Sigulda Travel Guide

From Wikitravel

Sigulda's bobsled and luge track snakes its way into the valley.

Sigulda is in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia, some 100 kilometers to the east of Riga. Located in the picturesque Gauja valley, with its steep banks and cliffs, Sigulda has become known as the 'Switzerland of Latvia'.

Get in

Sigulda can be reached from Riga by bus or by train. The trip takes about 90 minutes.

Get around

Sigulda is a small town, and every major sight is easily accessible on foot. In winter, some hiking paths are even cleared of snow.

See

• Turaida castle is about 4km outside of Sigulda and a major sight. It's been rebuilt in the Soviet area and now houses exhibition space and a small café. It also has fabulous views over the valley and the river.
• Gutmanis cave lies half-way between Sigulda and Turaida castle and has a little creek flowing from it. A legend states that the water in the creek emenates from Gutmanis' tears, and drinking it is supposed to be healthy and boosting one's lifespan. Try it at your own risk, or just watch people stopping by to fill entire bottles.

Do

• Do a canoe tour in the national park. Take care of your arms. :-)
• Ride Latvia's only cable car across the Gauja valley and enjoy the view.
• In winter, slide down the artificial bobsled track or ski in the mini ski resort. During summer weekends, the bobsled run is also converted for use by 'wheel-bobs'.

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Siguldas Pludmale Peldu iela 1, Sigulda, LV 2150.Ph: +371 2973724 / +371 7222740. Nice camping place for a canoe tour.

Get out