'''Sigulda''' [http://www.sigulda.lv] is in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia, some 100 kilometers to the east of Riga. Located in the picturesque Gauja valley, with its steep banks and cliffs, Sigulda has become known as the 'Switzerland of Latvia'.
Get in
Sigulda can be reached from Riga by bus or by train. The trip takes about 75 minutes by train, and a day return ticket costs L3.02 (April 2009).
If going there by own transport, watch out for some traffic jams during nice summer weekends - lots of people go there during season, sometimes it's better to take the train.
Get around
Sigulda is a small town, and every major sight is easily accessible on foot. In winter, some hiking paths are even cleared of snow.
Local bus goes to Turaida and Krimulda every day and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
See
'''Turaida castle''' is about 4km outside of Sigulda and a major sight. It's been rebuilt in the Soviet area and now houses exhibition space and a small cafe. It also has fabulous views over the valley and the river.
'''Gutmanis cave''' lies half-way between Sigulda and Turaida castle and has a little creek flowing from it. A legend states that the water in the creek emenates from Gutmanis' tears, and drinking it is supposed to be healthy and boosting one's lifespan. Try it at your own risk, or just watch people stopping by to fill entire bottles.
'''Krimulda Palace and Ruins''' are located about 800 m further from Gutmanis Cave up the Serpentine road. The Cable car take tourists to Sigulda side every half hour.
'''Sigulda New Castle''' built in the end of 19th century. Restaurant and city council is located in castle.
'''Sigulda Medieval Castle Ruins''' located next to the Sigulda New castle. Built in 1207 by the Order of the Brethren of the Sword. Opena air stage is located in ruins nowadays.
'''Walking-stick Square''' opened in 2007. Walking-stick is a symbol of Sigulda town. Locals has made walking-stick since 19th century to help tourists walk up and down the Primeval valley of the Gauja River.
Do
Do a '''canoe tour in the national park'''. Take care of your arms. :-)
Ride '''Latvia's only cable car''' across the Gauja valley and enjoy the view. L2.6 one way.
Walk the wooded trails to Turaida. Take the cable car across the valley, then up and down a variety of paths and steps to Turaida village and castle, before returning along the river valley and a visit to Gutman's Cave. Distance is around 10km.
In winter, slide down the '''artificial bobsled track''' or '''ski''' in the mini ski resort. During summer weekends, the bobsled run is also converted for use by 'wheel-bobs'.
Experience a '''toboggan ride''' down the hill.
'''Amusement park Wild cat'''. Adventure Park Me?aka?is is a sporty activity or a walk in the trees, and it is designed for people that are fond of active lifestyle and spending time in open air.
'''Aerodium''' is the free flight simulator - first vertical wind tunnel in Eastern Europe. It breaks gravity rules and allows you to fly with the help of newest technologies!
'''[http://www.aparjods.lv Aparjods]''' music club next to the hotel and restaurant Aparjods.
'''[http://www.latroze.lv Latroze]''' located next to the main highway A2.
'''[http://www.cathouse.lv Melnais Ka?is]''' located in the city centre. Open every evening from 22.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. Everu weekend is disco opened from 22.00 p.m. to 4.00 a.m.
'''Elvi Bouling''' 1 Vidus Street, Sigulda, Ph: +371 67970007
Buy
'''City card Siguldas spie?is''' is the key to unique Sigulda experience for the individual travelers. What you will get with your City card: Free entry in main sights and museum, Money saving special offers, Choice, flexibility & convenience.
[http://www.tourism.sigulda.lv City card Siguldas spie?is]
Eat
For a resort, surprisingly few options. At the Turaida end of things we found no hot food options for lunch beyond a microwaved hot dog at the village store. In Sigulda itself there is a Hesburger outlet beyond the bobsleigh course but this is a good walk from everything else.
Drink
Sleep
'''Siguldas Pludmale''', Peldu iela 2, Ph: (+371) 29244948, fax:(+371) 67970164. e-mail: karina@makars.lv Nice camping place for a canoe tour.
'''Lacu miga (The bears' den) - Hotel and Restaurant''', Gauja iela 22, Ligatne, a modern log cabin construction hotel overlooking the aforested river L?gatne valley. tel: (+371) 64153481 info@lacumiga.lv [http://www.lacumiga.lv/en] - could be at the start of your canoe tour, upstream of Sigulda.
'''[http://www.aparjods.lv Aparjods]''', 1a Ventas Street, Sigulda, Ph: +371 67972230, e-mail: aparjods@aparjods.lv,
'''[http://www.hotelpils.lv Hotel Pils]''', 4 b Pils Street, Sigulda, Ph: +371 67709625, e-mail: info@hotelpils.lv,
'''[http://www.hotelsegevold.lv Hotel Segevold]''', M?lpils Street 4b, Sigulda, Ph: +371 6 7974848, e-mail: hotel@hotelsegevold.lv
'''[http://www.cathouse.lv Melnais Ka?is]''', 8 Pils Street, Sigulda, Ph: +371 29150104, e-mail: cathouse@inbox.lv
'''[http://www.hotelsanta.lv Hotel Santa]''', Kalnj??i, Siguldas parish, Ph:+371 67705271, e-mail: hotelsanta@apollo.lv
'''[http://www.hotelsigulda.lv Hotel Sigulda]''', 6 Pils Street, Sigulda, Ph: +371 67972263, +371 67971443, e-mail: hotelsigulda@latnet.lv
'''[http://www.hotelezeri.lv SPA Hotel Ezeri]''', Ezeri, Sigulda parish, Ph: +371 67973009, e-mail: hotelezeri@latnet.lv
'''[http://www.hotelbruveri.lv Guest house Bruveri]'''
'''[http://www.bucefals.lv Guest house Bucefals]'''
'''[http://www.kakiskalns.lv Guest house Kakitis]'''
'''[http://www.latroze.lv Guest house Latroze]'''
'''[http://www.livonija.viss.lv Guest house Livonija]'''
'''[http://www.parks-inn.lv Guest house Parks]'''
'''[http://www.priekapietura.lv Guest house Prieka Pietura]'''
'''[http://www.reinatrase.lv Guest house Reinis]''' next to the downhill skiing track. In summer time works Gold field.
'''[http://www.villaalberta.lv Guest house Villa Alberta]'''
Get out