Individual cycling tours
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A circular and hilly bicycle route in Sigulda(Latvia, 1 day)The route: 13 km Duration: 2-2.5 hours Distance from Rīga: Sigulda, the starting and finishing point - 51 km Best time to visit: May-October Road cover: Gravel, forest paths, asphalt and other types of cover Getting there: The Rīga-Sigulda train, the Rīga-Cēsis bus (alighting at Sigulda), the Vidzeme highway (A2, E77) by car (to Sigulda) |
A brief description of the routeThe bicycle route was established in 2003 with the support of the Gauja National Park. The name “A Circular and Hilly Bicycle Route in Sigulda” makes it clear that the route runs along the steep shores of the ancient Gauja river valley. The bicycle route is well marked out, and it goes past more than 10 points of interest. It is precisely around Sigulda that the river valley is at its deepest - up to 80 metres in depth. Some of Latvia’s most beautiful river valley views can be seen here.Points of interestThe Gūtmaņala cave: This is the biggest Latvian cave, or, in fact, a cave-like niche. It’s 18 metres deep, 12 metres wide and 10 metres high. A stream which is reputed to have medicinal properties flows out of it. On the walls of the cave, students from bygone ages have left their carved messages.The bridge across the Gauja: This is the only bridge of its kind in Latvia, and it rises 16.5 metres above the Gauja. During the autumn, people gather here to watch migrating salmon. The Sigulda luge and bobsled track: The 1,420-metre track was installed in 1986, and the starting point is 101 metres above the finishing point. The track is used for bobsled, luge and sled training and competitions, some of them international in scope. The Velnala cliffs and the Velnala cave of Krimulda: On the right bank of the Daugava, there are the Velnala cliffs, which are around 15 metres high. There is a black and inaccessible cave up there - the Velnala cave of Krimulda. A viewing area has been installed on the opposite bank of the river. The Piķene cliff: A steep and forested part of the original shore of the ancient river valley. Small areas of sandstone can sometimes been seen. The more ancient rivers which are associated with the Gauja river’s territory are at the base of the cliff. The Sigulda aerial tram: This is the only tram of its kind in the Baltic States, and it was installed in 1969. The tram runs 40 metres above the ancient Gauja river valley, providing gorgeous views of the valley, the river, and the Turaida castle. During the summer, the tram is used for unforgettable Bungee jumping. The Krimulda castle ruins: Hidden amidst the trees, the ruins of this 13th century castle belonged to churchmen from Rīga. It was blown up by Swedish forces during a retreat in 1601. The infrastructureDining: The "Trīs draugi" café at Pils iela 9 in Sigulda, The "Elvi" café-in-a-store at Vidus iela 1 in SiguldaAccommodations: 30, 206, 512, 513, 516, 705 |
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