Must-Read Guide for the Ultimate Riga to Sigulda Day Trip
Sigulda is a charming town located within the impressive Gauja National Park in Latvia, and at only 35 miles from the capital, it is one of the best day trips you can make from the Riga.
Escaping to the Latvian countryside is something everyone needs to do on their trip to the country and Sigulda is without doubt the best place to do this.
We only had a few days to spend in Latvia and know how much there is to cram in, which is why we’ve put together this ultimate day trip guide to help you make the most of your time in this gorgeous town!
How to get to Sigulda
Even though Sigulda is only 35 miles from Riga, it feels like a completely different world. Once you leave the hustle of the capital it won’t be long before you are engulfed in stunning woodlands that stretch all the way to the horizon.
Car
There are a few ways to get to Sigulda from Riga with perhaps the simplest being by car. We wouldn’t recommend hiring a car just to make the trip to Sigulda but if you are venturing further into the countryside then it’s a solid choice.
The majority of the trip will be on simple highways, and you can expect the journey to take just under an hour.
Train
On our visit to Sigulda we opted to take the train which was incredibly simple and efficient and is what we recommend.
The train departs regularly from Riga Central Station (Rīga-Pasažieru) and arrives about an hour later in the heart of Sigulda.
Purchasing tickets is simple, either buy them online to have them on your phone, or from one of the ticket booths at the station. Buying online is slightly cheaper than in person but the price is so low (4 Euros) that it doesn’t make much difference.
You can access the train schedule here.
Bus
Latvia is blessed with decent public transport options so if you don’t fancy the train then you could take a bus instead.
Prices, duration and comfort level are all very similar to the train so it may just come down to which options suits your schedule more.
The main bus station is conveniently close to Riga city centre and almost directly next to Riga central market so make sure you grab a delicious bite to eat there before you board!
Latvia, and Sigulda in particular, is a place that is great to visit all year round due to the variety brought round by the seasons.
There are pros and cons to all the seasons but our favourite time to visit has to be in the autumn months just before the cold winter sets in.
During autumn, the forests surrounding Sigulda change from a sea of green to fiery reds and yellows which provide the most breathtaking views.
Best things to do in Sigulda
Despite its small size, there are plenty of great things to do in Sigulda. Here’s a list of some of our favourites:
Castle of the Livonian Order in Sigulda
Located on the banks of the Gauja River, the impressive Castle of the Livonian Order is one of the most visited spots in the whole of Sigulda and its easy to see why.
This mighty fortress is over 800 years old and was once home to the Livonian Order, a medieval group of warrior monks that protected the land from invading pagans from the east.
Make sure you climb up high to the battlements to get incredible views out over the forests of the Gauja National Park.
Hike through the Gauja National Park
Once you’ve climbed the castle walls and soaked in the views it’s time to get down and explore the vast forests of the Gauja National Park.
Although the national park is very popular, there are hundreds of miles worth of trails to explore meaning you are guaranteed to find some peace and solitude while out.
Remember to plan your route in advance and take all the appropriate gear with you just in case.
Turaida Castle and Museum Reserve
Although Sigulda is just a small town, it is blessed with not one but two castles!
The striking red-brick Turaida Castle sits on the outskirts of the town and makes up part of the larger Turaida Museum Reserve.
Within the reserve you can of course visit the castle but also look out for the one of the oldest wooden churches in the country as well as taking the chance to explore the beautiful sculpture garden.
Sigulda Cable Car
If you feel a little tired after your long walk but still can’t get over the amazing views, then taking a ride on the Sigulda cable car is definitely for you.
The cable car ferry passengers across the Gauja Valley and River on a track that stretches over 1km!
This is the perfect opportunity to see the national park from above and get that perfect panoramic viewpoint.
Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track
Did you know Sigulda has its very own bobsleigh and luge track that is open for even complete beginners to use?
Situated just to the west of the town centre, the track has been open since the 80s and is frequently in use for large competitions.
We were unlucky on our trip there because it was closed at the time but we just see that as an excuse to head back in the future!
Take a relaxing walk around the town
Sigulda’s picturesque location next to one of Latvia’s most impressive national parks means that many visitors spend more time outside of the town than in it.
However, on your visit you should definitely take a relaxing walk through the streets and pay a visit to some of the many shops, cafes and landmarks that are dotted around Sigulda.
If you are after a sweet treat (or a delicious lunch) then consider stopping by Eklers – their eclairs are to die for!
How to travel around Sigulda
As you’ll come to realise, Sigulda is a rather small town that puts an emphasis on getting out and exploring nature on foot.
Although some of the attractions, such as Turaida Castle, are quite far from the town centre, the bus system in the town is incredibly useful in getting you back and forward.
On our visit we used the hireable electric scooters that were dotted around and found it to be an incredible way to explore Sigulda. We were able to squeeze so much into one day while also having a blast at the same time – we highly recommend you give it a go when you are there.
