If you are an avid hiker, Latvia has no shortage of trails to choose from, and the Gauja National Park is one of the best hiking spots. The sandstone outcrops and the caves found here are simply incredible. Approximately one-third of all Latvian natural preserves and more than 500 cultural and historical monuments can be found here. The Ligatne nature trails are a favourite among visitors as they get privy to all sorts of wild animals including bear, lynx, elk, bison and red deer that have been rescued from all over Latvia. The best time to visit is during the spring season when the bird-cherry is in full bloom and the valley turns almost entirely white.