Guaja National Park

Popular Species

Gauja National Park is home to a diverse array of species that thrive in its forests, meadows, and wetlands.

Red deer are commonly seen grazing in the park’s open meadows and forest edges, especially at dawn and dusk, adding to the park’s rich wildlife experience.

Roe deer are smaller herbivores that are often spotted grazing in the park’s woodlands and clearings, known for their nimble and agile movements.

European beavers are active along the park’s rivers and streams, building dams and lodges, creating important wetland habitats that support other wildlife species.

Wild boars roam the park’s forests and meadows, foraging for roots, tubers, and small animals, often leaving visible signs of their digging in the soil.

Red foxes are adaptable predators found throughout the park, hunting small mammals, birds, and insects, often seen in the early morning or late evening.

Wolves are elusive top predators that play a key role in maintaining the balance of the park’s ecosystem by regulating prey populations like deer and boar.

European otters thrive in the park’s rivers and wetlands, hunting fish and small aquatic creatures, contributing to the park’s aquatic biodiversity.

Brown bears are rare but significant inhabitants of the park’s dense forests, foraging for berries, roots, and small animals during the warmer months.

Pine martens are small, agile carnivores that inhabit the park’s woodlands, hunting small mammals and birds while often spotted climbing trees.

Lynx are elusive and solitary predators found in the park’s remote areas, hunting roe deer and small mammals, making them an important part of the ecosystem.

Bird Species

Gauja National Park offers rich birdlife, with a wide range of species inhabiting its forests, wetlands, and meadows.

White storks are majestic wading birds often seen foraging in the park’s meadows and wetlands, hunting for small mammals, amphibians, and insects.

Golden eagles are powerful raptors that soar above the park’s forests and meadows, hunting small mammals and birds with their keen eyesight and strong talons.

Common buzzards are frequently seen gliding above the park’s open areas and forests, using their sharp eyesight to spot small mammals and birds below.

Eurasian eagle-owls are the largest owls in Gauja National Park, known for their deep calls at night and their ability to hunt small mammals and birds.

Black storks are rare and elusive birds that nest in the park’s remote areas, foraging along rivers and wetlands for fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

Grey herons are tall, elegant wading birds often seen near the park’s rivers and lakes, using their long beaks to catch fish and amphibians.

Woodpeckers are abundant in the park’s forests, using their strong beaks to drill into trees to search for insects and create nesting sites.

Kingfishers are brightly colored birds often seen near the park’s rivers, diving swiftly into the water to catch small fish and aquatic creatures.

Cranes are graceful migratory birds that gather in the park’s wetlands during the breeding season, known for their distinctive calls and elegant flight.

Barn owls are frequently seen in the park’s open meadows and fields, hunting for voles, mice, and other small mammals during twilight hours.

Krimulda Palace

Krimulda Palace is an elegant 19th-century manor located in the Gauja River Valley near Sigulda, Latvia. Built in 1822, the palace was originally the residence of Prince Liven and showcases the neoclassical architectural style typical of that era.

Surrounded by a picturesque park, the palace offers stunning views of the Gauja River and the surrounding lush landscapes. Over the years, Krimulda Palace has served various purposes, including as a rehabilitation center.

Today, it is a popular tourist destination where visitors can explore its rich history, enjoy peaceful walks in the gardens, and admire the scenic vistas. Its proximity to other attractions in Gauja National Park makes it a key point of interest for those visiting the region.

Turaida Castle

Turaida Castle is a medieval fortress located in the Gauja River Valley near Sigulda, Latvia. Built in 1214 by the Livonian Order, the castle stands as one of the most well-preserved and historically significant structures in the country.

Constructed primarily from red brick, the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding Gauja National Park and its lush landscapes. Over the centuries, Turaida Castle has played a key role in defending the region, and its strategic location atop a hill made it a formidable stronghold.

Today, the castle serves as a museum and cultural site, where visitors can explore its towers, walls, and exhibitions that showcase the history of the Livonian Order, medieval warfare, and local culture.

The nearby Turaida Museum Reserve also includes beautiful gardens and other historic buildings, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in Latvia’s medieval heritage.