Things to Do in Gauja National Park

Gauja National Park sits along Latvia's longest river just an hour from Riga, yet it feels impossibly wild. Medieval castles perch on sandstone cliffs, dense forests stretch endlessly, and the wilderness here explains why Latvians guard their natural heritage so fiercely. You're in Latvia's adventure playground—hiking trails wind past 13th-century ruins while the Gauja River carves through red sandstone that glows golden at sunset. The real magic happens here. Though the scenery impresses, nature and history weave together in ways you won't find elsewhere in Europe's protected areas. Medieval castles rise from forested hilltops, ancient caves hide underfoot, and traditional culture thrives in towns like Sigulda and Cēsis—the park feels lived-in rather than frozen in time.

Traditional Latvian food dominates here. Sigulda and Cēsis offer the best restaurants, serving hearty forest mushroom dishes and locally caught fish in cozy spots that feel local. Many guesthouses provide home-cooked meals with regional recipes passed down through generations—during summer, seasonal cafes appear near major attractions, though pack snacks for longer hikes since remote dining options disappear quickly.

May through September delivers ideal conditions. Summer brings warmest weather and longest days, plus the highest prices and biggest crowds you'll encounter anywhere in the park. Fall photography is genuinely spectacular—forest colors turn brilliant and attractions empty out. Winter appeals to cross-country skiers seeking solitude, though some attractions reduce hours and river activities shut down completely.