© Unsplash
Sigulda Medieval Castle
Siguldas viduslaiku pils
Latvia · Vidzeme, Gauja National Park · Near Riga
Built 1207 · Livonian Gothic
Quick Facts
- Hours
- Park grounds freely accessible at all times. Museum and tower have seasonal hours.
- Tickets from
- €3
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Best time
- May to October
- Nearest city
- Riga
Highlights
- ✦Latvia's oldest Livonian Order castle (1207)
- ✦Picturesque ruins with intact gate tower and curtain wall
- ✦Directly beside the 19th-century Sigulda New Castle (now a conference centre)
- ✦Gateway to the Gauja National Park valley excursions
- ✦Views across the Gauja gorge towards Krimulda and Turaida
Skip the queue with a guided tour
Skip-the-line tickets & expert guides
Sigulda Medieval Castle is the oldest Livonian Order castle in Latvia, founded in 1207 as the first permanent stronghold of the crusading Order of the Brethren of the Sword. Standing at the edge of the Gauja river gorge, the ruins preserve a striking gate tower, sections of curtain wall, and the foundations of the great hall, now framed by mature trees within a public park. Adjacent to the ruins stands the 19th-century Sigulda New Castle, a neo-Gothic manor built by Prince Kropotkin that today serves as the municipal government building and a wedding venue. Together with Turaida and Krimulda castles across the gorge, Sigulda's medieval ruins form the centrepiece of the Gauja National Park heritage trail — Latvia's most popular outdoor excursion.
History
Founded in 1207 by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword as their first castle in Latvia, Sigulda served as a key base for the Order's campaigns into Latvian and Estonian territory. It was expanded across the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was damaged during the Livonian Wars and later abandoned, falling into ruin. The adjacent New Castle was built in 1878 for Prince Dmitry Kropotkin. The ruins were preserved as a heritage site and park in the 20th century.
How to Visit
Sigulda is 50 km from Riga, with trains running hourly (1 hour). The castle ruins are a 15-minute walk from Sigulda train station. A cable car crosses the Gauja gorge to Krimulda on the opposite bank. The town is also well known for its bobsled track, bungee jumping, and winter sports — making it a year-round outdoor destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sigulda was built by the Livonian Order (military crusaders) while Turaida was built by the Archbishop of Riga. Sigulda is largely ruined; Turaida has a restored tower and a full museum reserve.
Location
Pils iela 18, Sigulda, LV-2150, Latvia
Nearby Castles
Tours & Tickets
Powered by GetYourGuide
Entry from
€3/ adult