The Latvian city of Sigulda is located 50 km from Riga in a very amazing place. Firstly, Sigulda is located in the Gauja National Park, the largest national park in Latvia. Secondly, Sigulda is surrounded (so to speak) by three medieval castles at once: Turaida Castle, Krimulda Castle and Sigulda Castle. Thirdly, the city itself also has something to see and where it is interesting to spend time!
We will start our walk in Sigulda with railway station, which was opened in 1889. In 1925 the most beautiful building of the station was erected, unfortunately destroyed during the Second World War. 
In 1951, a new station building was built, which meets and sees off guests of Sigulda to this day. There is also a bus station and information center. 
On station square you can see a small dancing fountain, the clock of the Laima chocolate factory and the main city sign "S!" 
We leave along Pils street towards the castle and enjoy all the delights of a small town along the way. The population of Sigulda is only 11 thousand people. 
Sigulda received city status in 1207. Not far from the station, on the same Pils street, you can see the 2007 composition entitled "The Bell of the Wind". Inside the big bell are hidden 8 small bells, ringing melodiously against the wind and symbolizing the 8-century history of the city. 
The number of hotels and restaurants shows that Sigulda is really a tourist city. 
Nearby there is a small square with a stone sculpture. 
The town is small, but very neat and bright. We immediately noticed that Sigulda's favorite color is orange. 
A very acclaimed eye prosthetics clinic - Valtera Protezu Laboratorija. And in the foreground is the stele repressed in 1941-1949. residents of Sigulda. 
Near the park of keys, opened in 2007 for the 800th anniversary of the city. In the center of the park, there are three symbolic keys to three adjacent historical districts: Sigulda, Turaida and Krimulda. 
We turn from Pils street to Raina street and in a couple of minutes we find ourselves near the monument of the 25th Latvian Unity bike ride. This bike ride is traditionally held in Latvia on the first Sunday of autumn. The first Unity Bike Ride with the support of Latvian President Karlis Ulmanis took place in 1936. 
There is also a handrail with tools for repairing a two-wheeled friend. 
A little further, there is a walking stick park, which, like the park of keys, was laid out in 2007. Walking sticks have been made in Sigulda since ancient times. Any traveler must use a cane for walks in the hilly areas. You could buy it from any local boy. So the cane became the unspoken symbol of the city, and now it is the most popular souvenir. 
Sigulda Evangelical Lutheran Church stands across the pond on the other side of Raina Street. Since the city is located on the territory national park, each green area is part of an eco-system. For example, this pond is a feeding place for bats, and the church is their summer home. 
The first evidence of a church that was in the old days on this site dates back to 1483, when it was called the Church of St. Bertulis. She survived without much destruction first the Swedish-Polish war, and then the First World War. 
The pointed tower was added to the church in 1930. During Soviet times, from 1965 to 1990, Sigulda Church was the only active church in the vicinity. 
Bells hang on the door of the church - a wedding tradition like locks on a bridge. 
The church has stove heating. You rarely see this, mostly churches are very cold, but inside it is warm and pleasant. 
The organ of the present church is a masterful mosaic of parts of various organs. In post-war times, several parts disappeared, which from time to time were replaced with equivalent parts from other churches. 
If you are very partial to such a musical instrument as an organ, then here you can even touch it and look inside through transparent glass. 
View from the balcony to the altar. 
On the balcony, behind the organ, there are paintings of buttons. Mostly landscapes, but you can also find George the Victorious. 
From here you can climb the bell tower, everything is free, no obligatory donations. 
True, little can be seen from the bell tower, mainly the forest. 
The administration of the national park can be seen next to the church. 
The White House was built for Nikolai Kropotkin, who ordered the construction of the first bobsleigh track in Sigulda. Later this building housed a boarding house, a gymnasium and a school. The White House now houses the Nature Conservation Agency. 
Monument to Krisjanis Baron. Installed in 1985 for the 150th anniversary of Krisjanis Baron. 
Around the monument there is a square with beautiful trees. 
At the intersection of Pils and Baznicas streets, right in front of the gates of the new castle, there is a sculptural group "Knight's Parade", created in 2010. 
