Walking around Sigulda. Sights, parks and churches, cafes and restaurants, palaces and castles of Sigulda, as well as where to go with children and active recreation in Sigulda. Sigulda, Latvia Architectural structures in Sigulda

Holidays in Sigulda

Sigulda- sights, nature, extreme recreation, you will find all this here in abundance! An amazing small town (population - less than 11,000 thousand people), which receives more than 1,000,000 guests annually. Some people, having seen the main attractions, leave after a few hours, while others stay for several days, because all the conditions have been created here for a fun and comfortable pastime, and the prices for services will leave a pleasant impression after those in Riga.

Regardless of the length of stay in Sigulda, contact the “Tourist Information Center” Ausekļa iela 6 (in the railway station building), where they will help you create a walking route in accordance with your wishes, provide you with a detailed map and tell you about restaurants, cafes and hotels in the city.

Thanks to the unique natural beauty, the first tourists came here from the mid-19th century to wander around the surrounding area surrounded by silence and enjoying the views. From now on Sigulda the nickname “Livonian Switzerland” stuck, and the railway line that was built connecting Riga with Valka gave a new impetus to the development of tourism in these places. Some guests loved coming here to such an extent that they began to actively buy land plots and build country houses. The “golden” autumn gives especially bright colors to visitors.

An authentic souvenir from Sigulda are walking canes. This accessory made it easier for the pioneers of local tourism to walk along the steep banks of the Gauja and protected forests. They are sold in different qualities and sizes. Individual specimens are comparable to works of art.

For lovers of active recreation there are 3 bicycle rental points: Senču iela 1, Raiņa iela 1, Pils iela, 4b. Cost - 10 € per day.

For those who decide to stay in Sigulda for a while they work: an aerodium is a vertical wind tunnel that allows you to enjoy all the delights of free flight. Price: from 30 € (Silciems - 5 km from the city, there is a bus), billiards and bowling (Vidus iela 1), golf course (Kalnzaķi, Krimuldas pagasts), amusement park " Tarzan": shooting range, bungee, skeleton, climbing obstacles and much more. (Peldu iela, 1), billiards (Pils iela, 8), extreme obstacle park " Mežakaķis"(Senču iela 1) 6 routes for people with different levels of training and different ages, a total of 82 objects.

All catering points are located within the city, so when going for a walk around the surrounding area, keep in mind that you will only be able to get a bite to eat at the Krimulda estate and near the Turaida Nature Reserve.

Food in Sigulda: gourmet restaurant" Kropotkins"(Pils iela, 6) - the central establishment of the city with an excellent menu, pizzeria " Zaļumnieku piestātne"(Pils iela, 9), pizzeria " "La Pizza Veloce"(Raina iela, 2), cafe "Namma"(near the railway station and at the turn from the A2 highway), bistro " Kaķu Māja"(Pils iela, 8), confectionery " Eklērs"(Pils iela, 1).

How to get from Riga to Sigulda

By car: 45-50 minutes along the A2 highway (Vidzeme highway) - 52.7 km. Coordinates for navigation - 57°09′14″N. w. 24°51′16″E. d.
By electric train: from 8 trains per day (depending on the season). Travel time - 1 hour 15 minutes. One way fare is 2.35 €.
By bus: from the bus station (Pragas street 1) there are about 15 trips to Sigulda every day, travel time is 1 hour. The cost of one trip is 2.15 €.

Sights of Sigulda

Castle of the Livonian Order (Pils iela, 18 opening hours: from 09:00-20:00 in summer, in winter from 10:00-17:00. Price: 1.42€): one of the most significant structures erected by the “sword bearers” in Latvia, who decided to build this fortification in response to the Turaida castle on the other side of the Gauja, owned by the Bishop of Riga (the eternal rival of the knights). It changed its shape more than once: it was overgrown with towers, bastions, barracks, warehouses, but it was destroyed during the Northern War and was consigned to oblivion. Today you can see the gate tower and the only surviving wing of the building with impressive window openings; comfortable stairs lead to the newly built north tower (now restored) and there is also an elevator. It offers a beautiful view.

Sigulda Palace (Pils iela, 18) - located next to the ruins of the Livonian castle, both objects wonderfully complement and harmonize with each other - the splendor of the palace, built from ancient boulders and stones, and the ruined castle. Prince Kropotkin did not skimp on this splendor and decided to establish his residence there. During the period of the first republic, the building went to the Latvian Union of Journalists and was reconstructed, and after the Great Patriotic War a sanatorium was located here. Currently it is the local council.

Lutheran Church (Baznīcas iela, 2): an active church, the architecture is characteristic of all medieval buildings of that time. The bell tower appeared much later - in the 30s of the last century, and wonderfully complements the entire architectural ensemble.

Krimulda: is a suburb of Sigulda (the right bank of the Gauja), you can get there by cable car, by car (via Turaida) or by walking.

Krimulda mansion (Mednieku iela, 3): a typical building with a master's house, a park and auxiliary buildings for the Latvian landowners of its time.

Krimulda estate : a beautiful estate, including 21 buildings with a beautiful park on an area of ​​54 hectares.

Krimulda Church : The majestic Gothic architecture speaks of its venerable age, and this is a fact - one of the very first churches in Latvia. The dimensions and interior decoration will not leave you indifferent. A curious labyrinth in the form of a mosaic on the floor is “The Path to God”, characteristic of the decoration of churches of the 13th-14th centuries, symbolizing the road to the Holy City.

Ruins of Krimulda Castle : The name of the attraction speaks for itself. Destroyed, almost to the ground, in 1609.

Turaida Museum-Reserve (Turaidas iela, 10 Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 in summer, in winter from 10:00 to 17:00. Price: 5€): If translated from the now defunct Livonian language, Turaida means God's garden. Having visited this place at any time of the year, you will be convinced that the amazing beauty of the landscapes spread over 42 hectares of land is hard to describe. The riverbed, surrounded by picturesque steep banks of the river among virgin forest, allows you to escape from the everyday hustle and bustle and makes the reserve one of the most popular in Latvia. On the territory of the complex there are several objects worthy of attention:

Turaida Castle : the medieval castle of Riga Bishop Albert, restored with great love, the year of construction began is known - 1214. It consists of fortress walls, gates and a watchtower, on which the best observation deck in the area was organized.

Estate: 21 buildings of the estate (18-19 centuries), located on the territory near the castle after its fire: a stable (walks around the surrounding area are organized), a working blacksmith shop (souvenirs made by local craftsmen - roses, nails, horseshoes), a carriage house with an exhibition of carriages, a pond.

Folk Song Park: founded in 1985, in honor of the collector of Latvian folk songs Krišjānis Barons. Several folk music festivals are held throughout the year.

Gutman's Cave: According to legend, a hermit settled here, but there are still no facts. The facts are as follows: this is the largest cave in Latvia, the inscriptions on the walls are of particular interest, some of which are protected by the state due to their antiquity.

Current church: the building was built in 1750.

Walking trails: There are several walking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty.

Active holidays in Sigulda

Thanks to its hilly terrain, Sigulda is the only ski resort in Latvia with several marked trails, 2 of which start within the city limits, as well as the first cable car and bobsleigh track in the Baltic countries:

Kakishkalns (Senču iela, 1) - difference 80 m. length - 320 m. "Children's" - difference 10 m. length - 100 m. Ski rental, ski lift, school available. Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 14:00 to 22:00, weekends from 09:00 to 22:00.

Highway "City" (Peldu iela, 1) - drop - 90m. length - 350m. Ski rental and lift available. Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 12:00 - 22:00, weekends from 09:00 to 22:00.

