Things to do & places to visit in Vidzeme Region, Latvia

Vidzeme Region #2 destination in Latvia 2023. The average rating score is 4.22 based on 5.193 traveler reviews, of 344 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Riga, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 11:05.

Top things to do (35)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Aerodium Sigulda (49 reviews)
- Fantastic !
Friday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour

AERODIUM is a vertical wind tunnel that creates a wind stream in which you can fly like a bird, even without wings. By changing body position, the laws of aerodynamics let you rise in the sky, perform various movements and feel incredible emotions. The highest point of happiness, pure joy and absolute freedom - that's what flying means! Only then can you understand that anything is really possible. A flight at AERODIUM has inspired millions of people in the world already. Anyone can fly! No previous experience needed, and you can start as young as 4 years old. All flight experiences take around 60 minutes. You will be properly guided through registration, gear up, briefing, and flying. All the necessary flight equipment will be provided. You just need to wear comfortable clothes and sport shoes. See more..
5.0 Mezakakis Adventure Park (36 reviews)
- Perfect
Spent 2-3 hours Sports Camps & Clinics • Ski & Snowboard Areas

The best place where you can fight with your fear and see what are you capable to do and how far can you go. Some of us went trough all distances, some of us got too scared but anyway a fantastic adventure, beautyfull nature, good staff and, and, and... See more..
5.0 Saulkrasti Bicycle Museum (26 reviews)
- Explore and get inspired!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

The owners of the unique collection of ancient bicycles in Latvia, Saulkrasti, Guntis and Janis Seregins should be proud of having this amazing museum - private collection! Collection of bicycles dates back to the 1977 and celebrated 35 years anniversary in May 2012. The collection consists of technically most interesting samples of bicycle development history found in Latvia until World War II. You will be amazed by one of the first Latvian made highwheel bicycle, a wooden bicycle produced in a VEF workshop of sports airplanes by Karlis Irbitis - well known at that time Latvian aero-constructor. Apart from bicycles there are many different things related to cycles, cycling, societies and bicycle production. Heaven for vintage lovers! Besides, Saulkrasti Bicycle Museum is biggest Bicycle Museum in Baltics and having about 5000 visitors every year. See more..
5.0 Ogres Zilie Kalni (22 reviews)
- Take along some drinks
Spent < 1 hour Biking Trails • Parks • Forests

Wery nice walk up and down the Ogres blue mountains! Little difficult with baby trollies but all was nice! Take along some drinks for picknick. See more..
5.0 Veczemju Klintis (19 reviews)
- Glad we found it!
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Geologic Formations

It was quite diffcult to find the entrance to the cliffs. About 20km south from Salacgrïva (take A1 road) you should see a sign for Veczemes cliffs. From there its about 6km on an unpaved track. Your journey by car finishes at the camping teritory. You should pay few euros for parking only but you also can park your car outside camping territory and it is free (we did so). Then you can go through camping territory to the beach. After few minutes you'll start seeing sandstone rocks. Quite lot of them, red, reddish, brown and orange - you can't miss them :) Really fun to walk around these rocks because they aren't only beautiful and colourful but also have bigger or smaller caves where everyone can find a shade from the sun. Sandstone is very tender so a lot of people tend to leave their marks on the cliffs (names, shapes of hearts, etc.). See more..
4.5 Cēsis Medieval Castle (473 reviews)
- A must visit
Spent 1-2 hours Castles

I visited in September 2022. Cesis is an elegant town but the main attraction is the castle. I caught the train from Riga, at an incredibly cheap fare, and was able to arrive in the morning, view the castle and then catch the train back towards Riga by mid-afternoon. Be aware that train information at the station is very limited and the on-train announcements give the next station and the one after so don't be caught out by that. However, the trains do run on time. Cesis train station is large and elegant so does stand out from the norm. The castle is reasonably well sign posted from the station. The best view is from the grounds through and at the back of the castle. Also it is worth walking down the hill to the lake - and of course back up the hill! See more..
4.5 Gauja National Park (243 reviews)
- Amazing green area
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

It was really a fantastic surprise. I choose that destination because of castles of Cesis and Sigulda. But when i start to visit the park, i could see that it's one of the most beautiful places of Latvia. The are different trails, more hard and more easy. It's really a calm place, not so much turist when i was there, so it was more easy to enjoy. Ideal also for families because besides the trails into nature, there also many spaces for kids. Few info points and parkings, so it's easy to move there. Parkings cost is less than 5 euros for day. Normally price is included in some ticket for some castle or museum you visit. See more..
4.5 Bobsleigh, Sigulda (227 reviews)
- Incredible experience
Sports Camps & Clinics