Each "knight" has a nameplate on its neck. For example, this is Konrad. 
And this is Talrits, he is a little surprised that he is being photographed. 
The time has come to tell about the most important sight of Sigulda - about Sigulda Castle. If you go without stopping, you can walk from the station to the castle gate in just 15-20 minutes.
The gates of the New Sigulda Castle are located in the same place where the fortress wall used to be. 
Sigulda Castle was founded in 1207 and was the first castle founded by the Order of the Swordsmen outside Riga. The construction of the castle was completed in 1209, and it was then called Zegevold. The castle had an advantageous position, protected by the Gauja river valley and two ravines.
To get into the castle, it was necessary to overcome the outer forburg (additional fortification), which had an area twice the size of the castle itself, it was surrounded by a high defensive wall, watchtowers and ditches with water. Now the territory of the outer forburg is occupied by the New Castle with all its flower beds and ponds. 
Between the outer forburg and the castle there is a moat 25 meters wide and 20 meters deep. It was dug as deep as possible so that the enemy could not fall asleep, and filled with water. Now a rampart with a walking path is poured across the moat, but in the Middle Ages the drawbridge was the only entrance to the inner forburg. 
The entrance to the inner courtyard of the castle was only possible through the gate tower. The gate tower has been partially preserved to this day. Its height is 12 meters, and its width is 10.5 meters. From this tower very good overview courtyard castle and southern surroundings. 
The Borchs coat of arms is one of the owners of the castle, who immortalized their name on the old walls. 
From the side of the Gauja River, the castle was protected by the North (Gauja) Tower, which has also been partially preserved to this day. Its current height is 15 meters, width is 13 meters. From the North Tower overlooking the river valley, which from 1207 to 1562. was the border between the lands of the Riga Archbishopric and the Livonian Order. 
During the restoration work, the gates and loopholes were rebuilt in the tower; an observation tower equipped with a staircase and an elevator was built into the preserved stone remains. 
View from the top of the North Tower of Sigulda Castle: 
In the 15th century, Sigulda Castle became the seat of the Order's Land Marshal (the second most important person after the Master). By that time, a settlement of artisans and merchants had already appeared around the castle, and this place began to be called a city. 
A series of wars of the XVI-XVII centuries. (Livonian, Polish-Swedish, etc.) ravaged the Sigulda castle and actually turned it into ruins. At the beginning of the 18th century, during the Northern War, the castle was finally destroyed and was never rebuilt. 
From the original castle to the present day, only a few fragments of the walls of the chapel, the knight's hall, the gate and the north tower have survived. The walls of the castle were built of dolomite and lime mortar. Red bricks were used for decoration, lime tuff - for finishing window openings and building corners. 
A part of the southern defensive wall between the gate tower and the content chapel building was reconstructed. The length of this part is 22 meters. The original front parts of the facade of the defensive wall have survived only underground. 
Model of the reconstructed wall from the side of the castle courtyard. 
A wonderful view of the New Castle opens through the loopholes: 
The new castle was built between 1878-1881. in the style of the Tudor neo-Gothic. At this time, fortification work was carried out in the crumbling knight's castle, but at the same time, the stones of the old castle were used as material for the construction of the new one. When the Press Society Writers' Palace was housed in the building, a second 4.5 m high turret was added over the massive original tower. 
We leave Sigulda Castle down the ravine along a trodden path and wooden stairs. You can hide from the rain for a short while under the wooden umbrella mushrooms. 
The ladder led to the bridge, crossing which you can reach the famous Gutmana cave, Krimulda and Turaida castles. For ourselves, we left these places for another time, crossed the road and began to climb to the cable car. 
The ascent is also on wooden steps. If you imagine that they are not there and you would have to go down and go straight up the slope, then it becomes obvious that you really can't do without a cane. 
The cable car connects Sigulda and Krimulda. The fare is not cheap, 7 € (~ 500 rubles) one way for an adult and 12 € (~ 800 rubles) in both directions. 
Krimulda Castle can be seen through the ravine. 
Next to the cable car is the Tarzans Adventure Park. The park is designed for both children and adults, extreme descents and ascents, archery, jumping, racing and other entertainment. 
