🏍️ 19 - Cesis - Siauliai

If you enjoy quick seaside stops, photography, or want a short leg-stretch on the coast this is an easy, low-effort detour (≈40 min added). However, it is not a major regional landmark: skip it if you prefer to stay on the more inland route toward Lithuania and prioritize medieval towns/forest scenery. Visit only if you want a brief beach viewpoint and fresh sea air — otherwise save the time for more distinctive cultural stops en route.

Good as a short, pleasant outdoor break if you’re traveling with kids or want a calm forest photo stop and don’t mind ~46 km off-route. The park delivers an easy 30–60 minute loop through atmospheric pines and eye-catching wooden fairy-tale sculptures — quick to experience and very kid-friendly. However, at a 91‑minute detour for this Cēsis→Šiauliai leg, it’s not a high-priority stop for solo motorcyclists focused on medieval sites and long scenic backroads. Skip it unless you want a light, family-oriented nature break or you have spare time to take a relaxed walk and stretch.

Good as a short photo-and-stretch stop if you particularly enjoy castles or have spare time: you can see the exterior, walk the courtyard and defensive earthworks and grab quick photos in 30–60 minutes. However, the detour is a substantial 45 km off-route (estimated 90 minutes extra) and the site is a regional — not national — must-see. If you’re trying to keep the Cēsis → Šiauliai run direct and short, skip it; if you want a neat castle stop and don’t mind the extra riding, it’s an easy, pleasant brief detour.

In the height of summer, from July 21 to 23, the <strong>Valmiera city festival</strong> will take place, celebrating the city&#x27;s 740th birthday.

A high‑rating, highly memorable stop for motorcycle travelers who want a theatrical break: castle photos, regal dining, local Latvian flavors and the option to overnight and use the spa. It’s a narrative‑worth‑telling stop on a route of medieval towns and forested countryside — more than just a meal. Must try: Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (grey peas with bacon) — the classic Latvian comfort dish that anchors a genuine local menu.

Stop here for a highly rated, storyworthy meal: it’s the kind of place you’ll tell fellow riders about — medieval setting, hearty regional dishes made with local ingredients, mead and smoked flavours, and immediate proximity to castles and scenic backroads. Great for a long, social lunch that doubles as a cultural stop on your Baltic touring day. Must try: Grey peas with bacon (pelēkie zirņi ar speķi) — a signature, deeply local comfort dish that pairs perfectly with their rye and mead.

A must-stop for riders who want a memorable, locally rooted pit stop: sample beers from a historic Biržai brewer, enjoy simple smoky/rye pub snacks, and soak up the region's beer-culture story (perfect contrast to the medieval and forested scenery on this leg). It’s a lively, authentically local diversion that’s easy to access and very motorcycle-friendly. Must try: House beer tasting flight — especially the house dark lager (try the tamsusis/darker brew) alongside smoked fish and rye bread

A must-stop for a quick, surreal photo and story: spend 15–30 minutes wandering the forested mound of thousands of crosses, taking striking photos and soaking up the solemn, defiant atmosphere — respectful silence recommended.

Good choice for a motorcyclist looking to pause in a quiet, scenic hill-country setting near Cēsis — excellent for stargazing and a peaceful night after touring medieval towns. If you need true waterfront or mountain-style vistas, plan a short detour to nearby lakes or the Gauja valley; otherwise this is a highly rated, secluded spot that fits the rural Baltic touring vibe.

Great stop for motorcycle riders who want waterfront camping close to Cēsis and prefer a quiet, nature-focused stay. Excellent for paddling and stargazing; if you’re chasing big mountain vistas this won’t deliver, but for secluded riverside evenings and easy access to medieval town sights it’s highly recommendable. Ask ahead about secure bike storage if you need it.

Strong pick for motorcyclists who prioritize waterfront and scenic riding rather than alpine vistas. Expect a peaceful lakeside pitch with easy parking, forested shelter for overnight protection, and evocative views of the Gauja-style hills and cliffs. Not ultra-secluded in high summer but excellent for stargazing on clear nights and for short rides to medieval sites nearby.

Quick, atmospheric detour: duck into a shallow sandstone cave covered in centuries-old carved inscriptions, grab a few moody photos from the sheltered entrance and the surrounding Gauja valley viewpoint, then be back on the road in 15–30 minutes. Easy parking and right next to the Turaida/Sigulda cluster of sights makes it a perfect short stop for motorcycle touring.

Pull off for a short photo stop at a sandstone cliff, a quick visit to Gutmanis Cave or a viewpoint near Turaida — you can sample medieval ruins, eerie cave inscriptions and forested valley scenery in 20–30 minutes and come away with a great story.

Its organisers strive (and rarely fail) to offer a <strong>music, cinematic, theatrical, and visual art events programme that promotes an understanding of the processes behind contemporary culture worldwide</strong>. The festival is unique, thanks to its experimental daring and resolve to present creative ...

