Beyond Your Travel

Multi-Day Self-Guided Hiking Adventure in Gauja National Park

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Duration

5 days

Group Size

1 to 12 people

Ages

18 - 90 yrs

Languages

English

Tour Overview

Self-guided walking package for nature lovers seeking for your next hiking adventure. The Gauja National Park is one of the best hiking destinations in Europe where one can wander around for days or even weeks, still amazed by biological diversity, cultural richness and beauty of the surroundings. Although people often imagine that Latvia is one of the flattest countries in the world, hiking in the Gauja National Park involves climbing up and down countless hills and can feel as tremendous and exciting as hiking in the mountains. The Gauja National Park is famous for breathtaking views, wonderful sandstone outcrops, big and small caves, wild flora and fauna, natural springs and architectural monuments, allowing you to find out where the magical appeal and the true beauty of Latvia is hidden.

Additional information

Service animals allowed
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
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Pickup

What's included

Transfer from Valmiera to Riga

Breakfast: 4

The details of the tour and contacts of the pre booked accommodations

GPX file of the Forest Trail

Transfer from Riga to Ramkalni

4 x overnights per program

Other

Itinerary

Day 1: RIGA - RAMKALNI – SIGULDA (Hiking distance: 19 km)

Transfer from Riga to Rāmkalni and start your journey. From “Rāmkalni” the Forest Trail wanders up the steep banks of Gauja valley, passes through Gauja village and comes back down. Then it crosses river Lorupe and continues along the bends of river Gauja, passing one of the most spectacular outcrops of the river, the Velnala Cliffs, goes up to Ķeizarskats observation spot and circles down to Ķeizarkrēsls, adventure park “Mežakaķis” at Kaķīškalns and the Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Hiking distance: 19 km;

Sigulda, Hotel Sigulda or similar

Day 2: SIGULDA – LIGATNE (Hiking distance: 24 km)

After passing through Sigulda, the Forest Trail follows the River Vējupīte to Mound Paradīzes, where a steep staircase leads down into the ancient valley of Gauja River and the ravine of River Vējupīte. It continues to wind down smaller paths through meadows, crossing small rivers whose banks reveal sandstone outcrops. The last six kilometres of this section follow a smaller path down Līgatne Nature Trails. As it draws closer to Līgatne, the Forest Trail moves up the hills of Gauja valley, before descending back down into the deep ravine of Līgatne River, where the village of the former Līgatne Paper Mill is located. Hiking distance: 24 km

Ligatne, Zeit Hotel or similar

Breakfast:

Day 3: LIGATNE – CESIS (Hiking distance: 26 km)

One of the most scenic parts of the Forest Trail stretches along the historic village of the Līgatne Paper Mill, passes Spriņģi Rock, curves along Skaļupe Trails and the Mythological Trail, stops at one of the most secret sites on this side of the Iron Curtain, the Soviet Bunker, then continues along Roči Nature Reserve, crosses Amata (the most beautiful and rockiest part of the river) and finally comes to Zvārtes Rock. Next, the Forest Trail runs along the high banks of Amata valley and follows the historic Cēsis–Riga “highway” (now a small rural/forest road with old mileposts) to Rakši, then ascends up the Vāļukalni hills and Ozolkalns, following along the River Gauja until it meets Cīrulīši Nature Trails. It comes to a stop at Gaujas street, but travellers may continue down the path for a further 2.8 km to Cēsis, spend the night there, and continue walking on the following day. Hiking distance: 26 km

Cēsis, Hotel Cesis or similar

Breakfast:

Day 4: CESIS – CAUNITES (Hiking distance: 23 km)

The Forest Trail follows small roads and trails through the woods up until the water tourist camp “Lenči”, winds through the ever-changing terrain past Ērģeļu Cliffs and enters the ancient valley of Gauja River. Having passed Ērģeļu Cliffs, the trail turns back towards Cēsis, but then veers off towards Rāmnieki in Pieškalns, crossing the river. After the water tourist camp “Jāņarāmis” the Forest Trail enters a beautiful, bright pine forest, proceeding through the woods until it reaches “Caunītes”, which is one of the most beautiful places on the banks of the Gauja River. Hiking distance: 23 km

Caunites, Guest House Caunites or similar

Breakfast:

Day 5: CAUNITES – VALMIERA – RIGA (Hiking distance: 20 km)

From Caunītes, the Forest Trail leads through mesmerising pine forests and wetlands, across and around hills and slopes. One of the most beautiful views of the River Gauja opens from Sietiņiezis, and it might be worth devoting some extra time to visit the Sietiņiezis Nature Trail. The further road stretches along farmsteads and through forests, until reaching Valmiera. Transfer from Valmiera to Riga. Hiking distance: 20 km

Breakfast:

FAQ

Can I get the refund?

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Min 6 days: 100%
From 2 to 6 days: 50%
From 0 to 2 days: 0%

Tickets

Adult (18 - 90 years)

Minimum: 0, Maximum: 12