Cave entrances
Park geography
A comprehensive geographic analysis of the protected terrain within the Vidzeme region of Latvia
Gauja National Park Detailed Geography, Mapped Boundaries, and Natural Landscape Features
This geographic profile examines the spatial characteristics of Gauja National Park, detailing its 917.87 square kilometer extent and perimeter. The data includes the distribution of temperate forest habitats, cliffs, and valley terrain, alongside a structured inventory of identified natural landmarks such as caves, springs, and scenic viewpoints located within the park boundaries.
Latvia's largest national park protecting a scenic river valley with Devonian sandstone cliffs
Gauja National Park
Gauja National Park is Latvia's largest and oldest national park, established in 1973 to protect the Gauja River valley and its surrounding natural and cultural heritage. Located in the Vidzeme region of northeastern Latvia, the park stretches from the north-east of Sigulda to the south-west of Cēsis, encompassing approximately 918 square kilometers of diverse landscapes. The park was created with the goals of protecting relatively undisturbed natural areas, promoting nature tourism, and ensuring sustainable development in the region. The park is characterized by a high degree of biological diversity, dramatic rock outcrops, varied terrain, springs, and picturesque landscapes that have attracted visitors for generations. The dominant feature is the ancient valley of the Gauja River, whose meandering course has carved into Devonian sandstone formations creating the distinctive cliffs, rocks, and caves that define the park's character. This valley serves both as a protected ecological corridor and as a central feature for nature tourism, cultural exploration, and healthy recreation. Beyond its natural significance, Gauja National Park contains over 500 monuments of history and culture, including hill forts, stone castles, churches, manors, and historic mills. The park has a long tradition of tourism, with hiking in the Sigulda area dating back to the 19th century. Today it remains the most popular tourism destination in Latvia outside of the Riga region, attracting over one million visitors annually to its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Location
- Latvia
- Park type
- National park
- Established
- 1973
- Area
- 917.9 km²
Location overview
National park geography within the Vidzeme region of Latvia
Geographic Overview of Gauja National Park in Latvia
Gauja National Park is positioned within the Vidzeme region of Latvia. Factual records confirm the terrestrial territory lies entirely within a single country with no marine or transboundary borders.
- Countries
- Latvia
- Regions
- Vidzeme
- Primary location
- Latvia
- Geographic setting
- Inland
Boundary and coordinates
Exploring the coordinates and spatial extent of the protected reserve
Gauja National Park Boundary Map and Geographic Limits
The mapped boundary outline offers clear spatial context for the park's terrain. Derived measurements like the total area of 917.87 square kilometers clarify the geographic span and regional footprint.
- Boundary area
- 923.3 km²
- Boundary perimeter
- 219.7 km
- Northernmost point
- 57.5182° N
- Southernmost point
- 57.0814° N
- Easternmost point
- 25.4958° E
- Westernmost point
- 24.6466° E
- Geographic centre
- 57.2901° N, 25.1377° E
- North–south span
- 48.6 km
- East–west span
- 51.2 km
Terrain and natural features
Explore recorded cliffs, rivers, caves, and peaks within the protected landscape
Gauja National Park Terrain and Named Natural Features
Gauja National Park contains mixed relief terrain alongside recorded natural features located within the protected area boundaries. Individual feature cards present official types, names, and spatial relationships for each mapped entry.
Selected named natural features
Peaks
Pluču kalns
91 m
Streams
Kraukļupīte
Cliffs
Rauņa Skaņaiskalns
Cliffs
Katrīniezis
Cliffs
Kazu iezis
Environmental setting
Temperate broadleaf forest settings, mixed relief, and valley systems
Gauja National Park Environmental Classifications and Physical Setting
Recorded habitat types, relief types, and landscape features combine to frame the physical setting across the terrain. Connected categories link directly to relevant atlas destinations for broader regional context.
- Relief
- Mixed relief
- Climate
- Temperate
- Water
- Minor water
- Forest cover
- Partial forest
Landscape features
Valleys · Cliffs · Forest
Habitat types
Temperate broadleaf forest
Park atlas
Discover more protected landscapes, river valleys, and historical sites within the Baltic region, comparing diverse geographic features.
Explore Other National Parks and Protected Areas Near Gauja National Park in Latvia
Continue your atlas exploration from Gauja National Park by browsing other national parks and protected areas across Latvia and the broader Baltic region. Compare distinctive river valleys, ancient sandstone cliffs, forested uplands, and cultural heritage sites to deepen your geographic understanding of European conservation landscapes.
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Karula National Park: Detailed Map and Protected Landscape Context in Southern Estonia
Explore Karula Uplands' rolling terrain, lakes, and forests.