Cable car (Poruka iela, 14) - length - 1025 m. Height - up to 42 meters. Opening hours: from 10:00 to 19:40 (once every 30 minutes in each direction) Price: weekdays - 4 €. Weekends - 5€ (children - 2€/3€). At the top point you can take a bungee jump from the trailer by ordering the service in advance via the Internet. Opening hours: Thursday - from 18.30. Cost: Thursday - 30 €, Friday-Sunday - 40 €.

Bobsleigh track (Sveices iela, 13) - Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 20:00. Price: Inspection - 0.60€ adults, 0.30€ - children. Descent on the summer bob - 10€, on the frog - 20€, on the winter bob - 50€. Operating all year round, it is another attraction of the city. Luge sport in Sigulda began to develop at the end of the 19th century. A great enthusiast and amateur, Prince Golitsyn founded the first track - open, 900 meters long and with one bend. It was here that the first “cars” began to be manufactured, following the example of analogues brought from abroad. In 1986, the best engineers designed and built this unique structure, which is not inferior to the best world analogues. From the top platform there is a stunning view of the bend of the Gauja River and all the bends of the route. Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 20:00.

In the north-east of Latvia, half a hundred kilometers from Riga, there is a small city with the quaint name of Sigulda, famous for its numerous attractions. However, it is not only monumental historical buildings that attract visitors. Sigulda also fascinates with its nature.

More precisely, Sigulda is located in the historical region of Latvia, Vidzeme, on the left bank of the Gauja River. Previously, these territories belonged to the small Baltic Liv tribes.

The tourist city has the following geographical coordinates: 57° 9′ north latitude and 24° 51′ east longitude. Time in Sigulda is an hour behind Moscow.

How to get to Sigulda

Unfortunately, there is no airport in Sigulda, and the closest one is in Riga.

Having arrived in the capital of Latvia, you can get to your destination in several ways:

1. Car, taxi.

This method is the fastest. You can get to Sigulda along the A2 highway in just 45 minutes, and you can order a transfer or taxi in advance. However, it is worth considering that the price of the trip will be decent.

1. Bus.

A bus is considered a cheaper option; the price of the trip will be 2.50 - 3.00 €. All flights depart from the bus station (“Riga, LV-1050”), which is located in the center. Transport runs from 06.30 am to 23.00. Tickets can be purchased at the station ticket office. Travel time is one and a half hours.

1. Electric train.

The most budget option is the train, which will cost 2.00-2.35 €. The railway station is located next to the bus station and is called “Riga Passenger”. Electric trains run from 06.15 to 23.15. Suitable directions: Riga-Sigulda, Riga-Valga, Riga-Cesis, and the station is Sigulda. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Weather in Sigulda, best time to travel

Sigulda (Latvia), whose attractions are mostly located outdoors, has a rather specific climate. The city is located in a temperate continental climate zone. There is quite a lot of precipitation here each year (660 mm). The average annual temperature is 5.5 °C.

Sigulda has fairly warm winters; the coldest month is January with an average temperature of only -6.0 °C. The summer months are also favorable for visiting, with the maximum being reached in July (+18 °C). Large amounts of precipitation occur in late summer and early autumn (August-October). The rainiest month is August (78 mm), and the driest month is February (28 mm).

Tourists visit Sigulda all year round, because in summer you can enjoy the beauty of flowering plants, and in winter you can engage in active recreation. So you shouldn’t think too much about the time for the trip, especially since even the August downpour won’t ruin your positive emotions!

Religious buildings of Sigulda

Sigulda is an amazing city in Latvia. Despite its small size, there are plenty of attractions here. With their monumentality and at the same time grace, visitors are attracted by religious buildings, which will be discussed below.

Lutheran Church of St. Berthold

The history of the building dates back to the Middle Ages. The church was erected by order of the envoy of the Pope. In the wooden structure, the construction of which was completed a year later, services were held for 260 years. In the 15th century, the church was rebuilt from stone. At that time it was named after Saint Bartholomew (one of Jesus' apostles).

The Livonian War destroyed the appearance of the temple; it was restored only in the 17th century.

The Church of St. Berthold acquired its modern appearance by 1930; later the famous painting “Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane” was brought here. The temple also has an organ that is still working. It was assembled literally in parts, since much was lost during the Second World War. Until 1990, services were held in the church.

The temple is made in the Gothic style. Its white walls embody tranquility, and the pointed tower (also known as a bell tower) emphasizes the severity of the design.

The interior of the church is no less attractive:

• there are gilded chandeliers on the ceiling;
• a carpet path leads from the entrance to the altar;
• there are beautiful white wooden benches on either side of the aisle;
• The central place is reserved for the altar.

The church is active. There is an observation deck and a museum of the history of the temple. The church is open every day from 10.00 to 17.00, services are held every Sunday at 11 am and every second Thursday at 07.30. The entrance is free.

Getting to the church is very easy (Baznicas street 2, Sigulda): from the Sigulda railway station you should walk 1 km along Raina street to its intersection with Cesu street, which leads to the river. Next you need to turn right, and the goal is achieved.

The Church of St. Berthold is definitely worth a visit to get to know the history of both Sigulda and Latvia in general, enjoy the Gothic architecture and, perhaps, take part in a church service.

Krimulda Church

The building from the 13th century (1205) is the oldest not only in Latvia, but also among all the Baltic countries. The church was built during the return from Rome of the Liv king (they were already mentioned) Kaupo. Not far from the temple there is a small hill, which is considered the tomb of the ancient ruler.

During its existence, the Krimulda Church has undergone numerous restorations and reconstructions. In 1840, a “Pastor’s House” was built near the temple, protected by the state along with the church. The Krimulda Church is a small building with a ledge, inside of which there is an altar. A special room for storing liturgical attributes is attached to this part.

The attention is drawn to the textured bell tower of four floors with an elegant spire. The tower is decorated with decorative red brick arches.

The church is open to visitors 24 hours a day, and services are still held here. Her address: p/n Ragana, “Mācītāja māja”, Krimuldas pagasts, Rīgas rajons, LV-2144. You can get to it either by bus or by car.

This cultural monument is a must-see, as it is officially recognized as the most comfortable in Latvia. In addition, this place is also related to cinema: an episode from the film “Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson” was filmed here.

Turaida Church

This church is one of the few wooden churches in Latvia. It was built in the 18th century on Church Hill. Both artisans and peasants took part in the construction. To this day, the building has almost retained its original appearance. And since 1932 it has the status of an architectural monument.

The interior is designed in the style of rural churches of the 18th century: modestly, without frills. Inside, near the altar, there is a 17th-century painting of “Calvary” by Nikolai Ge. The church is active, in addition, here you can watch a video tour about the Turaida Rose, whose grave is located not far from the temple.

The Turaida Church is located on the territory of the Turaida Museum-Reserve (Turaidas St. 10, Sigulda 2150), so entrance to the territory is paid. The reserve is open all year round, seven days a week.

Most tourists recommend seeing and visiting this church. They note not only the colorfulness and picturesqueness of the small building, but also its positive energy.

Museums in Sigulda

Sigulda (Latvia), whose sights are the hallmark of the entire country, is famous for its numerous museums.

Turaida Museum-Reserve

The museum was founded back in 1988 and stores all the natural, material and intangible riches of the Turaida center.

Presented here:

• medieval castle;
• estates;
• settlement;
• church;
• picturesque park area with ponds and vegetation.

On 42 hectares there are 38 exhibitions telling about the history of Turaida and Latvia in general.

The exhibits contain events from thousands of years ago, which reflects the concept of the museum: life is a series of continuous transformations that need to be captured and preserved for posterity.

