Top Things to do in Vidzeme Region
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Vidzeme Region, Latvia
Discover the best top things to do in Vidzeme Region, Latvia including Gauja National Park, Cesis Medieval Castle, The Secret Soviet Bunker, Bobsleigh, Sigulda, Turaida Castle, Old Sigulda Castle, Sigulda Tourist Information Centre, Aerodium, Sigulda Evangelic Lutheran Church, St. John’s Church.
Restaurants in Vidzeme Region
1. Gauja National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Georgia B
It's a beautiful view. The people that work there are very prepar to help if you need more information . The price it's cheap if you think in all the wonderful things that you can see there.
2. Cesis Medieval Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By Bruce M - Sydney, Australia
The old and new Cesis Castles are worth a visit coupled with some other great sites in the surround area ( turaida castle, krimulda manor and hiking trail loop, secret nuclear bunkers at Pension, Birini manor, ligatne nature park and animal reserve) which will take much more than a day.
The old castle highlights were the climb up the rebuilt round tower which provides spectacular views over Cesis.
The new castle has a museum exhibit which suffers somewhat by the lack of a comprehensive English language sinage, but the living rooms and views from the top of the new tower are worth the climb
3. The Secret Soviet Bunker
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By Mike G - San Francisco, California
It was interesting to explore the bunker, but the details that our guide gave us were what really made the experience special. It gave us a weird glimpse into how things were during soviet times. Best to call in advance if you need an English tour because there aren't always enough people to run English tours.
4. Bobsleigh, Sigulda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Competitions in luge, skeleton take place in Sigulda bobsleigh and luge track. Also activities for tourists are possible in winter and summer. For soft bob in winter and summer bob visit bobtrase.lv For real bob in winter visit taxibob.lv
Reviewed By negativeORpositive
Booked in advance for €50,- each, 5 friends total of €250,-. This includes the hour drive back and forth from Riga city center. We each had 2 rides on the summer track which on the signs there one ride was €10,-. Let's say 2 for €15 as you go again immediately without getting out. So we paid €175,- for the taxi drive which isn't a fair price in Riga. The complete activity took us about 3 hours.
5. Turaida Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 582 reviews
Reviewed By Bruce M - Sydney, Australia
Located a 5 minute drive out of Sigulda, it's quite an extensive complex with some interesting exhibits and stunning views from the top of the round turret over the surrounding countryside.
The only downside was that in early spring, about half the exhibits ( and the cafe) were closed which was a shame, but still worth the visit nonetheless.
Couple the visit with some hiking through the woods and a visit to the "caves" made this an excellent half day investment. There is a walking track loop out to Krimulda manor ( now a run down rehabilitation centre and not open. To the public) which takes about 3-4 hours and once the snow and ice have melted in mid spring, this would be one of the better hikes in the area through picture postcard scenery
6. Old Sigulda Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 257 reviews
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
Reviewed By Jellybellydancer - Burscough, United Kingdom
There really isn't much to say about these ruins as there isn't much to see, very little is still standing and there wasn't much information about what anything was.
The tower has recently been renovated to include a viewing platform with wonderful views across the Gauja valley towards Tauraida castle, but there was little else to hold our interest.
We visited en route to Ligatne so it made a convenient break in the journey, but I would have been disappointed if we'd made a special trip to visit.
7. Sigulda Tourist Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Bruce M - Sydney, Australia
Located in the Sigulda railway station, the staff speak good English and were very helpful in offering advice and suggestions on hiking options in the Gauja national park, the worthwhile sites to fit with our time allowance, plus some great detailed maps, most of which are free
8. Aerodium
Overall Ratings
5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Danuta2812 - Taipei, Taiwan
If you ever wondered what is the feeling of floating in the air, here is your chance to enjoy it at Aerodium in Sigulda. The instructor was the nicest guy ever, he gave us lots of encouragements and answered all of our questions. The experience was sure one of a kind. Need to make a reservation tough, because if there are too many people looking forward to fly, you might have to wait an hour or two. We made a reservation upfront and everything happened right on time.
9. Sigulda Evangelic Lutheran Church
Overall Ratings
4 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By AdventurePhiles - Dallas, Texas
We enjoyed this little church and the kind woman who was tending it. The organ display is fantastic! Climb the tower for views of the city, but especially to the castle.
10. St. John’s Church
Overall Ratings
4 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By DeanMurphy2020 - Orlando, Florida
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.
TAGS
