The village of Araisi in Latvia is an archaeological museum located on the shore of a lake. More precisely, it is an underwater archaeology museum. Once, the foundation of a settlement resembling a castle on the water, a kind of artificial island, was discovered here.
A walk in the village.
In ancient times, wild animals and all sorts of people inhabited this place, not always with good intentions, so they created a bridge to protect themselves, which could be closed if necessary. The structure of the settlement is quite clear and understandable. When you enter the village, you see a square the size of a small room. And then inside the settlement, you understand how small and limited the world of ancient people was, focused on themselves, on communication, and family.
On the main square stood the house of the settlement chief and his wife, with millstones on the porch, where apparently women ground grain. And around in a circle are very tiny houses – two by two meters, maybe three by three at most. From archaeological finds, it is clear that there was a forge somewhere, a grain storage, and stored herbs, but mainly Araisi consisted of residential premises, very small, very low, and very peculiar. The charm is that you walk, enter, look around, and feel like a part of this place.
It so happened that it started raining during my visit. And all the people who were in this main square scattered to the little houses and each settled on their porch. There were about 10-15 of us, and it felt as if we, the residents of this place, had gathered for another ordinary evening meeting. Some of these people had dogs, some had children – the composition was perfect. Very interesting feelings arise in this place.
Near the village, within walking distance, are the ruins of a 15th-century castle, and if you walk along a swampy path, you can reach the oldest buildings of this village. They were reconstructed based on the earliest finds. Three layers of the ethnovillage included the oldest structures, Araisi (9-10th century), and already a capital castle with powerful walls, preserved premises, storerooms, and the main hall.
Not far from the castle, on a hill, there are wooden swings and tables. Thematic festivals and holidays are held here. I think if you time your visit right, you can have a very beautiful walk at one of these events.
In my opinion, the village of Araisi is magical, but there is nothing supernatural here. The magic lies in the feelings and the atmosphere here.
Are you looking for more colorful places in Latvia? Then don’t miss the opportunity to visit the ethno village Brivdabas and the cozy city of Jurmala on the shores of the Gulf of Riga. These two places are worth a wander there, which I just can’t help but recommend to you.
How to get to Araisi Archaeological Park.
From Riga: If you’re starting your journey from the capital city of Riga, you have several transportation options. The most convenient way is by car, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the A2 highway. The village of Araisi in Latvia is located 80 kilometers from Riga and 7 kilometers from Cesis.
I highly recommend traveling by car as it is the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
Public Transport: If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus from Riga Central Bus Station (Rīgas Centrāltirgus) to Cēsis, a charming town near the archaeological park. From Cēsis, you can either hire a taxi or take a local bus to Araisi.
Check Aviasales to find the cheapest airfare to Riga if you’re traveling from another country.
Opening hours: from 9 am to 7 pm daily from April to October. From November to March from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
If you’re looking for something new to expand your Baltic exploration, then take a trip on my Baltic itinerary to travel through the two countries of Lithuania and Latvia. I have included the most significant places to see while here.
Top hotels near Araisi Village.
Here’s a curated list of the finest hotels near village to make your journey even more memorable:
Hotel ARAISI: Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Araisi Lake and the renowned Araisi Archaeological Park, Hotel ARAISI offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With cozy rooms overlooking breathtaking vistas, impeccable service, and a range of amenities including a sauna and on-site dining options serving authentic Latvian cuisine, this hotel promises an unforgettable retreat.
Vecmuiža Castle: Step into a world of grandeur and elegance at Vecmuiža Castle, a historic estate turned luxurious hotel located a short drive from this place. Surrounded by lush gardens and boasting lavishly decorated rooms, this boutique hotel offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. Indulge in gourmet dining, explore the castle’s rich history, or simply unwind amidst nature’s tranquility.
Hotel Niedras: For those seeking a cozy countryside retreat, Hotel Niedras provides the perfect escape. Tucked away amidst verdant forests and rolling hills, this charming hotel exudes warmth and hospitality. From comfortable accommodations to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, Hotel Niedras offers an idyllic setting for relaxation and exploration.
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