HomeNews 5 outdoor trails in Cēsis Municipality

5 outdoor trails in Cēsis Municipality

There is no lack of things to do in Cēsis Municipality! We have put together a small list of 5 hiking routes that you should definitely try!

Visit Līgatne’s nature trails to see animals of various wild species and untouched natural landscapes; you will hear the voices of forests and meadows, you will see the Gauja and its old valley surrounded by beautiful ravines and rocks, you will find peace and an enjoyable time outdoors. Hiking trails are about 4–5 km long, with different degrees of difficulty (with soil and gravel surface, and wooden stair sections) in different terrain conditions. A trip through Līgatne’s nature trails takes an average of 2–3 hours.

Cīrulīši nature trails also offer a picturesque walking route. Nature trails are a way to take an inspiring walk to learn about the origin of the beautiful Gauja Valley from the Ice Age to the present day! They reveal the history of the Gauja and its surrounding nature. There are three well-maintained easy-access trails in the area, 2.7 km, 3.5 km and 6.2 km long. During the walk, you will see fascinating natural objects: the impressive Spoguļklintis Cliffs (Cīrulīši Cliffs) magnificently reflect in the waters of the old valley of the Gauja, while the Dzidravots Spring can refresh everyone (drinking its water is not recommended), the tale of Līgava Cave will remind you of the power of love, and the Cīruliši Cave is so deep, people call it an abyss.

Explore Vecpiebalga by bike using Vecpiebalga scenic trails! Vecpiebalga Parish offers three sections of the cycling trail, for different levels of fitness, making it possible for Vecpiebalga guests to get acquainted with the parish’s nature, its cultural history and hiking opportunities on a bicycle. This is a set of cycling trails for all categories of bicyclists. The routes are marked white-green (easy), white-yellow (medium) and white-red (difficult). There are markings set up at every kilometre point, and at the most difficult intersections of the trails. The trails offer the natural sights (landscapes, lakes) of Vecpiebalga Parish, as well as sites of cultural history (castles, manors, churches, castle mounds).

Visit Zvārte Cliff and walk the Amata Trail. Zvārte Cliff is one of the most scenic sandstone outcrops on the banks of the Amata River and in Gauja National Park as a whole. It lies beautifully surrounded by forests and meadows. The rock and its surroundings are a truly glorious environment where you can get inspiration from the magical, primaeval, and mysterious power of nature. During spring floods, when Amata gathers boaters, Zvārte Cliff is a great place to watch them from. Picnic areas have been set up for the convenience of guests. From Zvārte Cliff, you can take longer or shorter hikes along the Amata Trail, where the river valley between Melturi to the mouth of the Amata in the Gauja is rich in dolomite and sandstone outcrops, beautiful landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.

Take a boat to explore the old valley of the Gauja between Cēsis and Līgatne! The Gauja is the most popular river for water tourism in Latvia. Its beautiful, sandstone outcrops, easy accessibility, dense network of accommodations for water tourists, the nature of the river making it suitable for a broad range of boating interests and opportunities, the old traditions of water tourism, and the status of the national park are the main features that attract tourists. In the section mentioned, the river flows through the old valley of the Gauja, which is one of the most impressive examples of Baltic landscapes.