2026 Cesis Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

At 12:45 PM on June 20, 2026, the 'World Puzzle: Poland, Belarus, and the Three Baltic States' team, led by Wang Chao, the team leader from CITS, successfully arrived in Tallinn, the capital, from Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city, after a drive of over three hours. Under the guidance of local tour guide Ms. Wang, who is from Chongqing and has lived here for many years, we entered Tallinn Old Town for sightseeing. This was also my second visit here, 8 years after my last trip on September 22, 2018. As a medieval Hanseatic city listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1997 and the best-preserved in Europe, Tallinn is never a cold museum of ancient relics. Within its over 700-year-old city walls, residents still live, and the aroma of bread wafts through the air. Walking through the uneven cobblestone streets and alleys, every step feels like treading through the real, vibrant medieval life. The Old Town is naturally divided into Toompea Hill (Upper Town) and the Lower Town at its base. The optimal sightseeing route is to first ascend to the high ground, then stroll through the streets and alleys. Many ancient European cities are left with only their tourist shells, with all residents having moved out, but Tallinn is different. In the alleys, you can encounter elderly people carrying cloth bags for groceries, children running home from school, and daisies blooming on windowsills. Historical buildings still serve as vibrant carriers of life.

At 5:40 PM on June 19, 2026, the world puzzle team "Poland and Belarus plus the Three Baltic States," led by Ctrip tour leader Wang Chao, after more than eight hours of travel throughout the day, finally arrived at Tartu, the second-largest city in Estonia, where the team would stay. After dropping off their luggage, everyone went out together to explore the city. The old town center, with its pink vintage Town Hall as the focal point, features the Tartu landmark—the Kissing Students Fountain—right in the middle of the square. The bronze sculpture of a young couple embracing is a popular spot for couples throughout the city. In front of the century-old Nordic university, the University of Tartu, a few female students were taking graduation photos, so a bright smile was captured along with them. Tartu lacks the heavy medieval epic feel of Tallinn but has a unique gentle scholarly charm. The four-century-old university has cultivated a relaxed and inclusive city temperament. Rivers, stone bridges, graffiti-covered wooden houses, and carefree students create a slow romance unique to southern Estonia. There’s no need to rush; just walking slowly along the riverbank allows you to understand the quiet and moving soul of this small city.

At 12:00 on June 19, 2026, the world puzzle team "Poland and Belarus plus the Three Baltic States," led by Ctrip tour leader Wang Chao and local guide Luo Jiamei, continued sightseeing at Turaida Castle in Gauja National Park, Latvia. Known as the "Little Switzerland of Latvia," Sigulda, with its layered pine forests in Gauja National Park, hides a millennium-old tribal epic and a tragic love legend passed down for four hundred years. Turaida means "Thor's Garden" in the ancient Livonian language. The castle's core is the towering main tower, with narrow steep stone stairs spiraling upward; reaching the top is the most worthwhile experience of this trip. The unobstructed viewing platform on all sides offers a panoramic view of the Gauja Valley.

At 10 a.m. on June 19, 2026, the world puzzle team "Poland and Belarus plus the Three Baltic States," led by Ctrip tour leader Wang Chao and local guide Luo Jiamei, first visited Gauja National Park in Latvia. As Latvia's first national park, Gauja Park protects the intact Gauja River Valley ecosystem and preserves the millennium-old cultural heritage of the Livonia region. The entire valley is wrapped in primeval forest, with the river flowing through the valley, sandstone cliffs standing by the water, and ancient castles built on the hills. The natural landscape and cultural relics coexist perfectly, with every step revealing the gentle sediment of time. Here, the team visited Sigulda Castle, Gutman’s Cave, and Turaida Castle. Sigulda Castle and Turaida Castle face each other across the river, guarding the entire valley. Compared to the retro and tranquil Turaida Castle, Sigulda Castle has a more robust military fortress character, with ancient walls and watchtowers that witnessed the conflicts and wars of the medieval Livonian Order knights. Walking along the cliff trail around the castle, visitors can closely observe the uniquely shaped sandstone cliffs formed by weathering, see the river water eroding the cliffs day and night, and find millions of years of geological changes hidden in the rock patterns.

