Lying northeast of Riga, this 90 000ha national park encompasses the varied topography of the Gauja Valley. It includes forests, prairies, rivers, lakes and marshland, punctuated by impressive rock formations and caves, not to mention numerous historic buildings. It also has rich biodiversity (900 plant species, 149 bird species and 48 mammal species), water sports and skiing. “Latvia’s Switzerland” is a fascinating place, best understood after visiting the information centre in Sigulda.