The museum-reserve is open all year round and is located at: st. Turaidas 10, Sigulda 2150. Ticket prices for the winter (November 1 - April 30) and summer (May 1 - October 31) seasons are different:

Ticket categories	Winter period	Summer period
Adult ticket	3.50 €	6.00 €
Pension card	2.15 €	4.30 €
School ID	0.70 €	1.15 €
Student ID	1.50 €	3.00 €
Family (2 adults + 2 or more children)	6.40 €	10.70 €
Family (1 adult + 2 or more children)	3.70 €	6.40 €
Open-air exhibitions	—	2.85 €

For an additional fee (average 17 €) you can book a thematic or sightseeing tour. The Turaida Museum-Reserve should become a must-see for tourists traveling around Sigulda and its surroundings, as it preserves the history of the area in full and allows you to get acquainted with it through each of its exhibits.

Museum of the Battle of the Sea

You can immerse yourself in the events of World War II on the territory of Latvia by visiting this museum. In its place in 1944, fierce battles between Latvian legionnaires and the USSR were fought. Fans of military equipment and history will enjoy visiting this place.

The exhibitions are located on two floors of the building: the first is dedicated to military topics (battle models, weapons), and the second to various household items and handicrafts. Here you can also buy souvenirs handmade by the guide-jeweler.

On the territory of the museum there is a small recreation area: a picturesque pond and swings.

Visits without a prior appointment are available from May to October from 10.00 to 16.00, the price of an adult ticket is 3.00 €, a child ticket (from 5 years old) is 2.00 €. The museum is located at the address: Sigulda region, More village, Kaneni.

Bicycle Museum in Saulkrasti

Just forty kilometers from Sigulda there is a small museum that displays 800 bicycle models from all over the world. Collecting began in 1977. On display you can see the oldest Simplex bicycle (19th century), assembled in Holland, as well as the very first bicycle with inflatable tires.

The pride of the museum is a wooden bicycle from 1940, created by Latvian aircraft engineer Kārlis Irbitis.

Parts used in the construction of aircraft were used in the assembly of the exhibit. The collection is growing; the whereabouts of a supposed exclusive bicycle can even be reported to museum staff.

The Bicycle Museum offers the opportunity to book a tour for a group or individually. The exhibition is open from April to September (10.00-18.00) and is located at: Saulkrastu novads, Rīgas iela 44 a, Saulkrasti, LV-2160. Price for adults - 2.00 €, for schoolchildren - 0.71 €.

The museum will be of interest to tourists of all ages: adults will be able to feel nostalgic for their carefree childhood by finding models from their times, and children will be surprised by the unusual designs and mechanisms.

Monuments in Sigulda

Where, if not in Sigulda, can you see the most unusual sculptural structures? Each of them is a masterfully embodied idea.

Hill Dine

On the hill there are 15 stone sculptures installed in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Latvian writer K. Baron, who collected dains - folk songs of the Baltic states. He managed to publish about 200 thousand works.

Sculptor Indulis Ranka embodied the motifs of Latvian songs and human values ​​in abstract exhibits. It is necessary to examine the monuments for a long time and carefully - only then can you unravel the design.

However, this activity is not at all boring: the faces and figures of the Dain characters are made in a very original way, so they will not leave anyone indifferent.

Dine Hill is located on the territory of the Turaida Museum-Reserve, which can also be reached by cable car. The stunning views of Sigulda will remain in the memory of tourists for a long time.

Square of Keys

Sigulda (Latvia), whose attractions are at almost every turn, can be explored in less than a week if desired. So, while walking along Pils Street, you can find an interesting monument - the Keys Square.

The sculpture is a low stone wall supported by 3 large iron keys. Each of them symbolizes one of the historical centers of the Gauja region: Krimulda, Sigulda and Turaida, as well as their unity. The monument was erected on the 800th anniversary of Sigulda. There are benches next to the composition, so you can enjoy the sculpture to your heart’s content.

Sculptural group “Parade of Knights”

On the same street you can find another interesting exhibit: sculptures of 15 knights. In 2010, a plein air took place in Sigulda, during which these figures were created. Six Latvian metal craftsmen worked to create an unusual composition.

The small knight figurines are made up of stones, wood and metal structures, looking fun and a little ridiculous.

Each character also has a name, which is written on a personalized plaque. The monument is officially included in the list of attractions of Sigulda; local residents are proud of its uniqueness and note its harmonious fit into the appearance of the city.

Architectural structures in Sigulda

Most tourists visit Sigulda to explore its many castles and palaces. However, where should you choose what to visit if your vacation is very short?

Old Sigulda Castle

The castle was built in the 13th century by the Swordsmen who inhabited the area near Gauja and was called “Segewold” (forest of victories).

The fortress was a stone structure consisting of:

• advanced fortification;
• outbuildings;
• two watchtowers;
• 12-meter gate tower;
• chapels;
• cellars;
• protective shafts.

Video about the Old Castle:

The castle was repeatedly attacked by enemies. It survived the Livonian War, but after the Northern War it suffered more and has not recovered since then.

New Sigulda Castle

In the 19th century The ruins of the castle came into the possession of Prince Dmitry Kropotkin, who built a new one next to the old Sigulda castle, thereby fueling the interest of tourists in the iconic fortress. The new castle was built in the neo-Gothic style from brick, its facades are decorated with hewn stones.

To this day, it has retained its original appearance, and a concert venue with 2,000 seats is equipped on its territory.

The castles feature:

• exhibition of medieval weapons and household items;
• workshops (production of fabrics, leather, wood and ceramics);
• shooting range (everyone can shoot a bow);
• souvenir shops (everything is made by hand by skilled craftsmen).

To get acquainted with the history of Sigulda through millennia, the Old and New Castles are an ideal option. Tourists have the opportunity to follow the change in styles and internal structure, enjoy the views and try themselves in something new.

The castle complex is open all year round, the price of an adult ticket is 2.0 €, a family ticket (2 adults + children) - 5.00 €, for other categories of citizens - 1.00 €. Address: Sigulda, st. Pils 18.

Krimulda Castle

The construction dates back to the 14th century. The castle was built for diplomatic purposes and did not have appropriate fortifications.

During its existence, Krimulda Castle underwent numerous changes: it was robbed, destroyed, and archaeological excavations were carried out on its territory. Only restored stone buildings from the 19th century have survived to this day. They represent a part of a wall 2 meters thick, consisting of huge boulders, with window openings.

Despite the small part remaining, it will not be difficult to recreate the complete image of the structure. Krimulda Castle is surrounded by dense vegetation; you can stay on its territory for the whole day for free. You can get there by funicular, castle address: Krimuldas iela, Sigulda, Latvija.

Natural attractions of Sigulda

Sigulda is not only rich in its architecture; many natural complexes surround this small city.

Walking stick park

In 2007, a walking stick park, popular among locals and tourists, was established in Sigulda. It gained fame not only due to its developed infrastructure (flower beds, benches) and fresh air, but also for its unusual way of decoration. Everywhere there are exhibitions in the form of the main symbol of Sigulda - the cane.

There are no entertainment areas on the territory of the park, but it is worth visiting if only because the installations in the form of huge colorful canes and flowerbeds-umbrellas are very attractive. In addition, you can buy a walking stick in the park as a souvenir.

The park is open 24 hours a day and is free. His address: Jāņa Poruka iela 1, Sigulda, Siguldas pilsēta, LV-2150.

Gauja Park

The park was founded in 1973 and is the oldest and largest in all of Latvia. It is an area of ​​920 km2, completely covered with deciduous and spruce forests. The park is crossed by the Gauja River, along which there are giant cliffs.

There are also many lakes on the territory, the largest being Ungurus.

Gauja Park is also famous for its fauna: walking along the nature trails, you can see many animals in open-air enclosures. Cubs injured in the wild are brought to the park and nursed.

Among the inhabitants:

• moose;
• the Bears;
• wild boars;
• foxes;
• wolves.

