Ausekļu dzirnavas, Viesu nams, Brīvdabas muzejs
About This Museum
Tucked away in the scenic Bārbeles parish of the Bauska region, this charming complex offers a peaceful escape into Latvia's rural heritage. At its heart is the Ausekļu dzirnavas, a beautifully restored watermill that still creaks and groans with life. The adjacent Viesu nams (Guest House) provides a cozy glimpse into traditional hospitality, while the open-air museum grounds let you wander among historic wooden farmsteads and artisan workshops. It’s a wonderfully immersive spot where history feels less like a lesson and more like a living, breathing part of the landscape.
Collection Highlights
The star is the functioning watermill itself, where you can watch the giant wooden gears turn and learn how grain was ground. Scattered across the grassy fields are authentic 19th-century buildings, including a blacksmith's forge, a smokehouse, and furnished farmhouses that tell stories of daily life from another era.
Visitor Information
It's best to check their social media or call ahead for seasonal opening hours, especially outside the summer months. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the sometimes uneven paths of the open-air grounds.
Architecture & Building
The buildings are classic examples of Latvian vernacular architecture, primarily constructed from hand-hewn timber with steeply pitched roofs clad in wood shingles. The watermill is a robust, functional structure built directly over the stream that powers it.
Contact & Location
Address: Ausekļu dzirnavas, Spelšu ceļš, Speltes, Bārbeles pagasts, Bauskas novads, LV-3905, Latvija
Phone: +371 26 396 878
Website: Visit Website