Of course, the park was closed in such weather, so it is best to come to Sigulda in the summer. 
If you are planning to stay in Sigulda for a few days and are looking for an inexpensive comfortable hotel, we recommend staying at the Kaupo Hotel. The hotel is located next to the Pskov-Riga road, which makes it very convenient for travelers on personal car... There is a large parking lot in front of the hotel, the room has everything you need: a table for work, a refrigerator, a hairdryer, an iron. The hotel also has a sauna and billiard room. A grocery store is five minutes away. 
Which is visited annually by about a million tourists. Emerald alpine hills, endless flowering fields, authentic wooden farmhouses and legendary medieval castles. All this came together here in amazing harmony. For its incredible scenic horizons, Sigulda is called the "Latvian Switzerland". But besides the most beautiful landscapes, tourists will find a whole fireworks of emotions and vivid impressions here, caused by a rich program of exciting entertainment.
Sigulda history
The history of Sigulda is quite typical for Latvia. A modest settlement of fishermen and peasants in the river valley, the warlike knightly Middle Ages, the period of post-war stagnation, and then rapid recovery and flourishing in the twentieth century.
1207 is considered to be the year of foundation of Sigulda, when the first fortress was built on these lands. After that, for many years, the place fortified on the high bank of the river remained an important stronghold and became the epicenter of great battles in almost every war.
A new round of development of the settlement begins in the middle of the 19th century. Then the princes Kropotkin ruled here. The most enterprising of them turned out to be Nikolai Dmitrievich, who came up with the idea of \u200b\u200bpresenting Sigulda as popular resort... He lobbied hard for construction railroad "-" and actively sold local land for construction of summer cottages and boarding houses to the wealthy of Riga. Soon the St. Petersburg, Warsaw and Moscow aristocrats learned about the "new paradise". Already at the beginning of the twentieth century, the number of elite summer residents in summer was twice as high as the local population.
In 1928 Sigulda received the status of a city and continued to develop rapidly. In the 50-60s, a bridge was built over a railway station, several boarding houses, a school, a department store and the House of Culture.
Today Sigulda is large tourist resort Latvia and the center of the Sigulda region. The population of the city is 11,200 people.
What to see in Sigulda?
If you are going to visit the resort in passing or set aside one day for a city tour, you will leave with a heavy heart. You will not have time to see even half, but there really is something to see here:
And this is not all the sights of Sigulda, but only the most popular among tourists. So get ready for an exciting adventure, stock up on time, comfortable shoes and a memory on your photo device.
Things to do?
To truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this amazing city, you need to visit it at least three times at different times of the year.
In summer, everything here is seething with the irrepressible energy of extreme tourists who go to Sigulda for new emotions. After all, this is a paradise for thrill-seekers. You will have the opportunity:
Besides extreme entertainment, there are many other leisure options in Sigulda. You can rent bicycles, boats, canoes and even outdoor walking electric vehicles. In the evening, the doors are open in the elite cinema "Laura" with soft leather chairs, where during the session the waiter serves snacks and drinks. There are also many baths, saunas and spa salons in the city, where you can relax after an eventful day.
In autumn, in Sigulda, you can take incredible photos against the backdrop of yellow-purple picturesque landscapes with a view of ancient castles and palaces. At this time, there are a lot of people from Riga who, having rest in summer abroad, come to enjoy their native nature.
Well, in winter, the spirit of the Olympics reigns in Sigulda. There is a huge one with a track of 1420 meters and 16 steep bends. Entrance to the territory costs € 0.60 (children € 0.30). Those who are not afraid can go down on a vuchko, "beans" or "frog". This pleasure will cost between € 10 and € 50.
A lot in winter time here and lovers of skiing. Sigulda has several tracks of varying length and difficulty. And in the center of Fischer there is a ski and equipment rental office. You can also use the services of an instructor, changing room, shower and sauna.
Where to stay?
