Latvia
In the village of Kārļi, the barons von Sievers bought this country house in 1777 to go with their castle in Cēsis, 12km to the northeast. Reborn as a gentrified country hotel, the two-storey stone-sided building surrounded by an apple orchard has rustic-style rooms of varying size. Sit on the terrace and revel in the silence.
The restaurant is much heralded for its locally sourced cuisine.
14.23 MILES
Turaida means ‘God’s Garden’ in ancient Livonian, and this green knoll capped with a fairy-tale castle is certainly a heavenly place. The red-brick castle…
14.56 MILES
The city of Sigulda has done a fine job developing the historic buildings at its core into one unmissable complex. The highlight is the Livonian Order…
5.42 MILES
Cēsis Castle is actually two castles in one. The moody dark-stone towers belong to the increasingly restored old castle. Founded by Livonian knights in…
23.25 MILES
See how one of Latvia's best-known craft beers is made on an entertaining tour: expect friendly guides and plenty of samples. Enjoy hearty pints and…
9.59 MILES
Beautiful Ungurmuiža is one of the best preserved manor houses in all of Latvia. The stately red mansion was created by Baron von Campenhousen, who served…
2.71 MILES
Photogenically set on an islet in the middle of Āraiši Lake, Āraiši Archaeological Park is a reconstruction of a fortified settlement inhabited by…
20.76 MILES
Like a big pink birthday cake sitting on a verdant lawn, Bīriņi Castle governs a scenic tract of land overlooking a tranquil lake. Located on the…
5.49 MILES
What poses as a dreary rehabilitation centre is in fact a top-secret Soviet bunker, known by its code name, the Pension. When Latvia was part of the USSR,…
2.71 MILES
Photogenically set on an islet in the middle of Āraiši Lake, Āraiši Archaeological Park is a reconstruction of a fortified settlement inhabited by…
5.38 MILES
Switch on your imagination in this 13th-century church where armour-clad Livonian knights prayed and buried their dead in what was then a lonely island of…
3. Russian Orthodox Church of Transfiguration
5.38 MILES
The hilltop Russian Orthodox church of Transfiguration was built by the von Sievers at their family cemetery (like many Germans on Russian service they…
5.42 MILES
Cēsis Castle is actually two castles in one. The moody dark-stone towers belong to the increasingly restored old castle. Founded by Livonian knights in…
5.44 MILES
Right from the outset when you're handed a lit candle in a glass lantern, it's clear that this isn't an ordinary museum. At its centre is Cēsis Castle,…
5.49 MILES
What poses as a dreary rehabilitation centre is in fact a top-secret Soviet bunker, known by its code name, the Pension. When Latvia was part of the USSR,…
6.83 MILES
Rihards, a local wood carver, has filled a 10-hectare park with his unique creations. Short trails snake past modern art installations, a classical garden…