Sigulda Things to Do

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This not so large, in neogothic style built castle was built in the 19th century and in that time it was owned by prince (knaz) Kropotkin. Around the castle you can enjoy nice garden, but behind it - the old castle ruins. Nowadays it houses Sigulda city council.

Down here I write how to reach the castle from parking where to left the car. In the transportation chapter I wrote where that parking is.

Needless to say, once you are in sigulda this is the thing to do. It s an easy day trip from riga, as long as you get down at the right train station.....,1 hour by train.I enjoyed a lot the walk through the forest and the castles were really interesting.Unfortunately I spent half of the day walking from egulpe, the train stop before sigulda, to sigulda itself, even though this misadventure gave the me chance to see a village in the middle of nowhere, still not colonized by tourism.A great opportunity to meet locals and see the way people live in the latvian countryside.Defintely an off the beaten path destination, if you decide to visit it s 55 minutes train from riga, and the walk from there to sigulda it s about 15ks, part into a forest , the other less interesting ....on the highway.(however i m sure there is way through the forest)

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Present castle was built in the 13th century on the place where was wasted wooden castle of old Livs'. The castle existed till the middle of 18th century when it richly suffered from fire, later it wasn't restored, only nowadays there were research and restoration works. The castle in old times interested many conquerors, which battled for it, also Polish and Swedes. There is a legend, which is closely connected with the castle, it tells about Turaida Rose, a girl who give her life for love.
Inside there are many collections with interesting things from past times. Also from the main tower is very beautiful view to the region.

The entering price I think was approx. 2 Lats.

It was built in the 15th century as Saint Bertula church, but during wars it was destroyed, later renovated.
Near the church there is nice lake, where you can feed with bread swans.

Down here I write how to reach the church from parking where to left the car. In the transportation chapter I wrote where that parking is.

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On the other side of Sigulda castle you can see in the 13th century built order's castle and nowadays there standing castle ruins. Formerly the castle was strongly fortified with thick walls and moats. It was damaged during many wars, and after Polish - Swedish war it was no more restored. Nowadays one can only guess how did it look in older times. In the castle square there is stage, where in summer are held concerts.
It's not recommended to climb the castle's wall.

Down here I write how to reach the castle from parking where to left the car. In the transportation chapter I wrote where that parking is.

The cable car trip was about 1.50 Ls for a one way trip and offers a great view over the valley. When I visited the cars (which hold about 20 people) ran ever 15 minutes but officially I think they are only supposed to run every half hour.
Once off the cable car, take a good look round the area, most people just headed straight for the tourist path probably missing the old ruins of Krimulda Castle.
Follow the path a little further past the ruins for a great view over the valley

Other tips describe the sights. This tip describes a good (best?) route to see the sights.
!) The bus from Riga arrives either at the highway stop or the bus station stop. If the former, cross the highway, follow the cross road past the train/bus stop to:
2) New Siguilda Castle and Ruins of Knights' Stronghold. Walk west to
3) Cable station. Cable ride across river valley to
4) Krimulda Castle Ruins. Walk west to stairway down hill. (If muddy, do not use the stairway, but take bus to entrance to Turaida Reserve,. Then follow the reverse of the route described, ending on the road to the town).
5) At the bottom of the stairs follow the path, which soon parallels the road from the town which will go up the hill.
6) View Caves: Viktors and Gutmans Caves
7) Go up the road to the entrance of the Turaida Reserve. Visit the museum, Church, Castle and Garden.
8) return to the entrance and take the bus to the train/bus station. Return to Riga from here. Or if faster walk to the highway bus stop.

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Not far from air tram, you can also see Gauja river valley from the top, swirling in the air. Better to take this attraction together with one friend, because if you do it on your own, cabin inclines to one side and feelings are very strange. But being already at the top you can catch nice photos.