Sigulda hotels correspond to the majestic status of the city. Almost all of them are decorated in an aristocratic palace style. You can stay in the following hotels:
But Sigulda hotels are not the only accommodation option in the city. You can stay in one of the guest houses in the picturesque surroundings of the resort:
- Bruveri;
- Kungu Rija;
- Bersas;
- Svinkates;
- Livkalns;
- Karumnieki;
- Cetras sezonas;
- Bucefals;
- Reinis;
- Maurini;
- Villa Alberta.
In Sigulda, you can also rent an apartment in one of two small apart-hotels: Prieka pietura on Statsia street 6 or Kaku maja opposite the park of keys.
For only € 15 you will be offered an overnight stay in hostel Kaba on the street A. Pumpura 19/1.
All prices shown are valid for March 2017.
Cafes and restaurants
Each hotel in Sigulda has a restaurant that is open not only for guests, but also for ordinary tourists... An exquisite delicious dinner can be ordered here. There is a beautiful restaurant in the city - Fazenda (Vidzeme highway 14). It has an unusual interior that combines country style and decorative Latvian elements. Another restaurant has recently opened - on the street. Malplis 4d.
Sigulda also has many different cafes, bistros and pastry shops where you can have a snack or a cup of coffee with a delicious dessert:
Pizza lovers will be able to taste their favorite delicacy in shopping center Sokolade on the street Strelnieku 2, in pizzerias La Pizza Veloce on the street Raina 2 or in a cozy place Zalumnieku piestatne (Pils street 9).
Weather in Sigulda
The climate in Sigulda is closer to the temperate continental. Winter is quite mild here. Severe frosts are rare. The average temperature of the coldest month of January is -5 ° C. But it's not hot in summer either. Temperatures above + 20 ° C are an exception rather than an everyday occurrence. On average, in the summer months, the air warms up to + 17 ° C, + 18 ° C. It usually rains from August to October. The rest of the year there is little rainfall.
Useful information for tourists
- there are convenient parking lots everywhere in the city, but in summer they become paid;
- in the afternoon, with a frequency of 1 hour, bus number 12 runs, which is often used by tourists (you can get from the station to Krimulda, Turaida and back); .
Sigulda is a picturesque town in Latvia, located 53 km north-east of Riga. The amazing nature and architectural structures attract tourists every year. While in Sigulda, you must visit the local castles, natural monuments, ski resort and aerodium. And also visit the largest cave in Latvia - Gutmanja.
In the article we will tell you about all the sights of this amazing town and suggest the best route that will suit tourists who have come to Latvia for one day.
The city is located on the banks of the Gauja River, where the National Park is located. Excursions to castles and palaces of the Middle Ages, nature reserves and parks will ensure a relaxing holiday and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Turaida structure
This architectural structure from the Middle Ages attracts the attention of many tourists. The castle was founded in 1214, but unfortunately it was completely destroyed in a fire. Since the middle of the 20th century, active restoration work has been going on and today the northern, southern and observation tower... On the territory of the castle there is a museum and a sculpture park. The most popular complex is located 4 km from Riga at Turaidas iela 10, Sigulda, Latvija.
Old Sigulda Castle
The building was built by the crusaders in 1207... The beginning of the history of the city is connected with it. Due to constant assaults, most of the building was destroyed. Nevertheless, the architectural monument of the Gothic style deserves your attention. The building is located at Pils iela 18, Sigulda, Latvija.
New Sigulda Castle
A neo-Gothic monument, erected in 1207. Today, the city administration and the park are located here, where mass festivities are held. You can visit the castle at Pils iela 16, Sigulda, Latvija.
Gutman's cave
The largest cave in Latvia, from the base of which flows a stream of crystal clear water. The name of the cave was given in honor of the doctor Gutman, who discovered that the water in the source has medicinal properties... Address: Gutmanis Cave Gaujas iela, Sigulda, Latvija.
Ski resort
One of the most famous places recreation of tourists from all over the world, located 53 km from Riga. The resort can be visited at any time of the year. In summer, visitors are given the opportunity to ride a hot air balloon or jump with a bungee. In autumn you can enjoy the nature of the resort, and in winter you can go skiing.
What to see if passing through?
Sigulda can be reached in three ways:
- By bus from Riga... The journey takes 2 hours, 6 buses a day.
- By train from Riga... The journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes. 10 trains run daily.
