Turaida Castle, Latgale Upland Travel Guide

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Explore Latvia's medieval history at Turaida Castle, a beautifully restored fortress with stunning views of the Gauja River valley.

Turaida Castle, a meticulously reconstructed medieval castle in Latvia's Vidzeme region, offers visitors a captivating journey into the past. Built in 1214, the red-brick fortress stands as a testament to the Livonian Crusade and centuries of Baltic history, boasting panoramic views of the Gauja River valley.

A brief summary to Turaida Castle

Turaidas iela 10, Sigulda, Siguldas pilsēta, Sigulda Municipality, 2150, LV
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Monday 9 am-8 pm
Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
Thursday 9 am-8 pm
Friday 9 am-8 pm
Saturday 9 am-8 pm
Sunday 9 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Turaida Castle.

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the castle grounds and climbing the tower.
Visit the Turaida Museum Reserve to explore other historical sites, including a wooden church and sculpture garden.
Check the official website for seasonal events and opening hours.

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Turaida Museum Reserve

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Explore Turaida Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Turaida Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Sigulda, take bus number 3112 from the Sigulda Bus Station to Turaida. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes and buses depart hourly. A single fare costs between $1 and $2. From Riga, take a bus to Turaida. The bus departs from Rīgas SAO and arrives in Turaida every three hours. The ride is approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes and costs $3-$6.
Walking

From Sigulda, it is possible to walk to Turaida Castle. The distance is approximately 5.4 km and takes a little over an hour. Follow the signs for Turaida Castle and enjoy a scenic walk through Gauja National Park.

Discover more about Turaida Castle

Turaida Castle, meaning 'Thor's garden' in Livonian, is a recently restored medieval castle located in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, across the Gauja River from Sigulda. Constructed in 1214 by Albert, the Archbishop of Riga, the castle replaced a former wooden Livonian stronghold. The castle's red-brick architecture reflects the style of Baltic crusading orders.Over the centuries, Turaida Castle served as a crucial military stronghold and administrative center, witnessing numerous battles and sieges. It was owned by the bishop of Riga until it burned down in 1776 and was subsequently abandoned. Restoration efforts began in 1953, breathing new life into the castle and transforming it into a prominent cultural landmark.Today, Turaida Castle is part of the Turaida Museum Reserve, encompassing 43 hectares of historical buildings, archaeological sites, and cultural monuments. Visitors can explore the castle's towers, ramparts, and museum exhibitions, which delve into the region's history, the Livonian Crusade, and medieval life. The castle's main tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gauja River valley, providing a glimpse into the untouched natural surroundings. The Turaida Museum Reserve also includes a wooden church, a sculpture garden, and the grave of Maija Roze, the 'Rose of Turaida', a symbol of love and sacrifice.