Things to Do in Cēsis

Cēsis sits in the heart of Latvia's Gauja National Park, and it's one of those places that manages to feel both historically significant and refreshingly unpretentious. The town centers around its impressive medieval castle ruins, which actually give you a genuine sense of what life might have been like here in the 13th century - complete with lantern tours through dark stone corridors that are genuinely atmospheric rather than just tourist theater. What makes Cēsis particularly appealing is how it balances its historical weight with a lived-in quality; locals still go about their daily business in the cobblestone old town, and you'll find yourself sharing the medieval streets with both tourists and residents picking up groceries. The surrounding Gauja Valley landscape is genuinely spectacular, with dense forests, sandstone cliffs, and the winding Gauja River creating the kind of scenery that makes Latvia's nickname as the 'Switzerland of the Baltics' seem less like tourism marketing and more like an honest description. The town serves as an excellent base for outdoor activities, but it's also substantial enough to warrant a visit purely for its own charms - the kind of place where you might plan to stay one night and end up extending to three.

Cēsis has developed a surprisingly sophisticated food scene for a town of its size, with several restaurants focusing on contemporary Latvian cuisine that makes good use of local ingredients like wild mushrooms, river fish, and game. You'll find everything from casual cafes serving hearty soups and traditional rye bread to more upscale establishments that wouldn't be out of place in Riga. The local brewery restaurant is worth trying for both the beer and the food, and there are several good options around the castle area that cater to both tourists and locals. Prices are generally reasonable by Western European standards, and the quality tends to be quite good.

Late spring through early fall (May through September) offers the best weather for outdoor activities and ensures that all attractions and restaurants are fully operational. Summer can get busy with both international tourists and Latvians on holiday, but it's rarely overwhelmingly crowded. Early fall is particularly appealing - the weather is still pleasant, the forests are spectacular with autumn colors, and you'll have trails and attractions largely to yourself. Winter has its own appeal if you enjoy snow-covered medieval architecture, though some outdoor attractions close and daylight hours are quite limited.