When you think of towering cliffs, Latvia might not be the first place that springs to mind. While the country boasts plenty of intriguing rock formations, they often lack the dramatic scale seen elsewhere. But hidden within the lush forests not far from Cēsis lies a whole other world. Welcome to the Līču–Lanģu Trail—a place of towering sandstone cliffs, mystical engravings, and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.
Lace up your hiking boots, grab some water, and let’s uncover the secrets of the Līču–Lanģu cliffs together!
Location: Līču Lanģu cliffs. The easiest way to find the start of the trail is to put “Līču–Lanģu klintis” in Waze
Cost: Free
Length: We walked ~6km, but if you walk the full trail up to Liela ellite it is said to be ~9km
How to get there: Driving. Or you can take train to Lode. But the trains aren’t that frequent.
Atrašanās vieta: Līču Lanģu klintis. Bet pašu taciņas sākumu vieglāk atrast ierakstot Waze Līču Lanģu klinšu taka.
Izmaksas: bezmaksas
Accesibility: there are a lot of stairs and climbing over trees and other obstacles so the trail isn’t suited for people with mobility issues or baby strollers
The Challenge of Finding Līču-Lanģu Cliffs
The forest keeps its secrets well, and the Līču–Lanģu cliffs aren’t the easiest to find. We were tricked and almost left without seeing the best part of this trail. But don’t worry—this time, I’m here to guide you and point out what to look for.
Lode Quarry
After parking the car, we step into the forest and begin our journey. The first clue that you’re on the right path is the Lode Clay Quarry—an expansive valley with grayish-brown tones, uneven terrain, and only a hint of vegetation. It’s not quite a walk on Mars, but the otherworldly landscape might make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet—or perhaps Earth after an apocalypse.
First Cliff on Līču – Lanģu Trail is Just a Teaser
The first cliffs that can be easily recognised by their half circle shaped arches and distinctive orange colour is the next sign you are looking for.
Not that hard to find? True. But when we visited last time, this is where things went off track. While there are some signposts along the way, they can be a bit confusing. We ended up heading straight, wandering in a loop through the forest, only to return to the same spot—without glimpsing a single cliff. And we saw another bunch of travelers making the same mistake.
If you’ve ever been let down by photos of grand landmarks that turned out far less impressive in real life, it’s easy to feel discouraged at this point. But we didn’t give up. With determination (and a closer look at the map), we finally found the key to continuing our adventure.
So here it is.
If you’ ll head right, you’ll find beauty. If you head left you’ll find an adventure.
Turn Right to Discover the Mystical Letter “S” on the Līču – Lanģu Trail
Here lies what is arguably the most stunning rock formation along the Līču–Lanģu Trail. This natural masterpiece features organic shapes that resemble a portal or a locked gate to a hidden world beneath the mountain. On one side, there’s even a tiny “window” where you might imagine a troll guard sitting and watching over those who are trying to figure out the cliffs’ secrets.
The cliff is draped in moss, its surface adorned with countless engravings etched over the decades. Among them you spot a mysterious letter “S”—a mark that seems crafted with great skill and care. What could it signify? Is it a coat of arms, or perhaps the key to unlocking the stone gates to a secret world of trolls?
Turn Left to Discover the Majestic Cliff Wall of the Līču – Lanģu Trail
The rumors are true—on the Līču–Lanģu Trail, you’ll find cliffs reaching up to an impressive 30 meters high.
After returning to the first cliffs and heading left, the real adventure begins. At first, it seems the trail may not lead to anything remarkable, with the cliffs concealed behind the dense forest. But then, the trees part, revealing one of the forest’s best-kept secrets: a towering rock wall that will accompany us for the rest of the hike. It’s a breathtaking sight, both grand and humbling.
The path has it’s challenges, with ups and downs and the occasional rotten branch to climb over. But it also has some delightful surprises along the way. You’ll pass spots where water, unstoppable in its persistence, quietly carves through the sandstone. There are also countless engravings from travelers before you—one boldly marked 1937. Could it really be that old, or is someone playing a clever trick?
Further along, the trail reveals large vaults carved into the cliff wall. Another traveler pauses to snap a photo, joking that we’ve stumbled upon the “Little Gutmanis Cave,” a playful nod to Sigulda’s famous landmark.
Thoughts?
The Līču–Lanģu Trail is undeniably an exciting destination for a hike. That said, it’s important to note that it might not be suitable for everyone—be prepared for plenty of climbing, kneeling, and bending along the way.Despite the challenges, I’d rate this trail a solid 5/5 stars. Even the tricky task of finding the right path didn’t dampen the experience. In fact, I might go so far as to call it one of the most impressive nature trails in Latvia. I know that’s a bold statement, but Līču–Lanģu Trail truly delivers. Around every corner, there was something new to marvel at, and the towering cliffs left me absolutely speechless.
Other things to see and do in Latvia