Līgatne is more than a destination – it is a unique location that enchants and attracts where contrasts harmoniously intertwine, creating an experience that you will not find anywhere else in Latvia. Sandstone cliffs and underground caves hold ancient stories, while picturesque nature trails lead to adventures that remain in the memory long after your visit.
Historically, Līgatne has been closely associated with the paper mill (founded in 1815) for 200 years, around which a unique workers’ village developed – once the most modern in 19th century Europe. Today, at the Līgatne Paper Mill, you can learn about its rich history – the secrets of paper production and the story of how the entire town of Līgatne grew from the foundations of the mill.
Both this and other cultural and historical sites attract not only ordinary visitors, but also business tourists, because in addition to appropriate event infrastructure, the presence of cultural and historical sites are also appealing after a busy day at a seminar.
Why is Līgatne a great place to organise events?
Wide range of offers
Though relatively small, Līgatne has a diverse offer for business events. There are both spacious conference halls for large events and unconventional and cosy venues for small seminars or team-building activities, hotels and restaurants. For example, the Zeit creative quarter is located in a renovated industrial building and provides a creative environment for seminars and celebrations – there is a large event hall (accommodates 100) and a separate seminar room (accommodates approx. 30), as well as a hotel with specially designed rooms. In Līgatne and the surrounding area, you can also find special attractions for foodies, including Gourmando for garden parties and Pavaru māja, which has been recognised in the Michelin guide and can enrich your event programme with excellent flavours. In turn, Kārļa muiža, a cultural and historical site in the ancient valley of the Amata River, offers both a high-service hotel and a restaurant where you can enjoy hearty and sophisticated dishes.
Location and accessibility from Riga
The convenient location of Līgatne is another important factor. The city is located in the heart of the Gauja National Park, only 70 km from Riga, about an hour’s drive by car or bus. Only 12 km separates Līgatne from Sigulda, while Cēsis is 25 km away – so Līgatne is among the largest tourism centres of Vidzeme, which gives business tourists the opportunity to go on smaller excursions from Līgatne.
The short distances in Līgatne itself are an additional advantage – all the main event venues, hotels and also sightseeing attractions are located within a small proximity. Guests do not have to spend a lot of time travelling; the compact layout of the town allows you to walk from your conference hall to a hotel or, for example, a dinner venue. And when you have a free moment, nature trails and scenic sites where you can walk and clear your head after an intense work day are just a few minutes’ walk away.
Diverse recreational opportunities
Līgatne traditionally appeals to fans of active recreation and nature lovers, a great complement to business events. An event is successful if it balances work with relaxation – and in Līgatne this balance is easy to achieve. After a meeting or seminar, participants can go on a boat trip along the Gauja River, explore the famous Līgatne nature trails, and walk around the historic paper mill building. In summer, boat, raft and SUP trips, hikes through ravines and cliffs, bike rides and local wine tastings are available. In winter, Līgatne invites you to hit the nearby ski slopes, as well as take peaceful walks in the snow.
Event participants who make unforgettable memories in Līgatne will definitely want to return here again with families or friends. Diverse activities ensure that everyone will find something they like to do –adventurous visitors can enjoy the high life at Network Park (8 metres above the ground), gourmets can sample products grown by local home-grown producers, and culture lovers can attend concerts and art performances. Līgatne truly allows you to combine work with relaxation, and the scenic environment and historical heritage lend every event additional added value.
Expert support
If you have chosen Līgatne for your conference or a business event and need advice, you can always contact the Līgatne Tourism Information Centre. Knowledgeable specialists will provide recommendations and help clarify information about hotels and event venues. This personalised approach and prepared materials greatly facilitate the planning process, allowing organisers to confidently choose Līgatne as the destination for their next event.
Event venues and hotels in Līgatne and the surrounding area
To get an idea of the offer in Līgatne and the surrounding area, we will describe in more detail some of the hotels and event venues that are adapted for business tourists.
