Gauja

Behind Lejasciems the Gauja is no longer obstructed with HPPs and here can be enjoyed the natural flow of the river with a good stream. Paddlers will be spirited by Sikšņi un Vidaga rapids. Up to Vireši on the banks of the river can be seen dolomite outcrops.

The route begins upstream above Aņņi (P 23) bridge on the left bank of the river. Behind the bridge it is possible to see as oxbows are formed – the Gauja is straightened the riverbed. The river slowly flows through the floodplain meadows and further it winds through the woods, where one bank is washed out higher, the second one is flat with a wide sandbank. Forests are rich in berries and mushrooms. The route ends downstream behind Spicrāmis (P24) bridge on the right bank.

A few hours leisure trip from the comfortably accessible Jāņrāmis settlement up to Cēsis bridge. In the middle of the route are glorious Ēgrļi (Ērģeļu) rocks, where you can easily get out. At the cliffs are installed stairs that lead to get on a viewing platform and to watch the picturesque landscape.

This is the most popular and the most beautiful one day paddling route. Natural attractiveness of Gauja ancient valley is enjoyable both from the paddling boat and by getting out on the shore and looking at Līgavu cave, Kvēpene castle mound and secular oak. Riverbanks are decorated by Briedīši, Vecupe, Edernieku, Leimaņu, Spriņģu rocks and other glamorous outcrops. Majestic Ķūķu cliffs and rapids in several grades will spirit the paddlers. The destination of the route is Līgatne ferry crossing – the only ferry of this type in the Baltic States, which is still running.

One of the most popular two-day leisure routes that runs in the entire length through the Gauja National Park. Riverbanks are decorated with a glamorous rock outcrops and rocks. Briedīši, Vecupe, Edernieku, Leimaņu, Spriņģu, Katrīnas, Gūdu, Launaga rocks and other glamorous outcrops and caves. Majestic Ķūķu cliffs and rapids in several grades will spirit the paddlers. The destination of the route is Līgatne ferry crossing – the only ferry of this type in the Baltic States, which is still running. After Līgatne there begins calmer section. Closer to Sigulda it becomes really calm and almost at every turn will be able to see Turaida castle. We recommend to enjoy natural and cultural objects by getting out of the paddling boats and walking, it is worth to see Kvēpene oak and Līgatne nature trails, as well as to step on the Gleznotāju hill (Painters’ hill) in Sigulda. 

The two-day leisure paddling route with enjoyment of attractiveness of the Gauja National Park landscape under accompaniment of calm flow of the river. On the banks of the river - Liepa rock, Sietiniezis rock, Ērgļi cliffs, and a little bit farther from the bank - Grīviņi rock and Līči – Laņģi cliffs.

Several days route through the Gauja National Park, Gauja ancient valley, which includes the most beautiful rocks, rocky outcrops, caves. It is possible to stop and step on Sietiņiezis rock, Ērgļi cliffs or another place with nice views, to walk along Cīrulīši or Līgatne nature trail, and finally to enjoy the natural splendour of the surroundings of Sigulda. For nature lovers it is better to choose the route in spring or autumn when there are less paddlers on the river. 

One of the classic paddling routes along the Gauja River. Behind the railway bridge begins exciting river section - Strenči rapids, which continues until Krāčupe estuary. Further the river banks become higher and more picturesque. Behind the Mellupe estuary on the right bank is Sīmanēni Holy Oak, where it is possible to get the strength for further paddling. Closer to Valmiera the river has more sandbanks. The end of the route the in Daliņi is recommended for paddlers who are afraid to go through Kazu rapids in Valmiera, but if you have the skills for getting through rapids and you want to enjoy sharper feelings – surely go futher up to the boat station in Valmiera.  

Interesants upes sākumposma maršruts,  kur  Gauja ir niedrēma aizaugušu posmu, ezeriņu,  straujteču un aizsprostu uzpludinājumu virkne. Maršrutu  labāk izvēleties pavasarī, kad augstāks ūdens līmenis.Pie Lodes ir svarīgi iekāpt Gaujā pie pareizā tilta – īstais ir pie Stupēnu ezera sākuma.Straujajos posmos jārēķinās ar nebraucamiem šķēršļiem.

 Up to Vireši on the banks of the river can be seen dolomite outcrops. Further the river bed becomes sandy, it flows through bushy meadows. At this section Gauja in length of 23 km is border river of Latvia – Estonia, banks are sparsely populated.

            The longest paddling route in Latvia where you can enjoy the Gauja starting from a small river the banks of which in summers are overgrown and which is passable with difficulties by the mighty river, which flows into the Gulf of Riga. The river can be divided into 3 sections: section of HPPs cascade, in Popular section and in Upper course section. Section of HPPs cascade is 115.8 km long and it stretches from Lode to Lejasciems (V 415 road) bridge. The Popular section is 252.3 km long and it is from Lejasciems to Sigulda, but Lower course section is 56.1 km long and it runs from Sigulda to its estuary in the Gulf of Riga.