Raiskums: Nature Trails, Lake and Raiskuma Manor

When looking for accommodation in Raiskums, nature, manor history and local experiences take center stage. You can plan your trip around exploring circular trails, experiencing Lake Raiskums from the water, discovering historic buildings or arranging a guided tour with a tasting. The different offerings can be considered separately and selected according to your preferred daily itinerary.

Nature Trails and Geological Attractions

Several routes of different lengths are available for hiking. The 11 km Kvēpene Circular Trail begins at the car park by the historic Raiskums Chapel, which was built around 1880. On the Kvēpene Nature Trails, hikers reach Kvēpene Cave and a sacred spring that emerges from an impressive sandstone cliff.

There is also a 2 km circular hiking trail in the Red Cliffs area. The Red Cliffs are a protected geological natural monument in Gauja National Park. Along the Red Cliffs Trail, there is an open-air exhibition of large-format paintings inspired by the fairy tales of Latvian writer Kārlis Skalbe. For planning your day, this creates a clear distinction between a longer route and a shorter circular trail, even though the two trails do not necessarily have the same character.

Raiskuma Manor and Historical Traces

Raiskuma Manor has a terrace overlooking Lake Raiskums. Around 20 buildings belonging to Raiskuma Manor have survived to this day; several retain their original façades. These buildings give your stay a historical focus, while the terrace combines views of the lake with the manor experience.

The Raiskums Chapel is also an important point of reference locally: it is the starting point of the Kvēpene Circular Trail and was built around 1880. If you would like to combine nature and culture in one day, you can therefore link the trail with a visit to the chapel and the other sights along the route.

Brewery Tour, Tasting and Lake Activities

During a booked tour of the Raiskumietis brewery, you can learn about the production of beer and sourdough bread and experience the flavor nuances during an extensive tasting. The Raiskumietis tour also includes a visit to a wood-fired brewing kettle. Three local craft beers are offered at the tasting: light, dark and cherry beer. This makes the tour a standalone activity for travelers who want to discover local production and regional flavors.

For activities on the water, SUP boards can be rented at the “Apaļkalns” campsite for trips on Lake Raiskums. This lets you experience the lake differently than from the manor terrace or on a hike. For your planning, check which offering best fits your preferred daily schedule. As another destination for comparison, you can also look at Cēsis.

Accommodation and Evening Activities

The “Zaķīši” Hotel has a sauna and a fireplace lounge, which are suitable for small celebrations or relaxed evenings with friends. When choosing your accommodation, you should therefore first decide whether hiking trails, lake activities, manor history or evening amenities will be the deciding factor.

FAQ

Which hiking trails are there in Raiskums?

The Kvēpene Circular Trail is 11 km long and begins at the car park by the historic Raiskums Chapel. There is a 2 km circular hiking trail in the Red Cliffs area.

What can you expect on the Kvēpene Nature Trails?

The nature trails lead to Kvēpene Cave and a sacred spring that emerges from an impressive sandstone cliff.

What is there to see at the Red Cliffs?

The Red Cliffs are a protected geological natural monument in Gauja National Park. There is also an open-air exhibition of large-format paintings along the trail.

What does the Raiskumietis tour include?

During a booked tour, you can learn about the production of beer and sourdough bread, visit a wood-fired brewing kettle and taste three local craft beers: light, dark and cherry beer.

For the overarching travel overview: Cēsis Municipality.