Things to do in Vidzeme

Embark on a personal and immersive adventure on a private van tour from Riga to Sigulda and Turaida. Customize your itinerary to your preferences and visit sights such as Gauja National Park, Sigulda Manor and Castle, and Turaida Castle. Sit back and relax in the comfort of your private vehicle and watch the landscape change from city streets to lush greenery as you head out of Riga. Make your way to Sigulda, a town near the river Gauja that is also known as the Switzerland of Latvia by locals. Marvel at the Gauja valley with its dense forests, meandering river, and the Gauja National Park. Stop to stroll through the park before seeing the Sigulda Medieval Castle ruins, the new Sigulda Castle, the Turaida Castle museum with its watchtower peering above the trees, and Gutman's Cave, the widest and highest cave in the Baltic countries. Cross the river on the optional cable car ride for a different perspective of the region or enjoy a glass of local wine made in the Cremon Winery at Krimulda Manor. See local craftsmen and women at work to gain an insight into local and cultural life before heading back to Riga. This half day tour is a must for those who have visited Riga and Jurmala before and is especially recommended for bloggers and social media fans. Check my other tours on Get Your Guide! Booked tours are guaranteed!

Sigulda is one of the main sights of Latvia. Sigulda thrills with the nature enclosed city environment, inviting to study three medieval castles. Itinerary Stop At: Museum Reserve and Medieval Castle of Turaida Another iconic landmark that stands out in the leafy deeply forested area of Sigulda is the imposing turret of the red brick castle, Turaida. Duration: 1 hour Stop At: Castle Of The Livonian Order In Sigulda Castle of Livonian order in Sigulda or also known as – Sigulda Medieval Castle ruins, are located on the edge of the river Gauja valley. Visiting the ruins, you can walk along the stone walls and climb the castle towers. In the northern tower you can watch exposition of medieval weapons. Duration: 30 minutes Stop At: Gutmanis Cave Gutman’s Cave is the widest and highest cave in the Baltic Region measuring 18.8m deep, 12 m wide and 10 m high. The cave has been formed over thousands of years due to erosion forced between the Gauja River and an underground spring. Considered to be one of the oldest tourist attractions in this region, the cave bears testament to the graffiti of countless visitors over the ages. Duration: 30 minutes Stop At: Cable Car Across Gaya Finish off the day by taking the aerial ride by cable car from Krimulda back to Sigulda and enjoy the glorious view over the Gauja River Valley. Explore from a birds eye view Turaida Castle, Sigulda Bobsleigh, Krimulda Manor. Duration: 20 minutes As a complimentary treat, guests can enjoy handmade ceremonial cacao sourced from a family-owned ecological plantation in Ecuador, crafted locally in Ragana, Latvia Full door-to-door experience Hotel pick-up included. Drop-off at any location in Riga upon request.

Immerse yourself in the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Cesis and Sigulda on a day trip from Riga with hotel transfers included. Visit the Cesis Castle ruins, the Old Town, Ungurmuiža Manor, Gutman's Cave, and Sigulda Castle. After a hotel pickup, start your day with a visit to Cesis Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Baltic States, where more than ten centuries of Latvian cultural history meet. Soak in the historic ambience with authentic candle lamps lighting up the castle. Listen to the castle gardener Līga share what can be found in the garden – the same vegetables and herbs that grew the Livonian gardens 500 years ago. In summer, watch craftsmen display their skills in workshops, processing stone, metal, and clay, weaving ropes, and printing using early techniques. Then, dive into the Old Town’s cultural and historical heritage by exploring the remaining street network, masonry, ancient manors, and wooden villas built on the banks of river Gauja. On way to your next destination, stop at Ergļu klintis (Eagle Cliff), a sandstone outcrop on the banks of the Gauja River. Continue to Ungurmuiža Manor House, the only wooden baroque building of 18th-century Latvia that has survived to the present day. Walk around the park, Tea House, and Children's House while hearing stories about Baron Campenhausen. On your way back, stop in Sigulda, a town known in the heart of the picturesque Gauja River Valley. Explore Gutman's Cave, the widest and highest cave in the Baltic countries. Continue to the romantic ruins of Sigulda Castle, which has been a popular meeting place for lovers since the 18th century. Stop by the Sigulda New Castle, the summer residence of Prince Kropotkin, which is an architectural monument of national significance, which has retained its Neo-Gothic style and a luxurious interior. Check my profile Day Out Latvia on Get Your Guide for other tours! Tours are guaranteed.

