Venture off the beaten track in Valmiera, a lively town set on the Gauja River. Tour one of the country’s most popular craft breweries and explore the ruins of a 13th-century castle. The town is a gateway to Gauja National Park, where you can discover dramatic landscapes and visit a Cold War bunker.
Things to do in Valmiera
Get up to speed on local history at Valmieras Muzejs, an engaging museum on the banks of the Gauja River. The museum is housed in a series of beautifully restored historic buildings set on landscaped grounds. Learn about medicinal plants in the herbal garden and explore the ruins of a medieval castle.
Go behind the scenes of a popular Latvian brewery at Valmiermuiža. Guided tours teach you how the famous craft beer is made and where brewmasters get inspiration for seasonal flavours. Finish with lunch and drinks in the on-site restaurant.
Hike through cathedral-like forests and explore ancient caves in Gauja National Park. Get your pulse racing with adventure activities like river rafting, kayaking and even bungy jumping. Historical monuments pepper the park, including a Soviet-era bunker built in the Cold War. Descend into the bunker and run your hands over the five-metre-thick concrete walls.
Speed down a bobsled track and hit speeds of more than 110 kilometres per hour in Sigulda. The town is home to the legendary Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track, a training facility for professional athletes. The one-kilometre-long track takes less than a minute to complete and features hair-raising twists and turns.
Getting around Valmiera
Valmiera is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Vidzeme region, a 1.5-hour drive from Riga. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Valmiera and explore the region at your own pace. Riga International Airport is a two-hour drive away.