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Day Trips and Tours from Riga

Day Trips and Tours from Riga

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is brimming with architectural wonders as well as historic masterpieces, and its center has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. However, those wanting to discover the country beyond its dazzling capital can participate in a wide range of day trips and tours from Riga.

From fairytale castles to verdant wonderlands, there are plenty of excursions to keep the whole family entertained.

Sigulda

Nicknamed the “Switzerland of Vidzeme”, Sigulda is one of the most picturesque towns in Latvia. Situated in the Gauja river valley, the destination features breathtaking sandstone caves and rock formations, a scattering of medieval castles, and spectacular architecture that those on a day tour to Sigulda can explore.

On top of these attractions, Sigulda is known for its golden hues during the fall months as its endless forests prepare for winter. Typically, excursions here also include Gauja National Park, the oldest of Latvia’s national parks, which covers more than 900 hectares.

Jūrmala

A charming beach town just a stone's throw northwest of Riga, Jūrmala is an ideal destination for those seeking some rest and relaxation. With more than 30 kilometers of pristine golden sands backing onto endless azure oceans, the town is best enjoyed from the seat of a deckchair, soaking up the Baltic sun.

However, there is more to see on a Jūrmala day trip than its shores, with wooden houses showcasing the region’s 20th-century architectural style perfectly.

Kemeri National Park

Kemeri National Park is known as one of the most biodiverse areas of Latvia with wetlands that attract myriad migratory birds, including the lesser spotted eagle, black stork and corncrake. Located to the west of Jūrmala, the green haven is easy to reach from Riga and provides a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Among its forests and meadows live a host of mammals, such as deer, elk and foxes, as well as wolves, and its climate is the breeding ground of hundreds of species of both moss and fungi. On a day tour of Kemeri National Park, you can expect to hop between different parts of the reserve, from its muddy bog to its glistening lake that features watch towers for bird enthusiasts.

Rundāle Palace

Built in the 18th century, Rundāle Palace is one of the grandest displays of Baroque architecture in Latvia. It is one of two palaces constructed for the Dukes of Courland, the other of which is Jelgava Palace. The castle was built over two periods after the duke who commissioned it was exiled to Siberia for more than 20 years.

Situated among the Zemgale Plains of Pilsrundāle in Southern Latvia, the opulent landmark was restored in the 20th century and now serves as a museum, which visitors can explore on a day trip to Rundāle Palace. Among many parts of the palace open to tourists are the throne room, duke’s sleeping chambers and the north-eastern wing.

Turaida

Across the Gauja River from Sigulda lies Turaida, a 13th-century castle that was built at the request of the Archbishop of Riga. Originally named “Fredeland” which translates to “Land of Peace”, the castle's nickname by the locals of Turaida has stuck until today.

Those on a day tour of Turaida will find the castle easily recognizable by its iconic red bricks and impressive turret. Excursions to this monument are often combined with tours of Cesis and Sigulda, enabling visitors to discover more of Latvia in just a few short hours.

Vilnius

If you’re looking to travel further afield, you may consider participating in a day trip to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Situated in the southwest of the country, close to the border of Belarus, Vilnius is accessible from Riga in just a few hours.

The majority of tours on offer are comfortable transfers between the two destinations, allowing you to explore the city at your leisure upon arrival. Attractions you may wish to explore as you wander the streets of Vilnius include the 13th-century Gediminas' Tower, as well as the Gates of Dawn and Catholic St. Anne’s Church.

Cēsis

Another of Latvia’s enchanting castles is located in the town of Cēsis along the Gauja river valley in the northeast of the country. The roots of Cēsis Castle date back to the 13th century, however, the landmark has been rebuilt several times over the last 800 years.

Day trips to Cēsis generally pique the interest of those fascinated by the medieval castles of Latvia and tend to include Turaida and Sigulda too. By participating in an excursion to the site, you can learn about its long-standing history, which includes tales of mass suicide and destructive sieges.

Bauska Castle

Bauska Castle is situated on the outskirts of a town by the same name, and the site features a castle and palace built in different time periods. The ruined castle was constructed for the use of firearms by the Teutonic Knights in the 15th century upon a hill that once housed a fortress. The palace was then added to the complex approximately 100 years later and served as a residence for the Dukes of Courland.

Day trips to Bauska Castle typically take you on an adventure to see several other medieval monuments in order to gain a deep insight into Latvian history and architecture.

Līgatne

If you head to the Vidzeme region, you’ll stumble upon the town of Līgatne, best known for its surrounding forests and nature trails. However, its secret Soviet bunker is what typically draws in tourists for a day tour of Līgatne. This bunker was purpose-built to shield communists from a potential nuclear war during the Cold War that stretched from 1947 to 1991.

Constructed 9 meters below ground level, the bunker remained undiscovered for more than 30 years and housed enough supplies to sustain those hiding out for several months.