An hour-long ride from Riga will bring you to Gauja National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Latvia. Also known as the Switzerland of Latvia, offering some of the most beautiful sceneries in the whole country. It is the most popular place for spending a lovely day outside Riga and exploring castles and nature wonders. You will visit a papermill village Ligatne that still looks almost the same as in the 19th century. Later walk through the Ligatne Nature Trails. On the 4 km trail you will have a chance to see various species of wild mammals living in Latvia like brown bear, elk, deer, wild boar and many more. The Ligatne Nature Trails were established to educate visitors about Latvian natural treasures and local species of wild plants and animals. All of the animals were abandoned, injured or tamed animal babies. Later, you will explore the Sigulda Castle Complex which consists of two castles built in different centuries. Sigulda Medieval Castle Ruins mark the beginnings of Sigulda as a town while Sigulda New Castle serves as a wonderful example of a 19th-century manor house. Take your time and discover the history of the region, climb the tower, and enjoy a great view of the Gauja River valley. Before returning to Riga, visit the impressive Gutman’s Cave – the biggest cave in the Baltics and the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia.

Discover the charming towns of Cesis, Sigulda, and Turaida on this private day trip from Riga. Learn basic historical information from your driver, as well as the best restaurants to stop for lunch. Depart from Riga with private transport and head to Cesis, where you'll find an 800-year-old medieval castle. Learn about its connection to the town's history and its continued expansion during the years. Then head to Āraiši Lake Castle Archaeological Park, where you can visit the castle, nominated as the Latvian archaeological monument of 2021. Check out the permanent exposition with fascinating archeological finds from the area. Next, it's on to the Livonian Order Castle in Sigulda, built in 1207, and current host to the International Sigulda Opera Music Festival. Finally head to the Turaida Museum Reserve, where you'll discover archaeology, culture, and art dating back to the 11th century. Please note that from 1st of November to 30th of April Cesis Castle museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. During this time we will be able to see Castle only from outside, we'll do walk thru Cesis old town part.

This 15 km long hike brings you to the heart of the Gauja National Park and Sigulda town, also known as the Little Switzerland of Latvia. Autumn is the best season for hiking along the Gauja River, as the valley looks almost golden. Scenic views are guaranteed! Don’t worry if the hiking path brings you up to steep bluffs – the Gauja National Park has established good infrastructure for hikers to climb to the best viewing points. What is waiting for you on this hike? Impressive sandstone outcrops and the biggest cave in the Baltics – Gutman Cave. Ancient historical sites, like Sigulda Brother of Swords castle ruins and Krimulda manor. A well-established trail along the Gauja River. A bit of climbing on the steep river banks to see the primeval Gauja River valley. And… a lot of fresh air!

Feel the heartbeat of adventure pulsing through every turn on Sigulda’s summer bobsleigh. This is where courage meets velocity—a place for those who crave the exhilaration of speed and the freedom of flight. Only here: This is the only place in Europe where you can ride a real Olympic bobsleigh track in summer — with a professional pilot, at speeds up to 85 km/h. ✓ Dare to Descend: Your chariot awaits—a summer bobsleigh, wheels primed for the heat of action. With an expert pilot guiding your sleigh, you’ll conquer the concrete chute of Sigulda’s legendary track. Each twist and turn is a dance with gravity, a flirtation with the limits of speed. ✓ The Adrenaline Pact: Join forces with fellow thrill-seekers, forming a band of 2-3, ready to tackle the track. Children from the age of 6 can join the ranks, accompanied by an adult, to share in the glory of the descent. ✓ The Rush of a Lifetime: In just about a minute, you’ll touch the sky and race the wind. Achieving speeds that blur the line between sky and earth, up to 85 km/h, you’ll understand what it means to truly feel alive. ✓ Season of Speed: This exclusive experience is your summer’s calling—from April to September, the track is yours. It’s more than a ride; it’s a rite of passage for those who speak the language of adrenaline. Embrace the summer like never before. Sigulda’s summer bobsleigh isn’t just a journey; it’s a testament to the spirit of adventure. Are you ready to answer the call? Full door-to-door experience Hotel pick-up included. Drop-off at any location in Riga upon request.

