Planning to go to the "Straume" festival? Check out what to do – a guide to your weekend in Līgatne!
Līgatne has a way of surprising everyone – just when you think you’ve seen it all and been everywhere, there’s always a new, previously unseen discovery waiting for you. Whether it’s a cliff or a magical nature trail, a local business owner who charms you with their kindness, a craftsman who opens up a whole new world, or perhaps a culinary journey that leaves you longing for Līgatne for some time to come.
If you’re planning to attend “Straume,” Latvia’s only hip-hop festival, on July 3 and 4 at the Zeit or if you’re simply planning a visit to Līgatne this summer, then check out this guide! Līgatne welcomes you with its hospitality and unique natural beauty – all you have to do is show up!
Līgatne Nature Trails
Address: Līgatne Nature trails, Cēsis Municipality
Phone: +371 28328800
The Līgatne Nature Trails, stretching five kilometers and featuring varying levels of difficulty, invite visitors to explore the natural landscape within Gauja National Park. The trails feature a well-maintained walking route that offers the opportunity to observe Latvia’s wildlife in conditions that are as close as possible to their natural habitat. A 10-minute walk from the entrance to the Nature Trails by the Gauja River lies the scenic Gūdu Cliff and Katrīna Rock.
*The Līgatne Nature Trails are located 3 km from Zeit.
Vienkoči Park
Address: “Vienkoči,” Līgatne Parish, Cēsis Municipality
Phone: +371 29329065
Vienkoči Park – an oasis for walking and relaxation by the Līgatne River. A wonderful place to unwind and explore nature. The park features themed trails with interesting sights that offer the opportunity to explore historical and cultural aspects. Visitors can view models of historic manors and buildings, wooden sculptures, ethnographic buildings, and various handicrafts. The park is also home to the Woodworking Museum, where visitors can learn how ancient craftsmen created various household items from wood.
*Vienkoči Park and the Woodworking Museum are located 5 km from Zeit.
Bicycle Museum in Līgatne
Address: Spriņģu iela 1, Līgatne, Cēsis Municipality
Phone: +371 29450130
The museum offers the opportunity to see bicycles manufactured in Latvia. By exploring films, awards, bicycle parts, catalogs, and other historical artifacts, you can learn about the golden age of cycling in Latvia.
*The museum is located 400 m from Zeit.
Secret Soviet Bunker
Address: Skaļupes, Līgatne Parish, Cēsis Municipality
Phone: +371 64161915; +371 6467747
On the grounds of the “Līgatne” Rehabilitation Center, 9 meters underground, lies a well-equipped bunker covering an area of 2,000 m², which was declassified only in 2023. It was built in the 1980s for the political and state leadership elite to govern the country in the event of a nuclear war. Guided tours are available by appointment.
*The Soviet secret bunker is located 5 km from Zeit. The Mythology Trail and Spriņģu Rock are also located nearby.
In the center of Līgatne, you can take a 2-kilometer circular walk, admiring the town’s historic houses, cellars dating back more than 100 years, the cliffs along the banks of the Līgatne River, the fish ladder, and watching waterfowl in the town’s central pond.
During your walk, you can stop for a meal at the riverside tavern “Pie Jančuka.” It is located in the basement of the historic Culture House (which once housed Latvia’s first bowling alley, known as a “bumbotava”). You can also enjoy your meal on the outdoor terrace.
Address: Spriņģu iela 4, Līgatne, Cēsu Municipality
Phone: +371 29149596.
The Līgatne ferry across the Gauja River is located 2 km from Zeit, at the end of Gaujas Street.
The ferry consists of two boats tied together, with a wooden deck on top. A cable stretched across the river prevents it from being carried downstream by the current, but the force of the current moves it from one bank to the other.
The ferry is located here.
Phone: +371 25737578.
Svilis Pepper Farm
Address: Liepu iela 12, Augšlīgatne, Līgatne Parish, Cēsis Municipality
Phone: +371 28378507
Small groups will have the opportunity to sample products made from various chili peppers – sauces, pickles, and jams – as well as tour the farm, where several dozen varieties of chili peppers are grown.
Advance reservations are required for visits.
*Svilis Pepper Farm is located 5 km from Zeit.
Zeit Net park
Address: Gaujas iela 4, Līgatne, Līgatne Town, Cēsis Municipality
Phone: +371 25779944
The higher you go, the more exciting it gets! Enjoy adventures in the treetops – jump, swing, run, and climb through 4–7-meter-high net mazes. Safety is ensured by 2.5-meter-high safety net walls, so it’s fun and safe for both children and adults.
If you’d like to attend the Straume Festival, more information is available here. Other events in Līgatne and elsewhere in the Cēsis region can be found at: pasakumi.cesis.lv
