Gauja National Park was created to protect a river valley unique in Latvia. Historic buildings, towns, the landscape, flora and fauna all fit into a concept enabling the park's day to day life to continue and maximise its recreational facilities. By coincidence it was established 100 years after the Yellowstone National Park in the United States, whose principles it shares. The Park's lifeline is the Gauja river, which winds through a deep valley created by the last Ice Age, in the Vidzeme region east of Riga. Pine and silver birch woods, ancient castles, spring flowers, the green of summer pastures, and deep-hued autumn colours, all make the unspoilt countryside a delight for walking, hiking, camping, horseback riding or boating.
Hotels stay open during winter, when there is cross-country skiing and bobsleighing.
The small town of Sigulda, only an hour by train from Riga, is a most convenient place to base yourself for the whole range of leisure activities, Including ballooning and bungee jumping. The ruins of the Livonian Castle, where open air concerts are staged, face the high red brick Turaida Castle across the river valley. In their day the Livonian Knights held Sigulda, while the Bishop of Riga owned Turaida, each keeping watch on the other. At Turaida you can also wander around a sculpture park, inspired by folk song themes, explore the castle, follow routes through the woods, take meals, and hire horses. Two highlights of this attractive town are its unspoilt character and its numerous museums.