We had a savory experience in Latvia, topped by our visit to Sigulda and Gauja National Park. The day began with a 2 ish hour journey on the steady passenger train. Exiting the train, we took photos in the town square and consulted our map to plan out our activities more seamlessly (unsuccessfully). We first walked about 20 minutes across town to try the Minotaur's Labyrinth- a fun and unassuming activity where we had the whole maze to ourselves. This was a fun start, which was followed by a walk back to the town center to eat lunch and attempt to rent bicycles (we later walked and rented from Okej- not conveniently located, but offered a very good deal for an hourly rental). Seated on bicycles, we petaled down a scenic road and massive hill to the Gauja National Park (river valley). Here we explored the mountain bike paths to see a few caves and historic sites. Our grueling ride/ walk back up the hill was quite the workout (and trust us to attempt a shortcut according to Google maps😜). After half pushing, half carrying our bikes up an incredibly steep path on the hill overlooking the river valley, we crested and continued our ride to return our bikes. We hurried our 30 minute walk to return to the train station, only to see our final train slowly pulling away from the station- a matter of mere minutes! We placated ourselves with snacks from the train station convenience store and waited for a bus to return us to Riga. All in all a great trip, but we have notes for our next visit which should improve the experience and possibilities for next time!

🇱🇻 Latvia Latvia is a charming Baltic country where medieval history meets untouched nature. It’s known for its beautiful old towns, forests, lakes, and calm seaside vibe. Top highlights: Riga Old Town 🏰 – UNESCO-listed, famous for cobblestone streets and stunning Art Nouveau buildings Jūrmala 🌊 – A peaceful beach town with white sand and wooden villas Gauja National Park 🌲 – Castles, caves, rivers, and hiking trails Cēsis Castle ⚔️ – One of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Baltics Why visit? Affordable travel, fewer crowds, rich culture, and beautiful seasonal landscapes — especially magical in autumn and winter ❄️🍂 Perfect for travelers who love history, nature, and quiet European charm.

#europetrip Gauja National Park isn't just for nature lovers; it's a surprising hub for adrenaline sports! We took the iconic Sigulda Cable Car across the valley, which offers breathtaking aerial views of the forest canopy, the river, and the castle ruins. From the cable car, you can even spot the Bobsleigh and Luge Track, which is open for public rides (a slightly terrifying but exhilarating experience!) in both summer and winter. For true thrill-seekers, bungee jumping or riding the Zērglis Zipline across the river is available. The combination of easy access to stunning nature plus these unexpected, high-octane activities makes Sigulda a unique destination. A fun and unexpected dose of adventure on an otherwise nature-focused #europetrip.

#europetrip There is no better way to appreciate the immense scale of the Gauja River valley than by paddling on the water itself. We rented a canoe for a half-day trip and floated past towering forested cliffs, secluded beaches, and the occasional wildlife sighting. The river currents are generally gentle, making it accessible even for beginners, and it provides a completely different, peaceful perspective of the park's sandstone formations, like the Erglu Cliffs. It’s incredibly calming to drift along, surrounded by the silence of the Latvian forest. Many local companies offer rental and shuttle services, making the logistics easy. This activity provided a fantastic break from walking and city sightseeing. A wonderful, relaxing adventure activity for your summer #europetrip.

#europetrip For a slightly different focus, exploring the Līgatne area of the park is rewarding. The Līgatne Nature Trails offer a chance to view native Latvian wildlife like wild boars, moose, and deer in large, natural enclosures—a great, family-friendly activity. More fascinating, though, is the nearby Secret Soviet Bunker located deep beneath the Līgatne Rehabilitation Centre. This fully preserved Cold War relic, complete with its original equipment, is a sobering and intriguing step back into the recent history of the Baltics. This dual offering—natural wildlife viewing combined with a unique, atmospheric historical site—makes Līgatne a unique stop within the park. A great option for travelers seeking both nature and Cold War history on their #europetrip.

#europetrip Visiting Gauja National Park during the 'Golden Season' of autumn (late September/early October) is a visually stunning experience. The deciduous forests along the slopes of the valley explode into a breathtaking palette of red, orange, and gold, providing an incredible contrast to the dark green pine trees. The best views for photography are definitely from the Turaida Castle Tower and the Ķeizarskats (Emperor's Seat) viewpoint. The cooler, crisp air is perfect for long hikes, and the early morning mist rising from the Gauja River adds a magical, ethereal quality. If you want to capture spectacular European fall foliage, this park should be high on your #europetrip list. A perfect destination for breathtaking autumn landscape photography.