Most of the architectural structures already described are located within the Gauja Park. There is also a ski resort with a bobsleigh and luge track 1.5 km long with 16 turns. The complex welcomes not only athletes, but also everyone. The price of an adult ticket is 10.00 €, a child ticket (under 14 years old) is 7.00 €.

The national park itself is free to visit and is located on the territory of Sigulda, Cesis and Valmiera, so getting to it is not difficult. Gauja Park will amaze anyone with its majestic rocks, picturesque plants and atmosphere of solitude.

Gutman's Cave

One of the attractions of Gauja Park is a cave called Gutmanya. It is the largest of all those available in the Baltic states. It began to form 10 thousand years ago under the influence of streams. Its height is 10 m, width - 12 m, and depth - 20 m. The cave consists of red sandstone. There are inscriptions from the 17th century on the walls.

Gutman Cave is worth a visit not only because it is free, but also because of the healing stream located inside.

Modern objects in Sigulda that are interesting to visit

Sigulda (Latvia), whose attractions are located everywhere, takes care of tourists: in the city itself and its surroundings there are several places where you can stock up on food.

Maxima store

The store of the same name chain is the only one in Sigulda. Tourists recommend visiting it because of its wide range, especially dairy products of the Karums brand. Prices for goods are average, opening hours: 8.00-22.00. Address: Leona Paegles iela 8.

Bakery "Cat's House"

There is a bakery on Pils Street that is popular with both locals and tourists. On sale at affordable prices (from 20 rubles) there are buns, pastries and cakes with various fillings (pineapple, chocolate). Visitors note the freshness and exquisite taste of the products.

Riga Central Market

An hour's drive from Sigulda is one of the oldest and largest markets in Latvia. It is located in huge pavilions that used to store airships.

The following products are presented in five hangars:

• vegetables fruits;
• meat/meat products;
• milk products;
• fish;
• canned food;
• sweets;
• nuts.

Buyers specifically recommend smoked chicken and mackerel, cottage cheese and cheeses. In the open area of ​​the market you can buy household goods, souvenirs and clothing. The Riga market is distinguished by the cleanliness of its pavilions and the freshness of its products. Sometimes concerts and celebrations are even held here.

Interesting places to relax with children

When going on a trip to Sigulda with children, you can be sure that they will definitely not be bored. The city has a lot of objects that will attract the attention of children of all ages.

Tarzan Park

Tarzan is the largest open-air amusement park in the entire Baltics. Here everyone can find entertainment, the infrastructure of the complex allows this.

Among the attractions:

• safari park - a car ride through puddles and mud;
• trampoline park;
• birth track (analogous to a roller coaster);
• lift (bird's eye view of the surrounding area opens up);
• obstacles in trees (height up to 20 m).

The price of a comprehensive ticket is on average 30 €. The park is open from 10.00 to 22.00 and is located at 1 Paldu Street.

Forest Cat Park

For those who like to overcome obstacles, this park is best suited, because there are 82 of them. There are obstacles of varying difficulty on 6 tracks. The more difficult the route, the higher above the ground it is located. The most difficult and highest route is the black one. It is designed for true extreme sports enthusiasts, as at the end it involves a steep descent of 100 m.

Climbing lanterns are provided for those looking for some fun at night. There is a café and a jacuzzi in the park. The price of visiting the park depends on the age and the route chosen (adults - 17 €, children under 17 years old - 9.5 €, children - 6 €, discounts are available for students and groups). Address: Senchu ​​str., 1.

Aerodium

Once a simulator, the aerodium today welcomes everyone. Safety precautions are observed here in all respects, so you can safely take your children and go “flying”.

The air flow of the attraction allows you to literally lie down on it or perform various maneuvers. At the beginning, an instructor is with visitors, but once the necessary skills have been learned, they can fly on their own. The average residence time in the pipe is 4-6 minutes.

During the warm season, the aerium is open from 12.00 to 21.00; in other seasons it is closed. Ticket price 45 €, address: Rīgas - Vidzemes šosejas 47. km.

Route to explore Sigulda on your own for 1-2 days

In order for your trip to leave only positive emotions in your memory, you should take care of drawing up at least an approximate route.

You can take the proposed route as a basis:

1. You can start your journey right from Sigulda railway station. There is a city clock here, decorated with the logo of the famous Latvian candy factory Laima. Such watches are the hallmark of Latvia.
2. Then you can move to the side Pils streets, where you can visit the park of keys, and then the park of walking sticks.
3. By going to Raina street, walk to the Church of St. Berthold. From there, head towards the “Parade of Knights” past the former bunkers where bats live.
4. Continuing further, exit to gates of the Old Sigulda Castle, visit it and the nearby New Castle.

It would definitely take a whole day to visit these places, even though they are all located close to each other.

Separately, you can visit the Riga market (a day will be spent not only visiting the pavilions themselves, but also on the road), Gauja Park (a huge area with many attractions) or Tarzan Park (a large selection of entertainment).

Hotels in Sigulda

Accommodation in Sigulda will not be difficult; there are quite a lot of hotels in the city at different prices.

1. Hotel Kaupo(address: Jaunbeites, Siguldas pag.).

The hotel is located just two kilometers from the center of Sigulda and provides guests with a wide range of services.

Among them:

• bath, sauna;
• billiard room;
• hydromassage baths;
• children's room;
• bike paths.

The hotel has Russian-speaking staff. Each room has a kettle, pets are allowed, wi-fi and parking are free, and there is a restaurant. Prices and rooms are presented below:

Number	Price per room (1 night)
Double (1 bed)	2157 rub.
Standard double (1 bed+1 sofa bed)	2224 rub.
Triple Suite (1 single bed + 1 double bed)	2224 rub.
Triple (3 single beds)	2359 rub.
Family (1 double + 2 single beds)	2359 rub.
Quadruple (4 single beds)	2359 rub.
Double economy class (1 bed)	1819 rub.

1. Livonija(address: Pulkveža Brieža iela 55).

The guest house is located 5 minutes from the center. Tourists note the cleanliness of the rooms and the politeness of the staff (Russian-speaking). The hotel area is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Guests can enjoy free internet and parking, a football pitch, Irish and English breakfasts. Prices:

1. Good Stay Segevold Hotel & Spa 4*(address: Mālpils iela 4b).

The hotel is located close to the airdium and 15 minutes from the historical center of Sigulda. The developed infrastructure of Good Stay Segevold includes: a wellness center, a Segevold restaurant and parking. The rooms have a minibar and air conditioning. Russian speaking staff.

Prices in this hotel are slightly higher than in previous hotels, since the SPA complex available here includes many useful procedures (counter-current pool, Turkish bath, jacuzzi).

1. Hotel Sigulda 3*(address: Pils iela 6).

The hotel is located 300 m from Sigulda station.

In addition to the convenient location and Russian-speaking staff, tourists are offered:

• Pool;
• Finnish sauna;
• Bath;
• American, Buffet.

All rooms are equipped with free internet, satellite TV and a private bathroom.

1. Krimuldas Muiza(address: Mednieku iela 3).

The hostel is located near the Gauja Park and has a large number of rooms. There is also a sauna and massage room. Buffet in the morning. There is an opportunity to attend an organized excursion and use Nordic walking equipment. The staff speaks Russian.

Rooms and prices:

Number	Price per room (1 night)
Single bed in a 12-bed room	824 rub.
Apartment (1 single bed + terrace)	4493 rub.
Double	2696 rub.
Apartment (1 double bed)	4493 rub.
Triple room (3 single beds)	3220 rub.

Where to eat in Sigulda

Sigulda may be a small city, but it is quite developed. Thanks to the large flow of tourists, there are many restaurants and cafes where you can have a good rest after a long trip.

List of cafes and restaurants:

1. "Kropotkins".

