Located in the heart of Latvia, Gauja National Park is transformed into a winter wonderland and offers many attractions for snow activities enthusiasts! The winter activities in Gauja National Park are varied and worth a visit.
Winter activities in Gauja National Park – Skiing and snowboarding
Winter activities in the Gauja National Park consist primarily of numerous ski parks and slopes. In the Gauja National Park, the ski hills at an altitude of 80 metres are a natural part of the valleys, preserving the beautiful terrain with a magnificent view of the Gauja Valley, the River Gauja and the array of tree tops.
Take to the snow-covered slopes surrounded by unspoilt nature. The Gauja National Park boasts some of the most scenic skiing areas, suitable for all levels of skiers. Grab your skis and let the snowy adventures begin!
Other skiing tracks in Latvia
Ozolklans Ski and Recreation Centre in Cēsis has the longest ski slopes in Latvia – 500 metres of real winter sports and entertainment.
Enjoy winter in the ski resort Žagarkalns in Cēsis too. Ski and snowboard along wide slopes with interesting terrain. Žagarkalns offers a total of 12 interconnected slopes of varying difficulty. From long, smooth descents to more dynamic slopes with steeper sections and sharp turns. The ski resort has a professional ski school, with instructors teaching the basics and improving your skills.
“Reiņa Trail” offers a spacious leisure centre with various ski slopes and a children’s ski park called “Herkuless”. Here you will find one of the oldest ski slopes in Latvia!
The Fischer Alpine Ski Centre in Sigulda has a 1.25-kilometre-long floodlit downhill ski slope. That is the only frozen ski slope in Eastern Europe. The 9-kilometre-long ski slope welcomes beginners and professional winter athletes.
The “Ramkalni” Ski Centre is ideal for an active winter holiday. Choose between two slopes of 200 m each.
The Bobsleigh and Sleigh Track in Sigulda is one of 18 of its kind in the world. Compared to other tracks, this one is unique because it is open to visitors and tourists who want to ride the trails. The track hosts international competitions every year. The Sigulda is a 1,420 metre long, has 16 curves and 200 metre long braking track. It’s a track that can be experienced not only by professional athletes, but also by anyone visiting Sigulda.
Winter hikes
Hike the most scenic trails in the park. The crisp winter air and snowy landscape makes every step an enchanting experience. Don’t forget your camera – the views are like a postcard!
Nature trails meander through valleys, along rivers and in the forest kingdom. Home to a fabulous variety of plants and animals. In the forests and on the banks of the rivers, there are real giants – magnificent sandstone outcrops, cliffs, rocks and caves that nature has created in different shades.
Be sure to visit the Amata Geological Trail to see the incredible ice formations, where you can see icefalls up to 10 m high. The largest icefalls can usually be seen at the Vizuliu Rock and Dzilno Rock. The icefalls differ from each other not only in shape but also in colour. Depending on the composition of the water – most are bright white, crystal clear or greyish, while some are yellowish, light brown or even bright pink.
Gutman’s Cave is also like a winter fairy tale at the moment. Visit the historic Turaida Castle and enjoy the winter scenery. Be sure to visit wintry Sigulda too.
Gauja National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Latvia, delighting every visitor with its enchanting offerings in all seasons. Discover fabulous landscapes, historical gems, culture and traditions!