Dream weekend: what to do in Līgatne to take care of yourself

See the caves on the precipitous slopes

Perhaps the most famous attraction in Ligatne is the shallow artificial caves, the entrances to which resemble the doors and windows of an ancient early Christian monastery. But the history of these “caves” is much more prosaic—for many decades they were dug out by the locals to create cold chambers (glaciers), where they stored food and other things. The local soil consists of soft sandstone, in which it is not very difficult to dig cellars. Some of the oldest underground vaults date back to around 1815 when a paper mill was opened in Līgatne.

Visit an abandoned paper mill

The history of Līgatne is closely connected with the paper mill, which was founded on the site of a water mill in the early 19th century. Over the many years of its existence, the factory was rebuilt several times and its territory grew. Local products were valued far beyond the borders of Latvia. In 2016, paper production stopped, but recently the territory has been gradually improving and gentrifying: excursions, festivals and even an effort to resume production of high-quality watercolour paper for artists.

The red-brick factory buildings, wooden houses built for the needs of the employees, some interiors and surrounding structures such as the river dam and chimney are well preserved.

Walk along the nature trail along the Gauja River

The main distinguishing feature of the local nature trails is wild animals. You will see not only magnificent rocks on the banks of the Gauja River but also the inhabitants of Latvian forests, who are being rehabilitated here. Spacious enclosures have been created for them, where living conditions are close to the natural environment. In the picturesque forests of Līgatne you will see brown bear, lynx, wild boar, fox, roe deer, maral, elk, owl… But don’t be afraid! If you don’t go into their fenced enclosures, they won’t harm you. Entrance to the nature trail with animals costs 7 euros. For more information, visit the website.

And if you want to walk along the opposite shore of Gauja, you can use a unique means of transportation—the ferry crossing. It works only in the warm season. Find out more at the link.

Visit a Soviet-era underground bunker for Latvia’s ruling elite in case of nuclear war

From the 1980s until Latvia’s secession from the USSR, a secret underground bunker for 250 people operated in Līgatne. In case of nuclear war, the country’s ruling elite was supposed to hide here, continuing to lead socialist Latvia. The bunker is located at a depth of 9 metres under the territory of the rehabilitation centre. The total area of the premises is astonishing—2000 square metres. Almost all the authentic equipment has been preserved and now anyone can visit this place.

As additional services, the bunker offers to organise a party or have a meal. For example, for 22 euros you can try an analogue of the lunch of the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Latvian Communist Party: soup, pork loin with a bone and garnish, dessert, chocolate truffle and a drink.

Stay in a unique house

The Gauja River Valley is rightly considered one of the most beautiful places in Latvia. Its dark waters cut their way through high hills covered with dense forest. Very picturesque steep banks form on the Gauja’s path, and behind every turn of the river, there may be a medieval castle or a romantic manor house. In the local forests, you can easily meet deer, roe deer, beavers, foxes and hares. And the most unique thing is that within walking distance from the wilderness, there are high class restaurants, cafes, shops and comfortable accommodation.

And now imagine that all this beauty is available to you 24 hours a day. And you will live not in the city or village, but right in the forest—and even more comfortably in a two-storey house. Agree, it sounds tempting.

A few kilometers from Līgatne, downstream of Gauja, the farmstead of Lejaslīgas is nestled in a forest clearing. Until 2016, the old two-storey house was neglected until it was found by the current owner Aleksandra and her family. She loved the place so much that she and her family spent several years restoring and improving the house. They liked the result of the renovation so much that they decided to share the high of living on the wild shores of Gauja with other people. And now anyone can rent the house for a few days.

From Līgatne to Lejaslīgas farmstead you can walk along a nature trail that runs along the Gauja River through a picturesque forest. But if your plans don’t include a walk through the forest with friendly but still wild animals, and you can’t drive because you drank wine in one of the local cozy restaurants, Aleksandra can organize a transfer to Lejaslīgas even from Riga.

But it may turn out that you do not want to leave the house at all. After all, inside there is everything for a comfortable life: four bedrooms with individual bathrooms, a spacious balcony for contemplating nature, and a large living room with a fireplace. The interiors are made with great taste and respect for the nature and history of the place: some authentic details are preserved, wood and other natural materials are actively used. It is difficult to describe the cosiness and beauty in words, but you can see it with your own eyes on Instagram Lejaslīgas.

You can rent a house in Lejaslīgas Farm by clicking on Booking and AIRBNB links.

Visit PAVĀRU MĀJA restaurant

Pavāru Māja is the first Latvian restaurant to be awarded the MICHELIN Green Star for its commitment to the sustainable development of nature. Its creators revive ancient culinary traditions and use vegetables and fruits grown in their own garden to prepare dishes.

The restaurant’s menu includes Kurzeme pie—sklandrausis. It is considered a national treasure of Latvia. Among other dishes, we recommend trying cornflower mousse with chicory cream, quince and smoked bacon. It is important to keep in mind that restaurant’s guests are offered two menu options: four courses for lunch and eight tasting dishes for dinner—this is a pre-planned scenario of your meal. Read more about the menu and the history of the famous restaurant here. And we have already written about the restaurants in Līgatne and the Cēsis region in general.

Listen to a live music concert in the ZEIT creative quarter

The town of Līgatne has long been known not only for its stunning nature, but also for places for a comfortable cultural holiday, excellent cafés and restaurants. In the Zeit cultural quarter you can listen to a live music concert and have a good coffee. Then go for a walk along the equipped nature trails and enjoy the local beauty. Events are also organised here: weddings, birthdays and children’s parties.

Take a cookery course by YouTube blogger GOURMANDO

We recommend this place not only for a delicious meal, but also for enjoying the process of cooking together in great company. Chef Elmārs Tannis conducts cooking masterclasses on a farm in Augšlīgatne near Līgatne. He also hosts his own inspirational show on YouTube. He is a very charismatic person with a special style of cooking. Every cooking class with him turns into a mesmerising experience. You can sign up for a masterclass with Elmārs at this link.