The restaurant is located on the territory of the Sigulda Hotel (Pils Street 6). European cuisine is served here and there is a terrace open in summer. Tourists note good service and affordable prices (average bill: 9-22 €). The restaurant is open from May to October.

1. "Gadalaiki".

This establishment is located in the Sigulda estate “Ezeri” and is famous for its seasonal dishes (“gadalaiki” - seasons). The cuisine here is international: once a month the so-called “gourmet evening” is held, where visitors are introduced to the dishes and drinks of a particular country.

In summer there is a terrace with a canopy; from the windows of the covered room there is a wonderful view of the surrounding area. Prices are above average (average bill: 16 €).

1. « La Pizza Veloce».

The pizzeria is located near the Keys Square (Raina iela 2). The owner of the establishment is Italian, so the cuisine is mainly Italian. The menu also includes seafood, poultry and fish dishes, and pies. Vegetarian dishes are also available. Prices are moderate, average bill: 5-20 €.

1. « Kaku maja bistro».

The bistro is equipped in a dining room format and is located at Pils iela 8. The establishment offers visitors dishes of European and Eastern European cuisine. The menu also includes vegetarian and gluten-free food. Prices are more than affordable: the average bill is up to 9 €.

1. "Eklers".

Those with a sweet tooth will love this small pastry shop on Pils Street 1. The menu includes European and Central European cakes and eclairs. There are also soups and salads. Tourists also mention delicious coffee. The staff is polite, service is fast, prices are reasonable (average bill: 9 €).

How to get around Sigulda

For those who want to see the sights in Sigulda without wasting time on foot, the city has public transport. Unfortunately, there is no metro, but there are buses. Transport operates from 7.00 to 21.00 (average time). The interval is about an hour, the price is 0.50 €.

It is possible to order a taxi, the price is about 7.00 €.

This is how wonderful a small city in Latvia called Sigulda turned out to be. It is definitely worth a visit, because a huge number of attractions and entertainment will not let you get bored, reasonable prices and constant discounts will pleasantly surprise you, and the developed infrastructure will provide all the necessary amenities.

Useful video on the topic

About Sigulda and attractions:

...Traveling through Central Asia, I often thought that the grandeur of the mountains and the vastness of the steppes cannot replace the most ordinary forest above a slow river. So now, after a two-month break, I resume the story about Latvia. Past posts about this Baltic country - look by tag.

If the Western Dvina is such a “Latvian Dnieper”, then the Gauja is here instead of the Dniester: the main river Vidzeme, the longest in Latvia (since, unlike the Daugava, it flows through it from source to mouth) and notable for its deep wooded valley. On the Gauja, fifty kilometers from Riga, stands Sigulda (11 thousand inhabitants) - perhaps the most picturesque Latvian town, which grew up in the Middle Ages in the field of view of as many as three castles: the order's Zigevold on the left bank, the episcopal Treiden (Turaida) and the capitular Kremen (Krimulda) on the right. Ziegevold is usually translated as “forest of victories” - it was the first castle founded by the Crusaders in the interior of the mainland (1207). About him, in general about the left bank of Sigulda and about the kilometer-long cable car through the Gauja valley - in the first part.

The history of Sigulda is very typical for Latvia - a turbulent and beautiful knightly Middle Ages, transformation into a provincial estate village after the Livonian and Northern Wars and finally the return of city status in 1928. The border of Sigulda is formed by the Riga-Pskov highway, from which the walk to the station is about a kilometer, to the Sigulda castle - about three, and to Turaida - more than 6. The area from the highway to the railway is completely inexpressive:

2.

The only thing that catches your eye is a little church on one of the side streets, which, upon closer inspection, turns out to be a typical remake:

3.

The border of the center can be considered a station on the former Pskov-Riga railway, which in 1886-89 connected Riga with St. Petersburg along the shortest route. The traffic here is not as active as on the electrified lines near Riga, but still diesel runs every 2-3 hours:

4.

When I saw the station, I immediately admired - “what an excellent example of the architecture of the First Republic of Latvia!”, and most likely not even from the time of Ulmanis, but from the 1920s - you must agree, there is nothing like this in other countries of the former Union:

5.

It’s all the more surprising that it’s actually Stalinist, which I refused to believe until I saw a photo of a real station from the 1920s. In general, I regularly make mistakes in the dating of buildings in Latvia, that is, in fact, the “architecture of the First Republic” lived on even after its disappearance, right up to the Khrushchev era. The fabulous appearance of the old station at a station that was not even a city at that time probably indicates that Sigulda had already begun to develop as a resort.

5a.

According to the new Latvian tradition, the station here is combined with a motor port, buses to Riga run every hour and it is much more convenient to get there.

6.

On the square there is the local Laima clock. That's right, "Laima" is a well-known famous chocolate factory in Riga, and a similar clock is installed in the capital at the entrance to the Old Town near its company store. Why there are still some here - alas, I don’t know.

7.

If you follow the railway for about a kilometer towards Riga, you will come to the beauty and pride of Latvian sports, the bobsleigh and luge complex (1986), until recently the only one in the post-Soviet space. I reached him the next day, accompanied by renatar - the fact is that this complex was designed by her father, Victor Rimsha.

8.

In general, as it turned out later, I saw three buildings designed by Viktor Benediktovich, and I didn’t know this about the other two - but I remembered them. According to Renata, in modern Latvia they don’t really like to remember his contribution, and the authorship of the building is attributed either to the Yugoslavs (in fact, they carried out the direct construction), or to the Germans from the GDR (they carried out technical calculations). The bobsleigh track here is unique in that from one point you can see its 7 turns:

9.

The track descends very beautifully into the Gauja Valley, and it is not so uncommon to find lugers practicing on it.

10.

Scheme of the route and a bob - a bobsleigh with a " " ornament on the side. Although luge originated in the 1880s in the Alps, and entered the Olympic Games program in 1954, this sport is still not very well known in our country - however, it was Latvian lugers who won the first USSR medals in this sport in 1980. In post-Soviet times, their own luge and bobsleigh complexes have since been built in the Moscow region (Paramonovo) and Sochi.

11.

From the station to Sigulda Castle it is another twenty minutes walk. There are more cute houses here than behind the railway, but they do not form a coherent development anywhere.

12.

13.

14.

Installations so beloved in the Baltics:

15.

But in general, most of all, Sigulda resembles Jurmala - a comfortable resort town, where in every second house there is not a hotel or a cafe, and every second passer-by is a group of tourists:

16.

On the approaches to the castle there is St. Berthold's Church (1930-36, but generally known in this place since 1483):

17.

Protestant minimalist hall:

18.

And in the tower there was an exhibition of mosaics by Valdas Athals (if I’m not mistaken):

19.

Everything would be fine, but they are made of buttons! I've seen paintings made from sand and from feathers, so these mosaics perfectly continue the series.

20.

Well, the castle is just a stone's throw away. For his detailed history, as usual, I refer you to Renata Rimsha’s website, but I will retell it very briefly. As already mentioned, Zigevold was the first castle founded by the Crusaders far from the sea (1207-1211), and for the next three hundred years it remained one of the most influential in Livonia. Firstly, the lands touched here, and therefore the interests of the Master of the Order, the Archbishop of Riga and, in addition, again the Riga Dome Chapter, which did not have many possessions outside of Riga, collided; Secondly. the Gauja valley, in principle, turned out to be the center of the order's lands, its capital Wenden (Cesis) stood a little higher, and Zigevold was the center of the commander's office (province), on the territory of which it was located. Since 1432, the residence of the landmarshal, that is, the commander, was located here - and as you might guess, in the Order this was position No. 2 after the master. And although the castle was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible during the Livonian War, it was still rebuilt much faster than Wenden, and under the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth it was the de facto center of the Wenden Voivodeship, which included almost the entire right bank of Latvia. The castle was finally finished off by the Polish-Swedish war, and after it fell to Sweden in 1621, in subsequent centuries Zigevold turned from a fortress into an estate that grew up on the site of a destroyed forburg - the decorative wall of the late 19th century runs approximately in the same place as the fortress wall:

21.

