The high concentration of the cultural history monuments is another characteristic feature of the Gauja NP. 221 cultural monuments are located here, but overall together with objects of historic importance, their number exceeds 540.

The nineteen ancient hillforts, multiple settlements, and cemeteries are indicative of the fact that people have been living along the River Gauja for a long period. It is the highest density of number of hillforts known in Latvia in such small territory.

On the island of Lake Āraiši, based on materials obtained during archeological excavations, a reconstructed 9th century Latgalian lake settlement has been made.

In the territory of Gauja NP, at least 6 medieval castles and 3 towns (Straupe [Roopa], Cēsis, and Sigulda) were situated. The residence of the order master - the Livonian secular power - was situated in Cēsis.

Later Vidzeme survived Polish, Swedish, and Russian periods. In the 18th century, Vidzeme suffered greatly from the damage of the Northern War and plague.

In the current territory of the Gauja NP, the famous Liv construction master, Mārcis Sārums, was born and lead his activities - he constructed the old manor-house at the Sigulda Manor, the tower of the Cēsis St. Johns Church, and more.

During the 18th century and at the beginning of the 19th, the current territory of the Gauja NP was affected by active Hernhuter movement. The Ungurmuiža Manor, which was built at the beginning of the 18th century, was the host of the main support bases. Under influence from the Hernhuter movement, widespread peasant riots occurred in vicinity of Cēsis.

Paper production started developing in Līgatne since year 1816. The paper-mill of Līgatne is the oldest paper production unit in Latvia, and along with the old town wooden buildings, it is a historic monument of culture and technology of national importance.

Besides farming and livestock breeding, the people also mastered various crafts in the sandy lands of Gauja area. A very old profession is the bee-keeper. Beginning with the end of the 18th century, in several parishes between Cēsis and Valmiera actively operating were the famous chair craftsmen – in Brieži, Strīķi, Lenči, and Liepa. The craftsmen made fantastic chairs with wicker seats of birch-tree and clubrushes.

Just as old is the profession of Gauja raftsman. Initially, the timber was floated with floaters, and later also openly. Timber floating in Gauja was discontinued in the 60-ties of the last century. In Turaida, men – cooper masters – made hoops for barrels and just as the inhabitants of Sigulda, they were spoke masters – they made spokes for whole families for needs of tourists.

The local peasant women were skillful Vidzeme style blanket weavers, patterned mitten knitters, as well as linen towel and sheet masters.

In the surroundings of Liepa, where there are high value Devonian clay layers, there were brick-kilns and potters used to work there.

Back in the day, there were 11 windmills and 25 watermills actively operating in the territory of the present day national park.