Getting around Gauja National Park

Gauja National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Latvia, spanning over 90,000 hectares along the dramatic river valley. Exploring its medieval castles, sandstone cliffs, and pristine forests is convenient via an interconnected network of passenger trains, regional buses, scenic highways, and designated hiking trails connecting Sigulda, Līgatne, Cēsis, and Valmiera.

By Train: The Scenic Spine of the Park

The Riga–Valga railway line runs directly through the core of Gauja National Park, offering the most relaxing, eco-friendly connection between historic hubs:

• Route & Stops: Direct passenger trains run daily connecting Riga – Sigulda – Līgatne – Cēsis – Valmiera.

• Frequency & Duration: Trains depart multiple times per day. The trip from Sigulda to Cēsis takes approximately 35–45 minutes, making spontaneous day trips between castles effortless.

• Bicycle Friendly: Trains feature dedicated bike racks, making it simple to combine rail transit with long-distance trail cycling.

• Tickets: Purchase via the Vivi app or at station ticket counters before boarding.

By Regional Bus & Driving

• By Car: Gauja National Park is framed by primary highways:

  • A2 Motorway (E77): Fast connection linking Riga directly with Sigulda, Ieriķi, and onward toward Cēsis (via P20) and Smiltene.

  • A3 Highway (E264): Connects the eastern side toward Straupe, Valmiera, and northern park boundaries.

• Regional Intercity Buses: Frequent long-distance coach services run between Riga, Sigulda, Cēsis, and Valmiera, departing roughly every hour. Note that local rural bus routes connecting remote forest trailheads run less frequently, so schedules should always be confirmed in advance on 1188.lv.

By Bicycle: Touring & Trail Routes

Cycling is an exceptional way to discover the park’s sandstone outcrops and hidden ravines at your own pace:

• Tour de LatEst & Regional Loops: Marked cycle routes crisscross the national park, combining paved country lanes, gravel roads, and packed forest paths. A mountain bike (MTB) or sturdy gravel bike is strongly advised over thin city tires due to rolling terrain and unpaved sections. More info: Visit Tour de LarEst website

• Castle-to-Castle Cycling: Popular routes connect Sigulda Castle, Gutman’s Cave, and Turaida up toward Krimulda and further into Līgatne’s historic paper mill village. Bicycle rental in Sigulda

On Foot: Primeval Hiking & The Forest Trail

With hundreds of kilometers of signposted paths, the park caters to casual afternoon walkers and multi-day trekkers alike:

• Day Hikes (2–6 Hours): Marked circular trails loop around Sigulda ravines, the Devil’s Cave (Velnala), and the sandstone cliffs of Līgatne and Ērgļu klintis.

• Mežtaka (Forest Trail / E11): Gauja National Park forms a central segment of this Baltic-wide long-distance hiking route. Trekkers can follow marked blazes along the river valley for over 100 km between Sigulda, Cēsis, and Valmiera.

More info: Visit the Forest Trail website