Riga to Turaida Museum Reserve: Private day trip

Literally meaning ‘God’s Garden’ in ancient Livonian, the centerpiece of the Turaida Museum Reserve is striking 13th century red-brick castle. The 15th century granary now houses a museum dedicated to the Livonian state, which existed between 1319 to 1561, while the castle’s Donjon and other towers have additional exhibitions, and great views. Spread throughout the rest of the 43 hectare reserve are a variety of other historic buildings that have been converted to galleries and exhibits, such as a smithy where you can try your hand at forging metal or smithing your own pagan symbols. The serene graveyard, crowned by a beautiful 18th century wooden church, is the final resting place of the legendary beauty known as the ‘Rose of Turaida’, who has here own folk story. On the nearby Daina Hill Song Garden, visitors can walk among sculptures of the epic Latvian heroes who have been immortalized in folk songs.