About this experience
Located 60 km from Riga, near Sigulda, on the hilly banks of the Gauja river, you will find a picturesque corner of Latvia. The medieval castles give it a special charm. The locals from Riga adore these places. I invite you to visit them. We will walk through the streets of Sigulda, its surroundings, and the Turaida Museum-Reserve. I will enhance the trip with a deep dive into the history of the region and the country as a whole.
What to Expect
Travel notes with historical context
On the way, I will tell you about the main milestones in the development of Sigulda and Turaida and why the history of the territory, which later became independent Latvia, is most vividly represented here.
Medieval Sigulda and its secrets
We will immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the old town. We will have a cup of coffee with delicious Sigulda eclairs, explore the reconstructed territory of the Segewold Castle. You will learn about the centuries-old rivalry between former allies - the Archbishop of Riga and the Livonian Order - and understand why three castles were built in the vicinity of the city.
Romeo and Juliet in Latvian version
If desired, we can cross to the other bank of the Gauja in a cable car cabin. It is over a kilometer long and offers stunning views from the window in any season. I will share the legend of the Turaida Rose - a true story of loyalty, deceit, and love. The heroes of this story, Viktor and Maija, are sometimes called the Latvian Romeo and Juliet.
Turaida Museum-Reserve
We will visit the medieval castle, its main tower, dungeon, and the Archbishop's chambers. We will explore the "Garden of Destiny" and the mountain of Dain, where dozens of majestic granite sculptures dedicated to the dainas - Latvian folk songs, are integrated into the natural landscape. I'll tell you about the origins of the Latvians, what the local Livonians believed in, and the significance of the 'Horse of Destiny'.
Ancient technologies in modern days
You will learn why and how in the 21st century in Latvia, people are relearning to build ... using 18th-century technologies. You will see a very unique children's playground - an exhibition based on digital achievements telling about the century before Latvia's independence in 1918. Today, this is a source of particular pride for the museum.
Organizational Details
- The excursion includes transfer, guide accompaniment, and a coffee break in Sigulda
- Additional costs: museum tickets - 11 euros/person, cable car ticket (optional) - 12 euros for adults, 8 euros for children aged 3 to 12
- The trip will be by Opel Antara car
- I do not recommend the tour for young children under 6-7 years old: there will be a lot of walking, and the little ones may get tired quickly
