How long is the hiking part of the tour?

The tour includes several hours of moderate hiking spread throughout the day, suitable for participants in reasonable physical condition.

Are meals included in the tour price?

Meals are not included but there are options to stop for lunch at local spots for an additional cost.

Is transportation provided for the entire day?

Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off in a comfortable vehicle from any location in Riga.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides speak multiple languages, including English, ensuring clear communication throughout the experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children can participate, but the vehicle may require advance notice for baby seats as availability is limited.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

No, entrance fees to Turaida Castle and the Soviet bunker are paid separately on-site.

Day Tour to Gauja National Park with Velobalt

Just an hour’s drive from Riga lies Gauja National Park, Latvia’s largest protected area and a playground for hikers, history buffs, and curious minds alike. Velobalt’s private day tour offers an intimate, eight-hour journey through its dense mixed forests, sandstone cliffs, and winding river valleys, giving travelers a focused experience away from the usual crowds. This tour blends active hiking, cultural exploration, and Cold War intrigue into a single itinerary that perfectly captures the region’s diversity.

Participants begin in Riga, picked up in a premium air-conditioned vehicle driven by a knowledgeable guide fluent in multiple languages. The first stop is the iconic Turaida Castle, a 13th-century stone fortress perched above the Gauja River. Visitors can step up to its ramparts and survey the forested landscape that stretches beyond the valley, an inviting backdrop for photos or a quiet moment immersed in Baltic medieval history.

The hiking portion weaves through Gauja National Park’s varied terrain—rich coniferous and deciduous forests, exposed sandstone outcrops, and quiet streams. The park’s unique geology features Devonian sandstone formations that frame trails along the Gauja River, home to diverse bird species and elusive mammals. This part of the tour balances moderate effort with rewarding views, suitable for most fit adventurers.

The final highlight is a visit to the Ligatne secret Soviet nuclear bunker, a rare glimpse into Cold War-era underground infrastructure rarely open to the public. Exploring its labyrinthine corridors offers a stark contrast to the natural beauty witnessed earlier, and a direct connection to Latvia’s complex 20th-century history.

Velobalt’s private day tour stands out by combining accessible outdoor activity, rich history, and personalized service in a region often overlooked beyond Riga’s border. For travelers seeking something off the beaten path that pairs nature with layered storytelling, this experience delivers.