Archaeological Museum Park

The museum is located at a 6-km distance from the Karlamuiza Country Hotel. This is the first open-air archaeology museum in the Baltic States. The museum allows to see how our ancestors lived a thousand years ago. The 9th century dwelling of ancient Latgalians was reconstructed in accordance with discovered remains of wooden buildings and artefacts. Archaeological excavations in the 60-s and 70-s of the 20th century were lead by the archaeologist Janis Apals. During the excavations around 150 various wooden buildings were discovered and studied, 3500 artefacts and more than 100 intact and broken clay dishes were found. The Medieval Araisi Castle ruins (14th – 17th century), reconstructed stone and bronze age settlements are located nearby.

Araisi lake fortified settlement

The well-preserved state allowed to determine the planning of separate buildings and the whole settlement, as well as used construction solutions, which enabled to gain an understanding of the lifestyle of ancient dwellers. The fortified settlement of Araisi was reconstructed with high historical credibility, and it is a very distinct object of historical and cultural value in the whole region of Northern Europe.

The fortified lake settlement was a permanent settlement, which was constructed on a small, submersible isle. The settlement was protected by defensive buildings on the outside and passage to land was ensured by a rocky shoal. Approximately 70 to 90 people lived in the Araisi settlement. Main activities of the inhabitants of the settlement were agriculture, cattle breeding, forest apiculture, craftsmanship and trade. Fishing and hunting were essential as well. They had a varied diet – cereal crops, turnips, meat, milk, wild game and fish. They combed their hair with bone and bristle combs, and they used wooden mallets for washing clothes.

The fortified settlement was attacked, burned to the ground and abandoned. The remains of the settlement were covered in water due to the sinking of the foundation and increase of water level in the lake.

Works of great archaeologist Janis Apals were used in the text.

Working hours

Working hours in the summer season (from 1st of April to 31st of October):
Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 19:00
Working hours in the winter season (from 1st of November to 31st of March):
Wednesday – Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00

Cost of entry
Adults – 2.00 €
Students, pensioners, pupils – 1.00 €
Family ticket (1-2 adults with 1-2 children (7-18 years of age)) – 4.00 €
Children until seven years of age – free.
Guide services (1-hour excursion)

for foreign language groups – 16.00 €
Paying with cash or various payment cards is possible!