My decision to take 6 am early bus and stay one night in Sigulda (my 1st stop in Latvia, my 80th country) allowed me to finish all the highlights in sunny and cool weather, although it’s one-post bus stop looked deserted at the 1st sight.
The train rides into Sigulda would have taken whole day due to limited schedule, while bus via Riga have more options. Even my early ride from Tallinn old town to Tallinn center bus station was a bit confusing.
Sigulda (known as the 'Switzerland of Latvia') is 53km away from Riga yet Situated in the picturesque Gauja River valley (also a national park) with steep banks and cliffs.
I got on the tower of Sigulda New Castle (built in the end of 19th century) to get overlooks of the area. BALTICA music festival concerts were in Sigulda region from 6 to 10 July. Latvian band “Bermudu divstūris” concert was on tonight July 10 on the Newcastle. “The group “Bermudu divstūris” is one of the most sought-after party groups in Latvia, which can move anyone and any age.” Unfortunately, the tickets were sold out and I was too tired anyway.
Then visited Gutman's cave (Latvian: Gūtmaņa ala) lies half-way between Sigulda and Turaida castle and has a little creek flowing from it. A legend states that the water in the creek emanates from Gutmanis' tears. Next was the Turaida manor estate complex now houses exhibition space and views over the valley and the river.
The last site was Krimulda Manor (Krimuldas muiža) that houses a rehabilitation institution which aims to evolve into a tourism and recreation complex. I also walked to the nearby Ruines of the actual castle of Livonian Knights, blown up in 1601.
I spotted a pilgrim Camino/way sign en route, and googled to find out that in addition to well-known routes of Camino De Santiago in France, Spain and Portugal a new – official extension of this road – Camino Latvia is being created. It will start at border with Estonia and lead through Latvia, continuing in Lithuania, Poland, Germany, France and Spain.
I stopped by two supermarkets on the way back to fix a quick dinner. Time for a good sleep after all the bus rides and walking.
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