Stop for a genuinely Baltic seaside pit‑stop: smoky, simple coastal food, cold sea air and a bonfire/camp vibe that’s much more memorable than a highway cafe. Great for riders who enjoy informal, local experiences and don’t mind a short detour for fresh fish, rye bread and an ocean sunset. Must try: Smoked Baltic herring with dark rye bread and butter

A delightfully kitschy, very photogenic little rabbit-themed farm — perfect for a quick 15–30 minute pit stop to stretch, get off the bike, grab some oddball photos with live rabbits and silly sculptures, and collect a memorable story. Worth a short detour if your route brings you near Bauska/Code parish.

Easy, photogenic detour — ride up to the big wooden manor, snap the oddball ensemble of outbuildings and ponds, and stroll the park for 20–30 minutes. Great for a quick coffee/photo stop and a story-worthy contrast to medieval Cēsis.

Perfect quick detour for riders: pull in for 15–30 minutes to meet photogenic alpacas, grab some surreal countryside photos, maybe buy a small wool souvenir — a quirky, memorable break from backroads and medieval stops.

A compact, highly photogenic rural homestead that makes a perfect 15–30 minute detour — pull off for a stroll around traditional wooden buildings, soak up authentic Latvian village atmosphere, and snap a few memorable countryside photos before you roll on toward Šiauliai.

Quick, atmospheric photo stop: park at the edge of Cēsis old town, walk into the castle courtyard, grab tower views and medieval façades — enough time for postcards, a few dramatic photos and to feel the place without committing to a full museum visit. If the mood hits, extend to 1–2 hours for the interiors.

Quick photo-and-stretch stop: park your bike, take a short stroll to the Neo‑Gothic façade and enjoy sweeping views of the Gauja valley — a compact, picturesque castle stop that adds a cultured contrast to your backroad ride.

A quick, atmospheric stop in Līgatne’s wooden-town center for traditional Latvian bites and fresh-baked rye — perfect for a 15–30 minute stretch-and-snack on a motorcycle route. Grab a coffee and a pastry or a small savoury plate, step out for a photo of the old wooden façade, then be back on the road with a local flavour memory.

Quick, photogenic riverside mill — an easy 15–30 minute pull-off to stretch legs, grab a photo with a rustic watermill/wooden building, and soak up Līgatne’s old-town atmosphere before you head east toward Šiauliai.

Warm quarters, some with lake views, in a casual spa hotel offering pools, gardens & a restaurant. Rating: 4.5/5 (1391 reviews)

A quick, rustic country inn stop for hearty traditional Latvian fare and local atmosphere — great for a short coffee/bread break, a photo of the homely exterior, and a memorable taste of regional food without losing much riding time.

A quick, sensory-packed detour — poke your helmet inside the vast Zeppelin-hangar market for vivid stalls, smoky fish, rye bread and mead. Great for a 20-minute browsing stop and a memorable snack/photo op before you ride on.

Worth a quick detour for a 15–30 minute stop: park just outside Riga Old Town, stroll in for a strong photo of the flamboyant Gothic façade and the Town Hall Square vibe, and pop into the medieval cellars or small exhibits only if you have an extra hour. Perfect as a quick, iconic Riga photo-op on a longer Baltic ride.

Great pick if you prize cultural highlights and secluded, starry nights rather than mountain or waterfront scenery. A motorcycle-friendly, peaceful base for visiting Rundāle Palace and exploring quiet Baltic backroads — check the site in advance for specifics on secure motorcycle storage and hookup availability. If your top priorities are waterfront or mountain views, this site won’t meet them.

A compact, photogenic castle complex perfect for a quick pull-off: park your bike, stroll the courtyard, snap the riverside silhouette and, if you have 20–30 minutes, duck into the keep or small museum for a fast hit of medieval Livonian-Order history.

A solid mid-route stop for motorcycle travellers who want a comfortable, no-nonsense campsite with a hostel option and excellent night skies. Not the place if you need lakeside pitches or mountain views, but a reliable, well-reviewed base for exploring nearby villages, markets and regional food on quiet backroads.

Stop here if you want a reliable, homey Latvian meal and a comfortable place to rest on a long backroad day. It won't be a wild themed experience, but the combination of hearty regional dishes, warm rooms and river-side calm makes it a very pleasant, practical stop that travellers remember for comfort and authenticity. Must try: Grey peas with bacon (pelēkie zirņi ar speķi)

Quick pull-off for a taste of authentic Lithuanian rural life: a small family homestead with traditional wooden architecture, local produce/preserves by arrangement and an intimate, off-the-beaten-track photo opportunity. Perfect for a 15–30 minute stop to stretch, chat with the host if they're around, grab a souvenir jar or bite, and collect a memorable story from the countryside between Cēsis and Šiauliai.

A compact, offbeat manor/homestead stop that makes a perfect 15–30 minute diversion on your ride — bring your camera. Park the bike, stretch your legs, and poke around rustic carvings, folky displays and the eccentric ambience of a Lithuanian country estate without losing much time on the route to Šiauliai.