Over the course of three hundred years, the estate changed many owners, the Baltic barons Borchs owned the castle the longest (1783-1898) (I already showed another of their estates), and the last owners were the Kropotkins - it must be said that it is quite a rare case that the estate of a Baltic baron went to Russian nobleman: Dmitry Kropotkin married Olga Borkh (formally remaining the mistress of the estate until the end of her life), after which, in 1878-81, one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic palaces in Latvia was built, the architect of which, by the way, was the ethnic Latvian Janis Mengelis .

22.

But the wooden outbuildings may be older, from the time of the Borchs:

23.

Another painted sleigh, this time not at all sporty:

24.

Burnt down during the First World War, after the war the palace became state property, and in the 1930s it housed the House of Writers - I don’t know what they did there: they performed, created, or rested; then (1936-37) the tower was built on. Nowadays the palace is occupied by the Sigulda City Council, and I still don’t understand whether it is possible to freely get inside, where very beautiful interiors from the 1920s have been preserved.

25.

And medieval ruins are found right in the backyard, behind the deep ditch that separated the convention from the foreburg. Ziegevold was lucky - the owners of the estate took care of it as a decoration of the park and a relic, and even before the revolution the Old Castle became one of the main attractions of the Baltic region. As I understand it, most of the surviving buildings date back to the 15th century, and in 2011 they underwent a very high-quality restoration. On the right is the meeting hall and chapel, on the left is one of the two surviving towers, and in the wooden structure there is a ticket office and a souvenir kiosk:

26.

Above the entrance is the Borchov coat of arms.

26a.

From a wall so high that an arrow could not fly over it, there is a view of the Kropotkin Palace in one direction, and a scene inside the castle in the other:

27.

The wall and the chapel - the look of the Middle Ages is simply amazing:

28.

Chapel from the inside. The wall in the foreground separated the meeting room:

29.

The core of the second tower contains a small museum, which I did not go to:

30.

And this is what the castle looked like during its heyday on the eve of the Livonian War:

30a.

The observation deck offers views of the Gauja forest and Turaida Castle in the distance, a plan of which is also attached.

31.

Or rather, his replica - the real Treiden has not survived to this day; many of its stones went into the construction of the Kropotkin Palace, and there, in the distance, since 1953, the “ideal Livonian castle”, a collective image of the knightly past of the Baltic states, has been slowly being built.

32.

The excitement in the castle that day was clearly noticeable: in addition to the stage, there were laid tables...

33.

At the checkout counter there is a girl in medieval attire (I apologize for the fact that I took a photo in an awkward position, but I still think that even this way it is clear that she is very beautiful):

34.

And at the gates of the estate, a boy musician greeted the arriving guests:

35.

Coming out of the gate, I went to the right - past the boiler room:

36.

Past the directorate of the Gauja National Park - by the way, the largest (about the size of Moscow before expansion) and oldest (1979) in Latvia:

37.

Through a busy street that descends steeply from the shore and through a cozy park with flower beds to the cable car station, the 1060 m long line of which was thrown in 1969 across the Gauja valley:

38.

The only booth runs once every half hour until 6 pm, and it is better to arrive in advance - everyone may not fit in it. I was waiting to board in a group of tourists, where the most noticeable was a large girl of about 20 with short hair and a very loud voice. In principle, after five minutes of waiting, judging by the intonations and expressions (especially the word “hipster” that regularly popped up), I had no doubt that these were Muscovites in front of me, and I couldn’t even resist asking them about it directly. There are generally a lot of Russian tourists in Latvia, and the guys, of course, were not very happy about the appearance of a compatriot in their field of vision.

39.

The start of the cable car is impressive - as soon as it starts, it goes down sharply. The appearance of the pavilion is rather suspicious - clearly another echo of interwar architecture. I didn’t measure the travel time, but it felt like 7-10 minutes.

40.

The Gauja, with its wild hilly banks, reminded me a lot, especially where nothing man-made gets into the frame:

41.

But that this is not the Russian North, but the Baltic states, is made clear by three castles from different sides - Zigevold is behind, barely visible behind the trees:

42.

Turaida three kilometers upstream:

43.

And Krimulda is right ahead - it has been known since 1255; like Ziegevold, it was destroyed in the Polish-Swedish war and from 1625 turned into an estate, which was further owned by the Lievens, and in 1862 Alexander II even stayed in the palace. The current palace, as I understand it, was built around the same time, and somewhere in the manor park there are even ruins of walls from the 14th century. In Soviet times, a tuberculosis sanatorium was located there, for which the cable car was built, and as reported calendulae , with the participation of builders from the Georgian Chiatura, where there is a whole network of passenger cable cars. However, I didn’t really examine the Krimulda estate:

44.

The bridge is a little older than the cable car - 1950, and in principle it is strange that the matter was not limited to it. Pay attention to the abundance of driftwood - its wooded banks of the Gauja are very intensively eroded:

45.

Krimulda station at the other end of the cable car:

46.

You can get to Turaida Castle using this thing - but I decided to walk:

47.

About Krimulda and Turaida - in the next part.

LATVIA-2013
. Villages and religions. Imperial Riga. "Eisenstein Quarter".
Station, market and high-rise building.
Mask. The wrong side of Riga.
Factory suburbs. Grzinkalns.
Factory suburbs. North-Eastern industrial zone.
Factory suburbs. Sarkandaugava.
Left Coast. Zadvinje, or Pardaugava.
Left Coast. Bolderaja, Daugavsgriva fortress and access to the sea.
Riga Ethnographic Museum.
Jurmala. Resort villages.
Jurmala. Railway, Sloka and Kemeri.
Vidzeme.
Sigulda. Left bank of the Gauja.
Sigulda. Krimulda and Turaida.
Cesis. County town.
Cesis. Wenden Castle.
Cesis. Araishi.
Vidzeme hinterland. Straupe, Ungurmuiza, Birini.
. Narrow gauge railway.
. Cities and estates.
Semigallia (Zemgale).
Jelgava. Mitavsky Palace and Castle Island.
Jelgava. Remains of the city.
Rundala and Zalenieki. Biron Palaces.
Bauska. The first capital of the duchy.
Tukums. On the way to Courland.
Neighborhoods of Tukums. Slokenbeka, Cinevilla, Jaunmok.
Courland (Kurzeme).
Kuldiga. City above the waterfall.
Kandava and Sabile. Courland towns.
Courland outback. Embute, Virga, Priekulya, Grobinya.
Liepaja. Sea façade.
Liepaja naval. Karosta and Tosmare.
Liepaja industrial. Metallurgical Plant and Northern Suburb.
Liepaja. New City and Trade Canal.
Liepaja. Old city.
Cirava, Saka, Pavilosta.
Land of the Suits. Alsunga, Edole.
Ventspils. Old city.
Ventspils. Port and new flavor.
Ventspils. Seaside Park.
Dundaga and Nurmuiza.
. The root of the Baltics.

If we talk about Latvia, we can say that it is quite an interesting country that attracts tourists. And indeed, there is something to see here.

Today we will focus our attention on the city of Sigulda, the sights of the city, and turn your attention to those objects that you can visit on your own. The country is filled with historical buildings, the beauty of which is amazing.

Sigulda in Latvia - famous landmarks

This Latvian city attracts a large number of tourists every year. It is located at a distance of 53 kilometers from Riga.

The city is washed by the Gauja River, and there are a large number of mountains and forests around the city. At the same time, forests are an integral part of the city’s national park. The city was founded a long time ago. The date of its foundation is 1207. The city loves tourists who are used to active recreation, which is why there are a large number of bicycle paths and ski slopes on which you can relax not only during the day, but also at night, since they have night lighting.

