train from Riga to Sigulda

How to go to Sigulda:
Take the train from Riga to Sigulda. There are several daily departures and the cost for a return journey is €4.70. Alternatively, you can also take the bus.

Sigulda is a small town in a hilly location, just under an hour away from the capital Riga. The town provides a great deal of fascination, thanks to its landmarks, its opportunities for indulging in outdoor recreation, and the culture and wild nature that takes one’s breath away and shows one the true beauty of Latvia.

walking through the forest

comfortable paths leading to the forest

Located on the banks of the River Gauja, Sigulda has its borders that also encompass the historic centres of Turaida and Krimulda. The vicinity of Sigulda is part of the Gauja National Park, so the town is surrounded by woods, while the banks of the River Gauja are dotted with sandy caves. The highest viewing points in town overlook Latvia’s picturesque wild nature. My couchsurfing host told me that Sigulda is filled with local people only during autumn, which is strange to me as I visited during summer and found the weather perfect for hiking. Perhaps Latvians have a special calendar where they would visit Jurmala (the beach town) in summer and Sigulda is reserved for autumn when the leaves change colour, so the forest would be a fiery red and yellow, with rustling leaves on the ground.

viewpoint from one of the hiking trails

Instead of taking the touristy cable car, I decided to follow the clear directions and walked a path in the forest which eventually led me to Krimulda. Walking along the Serpentine road which can be considered as a romantic road due to its isolation, I arrived at Krimulda Manor and the ruins of Krimulda medieval castle. I thought I was all alone hiking in the forest until I walked into a couple making out. They probably thought they were alone as well and did not expect anyone. I quickly walked past them and continued on my way. After I reached Krimulda, I decided to hitchhike my way back to town to see how kind Latvian people are. I tried for fifteen minutes before a kind man offered to take me to the train station.

ancient Krimulda ruins

Other sights to see in Sigulda:
Sigulda castle complex
It was built in 1207 as a castellum type fortress and later on rebuilt into a convent building. Today it is possible to climb up the north tower and the main gate tower, walk along the castle walls and enjoy the medieval aura.

the castle complex and this is now the office of the town mayor

Bobsleigh and luge track
The bobsleigh and luge track is one of the few structures of its kind in the world. It shows how Sigulda is an important Olympic city as its inhabitants have won Olympic medals in luge and bobsleigh.

Walking stick park
It was established in 2007 as a tribute to Sigulda’s most popular souvenir. Walking stick making has deep roots and more than 200 years of history in Sigulda. It is a beautiful park to admire these unique structures or for relaxing.

random colourful walking stick structures in the park

Gutman’s cave and Gauja National Park
It is the largest cave in the Baltics and the oldest tourism attraction in Latvia. The cave is unique with ancient inscriptions on the walls, left there by ancient travelers, with the oldest record dating back to 1667. A long time ago, there was a good man who lived in the cave and used the spring water to heal people. Hence the name “gut mann” which means good man in German.