Krimulda is probably the most touristically significant manor house in Livonia (Vidzeme), and perhaps even in the entire Baltic region. Perched high above the Gauja Valley (Livonian Aa), within the eponymous national park, Krimulda offers views to the north of the beautifully restored Turaida Castle, a former Teutonic Order stronghold. Across the river, connected by cable car, lies the heart of the "Livonian Switzerland" – the small town of Sigulda (Segewold), renowned as a hub for Latvian winter sports. A golf course is just minutes away, and the culinary scene has developed significantly. Riga is a mere 50 km away, easily accessible by both train and a well-maintained highway.
Krimulda entered recorded history in the 13th century when the Livonian Brothers of the Sword seized the left bank of the Gauja. The right bank belonged to the Archbishop of Riga, who erected a castle in 1231 for defense. Due to its exposed location, the castle saw frequent conflict and was heavily damaged during the Polish-Swedish War of 1601. Remaining in its ruined state, its impressive remnants still bear witness today, just meters from the new palace, to its martial past.
Under Polish rule, Krimulda was secularized and subsequently granted by King Gustav Adolf of Sweden to the Swedish Chancellor Oxenstierna in 1625, after Sweden occupied Livonia. Initially mortgaged to Johann v. Helmersen in 1664, it eventually passed definitively to his heirs in 1726. In 1817, Lieutenant General Prince Johann Lieven acquired the estate, followed in 1848 by his son, the Land Marshal Prince Paul Lieven, and since 1881, it has belonged to his son, Prince Paul Lieven, who was expropriated in 1920.
Following expropriation, the Latvian Red Cross took over the property, establishing a sanatorium. In 1928, a semicircular summer residence was erected in front of the palace. After Latvia regained independence, Krimulda was privatized and continues to operate to this day as a hostel with modest accommodations.
The entire property for sale comprises 9 buildings totaling 8300 sqm of usable space. At its center is the neoclassical palace built in the mid-19th century. Originally single-story, it was later expanded with a mansard roof. Despite its modest size, it appears grandiose due to its imposing portico. Unlike typical neoclassical architecture where roofs are not emphasized, in Krimulda, the roof was designed to enhance its silhouette. A small tower, known as a "Belvedere," crowns the main ridge. The garden facade features a centrally located, columned veranda. Just beyond, the terrain drops steeply, revealing a magnificent view of the Gauja Valley (Livonian Aa).
Among the former economic buildings of the estate, the former horse stable stands out for its elaborate neoclassical architecture, a testament to the builder's ambitious design. Some outbuildings are rented out, ranging from a touristically marketed distillery to residential units.
The entire property for sale covers 53.76 hectares, typical of the area retained by estate owners during the land reform of 1920.
