Day trip to Gauja National Park: animals, castles and a cave

Overview

Available languages

German

English

7 hours

Mobile ticket

An hour-long ride from Riga will bring you to Gauja National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Latvia. Also known as the Switzerland of Latvia, offering some of the most beautiful sceneries in the whole country. It is the most popular place for spending a lovely day outside Riga and exploring castles and nature wonders.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

*two persons can sit on one scooter, the driver must have category A, A1 or B driving licence!

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

You will visit a papermill village Ligatne that still looks almost the same as in the 19th century. Later walk through the Ligatne Nature Trails. On the 4 km trail you will have a chance to see various species of wild mammals living in Latvia like brown bear, elk, deer, wild boar and many more. The Ligatne Nature Trails were established to educate visitors about Latvian natural treasures and local species of wild plants and animals. All of the animals were abandoned, injured or tamed animal babies. Later, you will explore the Sigulda Castle Complex which consists of two castles built in different centuries. Sigulda Medieval Castle Ruins mark the beginnings of Sigulda as a town while Sigulda New Castle serves as a wonderful example of a 19th-century manor house. Take your time and discover the history of the region, climb the tower, and enjoy a great view of the Gauja River valley. Before returning to Riga, visit the impressive Gutman’s Cave – the biggest cave in the Baltics and the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia.

What‘s Included

Private transportation

English speaking guide

Entrance ticket to Liatne Nature Trails

Lunch

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Day trip to Sigulda

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A great experience
W4802XQaaronp,,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was absolutely worth doing and packed so much in. Our guide, Lauris, was very friendly and knowledgeable; he really made the trip special. First up is a hike that would be suitable for most people. There’s not much uphill, just the odd very short incline. Plus you can go at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. The hike included some beautiful scenery and viewings of multiple animals. The highlight here was seeing a bear take a swim (the animals are behind fences). Also included was a trip around various caves (some with engravings that are hundreds of years old), the traditional houses, a look at the paper mill, and Sigulda castle. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to see a bit more of rural and traditional Latvia. There are a couple of places where you can buy some unique gifts and snacks but I would still recommend bringing a pack lunch.
Our guide, Lauris, was...
Max M,,Jul 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide, Lauris, was very personable and knowledgeable. Aside from enjoying the walk through the nature trail, seeing many animals and birds, we learnt a lot about the history of Latvia. The site of the old mill with its caves carved out of limestone cliffs was also a highlight. We can recommend this tour
Nice group day tour of Gauja
Khristine G,,Jun 16, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
A nice way to explore Gauja National park and spend a day closer to nature outside of Riga. We saw the bear, deers, wild boar etc ad promised. Valdis, our tour guide was very nice and informative. We enjoyed our hiking tour with him as well as it was a nice group we had on that day.
Great tour!
AnnetteIhrman,,Jun 14, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour was very versatile and Valdis was a great guide! We highly recommend this tour! Specially when you want to explore outside Riga and have more time.
Excellent
Q1249CZmiguelangelr,,May 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A really lovely day trip out of Riga and into the countryside with beautiful trails through Gauja national park, and Ligatne village as well as impressive views of Sigulda castle and the surrounding area. Valdis was an excellent, friendly and accommodating tour guide. I (32) was travelling with my mother (66) and it was the perfect level of activity for the two of us and a nice way to take a break from the city and gain an insight into rural Latvia.
Great day
Escape40178912117,,Mar 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very friendly guide who spoke excellent German. Pleasant driving style and good conversations. The goals of the tour were top - both historical and nature-related. The national park was the most interesting.