The Colorful Zvīguļi with the Gauja National Park behind a Fence

“The idea of the guesthouse belongs to my wife,” says Juris Zvīgulis, “she wanted some activity for her retirement, the name ‘Zvīguļi’ is her idea as well. Also, the bright colours at Zvīguļi are hers. “Juris says, he would have wanted everything in beige, but visitors like it. Juris and his wife purchased the property at an auction in 2012. The previous owners had intended a car service here, but something had gone wrong. Back then the couple had invested all their savings here and are now enjoying the fruits of their effort. Juris points out that this is his only business: “I look after visitors as my wife still works in Riga, so she just now and then helps me to look after the garden and house. “I take this as a way of life; if I started to look at from the business perspective, it would be hard,” says Juris.

When looking for the place, they had wanted something with a space for activity and close to nature. And here it is: all around Zvīguļi we can enjoy the beauty of Latvian nature, and nearby, there is Sigulda, which acts as an important tourist magnet. Next to the property, there is a bus stop. This is used by guests to get to Riga for only EUR 2 and not to be agonised by the search for a parking lot. Juris already feels himself at home in Inčukalns. He does his best to collaborate with the neighbouring service providers, because, apart from the stay, tourists are also looking for the whole package of services. You are welcome to have a meal in the Rāmkalni or visit the Young Riders’ School to look at the horses or stroke them. Juris’ experience suggests that everyone in the tourism sector is open for cooperation and that is very important.

The Gauja National Park begins behind the fence. Juris laughs, “We have some sort of jungle on the other side of our fence, but even that adds a special flavour to the place.” Nature has its own special energy, enticing travelers here with tents and cyclists who are rising in numbers. Many people come with campervans and these people are really interesting. Normally, there is enough room for 20-30 people in the guesthouse, however they have also managed to fit in a group of 56 people from Belarus and leave everyone satisfied. Once a wedding was celebrated in Zvīguļi, where a half of the guests were from Latgale, the other half from Kurzeme, the location of Zvīguļi had turned out to be very convenient because it is between the two historic regions.

Working at a guesthouse lets them meet people from all over the world. For example, a group of eight people from Thailand or a family from China with their own cook. Guests have access to the kitchen and we can only wonder about the gastronomic miracles they cooked! Juris admits he has never met unpleasant guests. Visitors think the same: when the owners of Zvīguļi read the feedback, they often even blush with pride.