Things to Do in Sigulda, Latvija

Sigulda, often called the 'Switzerland of Latvia,' is a picturesque town nestled in the Gauja River valley, just 50 kilometers northeast of Riga. This enchanting destination is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, medieval castles, and outdoor adventures, making it one of Latvia's most popular tourist destinations. The town sits within Gauja National Park, Latvia's oldest and largest national park, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Sigulda is famous for its three castles - the medieval Sigulda Castle ruins, the 19th-century New Sigulda Castle, and the impressive Turaida Castle across the valley. The area is also known as an adventure sports hub, featuring activities like bungee jumping, bobsledding, and zip-lining. With its stunning autumn colors, winter sports opportunities, and summer hiking trails, Sigulda offers year-round attractions that showcase the best of Latvia's natural heritage and medieval history.

Top Things to Do in Sigulda

Castle Exploration

Explore Sigulda's trio of magnificent castles, including the medieval Sigulda Castle ruins, the elegant New Sigulda Castle, and the iconic Turaida Castle with its distinctive red brick tower. Each castle offers unique insights into Latvia's medieval history and provides spectacular views of the Gauja Valley. The Turaida Museum Reserve includes not only the castle but also sculptures, ancient burial grounds, and the legendary Turaida Rose grave.

Booking Tip: Castle entry fees range from €3-8 per site, with combination tickets available for multiple attractions. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Summer months offer extended hours and special medieval events.

Adventure Sports

Experience thrilling adventure activities including bungee jumping from a cable car over the Gauja Valley, year-round bobsledding on the Olympic track, and zip-lining through the forest canopy. The area offers some of Europe's most scenic extreme sports locations with professional safety standards. Winter visitors can also enjoy the historic bobsled and luge track that has hosted international competitions.

Booking Tip: Bungee jumping costs around €40-50, bobsledding €8-15 per ride. Book adventure activities in advance during peak season and check weather conditions. Look for combination packages that include multiple activities at discounted rates.

Gauja National Park Hiking

Discover Latvia's pristine wilderness through well-marked hiking trails that wind through ancient forests, along the Gauja River, and past dramatic sandstone cliffs. The park features diverse ecosystems, rare plant species, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Popular trails include the Līgatne Nature Trails and routes connecting the various castles and viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Park entry is free, but guided tours cost €10-20 per person. Spring through fall offers the best hiking conditions. Rent bikes locally for €15-25 per day to cover more ground, and always carry a map as some remote trails have limited signage.

Cable Car and Scenic Views

Ride the historic cable car across the Gauja Valley for breathtaking panoramic views of the river, forests, and castles below. This scenic journey connects Sigulda with Krimulda and offers unique photo opportunities of the landscape. The cable car operates year-round and provides access to hiking trails and viewpoints on both sides of the valley.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost €6-8 for a round trip, with discounts for children and seniors. Best views occur during autumn foliage season (September-October) and clear winter days. Purchase tickets at either station and consider timing your ride for golden hour photography.

Gutmanis Cave Exploration

Visit the largest cave in the Baltic States, featuring ancient inscriptions dating back to the 17th century carved into its sandstone walls. The cave is steeped in local legends and folklore, including the tragic tale of the Turaida Rose. The site offers easy access and interpretive information about the geological formation and cultural significance of this natural monument.

Booking Tip: Cave access is free and open year-round, but bring a flashlight for better visibility of the inscriptions. Visit is easily combined with Turaida Castle as they're within walking distance. Wear appropriate footwear as the cave floor can be uneven and damp.

Getting There

Sigulda is easily accessible from Riga by train, with regular services running approximately every hour and taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes for a cost of €2-4. Buses also connect Riga to Sigulda multiple times daily, taking roughly 1.5 hours. For those driving, the journey from Riga takes about 1 hour via the A2 highway, and parking is readily available throughout the town. International visitors typically fly into Riga International Airport and then take ground transportation to Sigulda, making it an ideal day trip or weekend destination from the capital.

Getting Around

Sigulda is a compact town that can easily be explored on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. The cable car provides scenic transportation across the Gauja Valley to reach Turaida Castle and other sites. Local buses connect different parts of the area, and bicycle rental is popular for exploring the national park trails. Taxis are available for longer distances, and many visitors find that renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the wider Gauja National Park region and nearby attractions.

Where to Stay

Sigulda Town Center

Near Gauja National Park

Turaida Area

Krimulda District

Gauja Riverbank

Forest Lodge Areas

Food & Dining

Sigulda's dining scene features traditional Latvian cuisine alongside international options, with many restaurants emphasizing locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding forests and farms. Popular local specialties include game meats, wild mushrooms, and seasonal berries incorporated into both traditional and modern dishes. The town center offers cozy cafes perfect for warming up after outdoor activities, while several restaurants provide scenic terraces overlooking the Gauja Valley. Many establishments cater to outdoor enthusiasts with hearty meals and local craft beers, and vegetarian options are increasingly available throughout the area.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Sigulda depends on your interests, with each season offering unique attractions. Autumn (September-October) is considered peak season due to spectacular fall foliage that transforms the valley into a colorful wonderland. Summer (June-August) provides ideal conditions for hiking, outdoor adventures, and castle exploration with long daylight hours and warm weather. Winter offers its own charm with snow-covered landscapes, winter sports opportunities, and cozy indoor attractions, while spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds but potentially muddy trails.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Sigulda Tourism Card for discounts on multiple attractions and activities throughout your stay

Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially at popular viewpoints and adventure sports facilities

Combine your castle visits with hiking trails that connect the sites for a more immersive experience and better value

Things to Do in Sigulda