Cēsis has a history of more than 800 years and is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Baltics. But Cēsis offers so much more! Find out what to experience and how to enjoy Cēsis and its surroundings.
Cēsis Castle Complex
Cēsis Medieval Castle is located in the heart of the city, next to Livonian castle ruins and several parks. By entering the castle, one becomes a medieval knight or lady and can hone one’s skills in archery or in forging jewellery.
Enjoy restaurants and cafes in Cēsis
"Villa Santa" restaurant will be a real gastronomic and aesthetic pleasure, after which you can stay in one of the villa’s exclusive rooms. The "Jāņoga" cafe never ceases to surprise with new vegetarian and vegan dishes. And "H.E. Vanadziņš.Ziemeļu restorāns" will delight with its architecture and northern-inspired meals. Cēsis is the right place to pamper yourself after a concert or a longer walk in nature.
Cīrulīši Nature Trails
Discover the ancient beauty of the Gauja, sandstone cliffs, bottomless caves, and sacred springs on the Cīrulīši nature trails. The trails are also suitable for Nordic walking and cycling. The trailheads can be found in the Žagarkalns camping ground.
Āraiši Archaeological Park
In the Āraiši Archaeological Park near Cēsis, you will find a reconstructed wooden lake castle which was inhabited by ancient Latgalians more than 1,000 years ago. In the vicinity of Āraiši, we also recommend visiting the Āraiši mill, where you can try your hand at grinding grain.
Medieval castle craftsmen’s workshops
Every day from May to October, guests of Cēsis Castle can not only visit the mighty castle ruins and see the medieval kitchen garden, but also meet experts in centuries-old crafts. The masters demonstrate their skills in workshops, processing stone, metal, and clay, obtaining paints, weaving ropes, performing printing with early techniques, etc. After your visit to the workshops, the castle gardener will tell you what can be found in the medieval kitchen garden: in which grow the same vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants as in the Livonian gardens 500 years ago.
Experience summer romance in Ungurmuiža
Just 10 kilometres from Cēsis is Ungurmuiža - the only wooden manor in Latvia that has survived to the present day. Here you can enjoy romantic walks and listen to al fresco summer concerts.
Attend a classical music concert
Cēsis has received the prestigious EDEN European Cultural Destination Award; the Cēsis Vidzeme Concert Hall is a perfect place to enjoy a concert. After the concert, you can enjoy a walk around the old town and taste the gastronomic offerings of Cēsis.
Boat trip from Cēsis to Sigulda
Take an unforgettable ride along the Gauja, a trip which is especially popular among boaters. In one day you will be able to reach Līgatne Ferry, and in two days, Sigulda’s beach.