Walking stick park in Sigulda

Among the frequently visited places that constantly attract tourists are Station Square, Laima Clock, Key Square, Cane Park, Sigulda Evangelical Lutheran Church, White House, Shelter Bunkers, and the Knight's Parade Sculpture Group.

What to see in Sigulda for tourists

When going on a trip around the city, we’ll look at the places that are worth paying attention to, where you can go with your children or just spend an active holiday.

New Sigulda Castle erected on the site of a stone castle back in 1881. At the end of the First World War, the building was taken over by the Press Association, who in turn turned it into a rest house for writers. Before the holiday home was opened here, a lengthy restoration was carried out, which took more than two years.

Many famous artists and restorers worked on the castle, including Nicholas Strunke. The Second World War changed the purpose of the castle, and it was transferred to the Ministry of Health, which turned it into a sanatorium. At the moment, the regional Council is located here. The building became state-owned after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

This is interesting: If we talk about the history of the castle, it was the first building of the Middle Ages. It was built by order of the First Master of the Order of the Crusaders. It amazes with its majesty and beauty.

Ruins of the old Medieval Livonian castle can be found at the confluence of the two rivers Gauja and Ratsule. The castle itself was built during the time of the Livonian Order, and only its ruins have reached us. Next to the castle there is an ancient church.

The castle was truly majestic, there were earthen fortifications and ditches around it, it was not so easy for the enemy to get here. Therefore, if you are a history buff and want to have an experience, then feel free to go to the Livonian Castle in Sigulda.

Among the new buildings that are worth paying attention to is the cable car. Once in the trailer, you can see all the beauties of the city from a height of 43 meters. The route is Sigulda - Krimulda.

Along the way, you will be able to see Turaida Castle, the estate located in Krimulda, and the bobsleigh track from above. The path is quite long, 7 minutes is enough for sightseeing from above.

Anyone who has ever visited the Gauja National Park can say with certainty that it remains in their memory forever. It was located near the city, on the Gauja River.

Here you will find beautiful picturesque paths, along which you can see a large number of birds, plants and animals. On the territory of the park there are historical monuments, looking at which you will want to come back here again and again. These are not only monuments of modern times, but also of medieval times.

Gutman's Cave is one of the largest caves in the Baltics. Its maximum height is 10 meters. From its base flows a spring that is considered holy.

This cave has its own history. The legend says that the ancient leader ordered his wife to be buried for infidelity on the banks of the Gauja River. The woman cried, and from her tears a spring formed that has healing powers. If you believe in legends and superstitions, then you definitely need to visit the cave and enjoy the atmosphere that reigns there.

Devil's Cave - another popular place that attracts tourists who come to Latvia. The height of the cave is about 15 meters. This is a historical monument that is protected by the state. The length of the cave is 3 meters. It is quite wide - about 7 meters.

In order to get inside the cave, you need to climb to a height of 8 meters. People who lived in ancient times believed that evil spirits were located on its territory, but despite this, many lovers came here on a date. Unfortunately, not every date ended well, and tragedies also occurred.

station Square is amazing in its scale. Arriving in the city and leaving the station, it will immediately appear before your eyes. There is a perfect combination of modern and ancient buildings here.

The square is very beautiful; all lovers of architecture will like it here.

The Laima clock is a tower structure with a street clock on top. Its history goes back more than 100 years.

The time of its foundation is considered to be the beginning of the 20th century, when the first tram was launched here. The scale of construction is amazing, and note that the clock is still in use today, despite the fact that it was built quite a long time ago.

Key Square, opened in 2007, also attracts tourists. This is no accident - there are three huge keys that rest on the stone wall. This is a symbol of the three centers of Latvia - Sigulda, Turaida and Krimulda. There are arches, bridges and much more interesting things here.

It is best, according to tourists, to take a walk in the park during sunset. Against the background of the setting sun, it is simply magnificent and will remain in the memory for a long time.

Where to go with children in Sigulda

If you are traveling with children, then you need to show them those places that will remain in their memory for a long time, tell the history of the places in Latvia. You can save on excursions and show your children everything on your own. They will like places where there are animals, castles, and attractions. This is exactly the place we will go to.

Turaida Museum-Reserve – an interesting place not only for adults, but also for children. It was built on the territory of the Liv castle and then destroyed by the Crusaders. It was repeatedly destroyed by fire, but each time the castle was restored.

Since a large number of tourists want to look at the local landmark of Sigulda, an observation deck was built on the territory of the castle. Entering it, you can see everything that is on the territory of the reserve. The latter was founded here relatively recently, in 1988. There are animals here that are listed in the Red Book and are protected by the state.

Turaida Castle is the visiting card of the city of Sigulda. Everyone who comes here simply must look at it, as this is a real historical building with its own legends. The castle was built in the Middle Ages and that is why it attracts a large number of tourists.

Official address of the castle: st. Turaidas 10, Sigulda, Latvia. If you get there on your own, you need to use the A2 or E 77 highway. Then you should turn onto the P8 road leading to Turaida. The castle is located on the territory of the Turaida Museum-Reserve. You can visit the place on your own or book a paid excursion.

Turaida Lutheran Church is an attraction that you and your children should visit. Until the 16th century, a community lived here and built its own church. The materials for construction were originally stone and wood.

During the Livonian War, the church was destroyed. In 1750, it began to be restored, and already in the middle of the 20th century it was given the status of an architectural monument.

If you and your family are used to spending time actively, then it’s worth a visit adventure park "Tarzan" in Sigulda. If we talk about the number of attractions it has, we can safely say that this is one of the largest parks in Europe. The rope park allows you and your family to go through all the tests and emerge victorious.

The park is located in a picturesque area of ​​the Gauja River, which allows you not only to have a good time, but also to enjoy the beauty that the local nature will envelop you.

"Forest Cat" is an adventure park for active recreation. It has more than 6 thousand roads that must be passed at different altitudes.

The minimum height of rope paths is 0.5 meters, and the maximum reaches 25 meters. So no matter how old your child is, you will have a great time on the ropes course.

Note: If you are a thrill-seeker, the trail can also be walked at night. For this purpose, climbing lights are provided, which will not allow you to stray from the chosen path.

Krimulda Castle was huge in scale, but today you can only look at the ruins that have survived to this day. Information about the castle was first mentioned in the 14th century.

If you decide to visit it and enjoy the atmosphere reigning in it, then you need to go to the address: st. Krimuldas, Sigulda.

Active holidays in Sigulda

The city is rich not only in its history, but you can have a great time here if you like active recreation. You don’t have to walk around the city and just see the sights; you can become an active participant in the chosen event.

Sigulda Sports and Active Recreation Center offers a great time.

There is plenty of room to ski here as there is a frozen cross-country ski run. It is recognized as the best sprint track. There are a large number of slopes on the route where you can ride with pleasure.

The bobsleigh and luge track in Sigulda is another one of the most popular tracks in Latvia.

It has an artificial ice surface, and you can practice bobsleigh and luge here.

It is worth noting: Until the new track was built in Sochi, the track in Latvia was the only one in all of Eastern Europe.

The track has 14 turns that can be overcome not only by professional athletes, but also by amateurs.

There is more than one ski slope in Sigulda. The city highway, Kakishkalns, Kordes, Reina and many others are located here. Despite the fact that Latvia is not a ski country, ski tourism is quite developed in it and therefore you can have a great time here. If you like active recreation, then this is exactly what you can visit. You will be satisfied with your choice.

Sigulda - all attractions on the map

Map of Sigulda attractions (click to enlarge)

Before you go on your trip, it's worth taking a look at the map for the main places to visit.

