Latvia is full of medieval castles, forest-surrounded fortresses, elegant manors, and one spectacular baroque palace that rivals the great estates of Europe.
The best part? Many of the country’s most impressive historic sites sit less than an hour or two from Riga, making them ideal for day trips.
Also read: Best Things To Do In Riga (+ 3-Day Itinerary Ideas)
Map of Latvia’s Best Castles
To help plan your trip, I’ve pinned all castles, palaces, and viewpoints mentioned in this guide on the map below.
The 4 Most Incredible Castles in Latvia
1. Cēsis Castle | Latvia’s Most Atmospheric Medieval Ruins
Cēsis Castle is one of the most evocative medieval sites in Northern Europe. Built in the 13th century by the Livonian Order, the castle sits inside a peaceful park surrounded by ponds, viewpoints, and forest paths.
What to Expect at Cēsis Castle
Upon entering you’ll receive a small candle lantern, which adds a nice touch as you climb through dim stone staircases and explore the watchtowers.
From the upper levels, you’ll enjoy views across the park and the adjacent New Castle, a 19th-century manor that now houses a local museum.
Inside the museum, you’ll find exhibitions on medieval warfare, local archaeology, and the Livonian Order’s complex history.
Why Visit Cēsis Castle, Latvia
This is probably the most atmospheric medieval castle ruins in all of Latvia. And its setting in a stunning park really adds to that. On top of that you’ll find that the town of Cēsis is pretty and calm.
I really enjoyed wandering the streets of Cēsis for a bit as well as trying out a couple of beers on the terrace of Trimpus Craft Brewery‘s taproom.
Getting There
- By car | By far the easiest option is to rent a car, especially if combining with Sigulda. On DiscoverCars.com you can find the best car rental deals.
- By train | There are direct trains from Riga to Cēsis that take around 1.5–2 hours. These trains pass Sigulda on the way and can be reserved on vivi.lv (or buy your ticket at the station). Walk into town from the station or hop on an e-scooter.
- By bus | If train times are inconvenient you can also hop on one of the frequent buses to Cēsis which you can book on omio.com.
- By tour | Tours are a hassle free way to combine your trip with Sigulda and Gauja National Park. Take a look at this highly rated tour.
2. Sigulda Castle & Turaida Castle | Latvia History Surrounded by Nature
The Sigulda–Turaida area is one of Latvia’s most popular day trip destinations from Riga. Here, castle ruins, forest viewpoints, and river valleys form a beautiful mix of nature and history.
What I love about Sigulda is that you can spend quite a couple hours here as you roam between the different sights. You can start at the Sigulda Castle Complex, then take the cable car across the river to Krimulda Manor and then walk through the forest to Turaida Castle.
Sigulda Castle (Old & New Castles)
The ruins of Old Sigulda Castle date back to the early 13th century and overlook the Gauja River valley. Right next door sits the New Castle, a neo-Gothic manor from the 19th century with decorative battlements and gardens.
It’s easy to explore both in under an hour, so that makes them a great first stop of the day.
Take the cable car to Krimulda Manor
When you’re all done at Sigulda Castle your next stop is the Sigulda Adventures cable car. It’s just a very short walk from the castle but un unmissable attraction. The cable car takes you over the Gauja River overlooking the national park.
Once across you’ve made it to Krimulda Manor, a 19th-century estate overlooking the valley. While not a castle, it’s a lovely stop if you’re exploring the area on foot. The surrounding trails offer some of the best views in Gauja National Park.
Turaida Castle & Museum Reserve
Your next stop is Turaida Castle which you can either reach by taking the cable car back to Sigulda Castle and driving there. Or, by following the scenic forest trails that lead there from Krimulda Manor.
Turaida Castle is one of Latvia’s most iconic buildings, a red-brick tower rising above the treetops. Make sure to climb to the top of the tower for some truly magnificent views of Gauja National Park.
The castle forms part of the vast Turaida Museum Reserve, which includes medieval fortifications, sculptures and wooden farm buildings, scenic forest trails and several viewpoints over the Gauja River.
It’s easy to spend several hours here, especially in summer or autumn.
Why Visit Latvia’s Sigulda Castle–Turaida Area
If you’re looking for a single destination in Latvia where you can visit multiple sites, then a trip to the castles of Sigulda and Turaida is your best choice.
Not only is Sigulda quite close to Riga, but you’ll also find a perfect mix of nature and medieval history here. On top of that, Sigulda is a beautiful destination in any season.
Getting There
- By train | Riga → Sigulda takes approx. 1 hour). From the station you can take a local bus or a taxi to Sigulda Castle.
- By car | Best for combining Sigulda, Turaida, and Krimulda (also with Cēsis). Just park at Sigulda Castle and then take a local bus or taxi back there from Turaida.
- By tour | There are quite a few organised tours available from Riga. This tour is probably the most convenient one, and also offers good rates for solo travellers.
3. Rundāle Palace | Latvia’s Versailles
Rundāle Palace is Latvia’s most spectacular architectural treasure. Although not a castle, it belongs on every list of historic day trips thanks to its grandeur and importance.
The palace was first finished in 1768, but was left badly damaged after various wars. It wasn’t until 1972 when restoration on the palace began. However, it took until 2015 before work was finally finished.
Designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, also known as the architect behind the Winter Palace in St Petersburg, Rundāle is a masterpiece of baroque and rococo design.
What to Expect at Rundāle Palace
Inside the palace, you’ll wander through restored apartments, ceremonial halls, and decorative salons. Highlights include the Golden Hall, the White Hall, and the Duke’s private chambers.
Outside, the French-inspired gardens are beautifully landscaped, especially in summer when everything, including the rose garden is in full bloom.
Why Visit Rundāle Palace
Rundāle Palace is Latvia’s most impressive historical building and is on UNESCO’s Tentative List, pending future inscription. A visit here is the perfect half-day trip from Riga.
Also if you’re heading south to Vilnius after your visit to Riga, then Rundāle is a stop you should not miss.
Getting There
- By car | It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes from Riga to reach Rundāle. Along the way you’ll also pass Bauska castle, making it an easy combination.
- By tour | Easy option if you’re short on time, or don’t want to drive yourself. This fantastic tour combines Rundāle with Bauska Castle and even with the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania.
- By bus | Possible, but it will take at least 2 hours to reach Rundāle.
4. Bauska Castle | Latvia’s Riverside Fortress With Two Characters
Just a ten-minute drive from Rundāle Palace, Bauska Castle sits on a peninsula where two rivers meet. The site is unusual because it’s actually two castles joined together, a medieval fortress in ruins and a later 16th-century ducal residence that’s still being restored.
What to Expect at Bauska Castle
You’ll enter through the restored residence, where the quality of the renovation work really stands out. The wooden interior facing the old ruins is especially impressive, with staircases and beams that give the whole wing a warm, historic feel.
Exploring the building can feel a little like navigating a maze, in a fun way though, as staircases lead up and down through narrow corridors. And occasionally also outside onto small balconies with great views of the ruined fortress below.
Before heading inside, take a moment to enjoy the riverside setting. Because Bauska Castle sits at the confluence of the Musa and Memele rivers, the best photos are actually taken before you reach the entrance.
Insider tip: Walk to one of the nearby bridges for a beautiful view of the castle perched above the water.
Why Visit Bauska Castle
Bauska Castle is a smaller site, but when combined with Rundāle Palace, it forms a perfect full-day loop. The views from the towers and balconies are excellent, and the riverside location makes it one of the most scenic castles in Latvia.
A visit to Bauska Castle also works well as a final stop if you’re travelling from Riga to Vilnius or vice versa.
Getting There
You’ll pass Bauska Castle on the way to Rundāle Palace, so you can follow all the options listed there to reach the castle.
Suggested Latvia Castle Day Trip Routes
Now that you know all about Latvia’s best castles to visit from Riga, let’s take a look at how to group these sites into convenient day trips from Riga.
Option 1: Cēsis + Sigulda + Turaida (Nature & Medieval Ruins)
- Route | Riga → Cēsis → Sigulda → Turaida → Riga
- Why | A full day of forests, viewpoints, ruins, and history.
- Best for | Travellers who enjoy active sightseeing.
- Transport | Renting a car is recommended, although if you start very early it is doable by train. Of course you can also join this tour.
Option 2: Rundāle Palace + Bauska Castle (Architecture & Culture)
- Route | Riga → (Hill of Crosses) → Rundāle → Bauska → Riga
- Why | Latvia’s most impressive palace combined with a scenic fortress. You could optionally include Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses.
- Best for | Lovers of architecture and grand palaces.
- Transport: Public transportation is possible, but just very inconvenient. Renting a car or joining this organised tour are your best options.
Option 3: Riga → Vilnius (One-Way Day Trip)
- Route | Riga → Bauska → Rundāle → Hill of Crosses → Vilnius (Lithuania)
- Why | Efficient, varied, and full of great stops on your way to Lithuania.
- Best for | This is a great option if you’re connecting your Baltic itinerary.
- Transport | One way car rental, or join this superb small group tour that takes you from Riga to Vilnius with all mentioned stops along the way.
Also read: How To Get From Vilnius To Riga And What To Do Along The Way
Final Tips on Visiting Latvia’s Castles
Base yourself in Riga
If you base yourself in Riga you’re perfectly positioned to go on day trips to Latvia’s best castles.
I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town, which is perfectly located right behind the House of the Black Heads. Check out my Riga article next for more suggestions on where to stay and what to do.
Best Time to Visit Latvia’s Castles
The best time to visit Latvia’s castles is during spring and summer when days are long and the gardens are in bloom. Autumn is especially beautiful in Gauja National Park because of the gorgeous foliage.
Of course you can also visit in winter. Days will be short though, but at the same time it can be very atmospheric with frozen trees and white landscapes.
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Also read: Best Travel ESIM | Saily Vs Airalo Vs Holafly Compared
Travel Insurance
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Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed visiting some of Latvia’s most impressive castles. And while the castles are interesting in their own right, another big draw is that you get to see the countryside they’re in. So yeah, pick a few that sound of interest to you, and go on a day trip!
Have you been to Latvia already, or have any questions? Then let me know in the comments below, or reach out to me on Instagram. And if you’d like to hear about new articles on Next Journey Ahead, then sign up to my newsletter.
Are you planning a trip to Latvia, or the Baltic countries? Then check out my Latvia Travel Guide, or keep up reading the latest articles below:
