Known as Latvia’s autumn capital, Sigulda offers a landscape of yellow, orange and red foliage as temperatures fall. Reached from Riga by train in approximately an hour and ten minutes, the town serves as a gateway to Gauja National Park. Although autumn colours brighten the town itself, the scenery surrounding the Gauja River is a particular attraction. Hiking trails provide opportunities to explore the area on foot, and the region’s official tourism website, Enter Gauja, provides information about routes.
A seven-minute cable-car journey carries visitors across the Gauja Valley, revealing several castles along the way. Beyond the river, a short walk through woodland leads to Gutman’s Cave, the largest in the Baltic countries, where carvings accumulated over centuries cover the walls. A further short walk reaches Turaida Castle. Dating from 1214, it combines panoramic views from its principal tower with exhibitions exploring its history. Sculptures by Indulis Ranka stand in the gardens. Visitors wishing to avoid the walk can take a bus from Sigulda, although services operate only once an hour.
Elsewhere in Sigulda, creative businesses occupy former manor buildings at the New Castle. Visitors can buy the patterned walking sticks that have become a symbol of the town. Another destination within the Gauja region is Cēsis, whose medieval castle dates from the 13th century. It is also accessible by rail from Riga, with a journey time of roughly an hour and twenty minutes. Train tickets for either town can be purchased at the station or through the Vivi website.
