From the main tower of Turaida Castle, the view stretches across the ancient Gauja Valley; at the same time, the church, exhibitions and trails tell the story of Turaida’s history and landscape. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the main attractions: the castle and manor represent architectural history and cultural heritage, while the themed trails and Forest Park lead to Livonian traditions, geology and nature. This lets you discover Turaida according to your own interests, rather than cramming every stop into a single itinerary.
Castle, Church and Cultural Heritage
Construction of Turaida Castle began in 1214. From the viewing point in the main tower, visitors can take in the landscape of the ancient Gauja Valley. Those interested in the castle can gain an additional perspective on the circular Jānis Graudonis Trail around the castle, which offers interesting insights into elements of medieval castle construction. The Turaida Castle Loop takes a different approach. Information panels featuring reconstruction drawings by architect Gunārs Jansons (1928–2013) explain the medieval castle from the outside. Together, the views, construction details and presentation of the castle from the outside offer complementary perspectives.
Turaida Church is one of Latvia’s oldest wooden churches. It was consecrated on 28 January 1750; the exhibition “History of Turaida Church and Congregation” in the church traces the history of the church and its congregation from 1750 to the present day. This connects a specific date with a broader look at the congregation’s history. The economic centre of Turaida Manor, with its 19 buildings, is also part of Turaida’s historic centre. Visitors can explore this area through several exhibitions.
The exhibition about the Livonians of the Gauja focuses on three questions: Who were the Livonians, where did they come from, and what contribution did they make to culture? Dainu Hill became a symbol of the Singing Revolution. In Turaida’s Latvian Folk Song Park—Dainu Hill and Song Garden—there are 26 sculptures created by Indulis Ranka; the Māra Trail leads to the Song Garden. An old tradition associated with the Māra Trail tells of a custom observed on Māra Day, 25 March: according to the tradition, people should wash in a stream flowing east before sunrise to gain strength and health.
Themed Trails and Geological Insights
Cultural and natural themes come together on the Livonian Trail. Seven information stations offer brief insights into the Livonian language and traditions. A spring emerges from a Devonian sandstone outcrop three metres high and six metres wide. The Devonian sandstone cave along the same trail is three metres high, six metres wide and 6.5 metres long. Two of the cave’s measurements therefore match the dimensions of the outcrop; the additional length measurement offers another basis for comparison.
Nature in Turaida Forest Park
Turaida Forest Park covers 6.1 hectares and features eight historic pond sites as well as a small river gorge. An oak, a wild apple tree and a pine meet the criteria for protected “Heritage Trees” status. The open-air exhibition “Nature’s Pearls” complements the theme with a measuring scale for protected trees: visitors can compare their height with that of one of these trees. The park’s trails are gravel-covered, open year-round, intended for pedestrians and also suitable for strollers. As access conditions can change, check the current situation before your visit.
Location and Getting There
Turaida Museum Reserve is located near the centre of Sigulda and within Gauja National Park. Official transport information lists the TURAIDA stop for buses from Sigulda Bus Station in the direction of Krimulda and Inciems. Check the timetable before travelling, as bus times may change.
Discover more destinations: Ragana, Inciems.
Return to the main travel overview: Krimulda Municipality.
