Sigulda Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Sigulda

Town

Castle at Sigulda

Flag	Coat of arms

Sigulda

Location in Latvia

Country

Latvia

District

Sigulda Municipality

Town rights

1928

Area

• Total

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• Land

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• Water

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Population

(2024)

• Total

14,632

Time zone

UTC+2 (EET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+3 (EEST)

Postal code

LV-2150

Calling code

+371 67

Number of city council members

Website

http://sigulda.lv/public/eng/

Sigulda (; German: Segewold; Polish Zygwold) is a town in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, 53 kilometres (33 miles) from the capital city Riga.

Overview
Points of interest
Twin towns — sister cities
Notable people
See also

Overview

Sigulda is on a picturesque stretch of the primeval Gauja river valley. Because of the reddish Devonian sandstone which forms steep rocks and caves on both banks of the river, Sigulda has been called the "Switzerland of Vidzeme".

Gutmanis Cave

After the restoration of Latvian independence in 1991, an emphasis was placed on conserving Sigulda's public monuments and parks as well as improving the town's tourist sector. Supported by the town council, a traditional Opera Festival takes place in an open-air music hall in the castle ruins each summer. A Town Festival is celebrated in May when cherry trees blossom, while Sigulda is known for the colors of its trees in autumn. Sports such as skiing, bobsledding, and the luge are popular in wintertime and bungee jumping is practiced during the rest of the year.

The Gutmanis Cave lies halfway between Sigulda Castle and Turaida Castle and has a small stream flowing from it. It is the largest cave in the Baltics, measuring 19 m (62.34 ft) deep, 12 m (39.37 ft) wide and 10 m (32.81 ft) high. The cave still bears inscriptions from as early as the 17th century; drinking the water is supposed to be healthy and is said to increase one's lifespan. From the cave it is possible to climb into the hills and take the cable car over the river valley.

The town's population has been growing every year since 2000. 86% of the population is Latvian, 9% Russian, 3% Belarusian and 2% others. Sigulda celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007.

Points of interest

Aerodium Latvia
Gauja National Park
Gutmanis Cave
Krimulda Castle
Sigulda bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track
Sigulda Castle
Sigulda Medieval Castle
Turaida Castle

Twin towns — sister cities

Sigulda is a member of the Douzelage, a town twinning association of towns across the European Union. This active town twinning began in 1991 and there are regular events, such as a produce market from each of the other countries and festivals. As of 2019, its members are: