Vidzeme

Vidzeme is one of the four historical and cultural regions of Latvia, located in the north-central part of the country. It stretches from the Gulf of Riga in the west toward the eastern border with Latgale, and it contains a mix of river valleys, uplands, forests and lakes. The Gauja River valley and the Vidzeme Upland are defining features, and Gauja National Park protects a significant portion of the region’s landscape and biodiversity.

The region hosts several notable towns and towns with medieval heritage, including Cēsis, Valmiera, Sigulda, Limbaži, Alūksne and Gulbene. Cēsis is known for its well-preserved medieval town center and the Cēsis Castle. Sigulda is a popular tourist town with attractions such as the historical castles in the Gauja valley. Valmiera is a major urban and economic center, while Limbaži and Alūksne preserve historic townscapes and local culture.

Historically, Vidzeme formed part of medieval Livonia and the broader Livonian cultural area, influenced by various powers during the medieval and early modern periods. After Latvia regained independence in 1918, Vidzeme became one of the country’s recognized cultural regions. The region has a long tradition of agriculture, crafts and forestry, and it remains a core area for Latvian rural life and regional identity.

Demographically, the area is predominantly ethnic Latvian, with minority communities reflected in some localities. Economically, Vidzeme features a mix of agriculture, forestry, manufacturing and growing tourism, especially in the Gauja valley and around Sigulda and Cēsis. In contemporary Latvia, Vidzeme also designates one of the country’s planning regions, which coordinates regional development across several municipalities.