Cīrulīši nature trails

The Cīrulīši nature trails at Cēsis reveal the history of the Gauja River and its surrounding nature. What are the origins of the river? What kind of plants used to grow here? Who were the first inhabitants? Satisfy your curiosity on a leisurely stroll through this fabled place admired by people from all around the world.

The Gauja River with its swift and changing flow reflects the characteristics of the local people — spite, strength and raw beauty. The river is mentioned in countless folk songs and tales. The word has it that the Devil himself detested the river, yet its unyielding nature allowed it overcome the obstacles set by the Devil and eventually reach the sea.

The Cīrulīši Nature trails along the Gauja River captivate with their unusual relief and the diversity of nature. Here you can see many interesting nature objects.

Cīrulīšu Cave seems to lead to the very pit of the earth. Whereas Līgavas (Bride’s) Cave, or Sarkanā (Red) Cave, witnessed true love when a young man hid his bride in this very cave during the Livonian War.

An interesting natural formation is the Gauja oxbow lake which is a meander of the river that has been cut off from the main stream over the years. Spoguļu (Mirror) Cliffs, or Cīrulīšu Cliffs, which beautifully reflect in the water of the oxbow lake, are a truly magnificent sight.

Right next to Spoguļu Cliffs you can taste the water of Dzidravots Spring, which oozes out right from the cliffs and has been renowned for hundreds of years for being exceptionally clear (water is not for drinking).

On your walk you will see various tree species in different types of forests and an astounding natural phenomenon — a spruce and a pine intertwined into a single tree! You will also see the fascinating homes of beavers and ants along the way. Here you will walk in step with pure and untouched nature!

The Gaujaslīči Section of the Cīrulīši Nature Trails, winding through the small streets and paths along the River Gauja, will allow you to get acquainted with the natural heritage, habitats, plant species included in the Red Book of Latvia (endangered species), wooden architecture and cultural landscape.

Enjoy the splendour of all four seasons on the banks of the River Gauja!

The route maps:

Cīrulīši Nature Trails HERE

The Gaujaslīči Section of the Cīrulīši Nature Trails HERE

Free of charge

Facts

• Cīrulīši nature trails are 3.5 km, 6,2 and 2.7 km long well-maintained walking routes in the Gauja National Park
• The trails are marked and the route features signs informing about the origin of the nature objects and their place in Latvian traditions and culture
• Here you will also see the remnants of the oldest luge track
• Cīrulīšu Cave formed 13,000 years ago when it was carved in the sandstone by the melting glacier waters seeking to break out from underneath the ice of the ancient river valley. The cave is 6 m deep and 7 m long
• Līgavas Cave has an egg-shaped mouth, and it is 3.1 m wide and 2.7 m high
• Spoguļu Cliffs (Cīrulīšu Cliffs) are 140 m long and up to 10 m high
• Zvanu (Bells's) cliffs is a stretch of almost 100 m long tiered sandstone outcrop. At the foot of the rocks are the remains and springs of the river Gauja.

For your convenience

• Free parking
• Picnic spots available at campsites (at the beginning of the trail or in the middle of the longest trail)
• Restroom

Other nearby attractions

• Ērgļu Cliffs
• Sarkanās Cliffs and Rūcamavots Spring
• Zvārtes Rock and its vicinity
• Medieval Cēsis Castle
• Āraiši Archaeological Museum Park
• Cēsis New Castle
• Cēsis Old Town

Other information

• The beginning of trails at campsite "Žagarkalns"
• Travelling by bicycle, take the section from campsite "Žagarkalns" to the leisure complex Rakši