A 5-hour train journey south from Tallinn brought us to our final destination, Sigulda, the gateway to the Gauja national park. It's definitely not FLatvia here, there's even an Olympic bobsleigh track!
Here in Latvia they really celebrate midsummer. Officially 23rd is midsummer eve and 24th midsummer day - both are public holidays with lots of things shut. But the evening we arrived (21st) was a big midsummer fete in the (huge) grounds of the castle in the next village, Turaida. Lots of folky music and dancing, people wearing garlands of flowers,
and a ritual bonfire as the sun set.
Apparently it had started at 4 o'clock in the morning for sunrise! We got back exhausted well after midnight. Paganism is alive and well!!
Next day a super 13km walk in the Gauja valley,
good views,
lovely flower meadows and forests but a killer climb back up at the end.
Quiet day today, a visit to Cesis to see the castle(s), both shut.
But had another lovely walk and a good lunch - ideal.
Back to Rīga tomorrow then early flight Thursday.
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