Sigulda

Overview

Inside Gauja National Park about 50 km from Riga, Sigulda holds the red-brick tower of Turaida Castle, the ruins of Sigulda Castle and the newer Sigulda Manor, plus Gutmanis Cave, a cable car and a bobsleigh track. Autumn fills the hills with colour, making it Latvia's best-known leaf-viewing spot, with well-marked valley trails and cycle paths.

History

The Teutonic Knights built Sigulda Castle in the 13th century to control the Gauja valley, with Turaida Castle raised as a bishop's residence; the national park followed after the Second World War.

Highlights

• •The red-brick tower of Turaida Castle
• •The ruins of Sigulda Castle
• •Autumn colour in the Gauja valley
• •The cable car and bobsleigh track

Practical tips

• •October is peak leaf season and weekends get busy
• •Valley trails have real elevation change — wear hiking shoes

Practical information

Best time

October

Tickets

Turaida Castle about EUR 5

Opening hours

Castle roughly 10:00-17:00; park open all day

Local food

Rye bread, grey peas with bacon, berry pie

Getting around

About an hour by train from Riga; the stations are walkable to the sights.

Visa

A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.

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