Quick, atmospheric bog boardwalk that’s perfect for a 15–30 minute leg-stretch and some memorable photos. Ride in, park, follow the short wooden trail out over the peatland and take in the otherworldly mosses, open water and birdlife — a peaceful, offbeat nature stop that breaks up a long Baltic road day.

Quick, memorable photo stop — swing by for a 5–15 minute break to snap a helmet-and-bike shot with a distinctly Baltic, slightly surreal public sculpture. Perfect as a short urban detour approaching Šiauliai or as a brisk break on a longer day of riding.

A pleasant country restaurant in Naisiai — a convenient, highly rated place to stretch, refuel and sample Lithuanian comfort food. Ideal as a short roadside stop (coffee & small bites) or a relaxed hour if you want a full meal. Quick, friendly and easily motorcycle-accessible.

Nice quick detour for riders who want a dramatic medieval photo op and a bit of Baltic folklore without a long museum slog. Park close, stroll up to the restored red-brick tower for sweeping Gauja valley views, snap the castle ruins and the quirky sculpture/folk-arts park, hear the local 'Rose of Turaida' legend — then back on the road. Allow ~1–2 hours if you plan to climb the tower and browse the small exhibits; 30–45 minutes will still buy you the essentials.

A handy, atmospheric pit stop in Līgatne — pop in for a quick coffee, a slice of local rye bread or mead, and a photo of the tidy historic building. Fast, pleasant and centrally located so you can stretch your legs before the next leg toward Šiauliai or combine with a 10–20 minute stroll to nearby Līgatne wooden buildings or the nature trails.

A quiet, green hill break — pull off for a short stroll, a couple of photos and to stretch your legs in peaceful forested highlands. Not a showstopper, but a pleasant, easy nature pause on a longer ride.

A no-fuss roadside krogs on the E77 — perfect for a short refuel + local bite. Pop in for rye bread, smoked fish or a quick pint, stretch your legs and grab a photo of the rustic facade before getting back on the road.

Stop here if you want an authentic, low-key countryside pause: hearty local dishes, rustic log-cabin atmosphere and the option to stretch out in a grassy courtyard or book a cabin for the night. Not a culinary showstopper, but memorable for its homestead charm and regional flavors — ideal for riders seeking a quiet, local stop off the main roads. Must try: Grey peas with bacon (pelēkie zirņi) — a classic Latvian comfort dish that showcases rural flavors and pairs well with rye bread and smoked fish.

Quick, friendly pitstop: pop in for Eastern‑European pancakes/blini and a coffee. It’s a short, highly rated local café — good for a fast fuel-and-photo break on a longer leg between Cēsis and Šiauliai without losing much riding time.

High-rated rural stop that can work as a quick, low-effort break on a long Cēsis→Šiauliai run — pull in for a stretch, photos and a brief local encounter. Confirm opening/hours first; if it’s an open garden/shop/farm stop it’s a neat 15–30 minute detour and a better-than-average story stop off the main road.

A reliable, well‑reviewed caravan/camping park that works well as a comfortable overnight for motorcycle touring through the Baltic countryside. Not the place for waterfront or mountain views, but good for a peaceful stop with practical facilities, easy parking for bikes, and surprisingly good stargazing in clear weather. If your priority is lakeside camping or alpine scenery, consider a detour; if you want a low‑stress, family‑friendly serviceable stop, this fits the bill.

Quick photo-and-stretch stop: park the bike, stroll the short path to the riverside neoclassical façade and lime-tree avenue, snap some photos and enjoy a calm riverside view without committing to a long tour.

Good quick pitstop for riders who love vintage vehicles and Soviet-era oddities — an easy, sheltered 45–90 minute diversion with solid photo ops. Skip it if you’re chasing only the quirkiest roadside oddities on a tight schedule.

A well‑rated local cafe/restaurant in Bauska that makes a practical, pleasant motorcycle pit stop — quick coffee, a snack or a short sit-down to stretch legs and sample Latvian flavors. Not a wildly quirky roadside oddity, but popular, reliably good and easy to reach from town streets.

A quick, pleasant pull-off for a photo of a provincial Latvian manor and a short stroll through its park — low fuss, low crowds, good for a relaxed 20-minute break on backroads.

Dengtiltis looks like a low-key, countryside campsite that will appeal to riders seeking a quiet, secluded stop with excellent stargazing and easy access to rural backroads. If your priorities are waterfront and mountain views, this spot is not ideal — contact the host beforehand to confirm any nearby water access and the exact on-site amenities (showers, toilets, secure bike parking). For a peaceful night under Baltic skies and a base for exploring northern Lithuania’s rural culture, it’s a solid choice.

Quick, peaceful stretch-and-photo stop: pull off the road for a 15–30 minute wander through a small, well-liked local nature pocket — a calm rural slice of Lithuanian woodland and meadow that’s perfect for a tea break, a few photos, and a brief taste of country life before you press on to Šiauliai.