Explore the wonders of Gauja National Park

As Latvia’s largest and oldest national park, Gauja National Park offers a rare combination of unspoiled nature and cultural treasures. With over 90,000 hectares of stunning landscapes, sandstone cliffs, and charming towns, there is plenty to explore for everyone. Add rejuvenating wellness experiences, festivals and other events, and it’s clear why Gauja should be on every bucket list, especially since it is on its way to earn the EUROPARC Sustainable destination certification.

Gauja National Park is home to diverse landscapes, from lush forests to majestic sandstone cliffs formed over 350 million years ago. Highlights include the iconic Gūtmaņa Cave, the largest cave in the Baltics, and scenic hiking and cycling trails galore. “Every season transforms the national park. Spring is fresh and blossoming, summer is lush and green, autumn brings vibrant colours, and winter covers everything in white,” smiles Kristīne Luca, marketing and communication specialist at Gauja National Park Tourism Association.

Beyond the natural beauty lies a rich cultural tapestry, with over 500 historical monuments, including medieval castles, manor houses, and historic towns like Sigulda, Cēsis and Valmiera. Visitors can step back in time at the Turaida Museum Reserve or explore the Araisi Lake Castle, a reconstructed 9th-century settlement. Or how about the International Opera Music Festival in Sigulda, where world-class musicians perform on an open-air stage in medieval castle ruins?

From relaxation to adventure

For those seeking rejuvenation, Gauja offers a myriad of wellness and spa experiences. The saunas in particular are a must-visit. “Nestled in the national park among the trees, you’ll find Ziedlejas, where you can, for instance, enjoy a glass sauna, a smoke sauna, and a wool sauna. Guests can also enjoy spa treatments, outdoor and indoor pools, and peaceful walks,” says Luca.

If you’re a thrill-seeker, Gauja should also be right up your alley. The national park is a mecca for outdoor activities, including kayaking, bungee jumping, riding cable cars, and ziplining. The Lonely Planet-recommended Baltic Forest Hiking Trail is another gem for trampers.

However, Gauja is also the perfect spot too for those looking to taste the local cuisine and enjoy a bit of MICHELIN-recommended sophistication. Discover traditional and rich Latvian flavours at the Starupe Farmers Market, which is part of the Slow Food Earth Markets Alliance, and solstice celebrations at GARDU MUTI market in Valmiermuiža. In both places you can buy seasonal goods from local farmers and producers. Events like Fire Night in Vienkoču Park, with torchlit forest walks, music, and workshops, further add to the national park’s magic. Whether you stay at a hotel, a guest house, try glamping, or simply do a day trip, Gauja National Park won’t disappoint.

Web: www.entergauja.com