Ratnieki recreation and conference complex
Ratnieki, a seminar and recreation complex of the University of Latvia, stretches out over 140 hectares. Five historical buildings with modern rooms are suitable for conferences, seminars, and open-air sports and cultural events. The largest facility, Ratnieku Hall (a restored barn), can accommodate up to 500 people, while medium-sized auditoriums are suitable for 50–100 guests. All technical equipment (projectors, sound, lighting) and full-service catering are available on site. The complex provides accommodation in comfortably furnished rooms (45 rooms in total) for approximately 140 guests. The fresh air and spacious premises provide the opportunity to organise team activities such as sports games and recreational walks in nature.
Springšļu dzirnavas Hotel
Springšļu dzirnavas is a spacious recreation complex by the mill lake, 10 km from the centre of Līgatne. The historical mill building currently serves as a celebration and conference venue, which is especially popular with organisers of various events and companies. You can hold large celebrations and corporate events here, combining them with overnight stays on site. The large hall of the complex, featuring a fireplace, can be reserved for banquets or seminars for up to approximately 100 people, while additional, smaller rooms are useful for smaller groups. There are 20 well-appointed rooms available (with a total of up to 100 guest beds), as well as a country bathhouse with a hot tub for relaxation. Guests appreciate the silence and unspoiled nature of Springšļu dzirnavas, which enable both uninterrupted work and relaxation. The site offers a truly unique history and atmosphere – a combination of historical charm and modern amenities on the banks of the Līgatne River.
Kārļa Muiža Hotel
The Kārļa Muiža Hotel also caters to business events by providing a full range of important services: high-quality hotel rooms, rooms for small conferences and seminars, etc. events, authentic and delicious catering both indoors and outdoors. In addition, the hotel can recommend sites where guests can enjoy the beauty of nature and visit nearby tourist attractions. A short drive from the hotel guests will find popular hiking and excursion routes, including Amata Trail, Zvārtes Rock, Cīrulīšu Nature Trails, Āraiši Lake Castle, Cēsis Old Town, as well as wonderful and exciting surprises at nearby Kārļamuiža. Among the wide range of additional services, we recommend guide hire, organised excursions and hikes, canoe rental, free equipment for Nordic walking, etc.
Zeit Creative Quarter – a modern event venue
Zeit – created on the premises of the former Līgatne paper mill (in the historic helmet workshop) –combines historical industrial design with contemporary comfort and features a boutique hotel, a café and spacious event spaces. The main Great Hall is suitable for concerts, conferences and celebrations for up to 100 people. Additionally, a separate seminar room for up to 30 people is available for group work or meetings. Zeit also provides leisure opportunities in the form of a unique net park in the trees and an indoor playground for children. After every event, guests can relax in the sauna complex (there is a steam bath and sauna) or taste local dishes on the terrace overlooking the historic village of Līgatne. The hotel has 9 individually designed rooms (up to 30 guests in total), so Zeitis especially suitable for small conferences or creative seminars with overnight stays, where an informal atmosphere and an inspiring environment are important.
Līgatne Culture House
Līgatne Culture House, the city’s largest event venue, is suitable for conferences, concerts and ceremonial events. The historic building (built in 1897 as the Līgatne Paper Mill Workers’ Club) is located in the centre of Līgatne and has recently undergone renovation. The Large Hall with balconies of the Līgatne Culture House can accommodate 400 (theatre seating), while the Small Hall (186 m2) is suitable for up to 100 people. The premises can be adapted to conference needs; stage lighting, a sound system, projector screens and other equipment are available. The spacious premises facilitate presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions or ceremonial receptions. For additional convenience, a virtual tour is also available, where you can familiarise yourself with the hall’s layout and technical capabilities remotely.
Līgatne, with its charm, diversity and hospitality, can make any business event a special experience. Book your stay and plan a business trip to Latvia now.