- By car... The journey takes 40-60 minutes.
If you are passing through the city of Sigulda, then in addition to local attractions, you will be interested in the unique places of the city.
Dine Hill
The architectural monument was created in 1985. it a sculpture park with figures of heroes of Latvian folklore... The park has a wonderful atmosphere that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Cable car
This is an air cable route across the Gauja River. The length of the cable is 1020 km at an altitude of 40 m above the river. In a few minutes of the trip, you will have a wonderful view of the city, picturesque nature and attractions. For fans of extreme sports, there is the opportunity to try jumping with a rope from the cable car, which stops in the middle of the river.
Gauja National Park
The park was established in 1973. There are about 500 historical monuments on the territory: churches, estates, stone palaces. There is a nature reserve here, a walk along the trails of which will take about 2 hours. But it's worth it.
Aerodium
A unique wind tunnel for thrill-seekers. Those who wish can literally soar in the air without belay or parachutes. A powerful jet of air will keep them high. You just need to go through a short briefing.
Classic route for one day
For those who do not have the opportunity to stay in the city for a long time, special routes have been drawn up. A map with the route will be provided free of charge at the tourist information center at a train station of your choice.
If you want to fully enjoy the city and see the main attractions, then take the longest route:
- Visit the Gauja National Park first. Ancient churches, rich estates and a nature reserve will not leave you indifferent.
- Next, head to Turaida Complex, stroll along the paths of the park and learn more about Turaida Castle. Climb to the observation deck in the circular tower and enjoy incredible views of the city.
- From there, take a cable car that crosses the entire valley.
- The final point of the trip will be the Gutmana cave.
To have time to go through all the points, it is better to come to the city early in the morning. You can go back to Riga in the evening using any transport convenient for you.
Summing up, I would like to note that it is advisable to set aside 2-3 days for the city to visit all the sights and attractive places Latvian town. Sigulda will appeal to everyone: both those who like a calm and quiet holiday, and those who like extreme and even danger. You just need to come to Latvia and decide to choose entertainment to your liking.
Sigulda - a small town with a picturesque green valley of the Gauja, which is surrounded by impressive sights: medieval castles and legendary caves. The city is also the gateway to national park Gauja, located in the northeast of Sigulda. Today I will tell you what to see in Sigulda and where to relax with children.
Sigulda sights with photos and descriptions
XVI-XVIII centuries is the starting point in the history of modern Sigulda as a city. She, step by step, became a staging post and a resort at the same time, being located along the route of the future railway, which connects Pskov with. In the first half of the 19th century, Sigulda was transferred to the owner of local lands, prince Kropotkin, to the wealthy rulers of Riga, who later built country estates here. This explains the presence of historic mansions.
I will share with you these and other attractions that are worth visiting in Sigulda, as well as where you can relax in winter.
Sigulda architecture
The main architectural landmark of the city is Turaida castle, located 4 km from Sigulda. Historical buildings, of which there are about 37, are located on the territory of the castle of the Middle Ages. According to the order of the bishop of Riga, the Turaida castle was founded in 1214 year. The fortress had to go through numerous reconstructions. But, despite this, the fortress managed to preserve its appearance to this day, along with the legends associated with it and its name.
I was surprised by the main tower, the upper floor of which is represented by an observation deck, and the lower one - by a museum exposition. Until now, various archaeological excavations are being carried out on the territory of the castle, items found during which replenish the museum's collection.
It turned out to be a very beautiful archaeological structure Old Sigulda Castlewhich began to build at the beginning XIII centuries. Over time, the castle turned into a powerful, protected from all sides fortress. But this did not prevent the castle from being repeatedly severely destroyed during the assaults when the owners were changed. The once great fortress has come down to us only with fragments of walls and several window openings reminiscent of the early Gothic.
the crusaders built New Sigulda Castlewhich I liked too. Since no one intended to restore the Old Castle, in the middle of the 19th century, the new owner of the castle, Olga Kropotkina, decided to build a new castle next to the old one, which was built by the end of the century and became the residence of the Kropotkins. At the end of the First World War, the castle was transferred to the possession of the Latvian Society of Journalists, and after the Second World War it was transformed into a sanatorium. Since the beginning of the XXI century, the castle building has been occupied by the Sigulda administration.