Latvians value their history, and therefore on the map you can find such places as: Gutman's Cave, Krimulda Castle, Turaida Castle, Devil's Cave and much more.

If you do not want to use the services of professional guides, then try to plan your route based on the map. Mark on it the places you would like to visit.

Latvia is a country with rich traditions and history, and Sigulda is no exception. If you decide to visit this country or city, you will definitely like the local attractions.

We present to your attention a video about the sights of the city of Sigulda:

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Sigulda is a small town with a picturesque green Gauja valley, which is surrounded by impressive sights: medieval castles and legendary caves. The city is also the gateway to the Gauja National Park, located in the northeast of Sigulda. Today I’ll tell you what to see in Sigulda and where to relax with children.

Sights of Sigulda with photos and descriptions

XVI-XVIII centuries – the starting point in the history of modern Sigulda as a city. Step by step it became a transshipment point and a resort at the same time, located along the route of the future railway that connects Pskov with. In the first half of the 19th century, Sigulda was transferred to the owner of local lands, Prince Kropotkin, wealthy Riga rulers who subsequently built country estates here. This explains the presence of historical mansions.

I will share with you these and other attractions that are worth visiting in Sigulda, as well as where you can relax in winter.

Architecture of Sigulda

The main architectural landmark of the city is Turaida Castle, located 4 km from Sigulda. Historical buildings, of which there are about 37, are located on the territory controlled by the castle from the Middle Ages. According to the order of the Bishop of Riga, Turaida Castle was founded in 1214 year. The fortress had to undergo numerous reconstructions. But, despite this, the fortress managed to preserve its appearance to this day, along with the legends associated with it and its name.

I was surprised by the main tower, the top floor of which is an observation deck, and the bottom floor is a museum exhibition. Until now, various archaeological excavations are being carried out on the territory of the castle, during which things found add to the museum’s collection.

It turned out to be a very beautiful archaeological structure Old Sigulda Castle, which began to be built at the beginning XIII centuries. Over time, the castle turned into a powerful fortress, protected on all sides. But this did not prevent repeated serious destruction of the castle during assaults during the change of owners. The once great fortress has reached us only with fragments of walls and several window openings, reminiscent of early Gothic.

the crusaders built New Sigulda Castle, which I also liked. Since no one intended to restore the Old Castle, in the middle of the 19th century, the new owner of the castle, Olga Kropotkina, decided to build a new castle next to the old one, which by the end of the century was built and became the residence of the Kropotkins. At the end of the First World War, the castle was transferred to the ownership of the Latvian Society of Journalists, and after the Second World War it was transformed into a sanatorium. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the castle building has been occupied by the Sigulda administration.

Try to take time to visit these architectural structures:

• Drabesh estate.
• Krimulda Castle.

• Suntazh Castle.
• Ruins of the Autinsky castle.

Monuments of Sigulda

Among the small number of monuments in Sigulda, I would like to highlight the most interesting ones.

• Hill Dine– one of the interesting memorial places of the city, where ancient Livonians once stood. Previously, the hill was called Jelgava, but already in 1985 its name was changed. The reason was the opening of the folk song park with 15 sculptures created by I. Ranka in accordance with the themes of folk songs. This discovery was timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Krišjānis Baron, who was a Latvian writer, folklorist and public figure, a collector of dainas - Latvian folk songs, from which the name of the hill came.
• Sculptural group “Parade of Knights”. The artistic plein air “Medieval Metal Carver”, held in 2010 on Pils Street, contributed to the creation of this group. The authors of the sculptures were six metal craftsmen who managed to assemble 15 black knights in a small area, using various pieces of iron and stones instead of heads. Thanks to the plaques next to each sculpture, you can get acquainted with their names.
• Tomb of the "Rose of Turaida", located on the site of a former cemetery, not far from Turaida Castle. The time of the first burials dates back to the 13th century, but from the surviving graves you can see the grave of the Rose of Turaida. According to the documents of the Vidzeme Court Court, a girl named Rosa Turaida actually lived here, who kept her love for the gardener Victor Hale at the Silgud estate and constantly refused all the men who wooed her. When she refused the Pole Adam Jakubowski, he lured Rosa to Gutman's cave and killed her there. That place became the grave of Rose of Turaida.

Hill Dine

Religious buildings

In Sigulda I found two beautiful churches that really impressed me.

• Sigulda Church. In 1225, the building of the Lutheran Church of St. Berthold was built on the initiative of the Pope's ambassador, sent to this area to resolve frequent disputes between the Livonian Order and the Bishop of Rome. Unfortunately, during the Livonian War the church was destroyed. The building of today's church was erected only in the 17th-18th centuries, and closer to 1930, a pointed tower-shaped bell tower was attached to the church, where the observation deck is now located. Under Soviet rule, the Church of St. Berthold was the only operating temple in the district.
• Krimulda Church, built at the beginning of the 13th century, was for a long time the first church in Latvia and the first stone one in the region. The local leader Kaupo, who converted to Christianity, was responsible for the construction. It was impressive that despite many reconstructions and restorations, the church has a good appearance, as evidenced by the well-preserved pastor's house, built at the end of the 19th century.

Sigulda Caves

I’m very glad that I managed to get to two incredible caves in the city.

• To get acquainted Gutman's Cave, you need to get into the territory Turaida Park, located between Sigulda and Turaida. This cave is considered the most famous and largest in the Baltics, because it is almost 20 m long, 12 m wide, 10 m high and has an area of ​​170 sq. m. m. According to numerous estimates, it began to form 10,000 years ago, when the water of the Ice Age eroded dense, red sandstone, which was formed in the Devonian period, into the rock. The cave got its name in honor of the healer Gutman, who treated the sick with water from the cave stream.

Did you know? Some surviving inscriptions from the Gutman Cave, which date back to 1668 and later, indicate a cult place of ancient tribes, which is why they are of historical value.

• Above the Gutman Cave we managed to visit Devil's Cave, located on a 15-meter slope of the mountain. Legend has it that this is where the devil waited for night to fall. From the nearby Small Devil's Cave flows the famous spring of Wisdom, in which the ancient Livs bathed their babies, suggesting that this contributed to the wisdom and health of children. From the pedestrian suspension bridge there is a beautiful view of the Great Devil's Cave, visiting which is prohibited.

Where to relax in Sigulda in winter

Sigulda provides an incredibly exciting winter holiday and is considered the most popular in Latvia. The resort is represented by two tracks with a length of 350 m and 200 m. Both are equipped with snow cannons and three types of lifts. Any equipment can be rented. Also, children and beginner skiers can use the gentle slope and rope lifts or pay for the services of instructors.

Video about the main attractions of the city of Sigulda

Video review of the most important attractions of the city of Sigulda. Enjoy watching!

Where to go in Sigulda with children

• Adventure Park "Tarzan" with a huge number of various attractions will not leave both children and adults indifferent.
• Mezakakis Adventure Park with a special track for children and exciting challenges for adults.
• The aerial cable car in Sigulda provides the opportunity to see all the beauty of the Gauja Valley from a 42-meter height on a specially equipped carriage.
• Aerodium– a vertical wind tunnel with the ability to soar above the ground without parachutes or ropes.
• Adventure Park "Forest Cat" with obstacles, cables, nets, bridges of various designs, swings, beams, ropes and ladders, as well as rope flights, a volleyball court, a guest house built in an alpine style, and a sauna complex.
• Sigulda bobsleigh and luge track 1420 m long with 16 turns and a 200-meter braking distance.

Aerodium
Sigulda is a beautiful city, a visit to which impressed me with its preserved historical sites, along with beautiful natural attractions and the best Latvian ski resort.

What else would you recommend to see in Sigulda? What places should you pay attention to for holidays with children? I look forward to your suggestions in the comments.