Sigulda Explained

Sigulda
Settlement Type:	Town
Flag Size:	150px
Subdivision Type:	Country
Subdivision Name:	Latvia
Subdivision Type1:	District
Subdivision Name1:	Sigulda Municipality
Established Title:	Town rights
Established Date:	1928
Pushpin Map:	Latvia
Pushpin Label Position:	above
Pushpin Mapsize:	300
Pushpin Map Caption:	Location in Latvia
Leader Title:	Mayor
Leader Name:	Uģis Mitrevics
Blank Name Sec1:	Number of city council members
Blank Info Sec1:	15
Population Density Km2:	auto
Population Density Metro Km2:	auto
Postal Code Type:	Postal code
Postal Code:	LV-2150
Area Code Type:	Calling code
Area Code:	+371 67
Timezone1:	EET
Utc Offset1:	+2
Timezone1 Dst:	EEST
Utc Offset1 Dst:	+3
Website:	http://sigulda.lv/public/eng/

Sigulda (; de|Segewold; Polish Zygwold) is a town in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, 53km (33miles) from the capital city Riga.^[1] ^[2]

Overview

Sigulda is on a picturesque stretch of the primeval Gauja river valley. Because of the reddish Devonian sandstone which forms steep rocks and caves on both banks of the river, Sigulda has been called the "Switzerland of Vidzeme".

After the restoration of Latvian independence in 1991, an emphasis was placed on conserving Sigulda's public monuments and parks as well as improving the town's tourist sector. Supported by the town council, a traditional Opera Festival takes place in an open-air music hall in the castle ruins each summer. A Town Festival is celebrated in May when cherry trees blossom, while Sigulda is known for the colors of its trees in autumn. Sports such as skiing, bobsledding, and the luge are popular in wintertime and bungee jumping is practiced during the rest of the year.

The Gutmanis Cave lies halfway between Sigulda Castle and Turaida Castle and has a small stream flowing from it. It is the largest cave in the Baltics, measuring 19abbr=on2abbr=on deep, 12abbr=on2abbr=on wide and 10abbr=on2abbr=on high. The cave still bears inscriptions from as early as the 17th century; drinking the water is supposed to be healthy and is said to increase one's lifespan. From the cave it is possible to climb into the hills and take the cable car over the river valley.

The town's population has been growing every year since 2000. 86% of the population is Latvian, 9% Russian, 3% Belarusian and 2% others. Sigulda celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007.

Points of interest

Twin towns — sister cities

Sigulda is a member of the Douzelage, a town twinning association of towns across the European Union. This active town twinning began in 1991 and there are regular events, such as a produce market from each of the other countries and festivals. As of 2019, its members are:^[3]