Family holidays in the Gauja National Park

Gauja National Park, formed 360 million years ago. years, is the oldest national park in Latvia, located approximately 50 km northeast of the capital of Latvia, Riga. An interesting mix of unique natural experiences, various leisure activities, majestic castles and palaces and small towns full of history await parents and children. Spend an unforgettable family vacation in the largest national park in the Baltic States!

Family holidays in the Gauja National Park. The picturesque landscape with the mighty river Gauja winding through the forests, giant sandstone cliffs and mysterious caves reminds one of an enchanted world from a fairy tale book. And it is obvious that everyone who is on vacation here in the Gauja river valley wants to immerse himself in the lush flora and diverse fauna, wants to walk through the snarling forests, climb the rocks and wade through the rapids of the river. But Gauja National Park can offer not only nature, but much more!

Family holidays in the Gauja National Park

Sigulda ice cream cafe and castle quarter

In the very southwest of the national park is a charming small Sigulda town. For many, Sigulda is the gateway to this green fairy-tale world, as it is only 50 km from Riga, the capital of Latvia. Speaking of fairy tales, the Sigulda Castle area is the perfect backdrop for tales of glorious knights and cunning princesses. We bet your kids will love it. The New Sigulda Castle has a huge park and surrounding buildings where craftsmen and artists display their skills.

Sigulda’s New Castle quarter embodies creativity, traditions and Latvianness! In the workshops here, artists and craftsmen invite you to see how the famous symbol of Sigulda – Sigulda’s stick, earthenware, leather jewelry, local brand clothes and Latvian ice cream with natural ingredients are made in the cafe “Siguldas Saldējums”.

The Family Business

Cafe “Siguldas Saldējums” (Siguldas ice cream) is a family business whose goal is to spread happiness and support a healthy lifestyle. Ice cream recipes are created using carefully selected and locally grown natural ingredients. Hand-made “Siguldas Saldējums” ice cream delights both children and adults.

Whatever you choose – hot bubble waffle with melting ice cream, aromatic coffee, hot sandwich or ice cream cocktail, any of 10 ice cream flavors – you will feel the taste of Latvia in every bite, sip and ice cream flavor!

Ice Cream Master Classes

Siguldas Saldējums organizes tastings, ice cream serving master classes and even ice cream bubble cake baking master classes. Enjoy refreshing natural ice cream with a view of Sigulda’s New Castle – 19th century. a historical gem in the neo-gothic style and a view of the valley and the serpentine road behind the castle. If one ice cream is not enough, we will be happy to welcome you back to the store for another ice cream, from at least 10 different types of ice cream, a smoothie or a delicious coffee.

Sigulda Futbogolf Park

After walking around the Sigulda quarter, go on an active adventure with the whole family. There is a park about 10 minutes’ drive away, where you can turn a walk outside into an exciting adventure. Sigulda Futbogolf Park – the first such 18-hole park in the Baltic States. This is a family recreation area located in the picturesque Gauja National Park. The overall objective of the game is to hit the ball into the hole according to the rules of golf. The exciting game is permeated with joy, the spirit of competition, various obstacles of golf elements, the sweet taste of victory and most importantly – the picturesque natural scenery.

This game is designed for all members of the family and even the youngest guests of the park can easily learn it. The soccer golf park area has a cozy picnic area with picnic areas, fire pits with firewood, barbecues, swings and a small football field for a great continuation of the game. Which one of you will get on the podium, and which one will perform the task of the losers – find out in the game!

TOP attractions in Sigulda

In Sigulda, nature lives in the city and is an integral part of it. The forested valley of the Gauja river hides many interesting cultural, historical and natural legends surrounded by myths.

1. Sigulda’s New Castle is a former noble residence and fortress.
2. Turaida Museum-Reserve‘s outdoor and indoor exhibitions take you back through the centuries.
3. Krimulda Manor is a classicist-style manor with a wonderful landscape of the Gauja river valley and a local winery.
4. Sigulda Castle quarter is creative workshops, shops and cafes.
5. Gutman Cave is the largest cave in the Baltic States.
6. Paradise mountain is a breathtaking view of the Gauja river valley.
7. Malpilis Manor is the pearl of classicism.
8. Vējupīte Ravas‘s innumerable sandstone outcrops open up on the unspoiled trail.
9. Dauda waterfall is the third largest waterfall in Latvia.
10. Emperor’s chair and Emperor’s image.

