Holiday apartment in Valmiera: discover the Gauja, nature and culture

Valmiera is especially captivating where the city and river meet. The 12-kilometre “Starp četriem Valmieras tiltiem” walking trail follows the banks of the Gauja and offers a different perspective on Valmiera. The Gauja divides the city into two parts, one of which is called Pārgauja. From the banks of the Gauja in Valmiera, the city’s walking trails can be reached in about five minutes.

Hiking

Outside the city area, trails also connect with distinctive landscapes. At Sietiņezis, there is a developed circular trail that takes approximately 45 minutes to explore. Sietiņezis offers views of the Gauja Valley; the surrounding area features small caves, niches, erosion gullies and pine forests. Sietiņezis is approximately 15 metres high and 400 metres long and is described as the largest white sandstone outcrop in the Baltics.

In Skaņākalna Nature Park, an approximately three-kilometre trail follows the Salaca Valley in one direction. The trail passes sandstone cliffs, caves, springs and pine forests. Another route is the Zilākalna Veselības taka, a 3.5-kilometre circular trail through nature. The observation tower on Zilākalns was ceremonially opened in 2024.

The Neļķu Cliffs stretch for approximately 300 metres along the right bank of the Salaca and reach a height of 20 metres. Gauja National Park protects the Gauja Valley along the river between Valmiera and Murjani.

Culture

In Valmiera, sacred architecture, urban history and educational offerings are closely interconnected. St Simon’s Church is one of the most significant medieval monuments of sacred architecture in Latvia. Its tower houses an exhibition room and an observation platform with views over Valmiera.

The Valmiera Museum of Regional History and Art is located in an ensemble of eight buildings within the ruins of the Livonian Order’s castle. The Valmiera Museum offers guided tours, lectures and various educational programmes. The Old Pharmacy is also located on Bruņinieku Street. It is the oldest wooden building in the city of Valmiera and the second-oldest pharmacy in Latvia.

Water and special experiences

The Gauja is seasonally navigable from Valmiera to its mouth at the sea for approximately 85 kilometres; the journey is stated to take three days. In summer, guided trips on the “Gaujas tramvajs” depart from the boat pier in Valmiera.

Sajūtu Park features a barefoot trail more than two kilometres long and a 200-square-metre net maze. Four crossings of the Gauja are also described in the park. A 25-kilometre canoeing route on the Gauja is suitable for beginners and experienced canoeists as well as families with children.

Timemachine offers an unusual combination of history and play: along the Gauja at Krāču kakts in the Valmiera area, visitors seek out 24 locations described in a story, where virtual dinosaurs are hidden. During a visit to Valmiermuiža Craft Brewery, you can learn how beer made from natural ingredients is produced and taste it in the style of the manor lords.

More destinations

More destinations: Valmiera, Rucavas Novads, Engures Novads, Salacgrīvas Novads, Gulbenes Novads, Ādažu Novads, Līgatnes Novads, Skrundas Novads.

To the higher-level travel overview: Latvia.