Along the ancient valley of the River Gauja through Gauja National Park: Rāmkalni – Valmiera

Arrival in Riga.

Time to explore Riga.

Overnight stay in Riga.

Breakfast.

Bus Riga – Valmiera till the stop “Sēnīte” (~50 min., 3 buses per hour)

Walk 1 km to the Forest Trail.

Hiking: Rāmkalni – Sigulda (6-8 h)

Sigulda – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latvia, Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track, Sigulda cable car over the River Gauja at a height of 43 m, medieval castles of Sigulda, Krimulda, Turaida and Cēsis, Gutman’s Cave, the largest grotto in the Baltic states.

Practical information

• Road surface: Mainly forest roads and trails, paved roads and pavements in Gauja Village and Sigulda.


• Danger points: Some stretches of road and riverbank slopes in the ancient valley of the River Gauja may be slippery in wet weather and in winter. Swimming in the River Gauja can be dangerous!


• Good to know! We suggest you spend an extra night in Sigulda to get a better impression of this beautiful place.


• Accommodation: in Sigulda.

Breakfast.

Hiking: Sigulda – Līgatne (8-10 h)

Līgatne Nature Trails offer a chance to observe local wildlife and birds, Līgatne Paper Mill Village – industrial heritage, Secret Soviet Bunker in Skaļupes.

Practical information

• Road surface: Predominantly forest roads, forest and country trails, wooden stairs by Paradīzes Hill, paved roads and pavements in Sigulda and Līgatne.


• Accommodation: in Līgatne.

Breakfast.

Hiking: Līgatne – Cēsis (8-10 h)

Medieval Old Town of Cēsis.

Practical information

• Road surface: Predominantly forest or small country roads, forest trails, gravel roads, paved roads and pavements in Līgatne.


• Good to know: This section can be divided and completed in two days: on the first day, continue on the route from Zvārtes Rock via the Amata Trail to Kārļi (~10 km, follow the trees marked in orange, total length ~25 km); on the second day, walk from Kārļi to Krustkalni (3.3 km), then continue along Rakši Road to Cēsis (total distance ~11 km), just as the main route would.


• Accommodation: in Cēsis.

Breakfast.

Hiking Cēsis – “Caunītes” (7-9 h)

Practical info

• Road surface: Small forest or country trails, gravel roads, wooden staircase at the Ērģeļu Cliffs.


• Danger points: Some staircases and river slopes in the ancient valley of the River Gauja may be slippery in wet weather, spring and winter. Be careful on the Ērģeļu Cliffs!


• Good to know! There are no shops on this section of the route, so it is necessary to take lunch boxes.


• It is possible to organise a transfer from “Caunītes” to Cēsis to stay overnight.


• Alternative route options: You can get straight to the Ērģeļu Cliffs by walking down Lenču Street from the centre of Cēsis. It might be a good idea to combine this section of the trail with visiting the most noteworthy tourism sites in Cēsis.


• Accommodation: in “Caunītes” or in Cēsis.

Breakfast.

Transfer Cēsis – “Caunītes”, if you stay overnight in Cēsis.

Hiking: “Caunītes” – Valmiera (6-8 h)

Practical information

• Road surface: Small forest or country roads, trails, gravel roads, paved roads and pavements in Valmiera and the surrounding area, paths and wooden staircases on the Sietiņiezis Nature Trail.


• Danger points: Be careful on the narrow and winding road around Jumara!


• Good to know! There are no shops on the two-day walk between Cēsis and Valmiera.


• Alternative route options: It might be a good idea to combine this section of the trail with visiting some of the tourist sites in Valmiera.


• Accommodation: in Valmiera or bus ride to Riga (~1 bus per hour, the latest at 19:55)