Located in Latvia’s Vidzeme region, Sigulda is one of the most popular day trips from Riga, its appeal outshining its leafy, small-town atmosphere. Most visitors come to Sigulda to admire its collection of castles and manor houses that line the tranquil Gauja Valley. But medieval history is just one of the aces up the town’s sleeve. Nature and adventure make up most of the other things to do in Sigulda, whether it's hiking through the surrounding forest, visiting local caves, or daring to zoom down the Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track.
Generally speaking, summer is the most popular time to visit Sigulda, when the river makes swimming and kayaking possible, and the town’s castle plays host to the International Sigulda Opera Music Festival each July. But no matter the season, Sigulda is ready for visitors to explore. The town’s parks burst with color in the spring and autumn, while the Sigulda City Track welcomes skiers come winter.
Walking around Sigulda is the best way to enjoy the town’s gentle pace and its forest trails, but many attractions, such as Turaida Castle, are farther than most will want to walk. Driving around Sigulda is certainly the quickest and most comfortable option, but it's not the only one. Various local bus routes connect Sigulda Station with Turaida, while the cable car across to Krimulda makes for an entertaining journey. Renting a mountain bike offers a fun and active alternative.
Visitors looking for a unique souvenir from their time in Latvia are in luck, as Sigulda has long been known for one souvenir in particular: walking sticks. Even as far back as the 19th century, the town was known for its hand-carved walking sticks. You can see how they’re made at a workshop in the Sigulda New Castle district and pick up a mini version as a souvenir.
