Gauja valley viewpoints on the high Beite escarpment, specially arranged for the visit of Tsar Alexander II to Sigulda in the second half of the 19th century.

Since the 19th century, tourists in Sigulda have been visiting the viewpoints where they can see the Gauja Valley from afar. One such place is the Ķeizarkrēsl and the nearby Ķeizarskats. The place is named after the visit of Tsar Alexander II of Russia to Sigulda and the surrounding area. In anticipation of the high guests, the surroundings of Sigulda and Krimulda underwent several improvements: a serpentine road was built, a temporary wooden bridge over the Gauja River was built and a viewing point was created on the bank of the Gauja Valley. During their visit, the Tsar and his spouse each planted a tree, probably a linden, at a specially prepared viewpoint near Laurenčiai. From this time on, the viewpoint is called the Emperor’s Chair, because the Russian Emperor was enchanted by the wonderful view of the Gauja valley from the viewpoint.

From both the Emperor’s Chair and the Emperor’s Chair viewpoints, stairs and paths lead down to the Gauja, following the steps and signs you will reach the Devil’s Cave.

Photo from the Sigulda TIC archive.