Krimulda Castle, Sigulda Travel Guide

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Explore Krimulda Castle: A medieval ruin offering scenic views and a glimpse into Latvia's captivating past in Gauja National Park.

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Krimulda Castle

Explore the ruins of Krimulda Castle, a 14th-century fortress near Sigulda, Latvia, offering scenic views and a glimpse into the region's rich history. Destroyed in 1601, the castle's remnants stand as a romantic reminder of medieval times within Gauja National Park.

A brief summary to Krimulda Castle

Krimuldas iela 2, Sigulda, Siguldas pilsēta, Sigulda Municipality, 2150, LV
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From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photographs of the castle ruins and surrounding landscape.
Explore the surrounding park for hiking trails and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Gauja River valley.
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions such as Turaida Castle and the Sigulda New Castle for a comprehensive historical experience.

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Explore Krimulda Castle on the Map

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

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Sigulda, walk towards the Sigulda bobsleigh track. Follow Pils iela towards the track, continuing straight until you reach the intersection with Krimuldas iela. Turn left onto Krimuldas iela and walk approximately 1 km. Krimulda Castle will be on your right. This walk takes around 30 minutes.
Public Transport

From Sigulda bus station, take bus number 3112 towards Turaida. The bus ride to Krimulda takes approximately 15 minutes. Get off at the 'Krimulda' stop, from where it is a short walk (about 400 meters) to the castle entrance. A single bus ticket costs around €1-€2.
Cable Car

Take the Sigulda Cable Car from Sigulda across the Gauja River to Krimulda. From the Krimulda cable car station, the castle ruins are a short walk away. A one-way ticket on the cable car costs €9 for adults and €5 for children (3-12 years).

Discover more about Krimulda Castle

Krimulda Castle, located just outside Sigulda in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, is a captivating tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into the area's rich medieval history. The castle's origins date back to the 13th century when the territory was divided between the Order of the Brethren of the Sword and the Archbishop of Riga. Krimulda Castle belonged to the Riga High Council, a group of twelve high priests advising the archbishop.The castle was strategically built on the edge of the high bank on the right side of the Gauja River, near the Vikmeste river and the village of Livs, making it nearly impossible to conquer. Protected by the steep Gauja valley wall and the Vikmeste River, the castle was further fortified by a man-made ravine with a drawbridge. Built with large boulders, the castle's outer wall was approximately 2 meters thick.Krimulda Castle was involved in numerous battles between the Livonian Order and the Archbishop of Riga. In 1601, during the Swedish-Polish War, the Swedish army conquered it. Later that year, advancing Polish troops burned the castle to prevent it from falling into enemy hands, and it was never rebuilt. In the mid-19th century, Prince Lieven acquired the property and transformed it into a romantic park. Today, visitors can explore the castle ruins and enjoy the scenic views of the Gauja River valley. The estate also features a manor house, built in the classic style, and several auxiliary buildings.