national park
Gauja National Park
Latvia's largest and oldest national park with forested sandstone cliffs, medieval castles, caves, and the scenic Gauja River valley.
13 km · about 25 min drive
EuropeLatviaCēsis Municipality
Cēsis
Cēsis Municipality, Latvia · Europe
About Cēsis
Cēsis works well as a base: 10 minutes from Priekuļi, 13km from Gauja National Park.
Cēsis is a town located in Cēsis Municipality, Latvia. With a population of 15,020, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Cēsis sits in Latvia, where you drive on the right. It's in the Europe/Riga time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Cēsis to your route.
About Cēsis
Cēsis (Latvian pronunciation: [tseːsis] ; German: Wenden, Livonian: Venden, Estonian: Võnnu, Polish: Kieś) is a town in the Vidzeme region of Latvia and the administrative centre of Cēsis Municipality. It lies in the northern part of the Vidzeme Upland, about 90 km (56 mi) north-east of Riga, on ridges above theRead more
valley of the Gauja. At the beginning of 2026, the town had 14,899 residents.
Cēsis developed around a fortified settlement of the Vends at Riekstu Hill and the nearby medieval castle of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword and later the Livonian Order. The area is first recorded in connection with events of 1206. Cēsis was documented as a town in 1323 and joined the Hanseatic League in the early 15th century.
The historic centre retains its medieval street plan, sections of the town wall, St. John's Church and the ruins of Cēsis Castle. The town is also a regional cultural centre, with Cēsis Concert Hall, the Cēsis Art Festival and the annual LAMPA Conversation Festival.
Where to Stay in Cēsis
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Cēsis?
Cēsis offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Where is Cēsis located?
Cēsis is located in Cēsis Municipality, Latvia, Europe. The coordinates are 57.3119 latitude, 25.2746 longitude.
What is the population of Cēsis?
Cēsis has a population of approximately 15,020 people, making it a town in Latvia.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 15,020
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Latvia
- Region
- Cēsis Municipality
- Timezone
- Europe/Riga
- Coordinates
- 57.3119, 25.2746
Tags
Worth the detour from Cēsis
5 notable places within an hour's drive.
museum
Līgatne Secret Soviet Bunker
A 2,000 m² nuclear command bunker 9 m beneath an innocuous rehabilitation centre in Gauja National Park, built for Soviet Latvia's elite and classified until 2003: original 1980s equipment, canteen and all. Guided tours only.
14 km · about 25 min drive
castle
Turaida Castle
A striking red-brick medieval castle rising above the wooded Gauja valley near Sigulda, its round tower offering sweeping views over Latvia's 'Switzerland'. An easy, scenic drive from Riga.
29 km · about 35 min drive
natural wonder
Gutmanis Cave
The widest cave in the Baltics, a sandstone grotto with centuries of carved inscriptions, beside the Sigulda–Turaida road with parking.
30 km · about 35 min drive
racetrack
Sigulda Bobsleigh Track
Olympic-standard bobsleigh and luge track in Gauja National Park offering public rides, with its own access road and car park.
32 km · about 35 min drive
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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