Host Towns
Cesis
Cesis is a charming old town in Latvia. It dates back to 1206 and is one of the country’s oldest and best-preserved medieval towns
At the heart of Cesis is its historic castle, built by crusaders in the 13th century. The castle ruins and the beautifully restored manor stand beside a peaceful park and pond - it's a museum now.
Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, lined with colorful medieval houses, small boutiques, cafés, and the impressive St. John’s Church from the 13th century .
Sigulda
Sigulda is a historic and cozy town, nestled in the beautiful Gauja River valley. Often called the “Switzerland of Vidzeme,” it’s famous for its rolling hills, dense pine forests, and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Sigulda has multiple castles, including Medieval Castle ruins from 1207 to climb towers with stunning views of the valley and Turaida Castle, a red-brick fortress with a tall tower overlooking the river.
Sigulda is perfect for a mix of nature, history, fun, and calm—all wrapped up in a small-town charm that locals and visitors love.
Ligatne
Ligatne is a small, charming town in the Gauja National Park region of Latvia. It grew around a 19th-century paper mill, and many original workers’ wooden houses are still there, giving the place a cozy, historic feel.
What makes Ligatne special are nature trails & wildlife park - you can walk or cycle along peaceful forest paths and see rescued bears, lynx, elk, deer, and wild boar in natural enclosures.
The town is famous for its many man-made caves carved into soft sandstone, once used for storage, plus scenic cliffs along the river.