Day Trip to Sigulda

During the trip you will admire the landscapes of "Livonian Switzerland", see the ruins of medieval castles, look into the famous Gutman's cave, listen to the legend about the Turaida Rose and admire the mesmerizing view of the surroundings from the tower of the Turaida Castle.

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Sigulda


Excursion from Riga by car or bus
Duration: 10 h
Distance: 120 km (see the map)
List of sights:
  • Emperor's View
  • Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track
  • Paradise Hill
  • Ruins of Livonian Order Sigulda Castle
  • New Castle of Sigulda
  • Gutman’s Cave
  • Turaida Museum Reserve

Sigulda is the most popular place for walking and outdoor active recreation not only among residents of Latvia, but also among numerous tourists. Besides the natural wealth, Sigulda is also known by its historical and cultural heritage.

The first object that we will visit will be the "Emperor’s View" – an observation deck on the edge of a steep slope, from where a view of the ancient valley of the Gauja River opens. For more than 150 years, the picturesque surroundings of Sigulda have been called "Livonian Switzerland", and you can prove this yourself by taking a short walk along the Sigulda's "Alpine paths" to the Paradise Hill.

Next, we will visit the Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track – the only in Eastern Europe. You will be able to go up to the start positions and take a photo with the real sleigh. Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track is one of few open for tourist visiting and riding.

During the day we will get acquainted with the historical and cultural heritage of Sigulda. In the Middle Ages, three stone castles were built on the territory of modern Sigulda – in Sigulda, Krimulda and Turaida. Only romantic ruins have long been left of the castles, which are silent witnesses of the most interesting history of these places. We will visit the Livonian Order Sigulda Castle, see also the New Castle of Sigulda, get acquainted with the museum expositions in the Turaida Museum Reserve, and also admire the bends of the Gauja River from the tower of the Turaida Castle.

On the way to Turaida, we will make a short stop and walk to the famous Gutman’s Cave.

Return to Riga.

The day trip to Sigulda can be supplemented by a visit to a private amber workshop, which is the only open for tourists amber workshop in Latvia. Here you can learn about the useful properties of the “sun stone” and peculiarities of its processing, reveal the secret of numerous imitations and learn to distinguish a real amber from fakes, see the unique collection of amber of all kinds of colors and shapes, and also be able to purchase amber and any amber jewelry you like without intermediaries and with guarantees of the master.

At prior request, the bravest can ride down the Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Rides are held throughout the year. In the winter season, rides are carried out both on a real bobsleigh and other soft sleighs – "Frog" and "Vučko". In the summer – on a bobsleigh with wheels.

  • Rides using the "Vučko" – 12 €
  • Rides using the "Frog" – 25 € (2019)
  • Rides using the bobsleigh – 50 € (2019)
  • Rides using the summer bobsleigh – 10 €

During the day trip to Sigulda, you can ride on the only cable car in the Baltics that connects Sigulda with Krimulda, or ride the zipline attraction "Zērglis".

  • One way cable car ticket – 9 €
  • Zipline ride – 59 €

The day trip to Sigulda can be supplemented with a visit to Krimulda, where an excursion in the Krimulda manor complex and the romantic ruins of the Krimulda Castle can be complemented by tasting local fruit and berry wines.

  • Wine tasting – 8 €