One day route in Gauja National Park in Latvia called Switzerland

It is not for nothing that Gauja National Park is considered one of the most beautiful in Latvia and can offer different activities for people of diverse interests, according to a press release. Families come here, couples travel romantically, frequent guests, and nature and hiking enthusiasts. This time we are sharing a day itinerary with families traveling with children.

The route begins in Sigulda, a picturesque town in the valley of the Gauja river. If you arrive at night, it is recommended to stay at the Sigulda Hotel, the Hotel Ezeri SPA, and to dine with your family in the Aparjods, Bucefāls, Rāmkalni cafes.

Sigulda is famous for its complex of medieval and new castles, from which it is worth starting.

The old castle of Sigulda

It is a castle fortress built over eight hundred years ago, whose walls were knocked down by the Order of the Swordsmen. When it was crushed in 1236. The Livonian Order rebuilt the castle and turned it into a monastery-like fortress. A sad fate happened at Sigulda Castle during the Northern War: it was destroyed and was no longer rebuilt. However, the remains of the stone walls have carried the burden of hundreds of years, and to this day we can still walk through the masonry surrounded by the medieval spirit. The southwest building of the castle with Gothic windows and the main gate tower has survived to this day. It is worth going up to it and enjoying the view of the Gauja river valley. It is said that it is better to watch the sunset from this tower, so if you visit the castle at night, do not miss the opportunity.

The new Sigulda castle

The beautiful and new castle of Sigulda stands proudly on the edge of the old one. It emerged in the city in 1878-1881. The neo-Gothic style building was built on the site of an old brick building. The castle belonged to the landowner Kropotkin, who lived in it. It was rebuilt just under a hundred years ago, and is now a building in the municipality of Sigulda. By the way, there are rumors that children really like Sigulda Castle ice cream and the various activities that take place in the castle.

You can find the castle in Sigulda: Pils iela 16 y 18, local coordinates 57.1662637,24.8476006.

Flat nature trails

After visiting the Sigulda Castle complex, it is recommended to leave the city for a while and move towards Lygatne, a small town, nature trails. They are very close, only half an hour by car.

The Lygatne Nature Trails, established in 1975, are especially popular with children, due not only to the beautiful nature of the ancient Gauja River, but also to the opportunity to see various wild animals and birds living in Latvia. Foxes, wolves, wild boars, deer and other animals were brought in from various parts of Latvia. They were found wounded or domesticated but quite young and would not survive in the wild without human help. However, Lygatne is found quietly and safely in outdoor aviaries along nature trails. They intend to spend at least a couple of hours here.

You can find the trails at “Līgatne Nature Trail”, Līgatne, local coordinates: 57.2479906, 25.0133073

Vienkočiai Park

Continue to the Vienkočiai Park, full of unique woodwork that will captivate young and old alike. In this park you will find small wooden copies of the Nurmuiža and Paltmale mansions, and the wooden buildings of the Lygatne paper mill will reveal their history. As you walk the park’s trails, you’ll also encounter wooden animal characters, fairy tales, and stories. Vienkočiai Park has the first sand house in Latvia: you can discover why and how it was built. The park also offers a variety of activities for children.

Park address: Vienkoči, Līgatne, local coordinates 57.1916861, 25.0528329.

Medieval cesis

We return to the city from nature again. Let’s meet Cesis: it is one of the most beautiful, ancient and Latvian cities in Latvia. Located on the left bank of the Gauja river, the city is famous for its old town and its architectural monuments.

As you walk through the old town of Cēsis, pay attention to the plan of the stone streets: it has survived since the Middle Ages. Former 13th-18th century residential and administrative buildings with red tile roofs, enclosed courtyards, and facades of renovated homes will delight the view. There is also a Gothic Romanesque church of San Pablo, built over seven hundred years ago. St. John’s Church On the Cirulišis nature trail, it is worth walking down to the Gauja River and seeing archaeologists rebuilt on Lake Araišiai in the 9th century. Fortifications Let’s go back to the new and medieval castle of Cēsis.

Cesis medieval castle

It was built on the bank of the Gauja river in 1209. built by the Livonian Order. For over three hundred years it was the main castle of the Order of Livonia. The Master of the Order lived and worked here. There was a prison in the castle where high-ranking and war criminals were imprisoned.

Master of the Livonian Order Walter von Plettenberg from the 16th century. In the mid-19th century, the castle was rebuilt according to the defensive requirements of the time: it cut openings for the use of firearms and built round defensive towers. The wars that took place in the country were ruthless castles. 1577-1578 During the Livonian War, the castle fortifications were destroyed. 1703 During the Northern War, the castle was severely beaten again. Today, it is possible to admire the castle ruins that have lasted centuries.

In the west tower of the castle were the main apartments of the Livonian Order. Today, when you go up there, you will see only one collapsed round room. But try to imagine that there was once a vaulted room here and the stars shone on the ceiling. There was a personal master bathroom next to the room. Meanwhile, there was a prison in the south tower, more precisely in its basement. The perpetrators were simply thrown at him. A metal ladder can still descend there, if you are not afraid.

After visiting the castle, you can take a walk in the nearby garden, visit the ancient ornamental hill.

The new cesis castle

This castle dates from the 18th to the 19th century. Built on the site of an old tower and a gate guard building. It was the residence of the rulers of the stately castle. Now the Cesis Museum of History and Art is located here. The restored and rebuilt interiors of the New Castle are very interesting: the offices of the Zivers accountants, the coffee room and the castle library.

Both castles can be found at Pils laukums 9, Cēsis, local coordinates 57.3134384, 25.2680757.

We are completing the day’s route in the Gauja National Park with the investigation of Cēsis. For accommodation, we recommend returning to Sigulda, which can be reached by car in half an hour. You can find more information about the Gauja National Park HERE.