Sigulda Municipality – Nature, Culture and Hotels

Gauja National Park also extends across Sigulda Municipality and combines recreational and nature conservation functions there. As a result, extensive natural areas, historic sites and various leisure activities are found side by side in the same region.

Nature and Trails

More than 800 species of vascular plants, 149 bird species and 48 mammal species have been recorded in Gauja National Park. The trail network includes more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails as well as cycling routes throughout the park. A shorter, clearly described route is the Mālpils Nature Trail: the approximately 6.5-kilometre round trip runs along the left bank of the Mergupe and is accompanied by information boards about the local trees, plants and fish.

Lēdurga Dendropark is also one of the area's notable natural sites. In around 1993, a total of 939 taxa of trees and shrubs were recorded there; by now, the number of taxa may exceed 1,000. The park also has a disc golf course with 19 baskets: one basket is used for practice, while the other 18 make up the course. There are also opportunities for picnics, guided excursions and creative workshops.

Raganu katls is a protected natural feature in the area of the Nurmiži Ravine Reserve in Sigulda Municipality. It is a large suffosion sinkhole or ravine formed by the activity of various watercourses. Raganu katls is 30 metres high and 20 metres wide, while the rock walls reach a maximum height of 20 metres. The site can only be viewed from the upper observation point of the ravine; the strictly protected reserve zone may be crossed only along a designated route marked on the map.

Gūtmaņala is an 18.8-metre-long grotto in the yellowish-red sandstone of the Gauja Formation. It is 12 metres wide and reaches a maximum ceiling height of 10 metres. Inscriptions from the 17th century have been preserved in the grotto; it is also associated with the legend of the Rose of Turaida.

Culture and History

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

The Livonian Order's castle in Sigulda, built in 1207, was 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. The New Castle of Sigulda is also part of the area's historic architecture; it was built in 1878 and retains its Neo-Gothic style on the exterior.

Sigulda's castle quarter contains workshops and studios run by craftspeople and artists. Visitors can learn new skills and buy souvenirs there. The “Siguldas devons” Cultural Centre is a multifunctional cultural and arts space featuring art exhibitions, theatre performances, concerts, film screenings and events for families.

Activities and Regional Offerings

Sigulda's bobsleigh and luge track is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In summer, summer bobsleigh rides are offered there, while in winter there are soft bob, soft luge and ice raft experiences. Another attraction with a distinctive character is the Sigulda cable car: it crosses the Gauja and connects its two banks over a distance of 1,025 metres.

For a regional wine experience, visit Zilver Winery. By prior arrangement, groups of 10 to 60 people can take guided tours of the winemaking process, including explanations of production and a tasting of five fruit, berry or flower wines or wine distillates. The tour and tasting take a total of 1.5 hours.

For further regional options, you can also open the sub-areas Allaži, Sigulda, More.

For the higher-level travel overview: Latvia.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Cesvaine Municipality, Rūjiena Municipality, Nereta Municipality, Kocēni Municipality, Preiļi Municipality.