This route through the Vidzeme region is undoubtedly one of the most varied journeys you can take in the Baltic States. It takes you from the cosmopolitan allure of Riga, through the dense forests and deep river valleys of Gauja National Park, and finally to the rugged, unspoiled sandstone coast of the Baltic Sea.

Riga (starting point)
Your journey begins in Riga, a city that effortlessly balances medieval history with ultra-modern culture. The Old Town, Vecrīga, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a maze of cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and impressive churches such as St. Peter's Basilica (with panoramic views) and Riga Cathedral.
What makes Riga truly unique, however, is its Art Nouveau architecture. Nowhere else in the world will you find such a high concentration of Art Nouveau buildings. Be sure to stroll along Alberta Street, where the facades are adorned with sphinxes, masks, and whimsical floral motifs. Don't forget the Central Market; housed in enormous former Zeppelin hangars, this is the place to sample local delicacies like smoked fish and rye bread.

The open-air museum
Just outside the city center, on the shores of Lake Jugla, lies the Latvian Ethnographic Museum. This is one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe. Spread across a vast pine forest, you'll find more than 100 historic buildings brought from Latvia's four cultural regions: farmhouses, windmills, wooden churches, and craft workshops. It's a tranquil place where the scent of pine needles and old wood transports you back to Latvia from the 17th to the 19th century.

Sigulda (coffee stop)
About an hour's drive from Riga lies Sigulda, often called the "Switzerland of Latvia" because of its hilly surroundings. Sigulda is the heart of Gauja National Park. If you have the time and inclination, a visit to this park is definitely worthwhile. Within the park, the iconic red-brick Turaida Castle towers high above the valley. The legend of the "Rose of Turaida" gives this place a romantic yet tragic edge. Here you'll also find Gutman's Cave, the largest cave in the Baltic States, covered with inscriptions dating back to the 17th century. For the daring, the professional bobsled run is a must, where you can even whizz down in summer.

Līgatne
Continue your journey to Līgatne, a village that grew up around the historic paper mill. The wooden workers' houses are still inhabited and give the village a unique character. Outside the village, hidden nine meters beneath a rehabilitation center, lies a massive, intact Cold War nuclear bunker, intended for Latvia's political elite. A visit here is a harrowing yet fascinating journey into the past.

Āraiši
Just before Cēsis, you'll find Āraiši, a site that will amaze archaeologists and history buffs alike. The highlight is the archaeological park with the lake fortress. This is a reconstruction of a 9th-century wooden settlement, built on stilts in the lake. It's the only one of its kind in Europe and offers a tangible insight into how early Latvians defended themselves against incursions. Nearby, you'll also find a characteristic Dutch windmill that can still be visited.

Cēsis (lunch break)
The Knight's Town of Cēsis is perhaps the most charming town in Latvia. It's one of the oldest towns in the country and exudes a peaceful, artistic atmosphere. Visitors to the medieval Cēsis Castle are given a lantern and a candle to explore the dark staircases and cellars of the ruins. This makes for a very atmospheric experience. St. John's Church is one of Latvia's oldest religious buildings, where important knights of the Livonian Order are buried. A beautifully landscaped park with a pond where white swans swim is perfect for a peaceful stroll among the historical sights.

Ungurmuiža Manor
Not far from Cēsis lies Ungurmuiža, an estate unique in Latvia. While most manors from that period were built of stone, this is an entirely wooden Baroque residence. The interior is decorated with rare murals painted directly onto the wooden walls. The estate is surrounded by centuries-old oak trees, giving it an almost fairytale-like atmosphere.

Limbaži (drink break)
In Limbaži, a former Hanseatic town, you can still see the medieval street plan. Limbaži is one of the oldest towns in Latvia. It's hard to imagine today: until the 16th century, trade goods traveled long distances from the Baltic Sea via the Svētupe River, which later silted up. In the silver museum, local silversmith Oļegs Auzers exhibits incredibly detailed silver sculptures.

Kurmrags lighthouse
As soon as you reach the coast of the Vidzeme region, the landscape changes. Near the village of Tūja, you'll find the Kurmrags Lighthouse. What makes this lighthouse so special is its location. Years of coastal erosion have eroded the ground beneath the tower, so it now stands in the middle of the beach and, at high tide, even in the water. It leans slightly, giving it a very photogenic, almost tragic appearance.

Veczemju Klintis
This is undoubtedly the most spectacular stretch of Latvia's coastline. Veczemju Klintis consists of steep, red sandstone cliffs that border the sea. The waves have carved caves, alcoves, and pillars into the soft rock. Especially at sunset, the cliffs glow a deep orange and red, creating a surreal contrast with the blue waters of the Baltic Sea. This area is also a popular film set for historical dramas.

Salacgrīva (final destination)
You'll end your trip in Salacgrīva, at the mouth of the Salaca River where it flows into the Baltic Sea. Salacgrīva is famous for its fishing for nine-eyed lampreys. Traditional wooden weirs are still used, a unique method found nowhere else in Europe on this scale. Be sure to sample this local delicacy at one of the fish restaurants.