As far as the Gauja village, the route of Mežtaka (Forest Trail) partially coincides with the historic section of the Vidzeme Highway (small paved sections of the road have been preserved) and crosses densely populated areas, but from Gauja village to Sigulda it meanders through the remote forests of the national park and crosses deep gorges of several small rivers. The trail leads to Ķeizarskats (Emperor`s View) and makes a circle to Ķeizarkrēsls (Emperor’s Chair), Kakiskalns and Sigulda bobsleigh track. It can also be done by mountain bike.
Lengths of the hiking trail: ~ 20 km; half a day
Description of the route: Ramkalni Recreational Park – Gauja village – Katlapu Rock – Viesulēni – Lorupes Gorge – Laurencu Street – Kalna Street – Gulbju Street – Kalna Street – Šveices Street – L. Paegles Street – Cesu Street – Raina Street – Sigulda train station.
Level of difficulty: Easy/Medium.
Recommended time: April – October. If there is no thick layer of snow, it can be done on a fine winter day. It should be noted, however, that paths and forest roads are not cleaned.
Road surface: Asphalt surface (at the beginning and the end of the route), forest roads, gravel roads, hiking trails.
Start/end point: Recreation park `Ramkalni` / Sigulda train station
Signs: The section from Ramkalni to Sigulda is marked with signs. There are no signs near Gauja village so a map of the area and a cell phone for navigation will be helpful.
