AN ARISTOCRATIC VACATION IN THE PALACES OF LATVIA

Every local Latvian has their own story of Gauja National Park. Either it was where they went on a date with their first love, or where they took their first trip after getting their driver’s license, or it’s a family tradition to celebrate the beginning of autumn on the park’s trails. Filled with unique nature and a diversity of flora and fauna, as well as more than 500 cultural and historical monuments, Gauja National Park serves as a marvellous vacation and recreational holiday spot for locals as well as visitors to Latvia.

Gauja National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the Baltics – this year it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Formed more than 350 million years ago, the area evolved into its current shape through the action of glacial meltwater at the end of the Ice Age. The park encompasses the magical Gauja River, which, at 452 kilometres, is the longest river in Latvia. While back in the 13th century and Livonian times the Gauja River and its valley served as key infrastructure for trade and travel, it is now protected to preserve biological diversity, allowing visitors to experience untouched nature.

After exploring the vivid forests and the valley,it’s time to enjoy the vast offering of the park’s manors – never has it been so easy to teleport back to previous centuries and channel your inner duke or duchess! Horse riding, mouth-watering food, wine-tasting sessions, relaxing walks through castle gardens, luxurious massages, and cultural exhibitions are only part of the unforgettable experiences and recreational opportunities at the castles, palaces, and manors of Gauja National Park. Each site has its own unique offering that lets visitors thoroughly relax and discover Latvia from a different perspective. The Neo-Gothic Bīriņi Castle is famous for its Renaissance artefacts and is a gem for those delighted by historical stories, legends, and artistic surroundings. Boat rides on the nearby lakes, horseback rides in the park and an exquisite dining experience at the castle’s restaurant are musts when diving into the majestic history here. To fully awaken your creativity, pay a visit to the park library and participate in a painting workshop! 

Meanwhile, Krimulda Manor overlooks the breathtaking Gauja River valley and is located close to the only cable car connecting both banks of the Gauja. It’s an exceptional destination for wine lovers and those seeking tranquillity, as the Neoclassical-style manor offers wine tastings and health and rejuvenation treatments to remember even long after your visit.

But for the most aristocratic experience, look no further than Mālpils Manor. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular wedding destinations in Latvia. The large collections of art, antique bicycles for rent, and hot air balloon flights, as well as the unique flavour experiences at the manor’s restaurant, are only a few of the reasons to visit Mālpils Manor.

The variety of castles and manors does not end there. This summer, Gauja National Park invites you to listen in noble silence, travel back through the centuries, and discover the aristocratic beauty of all the manors in the region, including those that usually remain hidden from the standard tourist routes. Each has its own charm and magical atmosphere you will not be able to find elsewhere. 

entergauja.com

Article created by and published in Baltic Outlook. Find out more here:https://www.airbaltic.com/lv/baltic-outlook