Turaida Castle
Turaidas pils
A 13th-century red-brick castle on the north bank of the Gauja Valley, whose main tower offers views over the valley; it is the highlight of any day trip from Sigulda.
Turaida Castle was founded in 1214 by the Archbishop of Riga and is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Latvia. Visitors can climb to the top of its red-brick cylindrical main tower for views over the Gauja Valley and the endless forests. The Turaida Museum Reserve that surrounds the castle also includes the South Tower and castle exhibitions, a wooden church built in 1750, a folk song park decorated with sculptures inspired by folk songs, and the grave of the “Turaida Rose.” The legend of Maija, a 17th-century girl who died defending her virtue, is known throughout Latvia. Tickets cost about €10 (check the official website). The reserve is open roughly 09:00–20:00 from May to October, with shorter hours in winter. From Sigulda, take bus route 12 or a similar bus for about 15 minutes, or walk about an hour via Gutmanis Cave from the castle area.
Opening hours
May–October about 09:00–20:00; winter about 10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Sigulda
- Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia
- Riga Motor Museum
- Mežaparks & Riga Zoo
- Riga Brothers' Cemetery
- Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck
- Nativity of Christ Cathedral
- Latvian National Museum of Art