We visited Sigulda during our road trip from Sweden through the Baltics, stopping here on our way through Latvia after a recommendation from a Latvian friend. Although we weren’t travelling from Riga ourselves, Sigulda is only about 50 kilometres from the capital and is one of the easiest places to visit on a day trip from Riga.
Set on the edge of the Gauja Valley, Sigulda is known for its medieval castles, forested hills and outdoor activities. It is often called the “Switzerland of Latvia” because of its landscape — although what we found most interesting was the combination of nature and history packed into such a small area.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Sigulda based on our visit, including Turaida Castle, Sigulda’s medieval castle ruins, and some of the viewpoints and places worth adding to a day here.
Best Things to Do in Sigulda, Latvia
Visit Turaida Castle
Our main reason for visiting Sigulda was Turaida Castle, located about 3 kilometres from the town centre. The red-brick castle stands high above the Gauja Valley and is part of the much larger Turaida Museum Reserve, so allow enough time to explore more than just the castle itself.
Construction of the stone castle began in 1214 on the site of an earlier Livonian wooden stronghold. Over the centuries, Turaida developed into an important residence and fortress of the bishops and archbishops of Riga.
A fire in 1776 badly damaged the castle, and systematic archaeological research, conservation and reconstruction followed much later in the 20th century.
For me, one of the highlights was climbing the Main Tower. The narrow brick staircase is an experience in itself, but the view from the top makes the climb worthwhile: you can look across the castle grounds and the forest-covered Gauja Valley.
The tower now serves as a viewing point, while exhibitions inside the castle explore its history and medieval life.
Turaida Museum Reserve extends well beyond the castle, with historic buildings, exhibitions and outdoor areas spread across the site. If Turaida is one of the main stops on your Sigulda day trip, I would leave at least a couple of hours for the visit rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
A small place we enjoyed near Turaida Castle was a Soviet-style canteen with retro interiors, vintage kitchenware and even an old-fashioned complaints book. It was a fun little stop after exploring the castle, and the food was simple, inexpensive and surprisingly good.
More Things to Do in Sigulda
Explore Sigulda Castle Quarter
Back in the centre of Sigulda, it’s worth visiting the Sigulda Castle Quarter, where two very different castles stand side by side.
Sigulda Medieval Castle, also known as the Castle of the Livonian Order, dates back to the 13th century. Today you can walk among its ruins and climb the restored towers for beautiful views over the Gauja Valley.
Right next to the medieval ruins stands the New Sigulda Castle, built for the Kropotkin family in the late 19th century. Its neo-Gothic exterior contrasts with the beautifully restored National Romantic interiors created during the castle’s transformation in the 1930s. The surrounding Castle Quarter is also home to workshops and local artisans, making it a pleasant place to wander even if you’re short on time.
Ride the Sigulda Cable Car
Another popular way to see Sigulda is from above. The Sigulda cable car crosses the Gauja Valley between Sigulda and Krimulda, offering panoramic views over the river, forests and surrounding castles. The route stretches for just over one kilometre and runs about 40 metres above the Gauja River.
We didn’t manage to include every attraction in our visit, but the cable car is a good option if you have more time in Sigulda or want to see the Gauja Valley from a completely different perspective.
Is Sigulda Worth Visiting?
Yes — especially if you enjoy castles, history, and nature. Sigulda works very well as a day trip from Riga, but there is easily enough to do if you decide to stay longer.
For us, Turaida Castle was the highlight, but what makes Sigulda special is the combination of medieval ruins and the landscapes of the Gauja Valley. If you’re planning a wider trip through Latvia, I would definitely include it alongside Cēsis.
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About the Author:
Hello and welcome! I’m Victoria, a travel writer and the creator of Best Kyiv Guide. I spent years working as a private tour guide in Kyiv, sharing the city’s history and everyday life with visitors. I now live in Sweden and write about the places I explore firsthand, sharing personal travel experiences, practical tips, and stories from Sweden, the Baltics, and across Europe.