Leisure park “Rāmkalni” and the Minotaur Labyrinth

Leisure Park “Rāmkalni”, surrounded by beautiful nature, offers energetic and exciting entertainment in the open air! Kids driving school, bungee trampolines, tubing, toboggan run and more! For sweets lovers, Rāmkalni bistro has prepared a wide range of desserts, always fresh homemade confectionery products. If the cooking process itself seems interesting to you, take part in the master classes of real Italian pizza baked in a wood-fired oven and the popular Rāmkalni berry and fruit pastilles. Choose the exciting Rāmkalni boating routes and enjoy the calm flow of the river and the wonderful nature views! If you want to explore nature at a leisurely pace, go on a cycling tour by renting Rāmkalni bicycles.

And if you still have the energy, travel to the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, which will challenge even the sharpest mind. The largest labyrinth in Latvia occupies more than 1000 square meters. m, and the length of the route to be taken is ~714 m. Going through the maze will test your logical abilities, orientation in the area and help you deal with confined space phobias, if you have them.

Cēsis is a romantic Hanseatic town in the heart of the national park

In the very center of Gauja National Park is the second region that you should not miss during your family vacation in Latvia – Cesis.

Before you head to the Hanseatic city, be sure to stop by Lygatne – here you will have the opportunity to see forested sandstone outcrops and rock caves, as well as walk along nature trails and explore the habitats of wild animals.

On the way from Sigulda to Cēsis, stop by a local winery. In the award-winning winery of Ligatne you can buy perhaps the tastiest holiday souvenirs in Latvia: berry vinegar, herbal teas, jams and other delicacies not only for children. After you’ve had your fill of Latvian delicacies, head to Cēsis, whose old town, medieval castle and new palace are just made for a family outing. Stroll along the winding cobbled streets and let yourself be enchanted by the medieval spirit of this romantic town.

The medieval castle of Cesis is a trip to the past with tours of the historical building and familiarization with the pastimes and activities of the ancient people.

During the tour with the castle servant, you will travel around the castle with bright lanterns in hand. You will also be shown the West Tower and the Master’s Living Room, which boasts a unique 16th century. interior with a luxurious star vault. The loft offers a breathtaking view of the remaining castle ruins, the citadel, the park and the city.

TOP attractions in Cesis

Cesis is an ancient city with a history of 800 years. The property of Cēsis is the old town, forested hornbills, sandstone outcrops and rock caves in Lygatne, and cultural heritage.

1. Cesis medieval castle and the new Cēsis Castle is an entertaining, educational program and rich museum collection.
2. Eagle Rocks is one of the most solid sandstone walls in the Baltic States.
3. Liela Ellite Cave and a spring in Liepaja – an ancient holy place.
4. Caves and rocks of Lygatne cellars are hand-hewn cellars of the ancient inhabitants.
5. Lygatne ferry is powered by river currents.
6. Nature trails of Lygatne is Latvian wild animals: from dormice to moose.
7. Cirulisi nature trails is pristine trail and armadillo fossils.
8. Cecilu Nature Trails is discover the evolution of the Gauja river valley.
9. Zvarte rock and its surroundings is a kingdom of plants, a flowing river and a 19 m high sandstone rock.
10. Araisi Lake Fortress Archaeological Park is 10th century fortified settlement by the lake.
11. Lielstraupe Castle is a medieval castle, architecturally connected to a church.
12. Ungurmuiza manor is a unique 18th century ensemble of baroque buildings.
13. Vecpiebalga Manor consists of time travel to the 17th century.

Valmiera is a dynamic city by the river Gauja

Gang river in Valmiera, our fifth best place in Gauja National Park, is completely different, but no less impressive. The Gauja River runs right through the middle of the town of 25,000, showing that nature and city life merge here.

Be sure to check the building the bank of Gauja out, rising up to 10 meters into the sky. Another natural monument of the region is about 15 km south of Valmiera: Sietiņiezis rock – the largest and probably the most beautiful sandstone rock in Latvia. Can your kids imagine that a rock about 15 meters high and 400 meters wide was formed 350 million years ago?

After walking around the city, be sure to stop by Saint Simon’s Church. Built in the Middle Ages, the church witnessed many historical events and, together with the ruins of the castle of the Livonian Order, is one of Valmiera’s attractions.

It is not yet clear whether after Valmiermuiza you will be able to visit Valmiera in the north to admire the architecture or to enjoy Latvian delicacies, however, the only thing that is clear is that it is worth visiting the old manor with a large manor park and its own brewery – this once again proves that everything is possible in the Gauja National Park: culture and nature, recreation and pleasure.

