Sigulda Municipality: Nature, Castles and Culture

Gauja National Park also extends across Sigulda Municipality, combining recreation with nature conservation. Its natural wealth can be measured in numbers as well as in the opportunities it offers outdoors: more than 800 vascular plant species, 149 bird species and 48 mammal species have been recorded in the park. There are also more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails and cycling routes throughout the park. Nature experiences and cultural history offer two distinct focal points for planning your stay.

Hiking Trails and Distinctive Landscapes

Raganu katls is a protected natural feature in the Nurmiži Ravine Reserve in Sigulda Municipality. Various watercourses have formed a large suffosion sinkhole, or gorge, there. Raganu katls is 30 metres high and 20 metres wide; the rock walls reach a maximum height of 20 metres. The gorge can be viewed only from the upper viewpoint. The strictly protected zone of the reserve may be crossed only along a designated route marked on the map.

Gūtmaņala offers a different kind of landscape: the 18.8-metre-long grotto lies in the yellowish-red sandstone of the Gauja Formation. It is 12 metres wide, and its ceiling reaches a maximum height of 10 metres. Inscriptions dating from the 17th century have been preserved in the grotto; it is also associated with the legend of the Rose of Turaida. Geological formations and traditional stories meet here.

The Mālpils Nature Trail is an approximately 6.5-kilometre out-and-back route along the left bank of the Mergupe River. Information boards cover local trees, plants and fish. Its approximate total length and thematic focus make the trail a distinct way to explore the river landscape and its natural environment.

Castles, History and Culture

The 42-hectare Turaida Museum Reserve contains archaeological, architectural, historical and artistic monuments. They bear witness to events spanning about 1,000 years, beginning in the 11th century. Construction of Turaida Stone Castle began in 1214. The museum reserve also includes 26 stone sculptures by sculptor Indulis Ranka.

Various historic buildings can also be distinguished in Sigulda. The New Castle was built in 1878, and its exterior retains its neo-Gothic style. The Livonian Order Castle was built in 1207 and destroyed in the early 18th century during the Great Northern War. It has been open to visitors since reconstruction work began in 2011 and is used for outdoor events. These dates mark different chapters in the history of the place.

Sigulda’s Castle Quarter is home to the workshops and studios of craftspeople and artists. Visitors can learn new skills and buy souvenirs there. Siguldas devons Cultural Centre complements these offerings as a multifunctional space for culture and the arts. Its programme includes art exhibitions, theatre performances, concerts, film screenings and family events. Specific event dates vary.

Excursions and Activities

Lēdurga Dendrological Park combines botanical diversity with outdoor activities. Around 1993, a total of 939 tree and shrub taxa were recorded there; the number of taxa may now exceed 1,000. The park has a disc golf course with 19 baskets: one practice basket and 18 baskets on the course. Picnics, guided excursions and creative workshops are also available.

Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track is open to the public daily from 8:00 to 20:00. Summer bob rides are offered in summer, while soft bob, soft luge and ice raft experiences are available in winter. As operating conditions may change, check the latest opening times before your visit. Another way to cross the Gauja is the Sigulda Cable Car, which connects the two banks over a distance of 1,025 metres.

For groups of 10 to 60 people, Zilver Winery offers a tour of the winemaking process by prior arrangement, with an explanation of the production process and a tasting. Five fruit, berry or flower wines or wine spirits are sampled. The tour and tasting take 1.5 hours in total.

Discover More Destinations

Sigulda, Allaži, More, Pļaviņas Municipality, Daugavpils Municipality, Tērvete Municipality, Jaunpiebalga Municipality, Alsunga Municipality

For the overview of the wider destination: Latvia.