Audio Guide of Gauja National Park

Gauja National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as it is a protected natural area accessible at any time. The main access points are from Sigulda or Cēsis, with public transport such as trains from Riga (the journey takes about 1–2 hours) or by car via the A2 highway. Visit the official website for more details: Gauja National Park.

Entry to the park itself is free, but some specific attractions such as Turaida Castle or the Sigulda cable car charge fees ranging from 5 to 12 euros per adult. Children and students usually receive discounts; check updated prices on the official website or at ticket offices. There is no general entrance fee for the park.

It is recommended to spend at least a full day exploring the main attractions, but for a complete experience with trails and castles, plan for 2–3 days. Depending on your pace, a quick visit to key spots such as Gutmanis Cave can take 4–6 hours.

Established in 1973, it is the oldest and largest national park in Latvia, covering 917 km² along the Gauja River and standing out for its karst landscape, hills, and 13th-century medieval castles linked to the Livonian Order. Culturally, it is a key site for understanding Latvian history, with Viking and medieval legacies that make it a natural and historical treasure.

Summer (June–August) is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities with pleasant temperatures of 20–25°C, while autumn (September–October) offers vibrant colors in the forests. Avoid winter if you do not like snowfall, although it is perfect for skiing; sunrise or sunset provides the best light for photos.

Some trails and areas such as the visitor center in Sigulda are accessible with ramps and paved paths, but much of the rocky terrain and the hills make it challenging for wheelchairs. Adapted routes such as the Sigulda cable car route are recommended; contact the park at +371 29475600 for specific assistance or equipment rental.

Nearby you will find Sigulda Castle, the Ligatne Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, and the medieval town of Cēsis with its castle ruins. Do not miss the Ane Caves (a 10-minute drive away) or the wildlife zoo in Ligatne, all within 30 km and perfect for extending your itinerary.

Bring comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent in summer, and water, as some trails can be long; download offline maps from the park app. Book guided tours in advance if you are traveling in a group, and use public transport from Riga to avoid parking; the information center in Sigulda is a great starting point.