The Gauja divides the city of Valmiera into two parts; one of them is called Pārgauja. From the banks of the Gauja in Valmiera, you can reach the city’s walking paths in about five minutes. The 12-kilometre “Starp četriem Valmieras tiltiem” trail also follows the riverbanks and offers a different perspective on Valmiera. The river landscape and urban paths thus shape different sides of the city.

Hiking trails and landscapes

At Sietiņiezis, you can admire the landscape from more than just above: the formation is about 15 metres high and 400 metres long, and is considered the largest white sandstone outcrop in the Baltics. From there, you can enjoy a view of the Gauja Valley. The surrounding area has small caves, alcoves, erosion gullies and pine forests. Allow about 45 minutes to explore the developed circular trail at Sietiņiezis.

The Neļķu Cliffs on the right bank of the Salaca offer a different kind of landscape. They extend for about 300 metres and reach a height of 20 metres. In Skaņākalns Nature Park, a trail approximately three kilometres long leads in one direction along the Salaca Valley. Sandstone cliffs, caves, springs and pine forests line the route.

The route descriptions also highlight different things: an approximate sightseeing time is given for the circular trail at Sietiņiezis, while the route in Skaņākalns Nature Park is described by its length and direction. The Zilākalna Veselības taka, in turn, is a 3.5-kilometre circular trail through nature. When choosing, you can therefore consider the route type and the measurements provided for each, without assuming that the routes form one continuous trail.

Exploring the Gauja on foot and by water

You can explore the riverbanks on foot in Valmiera, but the Gauja also offers other perspectives. In summer, guided trips on the “Gaujas tramvajs” depart from the boat landing in Valmiera. It is worth checking the current departure times for your planned visit. In addition, the Gauja is seasonally navigable from Valmiera to its mouth at the sea, a distance of about 85 kilometres; three days are indicated for this route.

A 25-kilometre canoe route on the Gauja is suitable for beginners, experienced canoeists and families with children. Water levels and conditions vary by season and should therefore be taken into account when planning. The Sajūtu Park offers different activities: it has a barefoot trail more than two kilometres long and a 200-square-metre net maze. Four crossings of the Gauja are also described there; this activity is seasonal.

Architecture, history and local experiences

St. Simon’s Church in Valmiera is one of Latvia’s most significant medieval monuments of sacred architecture. Its tower houses an exhibition space and a viewing platform overlooking Valmiera. The building thus brings together religious architecture and a view across the city. The observation tower on Zilākalns was officially opened in 2024.

The Valmiera Museum of Regional History and Art is located in a complex of eight buildings within the ruins of the Livonian Order Castle. The museum offers guided tours, lectures and various educational programmes. The site thus combines a historic architectural complex with different ways to learn about the region.

Individual buildings also tell the story of Valmiera’s architectural history: the Old Pharmacy on Bruņinieku Street is the city’s oldest wooden building and Latvia’s second-oldest pharmacy. A visit to Valmiermuiža Craft Brewery offers another way to discover local production. There, you can learn how naturally made beer is produced and taste it in the style of the manor lords. The range of experiences extends from medieval architecture and museum history to a tasting connected with the brewing tradition.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Valmiera, Naukšēnu Novads, Līgatnes Novads, Dundagas Novads, Baltinavas Novads, Madonas Novads, Aizputes Novads, Viesīte.

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