Karula National Park, Estonia's smallest national park, presents a densely clustered landscape of rolling hills, over 40 lakes, and extensive forest cover across the Karula Uplands. This protected area is a vital component of southern Estonia's natural geography, offering a rich mosaic of habitats. MoriAtlas facilitates a structured exploration of its mapped boundaries and the diverse ecosystems that define this distinctive natural landscape.
- Area
- 123.64 km²
- Established
- 1979
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
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Explore a unique protected landscape with mapped bog ecosystems and regional natural terrain.
Ķemeri National Park in Latvia is a remarkable protected area, celebrated for its expansive and ecologically significant raised bog systems, particularly the Great Ķemeri Bog. This national park showcases a unique geographical character, featuring natural sulfur springs, therapeutic muds, and a series of ancient lagoon lakes that support rich birdlife. Its diverse wetland habitats and distinct peatland landscapes offer a compelling focus for atlas-based discovery and understanding the regional geography of the Latvian coast.
- Area
- 381.65 km²
- Established
- 1997
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Lowland
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North
Soomaa National Park: Estonia's Wilderness Wetland Landscape Atlas
Explore mapped protected peat bogs and dynamic floodplains in Viljandi County.
Soomaa National Park is a protected wilderness area in Estonia renowned for its extensive peat bog systems and unique floodplains. This national park, located primarily in Viljandi County, showcases some of Europe's largest intact wetland landscapes, characterized by seasonal floods that transform the terrain into vast aquatic environments. MoriAtlas provides detailed geographic context for Soomaa, allowing for exploration of its protected boundaries and landscape features within the broader atlas of European natural areas.
- Area
- 359 km²
- Established
- 1993
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Lowland
National parkLatvia
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West
Slītere National Park: Latvia's Protected Coastal Landscape with Blue Hills and Bird Flyways
Explore the unique terrain and protected geography of this Baltic national park.
Slītere National Park represents a distinctive protected landscape on Latvia's Courland Peninsula, celebrated for its ancient geological formations like the Blue Hills (Zilie Kalni) and its role as a crucial bird migration corridor. The park's geography encompasses varied dune systems, wetland habitats, and rich broadleaf forests, offering a unique mapped environment. Discover the park's protected area boundaries and its significance within the regional Baltic geography, highlighting its unique ecosystem features and landscape context.
- Area
- 164.14 km²
- Established
- 2000
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Mixed relief
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Southeast
Rāzna National Park: Protected Landscape and Regional Geography in Latgale
Explore the mapped terrain of Latvia's largest lake region.
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- Area
- 596.14 km²
- Established
- 2007
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
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Kamanų valstybinis gamtinis rezervatas: Mapped Bog Systems and Protected Forest Landscapes
Geographic reference and protected habitat in Akmenė District Municipality
Deepen your understanding of Kamanų valstybinis gamtinis rezervatas, an IUCN Category Ia protected area in Lithuania. Trace the boundaries of its iconic raised bog, mineral islands, and deep spruce woodlands that define this significant northern regional landscape.
- Area
- 39.35 km²
- Established
- 1979
- IUCN
- Ia
- Relief
- Lowland
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South
Šimonių Giria Biosphere Reserve in Anykščiai District Municipality, Lithuania
Protected forest massif and glacial landscape mapping
Šimonių giria stands as a prominent biosphere reserve in northern Lithuania, offering an expansive, pine dominated woodland defined by post glacial sands, extensive peat bogs, and a network of interior lakes. This structured overview details the park geographical features, from its role in the Natura 2000 network to its critical function as a biodiversity monitoring site within the Anykščiai District Municipality.
- Area
- 232.61 km²
- Established
- 2004
- Relief
- Lowland
- Climate
- Temperate
National parkLääne County
157 km away#8 closest
Northwest
Matsalu National Park: Explore Estonia's Premier Wetland National Park Geography and Protected Area
Discover mapped landscapes and bird migration routes in Lääne County.
Matsalu National Park, located in Lääne County, Estonia, is a prime example of a protected wetland ecosystem of international significance. This page delves into the park's unique geographic features, including the shallow brackish Matsalu Bay, the expansive Kasari River delta, and the numerous islands that form its coastal mosaic. Users can explore the park's protected boundaries and understand its critical function as a major staging area for migratory birds, offering a detailed atlas-level view of this important natural landscape.
- Area
- 486.1 km²
- Established
- 1957
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Lowland
MoriAtlas Explorer
Continue exploring the geography and protected landscape of Gauja National Park
Delve deeper into the mapped geography and unique protected landscape of Gauja National Park. Understanding its sandstone cliffs, river valley ecosystems, and regional placement within Latvia provides valuable context for broader atlas exploration. This park represents a significant natural and cultural territory, offering insights into the structured discovery of protected areas and their place in the Baltic landscape.
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