Try to take the time to visit these architectural structures:
- Drabesh estate.
- Krimulda Castle.
- Suntazh castle.
- Ruins of Autinsky Castle.
Sigulda Monuments
Among the small number of monuments in Sigulda, I would like to highlight the most interesting.
- Dine Hill - one of the interesting memorable places cities where the ancient Livs once stood. Earlier the hill was named Jelgava, but already in 1985 its name was changed. The reason was the opening of a folk song park with 15 sculptures created by I. Ranka in accordance with the themes of folk songs. This discovery was timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Krisjanis Baron, who was a Latvian writer, folklorist and public figure, a collector of Dainas - Latvian folk songs, from which the name of the hill originated.
- Sculptural group "Parade of the Knights"... The artistic plein air "Medieval Metal Carver", held in 2010 on Pils Street, contributed to the creation of this group. The authors of the sculptures were six metalworkers, who managed to collect 15 black knights on a small site, using various pieces of iron and stones instead of heads. Thanks to the signs next to each sculpture, you can get to know their names.
- Grave of "Turaida Rose", located on the site of a former cemetery, not far from Turaida Castle. The time of the first burials falls on the XIII century, but from the surviving graves you can see the tomb of Rose of Turaida. According to the documents of the Vidzeme court court, the girl Rosa Turaida really lived here, who kept her love for the gardener Viktor Hale at the Silgud estate and constantly refused all the men wooing her. When she refused the Pole Adam Yakubovsky, he, having lured Rosa to Gutman's cave, killed her there. That place became the grave of Rose of Turaida.
Dine Hill
Religious buildings
In Sigulda I found two beautiful churches that impressed me a lot.
- Sigulda church... In 1225, the building of the Lutheran Church of St. Berthold was built at the initiative of the Pope's ambassador, sent to this area to settle frequent disputes between the Livonian Order and the Roman bishop. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed during the Livonian War. The building of today's church was erected only in the 17th-18th centuries, and closer to 1930, a pointed tower-shaped bell tower was attached to the church, where an observation deck is now located. Under Soviet rule, the Church of St. Berthold was the only active church in the district.
- Krimulda Church, built at the beginning of the 13th century, for a long time was the first church in Latvia and the first stone church in the region. The local leader Kaupo, who converted to Christianity, was responsible for the construction. I was impressed by the fact that, despite many reconstructions and restoration, the church has a good appearance, as evidenced by the well-preserved pastor's house, built at the end of the 19th century.
Sigulda caves
I am very glad that I managed to get to two incredible caves of the city.
- To get acquainted with Gutman's cave, you need to get to the territory Turaida Parklocated between Sigulda and Turaida. This cave is considered the most famous and largest in the Baltics, because it is almost 20 m long, 12 m wide, 10 m high and 170 square meters in area. m. According to numerous estimates, it began to form 10,000 years ago, when the water of the Ice Age pushed into the rock dense, red sandstone, formed in the Devonian period. The cave got its name in honor of the healer Gutman, who treated the sick with water from a cave stream.
Did you know? Some of the preserved inscriptions of the Gutman Cave, which date back to 1668 and later, testify to the cult place of the ancient tribes, therefore they are of historical value.
- Above the Gutman cave, we managed to visit Devil's cave, located on a 15-meter slope of the mountain. Legend has it that it was here that the devil waited out the nightfall. From the nearby Malaya Bloody cave a well-known spring of Wisdom follows, in which the ancient Livs bathed their babies, suggesting that this promotes the wisdom and health of children. From the pedestrian suspension bridge opens beautiful view to the Big Devil's Cave, the visit of which is prohibited.
Where to relax in Sigulda in winter
In Sigulda, it provides an incredibly exciting holiday in winter and is considered the most popular in Latvia. The resort is represented by two tracks 350 m and 200 m long. Both are equipped with snow cannons and three types of lifts. Any equipment can be rented. Also, children and novice skiers can use the gentle slope and rope lifts, or pay for the services of instructors.
