The 10 BEST Free Walking Tours in Valmiera
Being a historical city in Latvia, Valmiera is characterised by stunning views of nature, splendid architecture and cultural activities. An exploration of Valmiera on foot is certainly a good plan for those who are planning to visit the city. So here we will give you an overview of interesting paths for the walking tours in Valmiera and attractions to visit in the course of the route.
1. Old Town Tour
To get acquainted with Valmiera start with the discovery of the city’s Old Town. When you are walking along the tiny carriageway roads, you can come across Gothic architecture, typical local coffeehouses, and shops. A visit to Valmiera cannot leave anyone indifferent with such touristic attractions as Valmiera Castle, which was built in the 13th century and provides a marvelous view on the city from the tower.
Highlights:
- Valmiera Castle
- St. Simon’s Church
- Rigas Street
- Raimonda Pauls’ Square
2. Gauja National Park Adventure
For the lovers of tourist activities, the Gauja National Park tour is a perfect option. The story lets you to enjoy unique experience while travelling through the landscapes of Latvia’s first national park. The trails will start at Valmiera Information Centre and will take you through the park with no problem. During the drive, one will get to experience detached views, castles and towers and the Gauja river.
Highlights:
- Sigulda Castle
- Turaida Museum Reserve
- Gutmanis Cave
- Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum
3. Cultural Heritage Tour
Here is one of the most interesting sites and exhibitions that one can take during a strolling tour around Valmiera. Regarding the start location, it is recommended that you begin the visit at the Valmiera Drama Theatre because the arts are a prominent part of the city’s culture. Take a glance into the history of Valmiera while visiting the Valmiera Museum located in an elegant 18th-century building. For those who like walking, let’s walk through Valmiera’s promenade, and everybody who loves sculptures will be delighted with the number of motifs decorating the city.
Highlights:
- Valmiera Museum
- Valmiera Open-Air Stage
- Valmiera Promenade
- Valmiera Drama Theatre
4. Craft Beer Tasting Tour
Valmiera is attracting more and more tourists to its microbreweries and beer establishments and this tour helps to taste the beer while sightseeing. Begin your visit at Valmiermuiza Brewery – This has a tour that will take you around the brewery and an opportunity to taste the company’s award-winning brands. After visiting the Museum, go for more beers at Valmiera Beer Brewery, which is a small brewery owned by a family and try their varieties. To finish the tour, visit one of Valmiera’s warm beer bars where it is possible to taste a pint of the favourite Latvian beer.
Highlights:
- Valmiermuiza Brewery
- Valmiera Beer Brewery
- Local Beer Bars (e.g., Beer Fox, Upe, and Zelta Alus)
5. Parks and Gardens Tour
Spare some time from the city life and take a tour of some of the beautiful parks and gardens of Valmiera. Start at the Old Park – a quiet lovely park with a depiction of several walkways and beautiful gazebos. To the area of the Vidzeme Olympic Centre Park that offers an amazing sightseeing with beautiful sceneries for strolling around and other entertaining activities. The last splendid location, where the tour should be finished, is the Rose Garden with the flowers of various size, colors and fragrance.
Highlights:
- Old Park
- Vidzeme Olympic Centre Park
- Rose Garden
- Lake Burtnieki
It is also important to advise that they wear comfortable shoes for the walk and carry a bottle of water for they also need to know the weather of the day before going for the walk tour. The city of Valmiera has a lot to offer and it will be possible to experience it to the fullest with these tours. Valmiera is an ideal place for history lovers, nature lovers, lovers of different cultures, beer, and especially for anyone who would like to have a long pleasant walk.
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