Hiking tour from Riga 3 - Baltic Nature Travel

Hike in Latvia’s Wilderness - Two rivers, sandstone outcrops, and the breath of history

Hiking tour from Riga

Approx. 6 hours

20 km

KRIMULDA, Latvia

March – November

Start time: 10 AM

Program

Join our hiking tour from Riga. The hike brings you along the banks of the Loja River and the Gauja River. The Gauja is the longest river in Latvia, many songs and poems are dedicated to this beautiful body of water. The Loja has a second name – Klinšupīte, which translates as the Cliff River, on this hike you will understand why. Don’t worry, no rock climbing involved!

What is waiting for you on this hike? Lovely paths through the woods, magnificent sandstone outcrops, evergreen rough horsetail jungle, almost mountain-hike feelings on the side of a steep bluff, a bit of bushwhacking, typical Latvian countryside landscapes, a breath of history in several abandoned sights, a Soviet atmosphere in a small village, wide-open scenery over the woods, the peace of the Gauja, and hopefully – a lot of adventures! Oh, and let’s not forget – approximately 20 km and six hours of fresh Latvian air!

Highlights

Banks of the Loja and the Gauja rivers
Inčukalns Devil’s Cave (Inčukalna Velnala)
Abandoned bobsleigh track (Murjāņu kamaniņu trase)
Sandstone outcrops
Sunīši village
View from top of Zābakkalns

Transportation

The hiking tour starts from Riga, driver will arrive at the arranged time and location and contacts of the driver will be provided at least a day before the tour starts.

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Video

Tour map

Foto gallery

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Private tour price

1-person group: 160€

2 – 2 person group: 180€

3 – 3 person group: 200€

4 – 4 person group: 260€

5 – 5 person group: 300€

6 – 6 person group: 320€

7 – 7 person group: 340€

8 – 8 person group: 360€

Included

English speaking guide
Transportation from Riga and back

Not included

Water

Level of difficulty

A quite easy hike, only in some places there is steep ascent or descent, but in a few – walking along the side of the bluff. Mostly small foot paths through the woods or countryside roads and a very short distance of bushwhacking.

What to bring with you

2 l of water per person as a minimum
snacks for personal usage

How to dress

Please, dress accordingly to the weather forecast! Due to very changeable weather, layering is key to enjoying the hike, and rain protection is a must-have. Comfortable hiking shoes are the best option as a little bit of bushwhacking is waiting for you on this hike, but if you are not afraid of snakes, any comfortable shoes or sandals work just as good.

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Baltic nature travel

5.0

Based on 14 reviews

Dona Zavislan

2023-09-25T14:40:43+0000

I loved this tour and it was a highlight of my five days in Latvia. After spending a few days in Riga, I wanted to... explore more of the country and do some hiking. I considered renting a car for the day, but this tour provided just what I was looking for and so much more without the expense and hassle of a car rental and figuring out where to go. I was picked up and dropped off at my hotel and was able to enjoy the drive and an opportunity to see area surrounding Riga. Guide Valdis is a native Latvian and has a lot of experience hiking and much knowledge about the area and Latvia. The 15 K hike was rigorous, but doable. I found the park gorgeous and peaceful. We hiked through a forest, along the river, crossed bridges, explored caves and sandstone carvings and passed other notable places. Valdis made the hike very interesting with stories and he pointed out other activities available in this beautiful park and surrounding area. We stopped midday for a lovely picnic. Valdis also gave me information about other places to consider exploring in Latvia. A perfect day and I highly recommend this tour.read more

Tom Moore

2022-11-19T14:17:21+0000

Had a fantastic hike with Valdis today. He's really friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him.

Zijian Hua

2022-10-16T08:47:16+0000

Valdis is an experienced guide, a local from Riga. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always able to tell you... interesting history along the way. The route plan of the hiking is also reasonable. In autumn, the fallen leaves near Sigulda are also very beautiful. If you are planning to do an outdoor hike in Latvia too, then don't hesitate to join a walking group organized by Valdis.🇱🇻read more

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What travelers say about us

EXCELLENT

36 reviews on

Carmen Daams

2023-09-22

I took the Kuldiga trip with Valdis. The experience was amazing. The entire day was great. He is a great guide, and knows a lot of interesting information. He would definitely make your whole experience even better. Kuldiga is such a captivating city, very unique with a very special style and soul. If you are visiting Latvia, don't hesitate to take this trip, it is a "must".

Stanley Wallerstein

2023-08-29

Great Tour and great guide. Baltic Nature Travel is excellent.

Maria M Andrade

2023-08-28

Valdis organized an absolutely wonderful 10 day trip to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania trip for my sister, a friend, and myself. He arranged all details including our private chofer and tour guide up the last detail. He went far and beyond when he knew I had an accident in Estonia. We met him Latvia and he make us feel welcome. He recommended the most amazing restaurants for us and he took care of my doctor needs where he was the interpreter. In every country we had the best guys one can possibly ask for. All hotels were walking distance from city centre. Thank you Valdis we will always remembered this trip!!!!

Sarah Daniels

2023-08-21

Thank you, Valdis, for helping my family have a wonderful two week trip to the Baltics! Your advice and recommendations were very helpful, and our tour guides in 4 different cities were each outstanding! I highly recommend a vacation in the beautiful and fascinating Baltics, and I highly recommend using Valdis to help you plan it.

Rita Derencius

2023-08-09

Tours and tour guides, Tomas and Mindaugas, exceeded my expectations. We were able to curate our tour of Lithuania. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and adapted the tour based on our input. Valdis was responsive and easy to work with. Extremely happy we chose to have private tour guides. Best trip ever!

Deniz Demirors

2023-08-08

Valdis did amazing job to organize us a 15 day, 14 night self drive adventure trip to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Thanks to his valuable advise before and immaculate documentation with names of the locations, guides etc we had a magical experience. We hiked, biked, walked, beached and off course drive all over in all 3 beautiful countries. We felt very safe. Everyone we met were very friendly. The car was delivered to our first hotel in Tallinn and picked up from last hotel in Vilnius. They were professional and kind people. We encountered few minor issues but Valdis resolved very promptly so our program was not impacted. We met him in Riga as he was our guide. Thanks to Valdis & his team of guides we had an unforgettable time and experience. Valdis is very gently, kind, hears his clients wishes and makes adjustments in his existing programs. Job well done Valdis. Thank you very much.

Catherine Herway

2023-06-24

These are the only places on earth where eastern and western architecture can now meet in harmony. The architecture tells a social history translated into excellent English on this tour! The hotels were clean, comfortable, and safe. The food was outstanding as well, I only wish I had more time!

Artur Iwański

2023-05-03

A very good and interesting guide. Customized trips - which is very useful. If you want to get to know Latvia (which is worth it!) there is no one better. Highly recommended.