Vidzeme region

Vidzeme is located in the northeast of Latvia and borders with Estonia and Russia.

Vidzeme is known for its natural beauty, the characteristic natural landscape only Vidzme has - mountains and valleys, forests and meadows, marshes and rivers. The highest mountain Gaiziņš (311.6 m above sea level) is in Vidzeme.

Vidzeme has many ancient hill forts and medieval castles, which have survived from different periods of history - the Livonian Order castle in Cesis, Dikli Palace (built neo-baroque style,1896) near Valmiera, Araisu Lake Castle by Araisu Lake, which is the first archaeological open air museum in the Baltics, and many more historical palaces.

While in Vidzeme, take a ride on the Aluksne-Gulbene narrow-gauge railway, as this rail link is the only narrow-gauge railway in the Baltic’s still in general use. Visit Valka city, which is one of the six cities in the world, where two country borders cross the city center - one half of the city is in Latvia, the other - Valga - in Estonia.

Vidzeme is worth visiting if you like hiking alone or with family. The most beautiful walking and cycling routes are along river Gauja. It is one of the most beautiful rivers in Vidzeme (as well as the longest river in Latvia). Great boating opportunities for all who want to enjoy water tourism.

Vidzeme planning region includes: Aluksne, Ape, Beverina, Burtnieki, Cesis, Cesvaine, Ergli, Gulbene, Jaunpiebalga, Koceni, Ligatne, Lubana, Madona, Mazsalaca, Naukseni, Pargauja, Priekuļi, Rauna, Rujiena, Smiltene, Strenci, Valka, Varaklani Vecpiebalga regions.

The largest cities in Vidzeme are: Valmiera, Cesis, Madona, Gulbene, Aluksne and Valka.