#europetrip The hiking trails along the Gauja River valley are the true heart of this national park. The highlight is undoubtedly the towering, sculpted sandstone cliffs—unique geological formations that create dramatic river bends and ravines. We hiked a challenging 15km loop from Sigulda, passing several key sites. The sheer lushness of the forest is striking; you could easily mistake it for a wilder, more remote region. The most famous cave, Gūtmaņala (Gutmanis Cave), the largest in the Baltics, is steeped in ancient legends and features historic wall inscriptions. While some of the trails can be a little poorly marked in remote sections, the sheer beauty of the river-carved landscape makes navigation worth the effort. Highly recommended for a refreshing and quiet nature walk on your #europetrip.

#europetrip Gauja National Park offers a rare mix of pristine nature and deep cultural history. The town of Sigulda serves as a perfect hub, often called the gateway to the park. The sheer concentration of medieval castles here is incredible. We spent a day exploring the majestic Turaida Museum Reserve, with its iconic red-brick fortress offering panoramic views over the winding Gauja River valley—an absolute must-see viewpoint! The nearby Sigulda Medieval Castle Ruins and the neighboring New Castle add layers to the region’s history, showcasing its importance to the Livonian Order. It's fantastic how easily you can transition from exploring ancient stone walls to hiking deep forest trails. A perfect blend of European medieval history and natural beauty for your #europetrip.

#falladventures If your looking for a stunning sky photos. you should visit Latvia during Summer and Autumn. The colourful display will leave you in and I bet you're friends will drool over every picture you'll show. This is place of nature, serenity and peace. Latvian rivers offer great relaxation opportunitiesm if you like to hike or kayak or just spend a night in a tent - look no further. If you’re looking for stunning sky photos, visit Latvia in summer or autumn. The colors are unreal, and I guarantee your friends will be jealous of every shot you take. It’s a place of nature, serenity, and quiet beauty. Latvia’s rivers are perfect for relaxing—whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, or simply spending a night in a tent, you won’t find a better escape.

Built in 1852, the raii Windmill (Fig. 1) is the so-called Dutch-style mill. Initially, in the 14th century, such a mill was built on the existing territory of Latvia, close to the castle and the manor. With the help of a special mechanical device, the top of the mill can be turned to the wind. People use windmills to grind flour to make brown bread and feed, and they can also shell the grain. Located in the Vienkou park, the Lgatne Woodcraft Museum (Fig. 2) is a traditional workshop for making spoons. It is possible to polish the original wood into a spoon in a short time, which is very good as a unique experience. Cisis St. John's Church (Fig. 3), built in 1284, is one of the oldest medieval monuments in Latvia. The church's organ and bells are often echoed in the streets. The ancient city of Cesis (Fig. 4) was built in 1206 and is dotted with a quiet courtyard with a unique red tiled roof. The narrow, cobbled medieval style trails are still in the city, painted in ancient times. Folk houses are scattered in every corner. Although the city of Cesis is not big, there are quite a few interesting shops. A local woman opened a shop called Skola 6 specializing in carrot-related foods, 100% green organic freshly squeezed carrot juice (Figure 5), the taste is very good, a large bottle is only 3 euros. She reprocessed the residue left in the juice and made a dim sum of different flavors. The beer here is also very famous, and the oldest beer in Latvia comes from Cesis. The brewery called Trimpus can taste black tea beer, alcohol-free sweet beer and other unique brewed beer. Xiao Ge (Figure 6) is happy to share, humorous, often go to Hong Kong, went to China three times, and even has a lot of memories in Tibet. Cesis Maize, next to St. John's Church, is a workshop that specializes in local handmade bread. The owner uses local ingredients to create six different flavors of bread. In addition, his home solid wood cutting board is very characteristic, the price is only half of Riga. (Fig. 7) Araisi Archaeological Park has two major attractions, one is the castle ruins left by German rule, and the other is the wooden buildings from the 9th-10th centuries (Figure 8 ). The Cesis Medieval Castle (Fig. 9) dates back to the early 13th century and is the best preserved castle in Latvia and the most magnificent castle relic in the Baltic States. It witnessed the history of the Livonian Knights fighting the Tsarist Russia, Poland and the Swedish army. After being attacked by the Ivan the Terrible army of Tsarist Russia in 1577, all the people in the castle lit the explosives and committed suicide, leaving a story of ecstasy.