Straupe Tourism

Straupe

Straupe – the Smallest Hansa Town in the World

Straupe is easy to reach for anyone because like in the Middle Ages, when Hanseatic merchants transported their goods, the most direct route from Riga to Petersburg is through Straupe.

When entering Straupe, you will be amazed by the stately baroque building – Lielstraupe Medieval Castle. The local guide will gladly accompany you through the castle rooms, and then through the castle park, along the old mill to the other medieval castle, and let you see the former place of the town, which shows that Straupe can be called the smallest Hanseatic city in the world!

The taste paradise you will find in the Old Poststation Straupe, the cultural and historical ensemble of which has become a home for the only one in Balticum regularly Slow Food market. The small and cosy shop of Straupe dairy offers Straupe butter made by original recipe and traditional Latvian caraway cheese. The Straupe cooperative of dairy producers is one of the most successful cooperatives in Latvia, producing only healthy products without preservatives.

The Straupe, to great extent situated within the Gauja National Park, its surrounding area attracts hikers and anglers thanks to the picturesque scenery with many lakes. Here you also find the one and only subterraneous lake in the Baltic region. Comfortable summerhouses and camping sites close to the rivers Brasla and Gauja or the lake-shores are appropriate for family holidays.

Highlights

Baltic Pictures

Lielstraupe Castle, the church and the park

When entering Straupe, any traveller is amazed by the stately baroque building of Lielstraupe Castle, called the jewel of Vidzeme. Here started the story of the Hanseatic town Straupe, which acquired the rights of a town in 1353. The complex has retained its ‘’living history” breath, which can be enjoyed in advance by booking a tour with a local storyteller.

Enter Gauja

The Straupe Hanseatic Hiking Trail

About 3 km long walking route for any traveller who wants to feel the mysterious appeal of the historic Hanseatic city of Straupe. The route goes along two medieval castles, old mill, crosses the Brasla river and lets you see the former place of the town, which shows that Straupe can be called the smallest Hanseatic city in the world! For a guided tour pre-booking is required.

Straupe Old Post Station and Slow Food Market

Near the Riga-Petersburg Road, there is the Old Poststation Straupe, the cultural and historical ensemble of which has become a home for the Slow Food Straupe market. Twice a month– on 1^st and 3^rd Sunday –, you can buy diverse traditional local products here, making visitors feel like they’re in a gastronomic paradise.