TOP attractions in Valmiera

Valmiera is a modern, industrial, green and historical! In the open-air city, you will find beautiful landscapes and antiquity in historical buildings.

1. Banks of the river Gauja are 10 m high sand outcrops and a wonderful landscape.
2. Sietynietis rock is a natural white sandstone castle.
3. Zilaiskalnis mountain is an ancient holy place.
4. Lake Dzirnava is a former watermill lake, now a recreational walking trail.
5. The ruins of the castle of the Livonian Order in Valmiera is a place where the 13th-18th centuries important historical decisions were made.
6. Zilaiskalnis Cultural History and Visitors Center is an ancient water tower and a modern VR tour.
7. Kokmuiza manor– the largest former brewery.
8. Church of Saint Simon in Valmiera is a witness to many historical events.
9. Valmiera Museum and the new exhibition “de Woldemer” is from the oldest coat of arms of Valmiera to the Middle Ages and the Hanseatic era, which is full of unexpected facts about the life of various social classes in those times.

Natural beauty in the Latvian National Park

Gauja National Park is famous for its lush vegetation and wildlife, which you can explore on foot, bike and water trails. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet a brilliantly colorful kingfisher along the way, or come across glowing moss that reflects light. In the Latvian National Park, natural spectacles are everyday: impressive sandstones, giant rocks or mysterious caves, such as the huge Gutman Cave – in a richly forested landscape reserve – many surprises await you and your children.

Eagle Rocks look even more impressive and higher when viewed directly from the river, so they can be included in the Gauja National Park route by boat. If you want to go on a boat trip on the picturesque river Gauja, search here to find boat rental companies.

Where to stay while visiting Gauja National Park?

Where will you end the day? There are gangs in the national park many places to stay, and their selection is impressive. It doesn’t matter whether it is a small, cozy wooden house, an ornate castle, a guest house for families, or a family room in a grand castle hotel – choose for yourself.

Accommodation possibilities for Families in the Gauja National Park.

TOP entertainment with children

Ganga National Park has a lot of exciting and fun family recreation to offer. Discover and visit them!

1. Leisure Park “Rāmkalni” has a kids driving school, bungee trampolines, tubing, toboggan run and more!
2. Labyrinth of the Minotaur is the largest labyrinth in Latvia.
3. Mini zoo “Mežini” is a Latvian rural craft and animal farm. In the mini zoo, you can see, feed and interact with all kinds of pets and birds.
4. Single-stemmed park is a woodwork museum on the territory of the park.
5. Sigulda Futbogolf Park is the first such 18-hole park in the Baltic States.
6. Bobsleigh and sled track in Sigulda it is one of 18 such structures in the world.
7. Sports and active recreation park FOREST is a skateboard park, children’s playground, fitness equipment.
8. Adventure Park “SUPERVĀVERE” has more than 60 attractions with various rope paths, transitions and obstacles installed in trees.
9. Laser TAG team game.

Family vacation in Gauja National Park

Gauja National Park was established in 1973. The park covers an area of ​​more than 90,000 ha and protects the most beautiful part of the Gauja river valley. There are more than 500 cultural and historical monuments in the Gauja National Park, from ancient mountain fortresses and medieval stone fortresses to churches, mansions, water and windmills, and other archaeological, architectural and artistic monuments.

Come and meet them up close! You can find more information about holidays options in Gauja National Park on the website of the Gauja National Park Tourism Association.

Gauja’s National Park Tourism Association Address:

Lielā iela 30, Ieriķi, Drabešu parish, Amatas novads, LV-4139 Mob.+371 28658900
info@entergauja.com|www.entergauja.com|Enter Gets Facebook|EnterGets Instagram

Where else to travel and have fun in Latvia? Read our prepared reviews and GUIDES.

This article is author’s work and was prepared by “Travel 4 kids ®”. Copying and using without permission is strictly prohibited.

Don’t forget to follow us on social networks. You can find more about travel in Lithuania on the Facebook account “Traveling with children” and on the Instagram account “Traveling with children”.

Information about traveling around the world on the Facebook account “Traveling with children around the world” and on the Instagram account “Traveling with children around the world”.

Looking for more places to visit with kids, travel tips and recommendations? Make sure to connect to groups of travelers with children in Latvia. We also invite you to share your travel experiences here.

If you want to share your trip or travel experience with children, feel free to email us by post.