Gutmanis Cave

Gutmanis Cave is a broad, shallow grotto worn into the red sandstone of the Gauja valley, with a spring running out of its floor. It is not deep, but it is wide and high, and its soft walls carry carved names and coats of arms that reach back four centuries, layered over the tragic legend of the Rose of Turaida.

The landscape

• The main grotto - a wide sandstone arch with a clear spring flowing from the floor.
• Centuries of graffiti - carved inscriptions and heraldry, some from the 1600s, cut into the soft stone.
• The spring - said in legend to have healing water; it feeds a small stream to the Gauja.
• The valley trail - the cave sits on the path between Sigulda and Turaida castles.

When to go

Any snow-free season; combine it with Turaida castle and the cable car for a full valley day. Weekday mornings are quietest.

Before you go

The cave is shallow - you see it all from the mouth, and it takes minutes, not hours. Its interest is historical and legendary rather than a deep cave experience. It is busy on summer weekends as part of the standard Sigulda circuit.

Nearby

Turaida Museum Reserve with its red castle tower is a short climb above; Sigulda and the cable car are across the valley.

Key facts