Sigulda bobsleigh and luge track is a host of competitions in luge and skeleton. In Winter time from November till mid March rides for tourists are available in track. There are three types of attractions for tourists Soft bob - for everyone who is not scared. Five people get in and off they go Soft skeleton or Frog - two people heads forward go down the track lying on stomach, no age limit Taxibob - adrenaline ride, pilot sits in front and then 3 people are behind, max speed is around 100km/h. This activity only for people 16 and above. Not recommended if person has back, neck or heart problems, is preagnant See more..
4.5 The Secret Soviet Bunker (127 reviews)
- One of the most interesting places in Latvia
Military Bases & Facilities

A very interesting place . It is better to visit it during weekend, so that there is a group and a guide. Otherwise , u pay 60€ and listen to Audioguides. We had luck and our guide was a woman who worked here since 1983. absolutely unbelievable place. One can see how much money we’re invested in the place that never was used. See more..
4.5 Sigulda Tourist Information Centre (93 reviews)
- Reavew
Visitor Centers

Located on the both sides of the Gauja valley, Sigulda is one of the most beautiful Latvian towns. For centuries, it has been captivating visitors from around the world wishing to experience the breathtaking view across the valley and discover the unique objects that are, in large numbers, located right next to each other all across Sigulda and Gauja National Park. We offer: -Free tourist information and tips for the best experience in the region; -Exciting journeys into the past: castles, medieval programs; -Active leisure in Gauja National Park - hiking, cycling, boat tours and many more; -Unique adventure facilities; -Culture and sport events. See more..
4.5 Valmiermuiža Craft Brewery (71 reviews)
- Informative and fun beer tour
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

Honouring traditions, Valmiermuiža Craft Brewery brews natural and non-pasteurized beer. In turn, the adjoining Beer Kitchen offers new combinations of flavours and emotions on a plate, characteristic of the season and with their roots in Latvia’s land. Here you have an opportunity to become acquainted with the cornerstones of brewing beer and to enjoy a story of harmony between beer and amazing dishes, allowing different flavours to play on your tongue! See more..
4.5 White Dune (57 reviews)
- What a view!
Deserts

I loved it! There is a very nice view to the sea and the river which joins the sea. On the dune is a wooden walkway with branches and viewing points. The beach is very clean. This place is away from the city so it’s not crowded. Good place to rest and enjoy the sun! See more..
4.5 Live Silver Museum (55 reviews) from $11.67
- Amazing artwork
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

The spirit of the world in silver. Live Silver Museum in Riga showcases majestic large-scale silver works of art, and one can see the place where these masterpieces are created. The museum invites you to see the world’s largest silver castle made by silversmith Olegs Auzers, where the major world religions coexist. The master’s work speaks about a world where devotion and altruism coexist with envy and greed, where love mingles with hate and where life wins over death. For museum guests, we offer you to look at beautiful large-format silver artworks as well as ornate sheaths. It also offers lectures about silver in improving health and the opportunity to taste silver water. See more..
4.5 Araisi Lake Dwelling Site (51 reviews)
- A hidden treasure
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

It's not to believe that such a fantastic place remains unknown to most of the international tourist community! Located in Gauja NP, not far from the A2 road from Riga, and near Cesis, this ensemble of archeological and historic value at the lakeside contains different types of constructions which take you way back in time. The oldest part is a reconstruction of huts from the Stone and Bronze ages. There are also the ruins of a Livonian castle (14th-16th century) and the top attraction is an amazing reconstructed fishermen's village (9th-10th century). On a wooden platform in the lake sixteen huts have been rebuilt with methods and materials faithful to the original that was found here. Up the hill is a pretty windmill which is also part of this museum park. Near the ticket shop you can enjoy a relaxed picnic and take nice pics. See more..
4.5 May Park (41 reviews)
- Cute park!
Spent < 1 hour Parks

I spent a bit more time than anticipated in this park, simply because I was trying to find the entrance to the castle! Hint: It's in the visitor's centre. Anyhow, it was nice to see this park first hand. It's quite cute, with lots to see in it including some fountains, a very small orthodox church, a little boat ride and lots of place to sit and relax. Also, there are some great castle views in it as well! A great place to unwind, have some food, read or just enjoy nature. A surprising delight in the middle of the town. See more..
4.5 Saulkrasti Beach (34 reviews)
- Lovely beach
Beaches

Saulkasti is a town in Latvia, which lies on the east coast of Gulf of Riga. In Saulkrasti you can find a clean and nice beach with one of the most beautiful dunes. Worth to visit! See more..
4.5 Alūksnes Muzejs, Alūksnes Jaunā Pils (28 reviews)
- castle with history
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Alūksne New Palace is surrounded by a park with oak trees planted in the 18th century. The park is unique for its small architectural buildings. An exciting walk along its paths visiting the Aeolus' temple, the Granite Obelisk, the Alexander's Pavilion, and other buildings that leads to the palace with Neo-Gothic nobility cannot be found in any other place in Latvia. See more..
4.5 Cesvaines Castle (27 reviews)
- Nice view on top of the tower!
Spent 1-2 hours Castles • Parks

