Turaida: Culture, Trails and Nature

Construction of Turaidas mūra pils began in 1214. From the main tower, there is a view across the landscape of the ancient Gauja river valley.

The Turaidas muzejrezervāts is located in the surroundings of the centre of Sigulda and in Gauja National Park. In 2022, it received the European Heritage Label.

The historical centre of Turaida includes the economic centre of Turaidas muiža with 19 buildings. Visitors can explore this area through several exhibitions. This means that, in addition to the castle, Turaida also provides access to the history of the manor and its functions.

Turaidas baznīca (Turaida Church) is one of Latvia’s oldest wooden churches and was consecrated on 28 January 1750. The church houses the exhibition “Turaidas baznīcas un draudzes vēsture”. It presents the history of the church and congregation from 1750 to the present day. This precise chronological context also makes the site interesting for visitors who want to view religious buildings not only as photo opportunities, but as part of regional history.

Another cultural focus is the exhibition about the Livonians along the Gauja. It explains who the Livonians were, where they came from and what contribution they made to culture. In Tautasdziesmu parks – Dainu kalns and Dziesmu dārzs in Turaida, there are also 26 sculptures created by Indulis Ranka. Dainu kalns became a symbol of the Singing Revolution.

On the Turaidas pils apvedtaka, information boards featuring reconstruction drawings by architect Gunārs Jansons (1928–2013) explain the medieval castle from the outside. The Jānis Graudonis Trail around Turaidas mūra pils also provides insights into interesting elements of medieval castle construction. Those who prefer taking in historical details while walking rather than in an exhibition will find two different ways of exploring the same castle area here.

The Lībiešu taka has seven information stations offering brief insights into the Livonian language and Livonian traditions. Along this route, a spring emerges from a Devonian sandstone outcrop 3 metres high and 6 metres wide. A Devonian sandstone cave along the Lībiešu taka is 3 metres high, 6 metres wide and 6.5 metres long.

The Māras taka leads to Dziesmu dārzs. An old tradition says that on the morning of 25 March, Māra’s Day, one should wash in the stream flowing east before sunrise in order to gain strength and health. Visitors can also explore special routes through the orienteering game “Tūkstošgades stāsts”.

The trails in Turaida Forest Park are covered with gravel, accessible year-round, intended for pedestrians and also suitable for pushchairs. The park covers 6.1 hectares and contains eight historic pond sites as well as a small river gorge. Particularly distinctive for observing nature are an oak, a wild apple tree and a pine that meet the criteria for protected “heritage trees”.

The open-air exhibition “Nature’s Pearls” adds an informative stop to the landscape experience: a measuring scale for protected trees allows visitors to compare their own height with that of such a tree.

The official transport information lists the TURAIDA stop for buses from Sigulda bus station towards Krimuldas and Inciems. For getting oriented locally, the bus connection between Sigulda and the TURAIDA stop therefore provides at least one specific point of reference. If you would like to compare other destinations in the same area selection, you can also view Ragana and Inciems.

The documented offerings cover different subject areas: the castle and church represent history, the Lībiešu taka represents Livonian culture, the Forest Park represents trails and landscape, while Dainu kalns and Dziesmu dārzs bring together sculpture, song tradition and remembrance.

When did construction of Turaidas mūra pils begin?

Construction began in 1214.

What can visitors learn in Turaidas baznīca?

The exhibition covers the history of the church and congregation from 1750 to the present day.

Are the trails in Turaida Forest Park suitable for pushchairs?

Yes, the trails are also suitable for pushchairs.

Which Livonian topics can visitors learn about?

The exhibition covers the origins and cultural contribution of the Livonians.

What natural features are there along the Lībiešu taka?

The Lībiešu taka has a spring and a Devonian sandstone cave.

To the main travel overview: Krimuldas Novads.