Cesis sits at the edge of the Gauja National Park, Latvia's largest and most visited. The Gauja River has cut a steep valley through the sandstone plateau, creating a landscape of forested riverbanks, exposed sandstone cliffs, and hidden caves. Hiking trails start from the town itself and connect to longer routes through the park.
The trail along the riverbank below the castle is a good introduction: about an hour's walk through mixed forest with views up to the castle walls and across to the wooded valley. More ambitious walkers can continue south along the river towards Sigulda, another castle town about 20 km away. Sigulda is also reachable by train from Cesis and makes a natural extension of a visit to the region.