The ancient Gauja River valley is a spectacular and magnificent natural feature created by the influence of glacial melting. The ancient valley with its pine-covered slopes and high flood-free terraces is an important part of the Gauja National Park. Stunning views open up from the Paradīze (Paradise) or Gleznotāj kalns (Painter’s Hill), a precipice whose scenic landscape has been immortalised many times by Latvian painters. Red-brown Turaida Castle provides a striking accent. The castle is part of the cultural and historical landscape of the Turaida Museum Reserve, rich in a variety of archaeological, architectural, historical and artistic monuments, including the sculpture garden dedicated to Latvian folklore – Dainu kalns.
- There are many caves in the Gauja River valley. Gūtmaņala – the largest sandstone cave in the Baltics – lies at the foot of Taurētāju kalns (Buglers’ Hill).
- Sigulda New Palace and Livonian Order castle ruins, Krimulda Manor and the Sigulda Bobsleigh track are also standout features in the valley landscape. The only cable car in the Baltics crosses the valley at Sigulda.
Submitted picturesOther Riga Landscapes
The rocky Vidzeme seaside
St Meinard’s Island with the ruins of Ikšķile Church
View of Vecrīga from the left bank of the Daugava
Rīga’s arc of boulevards, parks and canal with the Central Market pavilions
Rīga’s Brāļu kapi – Brothers’ Cemetery
The Great Ķemeri Bog
Ķemeri sanatorium and park
Jūrmala with wooden chalets and beach
Gauja River mouth with coastal dune forests
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