Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia
Latvijas Etnogrāfiskais brīvdabas muzejs
An open-air museum among pine forests by Lake Jugla, with more than 100 farmhouses, churches and windmills moved from across Latvia to recreate rural life.
The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia was founded in 1924 and is one of Europe’s oldest and largest open-air museums. It covers about 87 hectares in the pine forests by Lake Jugla on the northeastern outskirts of Riga. The grounds contain 118 buildings from the 17th to 20th centuries relocated from four historical regions of Latvia, including farmhouses, barns, wooden churches, windmills and fishermen’s cottages. In summer, artisans demonstrate weaving, pottery and blacksmithing on site. Every year on the first weekend of June, a large folk crafts fair is held. Tickets cost about €5–8 (check the official website). Bus route 1 from the city center takes about 30 minutes. The grounds are large, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for a half day.
Opening hours
About 10:00–17:00 (extended hours in summer)
Nearby sights
- Riga Motor Museum
- Mežaparks & Riga Zoo
- Riga Brothers' Cemetery
- Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck
- Nativity of Christ Cathedral
- Latvian National Museum of Art
- Spīķeri Creative Quarter
- Freedom Monument