It’s hard to explain why I decided to go to Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum. Probably because I have not been to any.
It’s also possible that it’s because the Skansen open air museum in Stockholm is too expensive, while this one in Latvia costs only a fraction. Or maybe it’s because my couchsurfing host recommended it to me.
Entrance Ticket: 4.27 euros or 2.13 (student). Parking is 2 euros (I think)
It’s location is out of the city, so you’ll need your own transportation. If you don’t have a car, I’d say there’s no need to plan your trip here. (Although the website says you can go there by public transportation….) http://www.brivdabasmuzejs.lv/lv/language
So, the museum park is bigger than I thought (which is good!) And there’s lots of green (good too!) The place is not crowded with people, and you can freely walk around (which is good too!)
There are 4 regions of Latvian ethnographic groups, although as tourists you cannot really tell.
There was a theatre show when I went. Although it was in Latvian and there was no English translation.
Then I realized this was a problem… You cannot really communicate with the ‘farmers’ or ‘residents’ there… oh no! So basically you are on your own to look around these cute houses which were brought from different areas of Latvia.
(although we bought organic honey and flower powder from a farmer at 8 euros each!)
I saw an old church (made from wood!) there too. It’s really cool that it was built by wood yet still so well preserved. There’s also a painting on the ceiling.
You’d also see small churches like look like temples (no seats….) I don’t know what it is actually but I’ve seen something like this in Southern India (so it must be from Portugal?)
Did you see the heater (in the picture above)? The lady of the house didn’t speak much English but she told us it was a heater..
There’s very little explanation, but it’s fun just to look into every building and see what it is for!
Some buildings very interesting. I like the windmills, and in fact, at the end of the park there was a big windmill which you could go in. It’s pretty cool!
There are toilets inside. Although not really a place selling food. So do bring your own food. For less than 5 euros I’d say it’s good for value if you are traveling as family. If you are just a backpacker, and if you prefer communication then you’ll not enjoy this place so much (or come with your couchsurfing host). Although I don’t think I’d come back again, I do like this place.
You can read more about this place on TripAdvisor.
Traveling Mega
