In 60 seconds
Steeped in medieval legend, Cēsis (historically Wenden) is one of Latvia's oldest, most atmospheric Hanseatic towns. Located in the heart of Vidzeme within Gauja National Park, Cēsis was the principal headquarters of the Livonian Order, which ruled the eastern Baltic for over three centuries from its mighty stone fortress. Today, visitors receive an authentic candlelit lantern at the gatehouse to explore the dark spiral staircases, vaulted council chambers and subterranean dungeons of the castle's western tower. Surrounding the fortress lies an intimate, well-preserved Old Town of cobblestone alleys, 18th-century timber townhouses, and St. John's Church, where the grand masters of the Order lie buried beneath carved limestone flagstones. Long celebrated as the cradle of the Latvian national flag, Cēsis pairs deep heritage with craft breweries and contemporary arts festivals.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You seek large shopping centres or crowded beaches; Cēsis is an intimate, contemplative historical town surrounded by forests.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Cēsis fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
13th-century stone fortress of the Livonian Order explored by visitors using handheld candle lanterns
Pick up a tin candle lantern at the ticket booth to navigate the winding dark staircases into the Master's chamber and dungeon.
Monumental 13th-century three-aisled basilica serving as the burial church of the Livonian Order masters
Step inside to see the carved tomb effigies of Livonian Grand Master Wolter von Plettenberg and climb the tower.
Romantic 19th-century landscaped park with pond, castle reflection terraces and summer open-air theatre
A tranquil landscaped park with graceful black swans gliding on the pond beneath the towering medieval castle walls.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Where to eat the food this city is actually known for.
Warm Nordic-Baltic restaurant in an 18th-century timber merchant house on Rīgas street
Slow-cooked Vidzeme lamb, smoked root vegetables and cranberry desserts inside a lovingly restored timber tavern.
Refined country estate dining set in three renovated historic summer villas on the outskirts of Cēsis
Latvia's finest country dining experience, celebrating local river fish, game and wines on a secluded pine-forest terrace.
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Bohemian vegetarian café, art hub and craft beer garden in an intimate wooden courtyard
Relax with herbal teas, freshly baked pies and local craft ales amidst artwork and friendly town locals.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Cobblestone streets and timber guesthouses adjacent to Castle Square and St. John's Church
The ideal location for exploring castle ruins, morning bakeries and evening dining on foot.
Boutique spa villas and pine-wood holiday cabins along the river valley trails
Secluded luxury in the pine woods, perfect for couples and travellers with cars.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
The Livonian Brothers of the Sword establish Wenden (Cēsis) as their principal military seat.
During the siege by Tsar Ivan the Terrible, 300 castle defenders blow themselves up with gunpowder rather than surrender.
Joint Latvian and Estonian forces win the historic Battle of Cēsis, securing independence for both newborn nations.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Reconstructed 9th- to 10th-century fortified Latgallian lake settlement built on wooden pilings over the water
Walk across the wooden causeway to explore log dwellings built on a wooden platform floating in the lake.
