Best things to do in Cēsis

Cēsis Essentials

Cēsis is defined by its 13th-century medieval castle ruins and the adjacent 18th-century New Castle, which houses the local history museum. The town's historic center features the Church of Saint John, one of Latvia’s oldest medieval cult buildings. Beyond the urban core, the landscape transitions into the Gauja National Park, characterized by the Red Cliffs, Mirror Cliffs, and the Svētavots natural spring. Cultural landmarks like the modern Vidzeme Concert Hall and the Burning Conscience exhibition provide insight into the region's contemporary life and 20th-century history.

Cēsis Essentials — Map

Athanasius Soter / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Cēsis Castle

Cēsis Castle is one of the most iconic and best preserved medieval castles in Latvia.

B

Cēsis castle museum

Located in the 18th-century New Castle, this museum features historical and art exhibitions detailing the history of Cēsis. The site includes restored manor interiors and an observation tower overlooking the medieval ruins.

C

Church of Saint John

Built at the end of the 13th century, this is one of the oldest medieval architectural monuments in Latvia. It served as the cathedral for the Livonian Order and remains a significant center for sacred music.

Madara Kurpniece / CC-BY-SA

D

Spoguļklintis

Also known as the Mirror Cliffs, these sandstone formations are located on the banks of the Gauja River. They are named for the clear reflection they cast in the water during calm conditions.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

E

Svētavots

A natural spring located within a landscaped park. The water flows from a sandstone cave and has been a site of local folklore and healing legends for centuries.

Ярослав Крижановский / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Sarkanās klintis

A long sandstone cliff wall along the Gauja River valley, named the Red Cliffs for its distinct reddish hue caused by iron oxides in the rock layers.

G

Vidzemes koncertzāle "Cēsis"

A modern regional cultural hub opened in 2014, hosting concerts, theater, and cinema. The architecture integrates contemporary design with the historic elements of a former brewery.

H

Burning Conscience

A permanent historical exhibition located in a former temporary detention facility. it documents the local resistance movements against Soviet and Nazi occupations between 1940 and 1957.

I

Dziesmu kalns

A scenic viewpoint and park area offering elevated vistas over the Gauja River valley and the surrounding forest landscape.

J

Cīrulīšu ala

A small cave located along the Cīrulīšu nature trails, formed by the erosion of sandstone cliffs by underground springs.