Traveling from Lithuania to Latvia, I combined two of the region’s most distinctive attractions into a single day: the remarkable Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai and the scenic landscapes of Gauja National Park around Sigulda.

My first stop was the Hill of Crosses, one of the most unusual religious and cultural sites in the Baltics. After a short walk from the visitor center, I reached the hill itself, where tens of thousands of crosses of all sizes cover the slopes and pathways. The exact origins of the tradition remain uncertain, but over time the site has become a powerful symbol of faith, remembrance, and national identity. Walking through the narrow paths between the countless crosses creates a unique and surprisingly atmospheric experience.

From there, I continued north into Latvia and the Gauja National Park, often described as the country’s most scenic natural region. The park combines forests, sandstone cliffs, river valleys, and a concentration of historic castles and manor houses.

I began my exploration at Turaida Castle, one of Latvia’s most important medieval landmarks. The restored red-brick fortress offers excellent views over the Gauja Valley and includes several exhibitions on regional history. The extensive grounds also contain the Folk Song Garden, which commemorates Latvian folk culture through sculptures and inscriptions inspired by traditional songs.

From Turaida, I followed a walking loop through the valley, descending toward the Gauja River before crossing into Sigulda. Unfortunately, both the Livonian Order Castle and the nearby Kropotkin Manor House were closed due to a special event during my visit, limiting exploration of some of the town’s main attractions.

One of the highlights of the area is the Sigulda Cable Car, which crosses the Gauja Valley high above the river and provides impressive views over the forests and sandstone cliffs. On the opposite side of the valley, I briefly explored the grounds of Krimulda Manor and the remains of Krimulda Castle, whose ruins are now largely hidden by vegetation.

The final section of the walk led back toward Turaida via Gutman’s Cave, the largest cave in the Baltic States. Beyond its geological significance, the cave is associated with one of Latvia’s most famous legends, the tragic story of the “Rose of Turaida.”

Overall, the combination of the Hill of Crosses and Gauja National Park provided a varied day of cultural heritage, history, and nature. While neither destination alone would justify a major detour, together they offered a memorable overland travel day of my Baltic trip.