Raiskums: Nature Trails, Manor History and Hotels
Accommodation in Raiskums
The Red Cliffs and Kvēpene are known for their trails and natural attractions, while Raiskuma Manor is known for its preserved architecture. A tour at Raiskumietis adds a brewery experience to these attractions. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, it helps to first consider whether trail length, nature experiences, manor history or a guided experience is your priority.
Hiking and Nature
The Red Cliffs are a protected geological natural monument in Gauja National Park. A 2 km circular trail runs through the area. For a longer hike, there is the 11 km Kvēpene circular trail, which begins at the car park by the historic Raiskums Chapel. The chapel was built around 1880. This gives you two different distances to choose from when planning your hike: the 2 km loop at the Red Cliffs and the 11 km circular trail at Kvēpene.
On the Kvēpene nature trails, hikers can reach Kvēpene Cave and a sacred spring that emerges from an impressive sandstone cliff. The cave, spring and rock give this nature experience a distinctive focus. The Red Cliffs trail features an open-air exhibition of large-scale paintings inspired by the fairy tales of Latvian writer Kārlis Skalbe.
Manor History and Architecture
Raiskuma Manor House has a terrace overlooking Lake Raiskums. The Raiskuma Manor estate comprises around 20 buildings that have survived to this day; several retain their original façades. Each offers a different point of interest: the manor house has its terrace views of the lake, while the estate complex is notable for its surviving buildings and original façades. If you are interested in the history of the area, both offer their own points of connection.
Brewery and Tasting
On a pre-booked tour at Raiskumietis, you can learn about the production of beer and sourdough bread. The tour includes a visit to a wood-fired brewing kettle, as well as an extensive tasting. Three local craft beers are offered: a light beer, a dark beer and a cherry beer. Check in advance what is currently available for tasting, as details may change.
Activities on Lake Raiskums
You can rent SUP boards at the “Apaļkalns” campsite for trips on Lake Raiskums. This gives you the option of an activity on the water as well as the hiking trails. Renting a SUP board offers a different view of the lake than the one from the manor house terrace. Check the current rental options before your trip.
Hotel in Raiskums
The “Zaķīši” hotel in Raiskums has a sauna and a lounge with a fireplace. Both facilities are suitable for small celebrations or relaxed evenings with friends. If these amenities are important to your decision, confirm the details before booking, as they may change. This will help you compare the hotel’s specific features with the nature and cultural attractions that matter most for your trip to Raiskums.
Discover more destinations: Rāmuļi, Cēsis.
Return to the main travel overview: Cēsu Novads.
