Cēsis Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Cēsis with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Cēsis

Cēsis is a picturesque town in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, located about 90 kilometers northeast of Riga. With its charming cobblestone streets, stunning medieval castle ruins, and scenic natural surroundings, it’s no wonder that Cēsis has become a popular destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Latvia.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Cēsis, including the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Cēsis

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cēsis Castle
  • Cēsis History and Art Museum
  • St. John’s Church
  • Cēsis New Castle
  • Rauna Gate

Built in the 13th century, Cēsis Castle is the town’s most famous attraction, and a must-visit during your trip. The castle ruins are situated atop a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The Cēsis History and Art Museum is also located within the castle walls, and features exhibitions on the town’s history and culture.

St. John’s Church is another popular attraction in Cēsis. The church dates back to the 13th century and has a distinctive red and white exterior. The Cēsis New Castle and Rauna Gate are also worth a visit for their historical significance and architectural beauty.

Natural Attractions of Cēsis: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gauja National Park
  • Žagarkalns Skiing and Snowboarding Center
  • Līgatne Nature Trails
  • Cīrulīšu Cave
  • Amata River Valley

Cēsis is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Gauja National Park is a vast protected area home to beautiful forests, rivers, and wildlife, and offers hiking, biking, and canoeing opportunities. Žagarkalns Skiing and Snowboarding Center is a popular winter sport destination, while Līgatne Nature Trails and Cīrulīšu Cave offer scenic walks and hikes. The Amata River Valley is also a great destination for kayaking and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cēsis

  • Cēsis Old Town Walking Tour
  • Cēsis Castle Ruins Hike
  • Gauja Valley Cycling Route

There are several hiking and biking trails in and around Cēsis that let you explore the town’s stunning natural surrounds. The Cēsis Old Town Walking Tour is a great way to explore the town’s many historic highlights, while the Cēsis Castle Ruins Hike takes you to the top of the castle hill for incredible views. The Gauja Valley Cycling Route is a scenic and relatively easy bike ride that takes you through the stunning landscapes of Gauja National Park.

Best Things to Do in Cēsis: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride
  • Zip Line Adventure Park
  • Horseback Riding
  • Guided Tours
  • Beer Tasting

Aside from hiking and biking, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Cēsis. A hot air balloon ride provides a unique perspective on the town’s medieval castle ruins, while the Zip Line Adventure Park is perfect for adrenaline junkies. Horseback riding is also a great way to explore the surrounding countryside. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the town’s history and culture, while beer tasting at one of the town’s many breweries is a must-do for beer lovers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cēsis

Day 1: Explore the town’s medieval history, including a visit to Cēsis Castle and the Cēsis History and Art Museum.

Day 2: Hike to the top of the castle ruins to take in the stunning views, then spend the afternoon exploring the nearby forest trails.

Day 3: Take a hot air balloon ride over the town and surrounding countryside, then head to the horse stables for a leisurely afternoon of horseback riding.

Day 4: Visit the nearby Līgatne Nature Trails and Cīrulīšu Cave, and take a dip in the Amata River.

Day 5: Take a guided tour of the town’s historic highlights, including St. John’s Church and the Rauna Gate.

Day 6: Adventure seekers can spend the day at the Zip Line Adventure Park, while those looking for a more leisurely day can head to one of the town’s many breweries for beer tasting.

Day 7: Explore the nearby Gauja National Park and go canoeing down the Gauja River.

Food and Drink Scene of Cēsis

Must-Try Dishes

  • Latvian sausage
  • Rye bread
  • Smoked fish
  • Mushroom soup
  • Bacon Buns

Latvian cuisine is a hearty and flavorful mix of northern European and Russian influences. During your visit to Cēsis, make sure to try some of the local specialties, such as Latvian sausage, rye bread, and smoked fish. Mushroom soup is a popular starter, while bacon buns make for a delicious snack on the go.

Local Beverages

  • Beer
  • Riga balsam
  • Birch sap
  • Kvass

Latvians love their beer, and there are several local breweries in and around Cēsis that produce delicious, refreshing beers. Riga balsam is an herbal liqueur that’s popular in Latvia, while birch sap and kvass are non-alcoholic beverages that are worth trying.

Where to Stay in Cēsis: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Cēsis
  • Villa Santa
  • Guesthouse Kolonāde
  • Piebalgas viesu nams

From luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, there are plenty of options for accommodations in Cēsis. Hotel Cēsis is a top-rated option with spacious rooms, while Villa Santa offers cozy and modern rooms. Guesthouse Kolonāde is located in the town center and offers budget-friendly accommodations, while Piebalgas viesu nams is a charming guesthouse in nearby Piebalga.

What to Buy in Cēsis: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Amber jewelry
  • Hand-woven woolen products
  • Birch sap products
  • Handmade soaps

Cēsis is known for its local crafts and products, such as amber jewelry, hand-woven woolen products, and birch sap products. Handmade soaps are also a popular souvenir, as are locally-produced candles and other home decor items.

Local Culture and Customs of Cēsis

Latvians are generally reserved and polite, and it’s important to show respect for their customs and traditions. When entering a home or business, it’s customary to remove your shoes, and it’s polite to greet others with a handshake. Latvians are proud of their country and culture, and appreciate visitors who take an interest in them.

Best Time to Visit Cēsis

The best time to visit Cēsis is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, spring and autumn can also be a great time to visit, with fewer crowds and beautiful fall foliage. Winter is colder, but the town is still beautiful under a blanket of snow, and winter sports are also available.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cēsis

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Explore the town’s history and culture
  • Take advantage of outdoor activities
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside homes or businesses
  • Be overly loud or boisterous in public places
  • Ignore the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside
  • Disrespect the local culture

Safety and Health

Safety in Cēsis

Cēsis is generally a safe town, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, it’s important to take the usual precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoiding deserted areas at night.

Health in Cēsis

Latvia has a high standard of healthcare, and Cēsis has several medical facilities, including a hospital and several clinics. The tap water is safe to drink, although bottled water is also widely available.

Getting to Cēsis: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cēsis

The closest airport to Cēsis is Riga International Airport, located about 90 kilometers southwest of the town. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Cēsis.

Bus Stations Near Cēsis

Cēsis has a bus station located in the town center, with regular buses connecting to Riga and other nearby towns.

Other Options

You can also reach Cēsis by train, although the train station is located a few kilometers outside of town. Taxis and private transfers are also available from Riga and other nearby towns.

How to Get Around in Cēsis

Cēsis is a small town, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you prefer to get around by car, there are several taxi companies and car rental options available. Biking is also a popular option, with several bike rental companies in town.

Where to Go Next from Cēsis: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sigulda
  • Riga
  • Gaujiena

Cēsis is a great base for exploring the surrounding region. Sigulda is a nearby town known for its beautiful castles and scenic landscapes, while Riga is the capital of Latvia and offers a wealth of cultural and historic attractions. Gaujiena is another nearby town worth a visit for its charming architecture and natural beauty.

Conclusion

Cēsis is a hidden gem in Latvia, and a must-visit for travelers who appreciate history, natural beauty, and local culture. With this comprehensive travel guide, you have everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to this charming town.

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