Sigulda is one of the nicest towns in Latvia and a popular daily get-away for the inhabitants of Riga. Sigulda's alpha and omega is Gauja valley that reaches the depth of ca 90 metres, a lot by Latvian standards. In winter people come here for down-hill skiing, in other seasons for hiking. Attractions include the slopes of Gauja valley itself as well as smaller valleys and ravines formed by tributaries and tributaries of tributaries. The town reaches the peak of its popularity in October when leaves turn yellow and red. Sigulda is also a rather affluent though far-flung suburb of Riga. Apart from natural beauties one can enjoy castle ruins where well attended opera performances take place every summer. On the other side of Gauja valley there is Turaida castle that is part original, part reconstruction. Its tower provides really excellent looks.