Get an exciting new perspective on Riga and the Latvian countryside on this private sightseeing flight. You’ll soar high above the city in a Cessna 4-seat airplane, guided by a professional pilot. The flight offers unique photo opportunities as you take in spectacular views of historic landmarks and natural features. You can choose a route that focuses on Riga, or go further afield to see the castles of towns like Sigulda and Rundale. Our guests will have an opportunity to see Riga flying above all new and historic parts. Our professional pilot will guide you through most picturesque places. Explore the best view of Riga. We will fly on a Cessna 4-seat airplane! It’s exciting, sightseeing and very interesting. Use the possibility to see and take a photo of your favorite places! Give yourself or your friends a chance to have unforgettable moments!

Step back in time and discover the captivating stories of Turaida Castle, a medieval fortress that has stood strong for over 800 years. Our tailor-made tour will take you on a journey through history, as you explore the castle's stunning architecture and hear tales of battles won and lost. As you wander through the castle's ancient walls, you'll be transported back to a time of knights and nobles. Marvel at the intricate carvings and ornate decorations that adorn the castle's interior, and soak up the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from the castle's towers. Our expert guide will regale you with fascinating stories of the castle's past, from the legendary love story of the Rose of Turaida to the fierce battles that raged around its walls. With plenty of time to explore at your own pace, this is a tailor-made tour that's perfect for history buffs and families alike. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and verdant forests of Sigulda lies one of Latvia's most picturesque castles. Dating back to the 13th century, Sigulda Castle is a true gem of medieval architecture and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region. Our tailor-made tour will take you on a journey through time, as you discover the rich history and fascinating legends of this ancient fortress. You'll explore the castle's majestic halls, marvel at the intricately carved wooden ceilings, and learn about the castle's many owners and occupants over the centuries. From the castle's stunning location on the banks of the Gauja River, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and have plenty of opportunities to capture the perfect family photo. With our knowledgeable guide by your side, this is a tailor-made tour that's sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Dating back to the 13th century, this impressive Cesis Castle fortress has played a key role in Latvia's history and is one of the best-preserved castles in the country. Our tailor-made tour will take you on a journey through the castle's many rooms and halls, as you discover the fascinating history and legends of this ancient fortress. You'll marvel at the castle's impressive walls and towers, and learn about the many battles and sieges that it has endured over the centuries. Experience a tailor-made bonus surprise tour that will make your vacation unforgettable. Discover the unique attractions of Araisi lake dwelling Archaeological Park – a Unesco World Heritage Site that is an open-air museum, with reconstructed lake dwellings and artifacts from the Stone Age. Or take a trip to the breathtaking Zvartes Rock – an impressive sandstone formation located in the Gauja national park. With a bonus surprise stop according to your interests, this tour will be the highlight of your holiday. Come and explore the wonders of Latvia!

Step into the past of Latvian traditional culture on a visit to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia. Founded in 1924, it is one of the oldest and largest museums of its kind in Europe. The museum has relocated 118 buildings, built in the historical regions of Latvia - Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale, and Latgale - from the late 17th century to the second half of the 1930s. At the Open-Air Museum, visit farmsteads of Latvian farmers, craftsmen, and fishermen with a permanent exhibition that includes household objects and tools, furniture, and more, which characterize the specific period, district, and the owner. The Open-Air Museum is open all year round. From May until September, meet artisans like potters, weavers, blacksmiths, and woodworkers. Every year, the traditional Applied Folk Art Fair is held on the first weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in June. Traditional seasonal events like solstice are celebrated here.