HomeWhat to doActive leisureWater tourismRoute: River Gauja. From Valmiera to Līgatne

Route: River Gauja. From Valmiera to Līgatne

Gauja is the most popular water tourism river in Latvia. The main tourist magnets are the beautiful river banks rich in sandstone outcrops, easy accessibility of the river, dense network of accommodation sites for water tourists, the nature of the river (suitable for various paddlers), long water tourism traditions, and the status of a national park. In this section, the river flows through its primeval valley which is among the most impressive Baltic terrain forms; however, the scale of the valley cannot be enjoyed from the canoe, since the scenic views are covered in leafage and forests. The most dangerous place of the route — Ķūķu Rapids. Although not difficult to master, canoes are thrown over every year. The highest vertical drop is the section from mouth of the River Amata to Līgatne, and therefore many paddlers prefer only the section Cēsis–Līgatne.

Distance: 62 km. By sections:

1. Valmiera–Cēsis (Jāņarāmis) 33 km;
2. Cēsis (Jāņarāmis)–Līgatne 29 km.

Route map HERE