• Castle Of The Livonian Order In Sigulda - The ruins of Sigulda Medieval Castle are situated on the edge of the Gauja valley in Latvia. Originally constructed in 1207 as a castellum-type fortress, it was later transformed into a convent-style building. Since 1432, it served as the residence of the Land Marshal of the Livonian Order.

At the onset of the Livonian War, Sigulda Medieval Castle sustained damage. In 1562, it became part of the Duchy of Livonia and from 1566, it served as the residence of the governor of Livonia.

Towards the end of the 16th century, the Poles repaired the castle and its surrounding structures. During the Polish-Swedish war, the castle suffered significant damage. After the conflict, the Swedes reported the castle as empty and destroyed. In 1622, it was restored once more, with a new residential building and sauna added. By 1737, Sigulda had become a private estate, initially owned by the Governor of Livland.

In the 19th century, the castle underwent remodeling, and a gate inscribed with the year 1867 was added to the front. The gate tower surrounding the inner castle building was adorned with the Borch family coat of arms. Finally, between 1878 and 1881, a new castle was constructed by Prince Kropotkin’s family.

Following World War I and the establishment of the independent Republic of Latvia, the ruins came under the care of the Monument Board. Comprehensive research and renovation of Sigulda Castle began in 1962, including measurements of the construction plan, facade, and wall details. A topographic plan of the castle and its surroundings was created in 1978. Archaeological excavations of the ruins were overseen by Normunds Treijs from 1987 to 1988 and by Jānis Ciglis in 1997. In 2011, the European Union co-sponsored a project aimed at assisting with the renovations. Officially titled “Reconstruction of Sigulda Castle Ruins and Infrastructure Adjustment for Tourism Development,” it was successfully completed in 2012.

• Turaida Castle - Turaida Castle is the most striking feature of the Museum Reserve. When viewed from above or from the opposite bank of the Gauja River in Sigulda, Turaida Castle stands out like a majestic ship built of red brick.

Construction of the castle began in 1214, following instructions from Albert, Archbishop of Riga, to his Livonian Brothers of the Sword (soon to merge with the Teutonic Order) at the site where the wooden castle of Liv once stood.

The castle was primarily built using the classic red-brick style of the Baltic crusading orders. Enhancements to the castle’s defensive system continued over the centuries, with the tower-shaped southern section added in the 14th century. At the start of the 15th century, with the advent of firearms, the semi-rounded western tower was constructed.

Minor reconstruction work occurred in the 17th century, although the castle began to lose its strategic significance. After a fire in 1776, it was abandoned and gradually fell into ruin.

By the early 20th century, only fragments of the defensive wall and some buildings, including the main tower, semi-rounded tower, and the western section, remained. Regular archaeological excavations began in 1976, followed by restoration and conservation efforts that revealed the castle’s earlier state. Exhibitions about the history of the brick castle and Gauja Livs are available in the restored buildings. From the main tower’s viewing platform, visitors can enjoy the unique landscape of the picturesque Gauja valley and the Turaida Museum Reserve area.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• English speaking driver
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Private trip

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Museum entrances

Embark on a private modern vehicle trip to Sigulda Medieval Castle and Turaida Castle, accompanied by an English-speaking driver. This is an excellent half-day excursion to one of the most scenic spots near Riga.

Kindly note that this tour does not include a licensed guide service. Our English-speaking driver will provide basic information, respond to your queries, guide you to the ticket booths, and suggest the best local restaurants for lunch. If you need a licensed guide, it could be organized at the destinations we’ll be attending; please let us know in advance if you require this service.

Please consider taking our Full-Day tour if you wish to spend more time exploring sights.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Please bring your walking shoes
• Coffee stops and detours can be arranged with driver

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.