centuries. A guided tour explores the way of life and building traditions of the ancient Latgalians; check current booking arrangements in advance. Liestraupe Castle is notable for its distinctive design: it is the only castle in Latvia connected to a church within a single building.
The Melānija Vanaga Museum features a film about the writer, unpublished handwritten books, personal belongings and the stories behind them. Near the museum is a Siberian dugout, considered the only structure of its kind in Latvia.
Routes and activities for different kinds of trips
The Jaunpiebalga–Viņķu kalns circular route is 17 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty, and starts at 21 Gaujas Street in Jaunpiebalga. The cycling route passes through the Piebalga countryside and by cultural and historical sights in the centre of Jaunpiebalga. If you would like help planning your route, VeloTava can recommend and guide you along tailor-made routes that take in natural and cultural attractions. Check whether this service is available before your trip.
For a trip along the Gauja, the Žagarkalns boat base rents canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, river catamarans, rafts and SUP boards; trips run along the Gauja and Brasla rivers. The base also provides transfers from the campsite to the starting point, or from the finish back to the starting point. Confirm rental options, routes and transfer arrangements in advance.
The Līgatne Ferry crosses the Gauja using two boats connected by a plank deck. A cable stretched across the river moves the ferry from one bank to the other with the current; it is the only ferry of its kind in the Baltics. It operates daily, although technical issues or other unavoidable circumstances may cause exceptions. Check the current schedule before your trip.
Winter experiences and regional cuisine
Ozolkalns has four ski runs: a blue, a green, a red, and a children’s and practice run. Each is up to 500 metres long; the ski area also has a chairlift. Winter conditions may affect operations, so it is advisable to check the latest situation before your visit.
More than 200 animals live at Rakši Zoo, including camels, llamas, alpacas and lemurs. Activities on offer include camel rides, walks with llamas, donkey-cart rides and feeding lemurs up close. As the offerings may change, confirm availability before your visit. For a culinary experience, Latvijas Ķiploks offers a 1.5-hour guided tour of garlic production, with a tasting; advance booking is required. The Straupe Slow Food Market takes place in the historic Straupes zirgu pasts complex, which is also home to Straupes zirgu pasta virtuve.
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