About Cēsis

Cēsis, nestled in the heart of Latvia's Vidzeme region, is a captivating blend of medieval grandeur and pristine natural beauty. The town's crown jewel is the magnificent Cēsis Castle, a 13th-century Livonian Order fortress whose ancient walls and atmospheric ruins transport visitors back in time. Wander through the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets, historic wooden buildings, and the serene St. John's Church. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the surrounding Gauja National Park, Europe's largest protected area, offering breathtaking sandstone cliffs, mystical caves, and dense forests perfect for hiking, cycling, and canoeing along the Gauja River. Cēsis is also a cultural hub, hosting vibrant festivals like the Cēsis Art Festival and the medieval-inspired Cēsis Castle Festival. The town's unique craft beer tradition, with breweries dating back centuries, provides a delightful taste of local heritage. Whether exploring ancient ruins, hiking through lush landscapes, or immersing in rich cultural events, Cēsis offers an unforgettable journey into Latvia's soul.

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Travel Tips for Cēsis

Getting Around

Cēsis is walkable, especially the Old Town. Bicycles are popular for exploring the town and Gauja National Park, with rental shops available. Local buses connect key areas, but services are limited in rural parts. Taxis are reliable; use apps like Bolt or Yandex.Taxi. Car rentals are useful for visiting surrounding nature and villages. Trains connect Cēsis to Riga (about 2 hours). For Gauja National Park, consider guided tours or hiking trails.

Best Time To Visit

May to September for pleasant weather (15-25°C), ideal for outdoor activities in Gauja National Park and festivals. July and August are peak tourist months with events like the Cēsis Art Festival. September offers beautiful autumn foliage. Winter (December-February) is cold but magical for Christmas markets and snow activities, though some attractions have limited hours.

Local Customs

Latvians value punctuality and modest dress. Remove shoes when entering homes. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up the bill or leave 5-10% in restaurants. Greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Respect nature—do not litter in forests or parks. Sauna culture is important; follow local etiquette if invited. During festivals, participate respectfully. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Safety Information

Cēsis is very safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in crowded areas and at night. The Old Town and tourist sites are secure. No specific areas to avoid, but be cautious in isolated forest trails. Common scams are rare, but watch for overcharging in unofficial taxis. Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps. Secure valuables in cars when visiting natural sites. In winter, roads can be icy; drive carefully. Emergency services are responsive.

Health Information

Cēsis has a modern hospital (Cēsu Slimnīca) providing emergency and general medical services. For specialized care, travelers may need to go to Riga. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or equivalent. Tick-borne encephalitis is a concern in forested areas; vaccination is recommended for those hiking or camping. Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies (aptieka) are widely available, but bring any prescription medications. Medical facilities are generally good, but language barriers may exist outside major tourist areas.

Languages Spoken

LatvianRussianEnglish

Quick Facts

Currency

Euro (EUR)
€

Timezone

Europe/Riga +02:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

+371

Electricity

Type C, F; 230V, 50Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Right

Population

17,000

Area

19.27 km²

Government

Municipality with a town council and mayor

About Cēsis

Things to do in Cēsis

Transnistria Back in the USSR Tour

Half-Day Private Guided Tour of Orheiul Vechi and a Farmhouse

Authentic Moldova - Excursion to Orhei Vechi

Tour to Old Orhei &Cave Monastery &Cricova cellar tour

1 Day: Old Orhei, Curchi monastery and Cricova Winery (optional)

Chisinau Walking City Tour Combined With Local Wine

Discover Full TRANSNISTRIA from Chisinau

Private Cherry Liqueur Tour from Chisinau

Visit the Largest Winery in the World and Manuc Bei Mansion

The Day Tour to Cricova Cellar & Old Orhei Cave Monasteries

Private Transfer to or from Chisinau Airport

Full-Day Hiking Trip to Tipova Cave Monastery and Lalova Village

Chisinau Airport Transfer (one way)

Soviet Heritage of Transnistria and Castle Mimi Winery

Transnistria tour - County does not Exist !