DESTINATION: GAUJA NATIONAL PARK

Gauja National Park is the largest and oldest of the national parks in Latvia. It protects the rich nature of the ancient Gauja River valley and its surrounding areas as well as the vast diversity of plant, bird and insect species found here.

The origins of the ancient Gauja River valley go back more than 350 million years, but its current ravine-ridden terrain was moulded by the glacier meltwater at the end of the Ice Age. The Gauja, which is the longest river in Latvia (452 km), winds through the national park. The river once served as a trading route, and the Livonians built their settlements on its banks. Strong stone castles, which were enclosed by steep slopes and deep valleys, were built in the 13th century. The cities and the social and cultural life grew around these castles.

Today, the park is a place where legends of the past live alongside modern and cosy guest houses, country houses, farms, restaurants and leisure spots. Here you can enjoy the aura of antiquity in old castles, receive a burst of energy at one of the ancient sacred places or experience the healing properties of the springs. You can also touch trees planted by kings, hear your voice echoing off sandstone rocks, or let the nature trails carry you off into rich forests. All of this should be enjoyed slowly, letting the taste, smell and colours introduce you to the rhythm of local life. This is best done by hiking, riding a bicycle or a horse, or even taking a boat down the gentle stream of the Gauja River.

Visitors can enjoy Gauja National Park by:

  • Walking along the nature trails (more than 30 in the park)
  • Experiencing real Latvian countryside living and food, by participating in workshops or helping the farmers
  • Getting to know Latvian craftsmanship and making one’s own Latvian souvenirs
  • Tasting local beers, herb teas, sweets, bread and wines
  • Enjoying picturesque boat trips along the Gauja river – seeing sandstone cliffs and rocks
  • Feeling the breath of ancient castles and manors
  • Experiencing active holidays by cycling, bow shooting, skiing, running or walking with huskies, horseback riding
  • Fishing, mushroom picking, berry picking, herb tea picking.

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Available activities

  • MUSHROOMING AND COOKING WORKSHOP IN GAUJA NATIONAL PARK

    MUSHROOMING AND COOKING WORKSHOP IN GAUJA NATIONAL PARK

    MUSHROOMING AND COOKING WORKSHOP IN GAUJA NATIONAL PARK

    Package type: full day tour
    Season: August to end of September
    For whom: groups (min. 8 – max. 20)

    Riga 75 km

    Karlamuiza is a cozy hotel located near Cēsis town in the Amata River valley. The guest house is located near a landscape park and a nature trail by the Amata River. Mushrooming is a national passion in Latvia. Trying out a mushrooming experience is part of getting to know the local way of life and doing things the way locals do them.

  • MANDALA TEA WORKSHOP ON THE FARM “OZOLIŅI”

    MANDALA TEA WORKSHOP ON THE FARM “OZOLIŅI”

    MANDALA TEA WORKSHOP ON THE FARM “OZOLIŅI”

    Package type: half day
    Season: June–August
    For whom: individuals / groups (min. 2–max. 20)

    Riga 97 km

    The farm is surrounded by biologically valuable grassland meadows and forest and has its own forest lake. The nearest neighbours are 2 km away. This is one of the first businesses in Latvia where, after the restoration of independence, tea production began using Latvian wild and garden plants. For more than 20 years now, the brand “Lauku tējas” (country teas) has been available on store shelves.

  • LATVIAN NATURE SPA – SAUNA (PIRTS) RITUALS AT ZIEDLEJAS

    LATVIAN NATURE SPA – SAUNA (PIRTS) RITUALS AT ZIEDLEJAS

    LATVIAN NATURE SPA – SAUNA (PIRTS) RITUALS AT ZIEDLEJAS

    Package type: half day
    Season: all seasons
    For whom: individuals / smaller groups
    Pirts session max 8 persons (in one of three Pirts)

    Rīga 45 km

    Here at Ziedlejas, we believe that nature shows us the right pace. That it prefers flow over rush. The proximity of nature inspires calm – it heals and nurtures us, giving us strength. Therefore, people can be their best selves when they are in tune with nature and at peace with themselves.

Latvia

DESTINATION: ABAVA RIVER VALLEY

DESTINATION: ABAVA RIVER VALLEY
DESTINATION: SĒLIJA

DESTINATION: SĒLIJA
DESTINATION: NORTH VIDZEME

DESTINATION: NORTH VIDZEME
DESTINATION: GAUJA NATIONAL PARK

DESTINATION: GAUJA NATIONAL PARK

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