Your Guide to Sigulda in Latvia – An autumn beauty
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This autumn I had the opportunity to visit Sigulda after a short community conference and I was surprised. An hour away from Riga (Latvia) by train, I was expecting to see some old architecture, but the place was surrounded by this calm vibe and a national park with some of the best colors I’ve observed. This guide to Sigulda is simply a resonation of the randomness there and including top places to visit in Sigulda.
How to get there?
Well, you can rent a car or take a horse (just kidding, wouldn’t that be fun and Latvia is filled with tall trees, imagine being like a Robin Hood riding through the woods). I took a train, use this official latvia public transport website for information on timings and bookings. You can alternatively purchase your ticket at the station as well, a return ticket should cost you around 4 euros or less. It’ll take you about 60 minutes to get there. The train may be a little old, but runs well to get you there while getting to enjoy a nice view. If you’re from the UK, you’ll be surprised to see they let you walk freely on the train tracks (my mom shouldn’t know I did). Here is the Sigulda train station.
Points to Visit
1. Just Around Sigulda
Just walk around the surrounding, that’s my first tip, be random, of course don’t get lost (insert inspirational quote on being lost) or wander into someone’s lawn, I am not responsible, being responsible for myself has been quite the burden. Walking around lets you really see that there is life beyond bustling cities, something I definitely sometimes forget and you know just to learn that you’re probably over evaluating time.
2. Skatu laukumiņš
Beauitiful wide view point and down the tickly stairs (there just wasn’t a name for it). Here’s the point, it’s a little difficult to search for it on google maps.
This spot surprised me, just be sure you don’t have any height as these stairs don’t have support, you can find an alternate way near Sigulda Adventures to go down, see here then walk across from there.
3. Tarzans Park
Tarzans park is the largest adventure park in the baltics, I didn’t have time to experience it, but definitely had some interesting things like, one of them literally was like a roll down the hill. They called it Trakais Rotors, costing 12 Euros for 2, and 7 Euros for 1.
Beyond that, you have zipline trails, I haven’t been to many ziplines but the ones that I have usually come across are one time that goes weeeee and you’re done. These were like multiple points and you connect, disconnect with different difficulty levels. After that you have Cable cart bunjee and several other activities, here is the list with prices.
4. Makars Kemping (Camping Sigulda)
You can camp but you don’t have to and sometimes you can’t even if you want to, well that’s life.
Taking a stroll here and just watching the river flow and watch the river breeze. It isn’t exactly a beach, but you have that beach type feel with your own little privacy by the trees. I was just struck by the mix.
5. Gaujas National Park
You’ll need a good 1-2 hours here, there is no entrance fee and free to keep it clean. I’ve said this before but visiting in Autumn will leave you in awe. You’re surrounded by lush yellow, green trees all around you. Just keep walking, either keep a phone with offline maps downloaded or make sure you can map yourself back.
Either way, the park has several direction points that will guide you through, EXIT BEFORE SUNSET. The place gets dark and there are barely any lights around and it’s pretty big so if your phone dies out, good luck. If you’re curious on our route here it is.
6. Gutmanala ( Gutmanis Cave )
You can see inscriptions on the caves from a distance, unfortunately some people misuse it. It’s small, but was my first time seeing a cave with writings (that were either historic or new). Apparently the highest cave in the Baltics and the oldest tourist attraction. You don’t need more than a 10-15 minutes here, it won’t be crowded. There were just a few visitors when were there.
7. Sigulda Medieval Castle (Castle of the livonian order)
Wouldn’t recommend spending too much time here, but since it’s near by the center do give it a visit, it is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The next one is also a castle.
8. Turaida Castle
It was too far to walk, so had to skip. However if you decide to go, I’d recommend using the bus from the train station, check the route as it’s a pretty long walk otherwise. Travelers recommend the view from the top but guess I’ll never know until another time.
Food in Sigulda, Latvia
Warning, if you’re visiting on a Sunday most of the restaurants will be closed. However you’ll still not be in a bad situation compared to some European countries. Do check out Rimi and grab some Pols (amazing ice cream for about .5 Euros), they have this tumblr shaped cone ice creams. You’ll find food to eat as well, or walk across to La Pizza Veloce decently priced. (food will be updated soon with some more info, else feel free to message me on instagram.com/thetrift)
Final note
Make sure to check train timings on pv.lv as trains aren’t too frequent and I think the last train was around 9:30 PM on that day. Also if your final destination is Riga, make sure you get down at Riga Central as there is another Riga stop before that. Also find my other guides on here
This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual. We take no liability for the accuracy of the information and cannot be held liable for any third-party claims or losses of any damages.
This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual. We take no liability for the accuracy of the information and cannot be held liable for any third-party claims or losses of any damages.