Sigulda classic: Kraukļa Aiza · Pētera Ala · and the Painters’ Hill View
Sigulda is arguably the most famous hiking destination in Latvia, and for good reason. While the first Sigulda Classic covered the valley floor and the medieval castle, this route takes you somewhere wilder — into the ravines, through a hidden cave, along a rushing stream, and up to one of the most celebrated viewpoints in the entire Gauja valley.
It’s a shorter trail than the first, but don’t let the distance fool you. The terrain is uneven, the stairs are many, and the rewards are well worth every step.
Quick Facts
- Location: 57.170748, 24.862044
- Distance: ~5 km (circular)
- Elevation gain: 102 m
- Time needed: ~1.5 hours
- Difficulty (1–5): 3
- Trail type: Circular loop. Forest paths — uneven underfoot with plenty of roots. Lots of stairs, both up and down.
- Parking: Free parking at the trailhead
- Public transport: Yes
- Entrance fee: Free
- Best season: Year-round, but especially good in spring (fresh greenery, open sightlines) and autumn (leaf colour).
- Dog friendly: Yes (on a leash)
- Family friendly: Yes, but children should be reasonably sure-footed. The varied scenery keeps it interesting.
Parking & How to Get There
Sigulda is about 50 km from Riga — an easy drive or a comfortable train ride.
If you’re driving, there is free parking available right at the trailhead and at several other spots around town.
If you’re coming by train, the trailhead is 2.2 km from Sigulda central station. If that’s too far to walk, there’s a local bus — route Nr. 5607 Sigulda–Nurmiži (timetable at cata.lv).
GPS (start): 57.170748, 24.862044
About the Trail
The trail isn’t long, but it passes a remarkable number of interesting features for its size. A ravine, a cave, a riverside path, a long staircase climb, and a hilltop view — all within 5 km.
Along the way you’ll find benches and small picnic spots, though mostly positioned at higher points. Down along the Vējupīte, it’s wilder and quieter.
If you want to extend the walk, there’s a side trail near Pētera Ala that leads to a spot called Raganas katls — roughly the same effort as the main climb, and worth adding if you have the energy.
Trail map
Highlights
Kraukļa aiza: The first stop on the trail, and an immediate shift in atmosphere. Kraukļa Aiza — Raven’s Ravine — drops away sharply from the forest floor, a narrow cleft carved into the sandstone with trees clinging to the edges. The descent via stairs brings you down into it, and the change in light and temperature is noticeable. It sets the tone for the rest of the walk.
Pētera ala: Peter’s Cave sits tucked into the sandstone along the trail, easy to miss if you don’t follow the signs at the junction. It’s smaller than Gutman’s Cave but feels more hidden — a proper discovery rather than a landmark. Worth a stop before continuing down toward the river.
Vējupīte: The trail descends to meet the Vējupīte — a small but lively stream that you can hear long before you reach it. The riverside section is the flattest and most peaceful part of the walk: a path through the trees with several small footbridges crossing the water. After all the ups and downs, it’s a welcome change of pace.
Gleznotāju kalns (Painters’ Hill): The final climb is the most demanding stretch — a long staircase back up through the forest, reclaiming most of the elevation you descended over the rest of the walk. At the top, the Gleznotāju Kalns viewpoint opens out over the Gauja valley. The hill takes its name from the painters who came here for the view — and you’ll understand why the moment you reach the top.
The Route Sections
To Kraukļa Aiza: The trail begins on a wide, comfortable path from the car park. After a few hundred metres you reach a signpost, and from there it’s down the stairs into the ravine — the first proper highlight of the walk.
Kraukļa Aiza to Pētera Ala: From the ravine, the path continues through forest on uneven terrain — a mix of roots, narrow track, and more stairs, with the ground rising and falling in a way that keeps it from ever feeling monotonous. Follow the signs carefully at the junction to make sure you don’t walk past the turn for Pētera Ala.
Pētera Ala to Vējupīte: After visiting the cave, retrace your steps briefly along the trail, then descend toward the stream. You can see and hear Vējupīte from above before the path brings you down to it.
Along the Vējupīte: A quieter, flatter section along the riverbank, crossing the water on small footbridges. No significant elevation here — a good moment to catch your breath before the climb.
The Climb to Gleznotāju Kalns: Everything you descended over the previous sections, you now climb back up in one go. The stairs are long and the gradient is real, but the reward at the top is immediate: the view across the Gauja valley that gave the hill its name.
Return to the Car Park: Two options here. The direct route takes you straight back to the car park. Or follow the slightly longer variant, which adds a small loop with a view toward Turaida Castle in the distance, then brings you back through the cemetery and out at the car park. I’d recommend the longer option — it adds almost no time and the Turaida view is a nice final moment before the walk ends.
Practical Tips
- Food & drink: There are no food or drink options along this trail — bring everything with you. The trail follows the Vējupīte, but as with all rivers in Latvia, it’s not safe to drink from, however clear it looks.
- Timing: Good year-round. Spring and autumn are particularly rewarding — spring for the fresh greenery and open sightlines, autumn for the colour.
- Combining with more: Near the return from Pētera Ala, a right turn leads to Raganas katls — roughly the same physical effort as the main climb, and a natural extension if you want a longer day out.
Is This Walk Worth It?
Absolutely.
What makes this trail stand out isn’t its length — it’s the variety. A ravine, a cave, a riverside path, and a hilltop view, all within 5 km. Each section feels different from the last, and the route is interesting enough that you’re never just walking through the forest waiting for something to happen.
For anyone who has already done the first Sigulda Classic, this is the natural next step: a little wilder, a little more varied, and a view at the end that’s fully earned.
