Gauja National Park

Gauja National Park is a protected reserve in northern Latvia covering thousands of hectares with varied landscapes and natural features. The Gauja River has carved a deep valley bordered by sandstone cliffs, thick forests, and geological formations that shape the terrain.

The park was established in 1973 to protect natural areas and numerous heritage sites that span centuries of human activity. The region served as an ancient trade corridor, and remnants of medieval fortifications and religious buildings dot the landscape.

Turaida Castle stands as a landmark within the park, displaying medieval architecture surrounded by traditional wooden structures and craft traditions. Folk music and local customs remain visible through the buildings and settlements scattered throughout the valley.

The park is accessible through three main towns: Sigulda, Cesis, and Valmiera, each providing lodging and local services for visitors. Each town offers a different entry point to explore various sections of the park and access different trails and attractions.

The park contains the Baltic region's most extensive sandstone cliff formations, with geological layers spanning hundreds of millions of years and numerous caves. These rock structures represent a rare natural collection found nowhere else in the wider region.

Location: Sigulda Municipality

Location: Cēsis Municipality

Location: Valmiera Municipality

Inception: September 14, 1973

Part of: Gauja

Website: https://daba.gov.lv/public/lat/iadt/nacionalie_parki/gaujas_nacionalais_parks

GPS coordinates: 57.41667,25.41667

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40