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The Āraišu lake settlement is the only reconstruction of a 9th-10th century fortified settlement in Europe. The park is distinguished by its unique archaeological findings, the reconstruction's location in its original setting and the well-preserved cultural landscape typical of Vidzeme, which contrasts positively with the modern urban environment. Guided tours on the ancient Latgalian way of life and building traditions are available. Programmes for different age groups, both children and adults, which help to better understand and feel the life of the ancient people in the Lake District.
The visitor centre features a permanent exhibition, which for the first time since the excavations were carried out presents the original evidence and the story of archaeologist Jānis Apals in an informative way.
Opening hours
The ticket office of Āraišai Lake Archaeological Park closes 45 minutes before the end of opening hours.
15 minutes before closing time, the park and the indoor exhibition will gradually close!
22.04.- 30.09.
I - VII ....9.00-19.00
OPENING HOURS DURING THE MAY HOLIDAYS
01.05......CLOSED
02.05......10.00-16.00
03.05......10.00-16.00.
04.05......CLOSED
05.05......10.00-16.00
Ticket prices
Adults - 5,00 EUR
Students, pensioners, pupils - 4,00 EUR
Family ticket - 15,00 EUR
Preschool children - free
Guides
"Journey through the ages - from prehistory to the Middle Ages"
During the excursion we offer a guided tour of the Archaeological Park of the Āraišu lake settlement, looking at the buildings, learning about the living conditions and opportunities of the ancient people, as well as getting to know the utensils and tools used by the people of Āraiši Lake sattlement.
Guide service: / Book a guide at least 3 days before the tour.
ENG / DE / RU - 1h / 30.00 EUR
ENG / DE / RU - 1,5h / 45.00 EUR
How to reach us
By bus: Cēsis - Āraiši, Āraiši - Cēsis / departure times : www.1188.lv /
Riga -Āraiši, Āraiši - Riga / for departure times: www.1188.lv /
Cēsis United Taxi Services +371 8000 1000
By train: Riga - station Āraiši - 3km walk to Āraiši Archaeological Park
Valga - Āraiši station - 3km walk to Āraiši Archaeological Park
The inhabitants of Lake Āraiši were mainly engaged in farming, animal husbandry, crafts and trade, as well as hunting, fishing and forest beekeeping. Already during the excavations, the idea of reconstructing the lake castle and creating the Āraiši Open-Air Archaeological Park was born. During the reconstruction, replicas of the original buildings were made from excavated construction details, and replicas of ancient tools were used in the decoration work. The reconstruction of the ancient settlement of Āraiši, the lake castle, has a high degree of historical reliability.
