Travel guide

Sigulda

Castles and cable cars over the Gauja valley

🗓️ Best time: May–October💰 Budget · ~$60/day📍 Latvia

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About Sigulda

Called the Switzerland of Latvia, which is generous, but the sandstone Gauja valley here is genuinely beautiful — three castles, a cable car across the gorge, and an Olympic bobsleigh track you can ride.

⭐ Things to do in Sigulda

Turaida Castle and its red towerCable car over the GaujaGūtmanis CaveBobsleigh track rideKrimulda manor and the tunnel down to the riverAutumn colour in the Gauja valley in late September

🍽️ What to eat in Sigulda

Signature local dishes worth seeking out.

Walking sticks (the local sweet)Smoked cheeseRye breadCraft beer from Valmiermuiža

✈️ Know before you go

🚕 Getting around

Train from Riga (1h); walkable town, buses to the castles.

💡 Local tip

Come in the first two weeks of October — the valley turns and the whole town fills with Latvians.

🛡️ Safety

Very safe.