Video about the main attractions of the city of Sigulda
Video review of the most important sights of the city of Sigulda. Happy viewing!
Where to go in Sigulda with children
- Adventure Park "Tarzan" with a huge number of all kinds of attractions will not leave indifferent both children and adults.
- Adventure Park "Mezakakis" with a special track for children and exciting challenges for adults.
- The aerial cable car in Sigulda provides an opportunity to see the beauty of the Gauja Valley from a 42-meter height on a specially equipped trailer.
- Aerodium - a vertical wind tunnel with the ability to soar above the ground without parachutes and ropes.
- Adventure Park "Forest Cat" with obstacles, ropes, nets, bridges of various designs, swings, beams, ropes and ladders, as well as rope flights, a volleyball court, a guest house built in an Alpine style, and a bath complex.
- Sigulda bobsleigh track 1420 m long with 16 turns and a 200-meter braking distance.
Aerodium
Sigulda - beautiful city , a visit to which impressed me with preserved historical sites along with beautiful natural attractions and the best Latvian ski resort.
What else do you recommend to see in Sigulda? What places should you pay attention to for families with children? I look forward to your suggestions in the comments.
In the center of Latvia, 50 km. from Riga, near an extraordinary green valley, the small town of Sigulda has located its lands. Despite being small, it is one of the most important tourist centers in the country.
The city was founded in the 13th century, and has already celebrated its 810th anniversary. Sigulda - very beautiful placesurrounded by many castles and caves. The city is a kind of entrance to the Gauja National Park, which is commonly called Latvian Switzerland". And, thanks to the only significant hills in the whole country, in winter it turns into a winter sports center. In Sigulda, you will definitely find something to do, what to visit, where to relax and how to eat deliciously.
The first stone in the foundation of the Turaida Castle was laid in the 13th century. It previously served as the seat of the bishop. And it was built until the 16th century. During the entire construction period, the defensive system of this fortification was improved, new buildings were built inside the courtyard. But unfortunately, with the appearance of firearms in the world, the need for this defensive structure has disappeared. In 1776, after a strong fire, the castle fell into ruins. Fortunately, in the XX century. interest in Turaida Castle showed itself again. A gradual recovery began, which continues to this day.
Location: Turaidas iela - 10.
Sigulda Castle was founded in the 13th century. Order of the Swordsmen, but was soon transferred into the possession of the Livonian Order. The castle was built with the aim of controlling the river routes of the Gauja and as a defensive structure, protecting from the bishop of the Turaida castle, located on the opposite bank. Soon a church was built here.
Starting from the 16th century, the ownership of the castle began to pass from one owner to another, from order to order, and so on, until in 1878 it fell into the possession of the Kropotkin princes, who erected the New Castle here. Only separate fragments of the castle complex have survived to our times: a tower above the gate, fragments of walls with window openings in the Gothic style. Now in this place, famous opera festivals are held annually, bringing together a huge number of guests from all over the world.
Location: Pils iela - 18.
The castles of the city of Sigulda, its rivers, valleys, nature can also be admired from a height of 40 m, taking a ride on the cable car. This road was opened in 1969. Its length is about 1025 m. And fans of extreme sports, on summer weekends, can test their courage by jumping down on an elastic band right from the trailer.
The largest and oldest cave in the Baltics and Latvia. The cave was formed thanks to the underground streams of the Gouda River. On its walls you can find a variety of inscriptions that visited its tourists. The oldest of them dates back to the 17th century.
The past of the cave is very interesting. According to some legends, the wife of the Lithuanian leader was immured here, whose tears pierced a crack and flowed in a stream from the cave. According to another legend, a healer lived here, who healed with cave spring water. Therefore, the local water is considered curative. Until the 19th century, sacrifices took place in this place. This is one of the most famous and beautiful legends about the "Turaida rose" (unhappy love), with which everyone who visits the Gutman cave should definitely get acquainted.
Park "Reeds"
One of the most unusual parks in Sigula is the Cane Park. The cane is a symbol of the city with 200 years of history. The secrets of making this folk souvenir were previously passed down from generation to generation, within the family. Why a cane? It was believed that this is the most necessary thing for walking in the lands of Gouda. Every self-respecting resident should have a cane with him. The park itself, dedicated to this amazing souvenir, was opened in 2007.
Location: Jāņa Poruka iela - 1.
Square "Keys"
Another interesting square was also opened in 2007. It is called the Klyuchey square. In this place are three large keys made of iron. They represent Turaida, Sigulda and Krimulda. The park was opened in honor of the 800th anniversary of the city. Other metal things can be found inside: bridges, arches, keys. It is especially beautiful here in spring, when the planting of flowers in flower beds begins.
The very first and the most old park countries. It was opened in 1973 to preserve the breathtaking nature, rocks, historical and cultural monuments. The whole area is divided into zones. One of them is specially guarded, its visit is strictly prohibited. The Siguli Gauja Park has a huge number of cultural and historical objects: ancient castles, caves, churches, estates, mills. There are about 500 objects in total.
Founded in the XIII century. But only in 1930 was the construction of its tower completed. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Until 1990, the church was the only one in the entire district. She united many different confessions of Sigula.
Location: Baznīcas iela - 2.
It was built relatively recently - in 1996. Inside there is an exact copy of the painting by the great artist E.A. Steinberg.
Location: Raunas street - 8.
The church was erected in the middle of the 18th century, in the old cemetery, in the same place where the three previous buildings had previously stood. The painting "Calvary" hangs behind the altar. In 1964 the church was transferred to the city museum. And now you can freely admire in it, preserved from the 18th century. interior.
Location: Turaidas street - 10.
Rocks "Devil's Cave"
The total height of the rock wall in the bed of the Gauja River is about 15 m. At a height of eight meters, a cave was once formed. The rocks themselves stretch for 2 km. along the coast, and the rocks of the "Devil's Cave" at 250 m. natural miracle more than 10 thousand years ago, but the formation of the rocky cave ended 5 thousand years ago. All this happened thanks to an underground source, which, unfortunately, had long since dried up. The depth of the cave is 35 m. According to legend, the devil himself hid from the rooster's cries. And then he climbed into the pool of the river, and now he pulls in there any inattentive traveler.
A visit to an ostrich farm should appeal to everyone, young and old. The only ostrich farm in Latvia is located in the Gauja National Park. In this place you will be shown not only interesting excursion and they will tell you about these unusual birds, but you can also take part in tasting ostrich dishes, eat an omelet from eggs, stock up on souvenirs from ostrich skin, buy cosmetics made from the oil of this bird. There are also cafes and local produce shops on the farm.
The opening of the bridge for the inhabitants of the town of Sigulda, at one time, became a real event, crowned with a great holiday. For a long time, the road to the city lay through a ferry crossing. The ferry carried people, carts and cars. The design of the bridge began in the 20s of the XX century. It was built by three engineers, and they finished it in 1937. Unfortunately, the first version of the bridge was destroyed in early 1941, when the Russian army was retreating. Until 1950 local residents again had to use the water crossing. Fortunately, this bridge over the Gauja, unique in its structure, was restored.
Leisure
For lovers of outdoor activities in Sigulda there are many options. You can ride the 1,420-meter bobsleigh track or cross the Gauja River valley on a zipline. You can ride an electric car around Sigulda or ride horses around pine forest... Sigulda has wonderful cycling routes as well as ideal landscapes for hiking.
Sigulda tower
Art lovers will love unusual placeselected by the organizers for their art exhibition. Within the territory of railway station, in the former water tower, is now a modern gallery. It hosts not only exhibitions, but also various art events.
Location: st. Auseklya - 6.
Dain is Latvian folk songs. And on Dain Hill, in the garden, there are sculptures with the theme of Latvian folklore. It will be interesting to wander between them and think about love, people, nature, relationships, expressed through the works of Indulis Ranka.
Another of the many castles in Sigulda, or rather its ruins. The exact date of the foundation of the castle is not in the documents - presumably it is the XIII century. It was first mentioned in 1312. In the course of historical events, the castle constantly passed from hand to hand. It was owned by the order troops, the headman of Poland, the Swedes. And so, in the XVII century. it was burned. But still, part of the wall and Gothic windows, fashionable at that time, have come down to us.
