The best road cycling routes in Dabas Liegums „Vecdaugava”

beautiful view of the river

With its vast forest areas, wide paths and proximity to Lake Ķīšezers, this park offers a fresh change from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can relax and roll through shady pine forests while enjoying the clear air. The paths are well developed and mostly flat, which makes the park ideal for a leisurely ride or even a sporty interval training session. A particularly beautiful section takes you along the lake, where you can let your gaze wander over the water and stop at small rest areas along the way. Mežaparks has more to offer than just nature - the park is also culturally exciting: the large concert hall, the open-air museum and some sculptures along the paths give your ride an interesting change and remind you that Mežaparks is also known as a cultural meeting place in Riga.

Here you glide over the bridge as if on a smooth ribbon, with a wonderful view through the blue steel structure towards the horizon. The perfect symmetry and the interplay of light and shadow create an almost hypnotic rhythm when driving. The wind blows gently and the feeling of freedom is within reach - ideal for a moment to take a deep breath and feel the vastness

A little hidden away from the bustling city center lies the bright yellow Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Even from the outside, it stands out with its bold color and elegant white columns - a clear contrast to the typical brick and wooden buildings in the area. The cathedral shows an interesting mix of Russian Orthodox style and classicist elements, which makes it unique in Riga's cityscape. As you enter, a solemn silence surrounds you, the tall columns and the magnificent dome enhance the atmosphere. The interior is lavishly decorated: golden elements, artistically painted walls and an impressive chandelier immediately catch the eye. Here it is easy to leave everyday life behind and find a moment of peace. The believers who light candles and pray devoutly reinforce the impression that this place is not only architecturally but also spiritually significant.

Mežaparks, one of Riga's oldest garden city districts, is a sprawling and diverse park on the shores of Lake Ķīšezers. Originally known as the Emperor's Park, the area became an exclusive residential area in the early 20th century for Riga's wealthier society seeking to escape the city's noise. Today, the well-preserved Art Nouveau villas still exude this nostalgic charm and are among the city's most sought-after properties. The park offers much more than just architecture. For nature lovers, Mežaparks is a paradise: miles of walking paths, quiet forest trails and the opportunity to practice water sports on Lake Ķīšezers. The impressive amphitheater, designed for the famous Latvian Song Festival, exudes the special energy of this place. The surrounding recreational facilities, such as playgrounds, cafes and bicycle rental, make the park particularly diverse. In addition to the zoo, there are also hidden corners that invite you to explore, and the famous "Mežakaķis" climbing park provides variety. Mežaparks is a place that invites you to linger and explore, not only because of its history, but also because of its lively and at the same time relaxing atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors. A visit is particularly worthwhile for a leisurely day trip or active recreation in the countryside.

The Mezaparks squirrel is a surprising highlight that will instantly bring a smile to your face. This huge, charming sculpture, with its delicate metal structure, is an unusual yet fitting sight in the heart of the park. It almost seems as if this oversized squirrel is watching over the park - a humorous and creative greeting to nature and the visitors who take a break here. Historically, Mezapark is one of Riga's oldest and largest city parks and offers an oasis of pine forests and well-kept paths. The creative placement of this artwork arouses curiosity and adds a playful touch to the park. The squirrel is a reminder that this park is not only a place to breathe and walk, but also a place where art and nature go hand in hand. Mezapark itself is worth recommending - ideal for a relaxed walk or bike ride and always enlivened by such details as the squirrel.

The Mežaparks Concert Stage in Riga is an impressive example of architecture that combines culture and nature. Originally created for the famous Latvian Song and Dance Festival, which is one of the largest a cappella events in the world and has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, the stage now has space for up to 20,000 singers and 30,000 spectators. The striking "silver forest" roof construction, inspired by Latvian nature, provides special acoustics that make the singing sound natural and full. The structure is reminiscent of trees that reach into the sky while optimally directing the sound. Thanks to the modernization completed in 2021, the stage now also offers flexible spaces for concerts, exhibitions and events and is a daily attraction for culture and leisure. The simple form, influenced by Nordic aesthetics, blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape and allows the architecture to become one with the Mežaparks forest. A place that celebrates Latvian tradition and nature in a modern way and makes you feel like you are part of a huge open-air concert in the middle of nature.

The first mention of a church on the site where today stands Sigulda church can be found in writings dated from 1483 with the name St. Bartholomew church. In the Livonian and Polish-Swedish war the church sustained minor damage and was surprisingly unharmed during World War I. After 1929/30 the tower was rebuilt with the design of the architect K. Pēkšēns and six years later the restoration of the new altar was completed.The current organ is an ornate mosaic built of different parts of other organs. In the postwar years parts of the organ got lost and could be replaced temporarily with parts of other churches organs. During the Soviet era from 1965 to 1990 Sigulda Lutheran church was the only church within the area and housed people of different religious dominations.