Went there with my boyfriend last summer and we were not dissapointed. There was a lot going on, like activites for kids, souvenier shops, tasty food and a concert. The castle itself was stunning and with an interesting history behind it. The gardens and the lake was beautifull. You can rent a boat really cheap, and paddle around. This place offers lots of fun activities! We loved it! See more..
4.5 Raksi Park (27 reviews)
- Family day out
Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Great place to come with all family. Spacious park with lots of things to do. Animals treated well. Staff was friendly and helpful. Parking is available for free. Lot of fun for kids and adults. See more..
4.5 Koknese Ruins (25 reviews)
- big ruins
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Koknese Castle ruins are my personal favourite of all the Latvian castle ruins. Probably becaus they are easy to walk through and really majestic. See more..
4.5 Serpentine Road (25 reviews)
- Good place for running trainings
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

A very sightful and good place for running trainings. Good quality if road. New and interesting. Good for bikes as well. See more..
4.5 ZINOO Cesis (22 reviews)
- Pretty cool science park
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums • Children's Museums

ZINOO cesis is a curiosity and science center for kids, teenagers and families. We offer 200 scientific exhibits and games. This is one of the best places to visit for families with kids when visiting town of Cesis. We have also shop of creative gifts. In our center you can see the first rocket of the Latvioan space mission. Free Wifi - wireless internet available. Coffee, tee and soft drinks available for purchase. Our guides are fluent in English. You are warmly welcome! See more..
4.5 Ancient Jewellery Smithy (18 reviews)
- Very interesting visit.
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

We actually met the 'Smithy' who was happy to relate his experiences and how he overcame 'officialdom' to write his book in English about the heritage of the jewellery he now also creats, and as a result we spent around 30 minutes talking to him and then a bit more looking around his 'Smithy'. See more..
4.5 Gulbene Aluksne Narrow Gauge Railway (17 reviews)
- Great experience
Public Transportation Systems

The only narrow-gauge train in Baltics that runs every day as public transport. It brings a vintage feeling to go on a ride on it. You can go on an excursion with attractive guides in a train depot as well and try different kind of hand driven trolleys. Also You can stay overnight there in a rooms in a depot building or in a train wagon where You can enjoy a music played on a widescreen player. That is a great thing to enjoy on warm summer days. See more..
4.5 Ieriku Dzirnavas (15 reviews)
- Love!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Waterfalls

Very nice, quiet and charming place. Very romantic. I recommend it to couples and people who like to enjoy peace. See more..
4.5 Nature Museum Environment Labyrinth (14 reviews)
- must see! you won't be dissappointed.
Science Museums

A privately owned museum run by a husband, wife team who are passionate about what they do. Suitable for both adults and children. I often take visitors there and never tire of going. The rock collection is exceptional - I won't spoil the surprise by telling you more. See more..
4.0 Turaida Castle (832 reviews)
- Fascinating place with excellent café
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles

The estate itself gives an interesting picture of peasant life in Latvia with an excellent exhibition on the system of corvee. It’s scary to grasp how recently serfdom was abolished. The castle provides wonderful views over the nation park and, to top it off, there’s a great cafe with good food and drink at very reasonable prices. See more..
4.0 Castle Of The Livonian Order In Sigulda (397 reviews)
- Good to visit
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Castles

Originally built eight centuries ago, the Castle of Livonian Order in Sigulda reopened it's walls to visitors in 2012 and now encourages everyone to step back in time and enjoy the surroundings that bore witness to many historical events. Castle of Livonian Order in Sigulda offers explicit and historically active journey within the everyday life of Livonian Order's brotherho See more..
4.0 Cable Car Across Gaya (199 reviews)
- Amazing views
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour National Parks

The Sigulda Cable car offers a ride over the Gauja valley, enjoying the view of a wonderful landscape over a distance of multiple kilometres. In a height of 43 m above ground the Sigulda Cable car connects both sides of the river Gauja in a width of 1020 m and excites with an excellent old valley of Gauja, three medieval castles – Sigulda, Turaida and Krimulda, and the Bobsleigh Track and Gauja bridge. The Sigulda Cable car is the oldest such type vehicle in the Baltic States. Welcome to a ride above tree tops! See more..
4.0 St. John’s Church (104 reviews)
- Historic Cēsis St John Church
Churches & Cathedrals

Historic Cēsis Saint John Church is one of Latvia oldest medieval monuments of architecture. Constructed in the early 1200s—at the time Cēsis Castle was constructed—340 years before Shakespeare’s birth. In 1209AD, German crusaders known as Livonian Brothers of the Sword began construction of this castle, that they called Weden, the German name for Cesis. The church was constructed for worship by the crusaders—and invaders. The church is the largest medieval basilica outside Riga. It is 213 feet long by a width half that, dimensions common for the era. A thousand seats are provided. Historic art and monuments are original and are now protected cultural heritage objects. World renowned chorus and organ music is performed here, and is the home for the International Organ Player Festival. Without hordes of tourists cramming into the building like sardines, this church can be appreciated more than those in populated cities. A must-see if in Cēsis. See more..