Discover Sigulda

Sigulda brings together landscapes, architectural history, and active experiences. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether walks, historic sites, views, or a particular ride should be the focus. Options range from nature watching to seasonal rides and castles with different historical backgrounds.

Landscapes and walks

A walking trail in Sigulda connects the Gauja Valley with Šveices iela near the Sigulda Art School “Baltais flīģelis.” From central Sigulda, you can reach Paradīzes kalns on foot in about 30 minutes; the route follows flat nature trails. Check current trail conditions before setting out. From Paradīzes kalns, the landscape is shaped by the Gauja Valley and the Gauja, 80 metres below. The alternative name Gleznotājkalns recalls that J. Feders, J. Rozentāls, and V. Purvītis painted the landscape here.

The area around Gūtmaņala also offers a connection with nature: it is suitable for leisurely walks and observing plants and possibly animals in Gauja National Park. The cave is 18.8 metres long, 12 metres wide, and up to 10 metres high. Its walls preserve the oldest inscriptions, dating from the 17th century. Here, a distinctive landform and a historical record come together.

Castles and architectural history

The 42-hectare Turaida Museum Reserve includes archaeological, architectural, historical, and art history monuments. They tell of events spanning more than a thousand years, beginning in the 11th century. Construction of Turaida Castle in stone began in 1214 on the site of a wooden castle belonging to the Livonian leader Kaupo, which had previously been burned down in fighting. The dates 11th century and 1214 mark different stages: the beginning of the period covered by the story and the start of construction of the stone castle.

Construction of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword Castle in Sigulda began in 1207. The Siguldas Jaunā pils has a different story: it was built between 1878 and 1881 as the summer residence of the Kropotkin family. This nationally significant architectural monument still preserves its national romantic interior, restored from 2017 to 2021. Together, these sites offer different perspectives on architectural history—from medieval castles to a later residence.

Rides and active experiences

The “Sigulda” bobsleigh and luge track offers rides on the summer bob during the warmer months and on Vučko, the skeleton bob, or ice rafting in winter. As seasonal ride options may change, check which rides are available before your visit. A ride on the Sigulda Cable Car crosses the Gauja Valley and offers views several kilometres across the landscape. The two experiences offer different highlights: a ride on the track or a view across the valley.

At Tarzāns Adventure Park, the high-ropes obstacle course includes 11 routes and more than 140 obstacles arranged in trees at heights of up to 20 metres. As operating details may change, check them before visiting. For a bike ride, the Sigulda–Murjāņi–Sigulda route, at 30.2 kilometres long, provides a specific planning reference; check current route conditions before setting out. Alongside walking trails, you can choose from different types of activities, including a cycling route, a cable car ride, and a high-ropes obstacle course.

Find hotels to suit your travel plans

This helps you compare hotels in Sigulda in relation to your travel dates and plans. If seasonal rides or a specific route are part of your stay, factor their respective visitor conditions into your planning.

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