Sigulda – Krimulda
Sigulda – 11 km Krimulda (Sigulda – Turaida 6.5 km)
Stage consultant – Sandra, WhatsApp or SMS, +371 29299555, e-mail: [email protected]
This 11-kilometre long stage from Sigulda to Krimulda is very scenic and mostly winds through the wooded areas of the Gauja National park, at times called ‘Switzerland of Latvia’. Some sections take you up or down steep wooden staircases and may be quite demanding. Walking sticks may be of help.
Since this stage is not long, we suggest you make a detour to visit two very special and much beloved sites:
1)‘Gūtmaņala’ (Gutman’s Cave) with its 500 m3 is the largest cave in the Baltics, the most visited nature site in Latvia, a place of ancient rituals with inscriptions on the walls from 17th century
2) one of the most important, best preserved and scenic medieval castles in the Baltics, the Castle complex of Turaida, who received European Heritage Label in 2021.
NB! In course of this stage and at its destination there are no shops, so make sure you have water supply for the whole day and food for 1.5 days. It is best to purchase your supplies in Sigulda.
The stage starts from the Sigulda Roman Catholic Church. It was built in 1995 and consecrated in September 1996. Walk down Trimpus Street to the end of the street, where you turn to the right and go down Gales Street as far as the railway intersection. Cross the railway tracks along the pedestrian passage (you can see Sigulda railway station on the right), then walk on until you arrive at the beginning of Krisjana Valdemara Street. To the right is Jāņa tirgus (market), where you can have a meal or buy a snack, to the left there are coffee places. Walk down Krisjana Valdemara Street to the end of the street, turn right at the intersection, and continue down Šveices Street.
After 250 meters, you will come to the intersection with Leona Paegles Street, where you have to turn left. Here is Maxima supermarket, which is the last store on this stage where you can make the necessary purchases. Continue walking straight along Leona Paegles Street for about 600 metres until you reach Svētku square. It is a popular places offering a variety of entertainment and facilities for recreation.. Stop for a moment to take in the wonderful view of the Gauja glacial valley. Continues as far as the panorama observation wheel. Right behind it turn to the right and walk along the path towards the cable car station (“Sigulda Adventures”). Before the station building and the parking lot turn to the left. A steep wooden staircase will take you down to the Gauja Bridge. Take care! – the stairs are steep and may be slippery if wet or when it rains! Cross the Gauja river Bridge. Make a stop to take in the view – the Gauja is regarded the most beautiful and swift river in Latvia. (You can see its many loops from the top of Turaida castle keep if you choose to visit the Turaida museum) Across the bridge, on the left side, follow a pedestrian path for about 80 metres.
Here you have to make your choice. If you want to visit Turaida castle, follow the pedestrian path straight on (It will take you for 3 kilometres as far as the entrance to the Turaida castle museum complex on the right side.. The last kilometer is quite steep ascent. When you leave the museum, you can follow the same way back and about half way down turn to the right following the signs to visit Gūtmaņala, and then carry on towards the bridge for about 1.3 km until you reach the sign towards Pikenes Cliff, then turn to the right and and follow the path. Or, you can take a more adventurous and scenic trail which involves climbing stairs – you have to cross the street and follow the footpath indicated by the brown sign ‘1,59 km Gūtmaņala’ as far as the cave. The final descent is very steep and not suitable for rainy weather or in winter. From Gūtmaņala you walk back along a footpath for about 1.4 km towards the bridge, as far as you reach the sign towards Pikenes Cliff, then turn to the right and follow the path. The total length of the detour is about 6 km)
But our stage turns to the left in the direction of Pikenes Cliff and Murjani. The footpath will take you through the wooded areas of Krimulda, along the side of a hill, at times leading up to the Gauja river and exposing the picturesque sandstone cliffs and outcrops of its banks.
In less than two kilometres you will reach about 1km long and 70-80m high Pikenes Cliff on the right bank of the Gauja river, with caves and bare outcrops. Close to the edge of the cliff you can observe Mazā Velnala (‘The Small Devil’s Cave) and the majestic Velnalas klintis (Devil’s Cave Rocks)
The path along the cliffs of Gaujmala takes you as far as the pedestrian bridge over the Gauja river. At the bridge turn right, ascend to where the path meets another path, turn right again in the direction of the Lielais Akmens and follow the path leading upwards. At the next crossing of the paths, choose the way to the right, continue to the next intersection, where the pedestrian path to Murjani branches off to the left. Walk in the direction of Murjaņi. In a short while, the path will take a sharp turn to the left. Continue walking along the path as it winds its way through the wood in the direction of Murjani and crosses a stream. After 2.5 km there is another bridge, but right before it you must take a turn to the right and walk along the small river Runtiņupīte which runs on the left from you. Now you are on Kubesele Trail in the direction of Krimuldas baznīca (Krimulda church). The path leads past Saulstaru klints (Sunbeam Rock and cave) and in less than a kilometre you reach Kubeseles ala (Kubesele Cave) offering a beautiful view of the pastor’s house on the former castle mound. The log building was built in the 18th century and still serves as pastor’s and congregation house. The path winds past a memorial stone marking the possible resting place of Kaupo, the 13th century Livonian ruler of Turaida, the founder of Krimulda (historical name – Kubesele ) church. Walk up the wooden stairs, and on the way to the church you can take a rest in the Pilgrims’ Teahouse. The stage is completed!
Krimulda church has a special place in the history of the Christian heritage of Latvia. It is the oldest functioning church in Latvia, built in 1205 by the Livonian ruler of Turaida, Kaupo. You can find out more about Krimulda story in the small contemporary museum in the basement floor of the Pilgrims’ Teahouse.
In 2002, the first church labyrinth in the Baltic countries was created near Krimulda church as a symbol of pilgrimage to offer everybody an opportunity to have a quiet moment of reflection on one’s personal journey.
Krimulda Church is open daily (24/7), freely accessible to everyone at any time.
