Brīvdabas muzejs „Ausekļu dzirnavas”
Latvian farmstead on the bank of the Iecava River in the Bārbele area, with a collection of historic tools and agricultural machinery, water and wind mills; the museum has been awarded the cultural mark “Latviskais mantojums”.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Two kilometres from the centre of Bārbele, on the bank of the Iecava River, a Latvian farmstead has been created with a collection of old tools — vehicles, machinery and household items. Since 2011 the water mill building has been restored, and the “Lazdu” windmill (1926), moved from Ādžūni in Īslīce parish, has also been restored. In 2013 the museum was awarded the cultural mark “Latviskais mantojums”.
The museum hosts two traditional festivals: in spring the “Sējas svētki” (sowing festival, on the second Saturday of May), and in autumn the “Pļaujas svētki” (harvest festival, on the first Saturday of September), where visitors can take part in farm work and see the machinery in operation. The grounds include camping and recreation sites; the water mill building has a celebration hall and overnight accommodation, and there is also a rural sauna.
Highlights
- Collection of old tools, vehicles and machinery
- Water mill and the restored “Lazdu” windmill (1926)
- “Sējas svētki” and “Pļaujas svētki” with hands-on farm work
- Cultural mark “Latviskais mantojums” (2013)
Permanent exhibition
- Senās tehnikas un darba rīku ekspozīcija – Latvian farmstead with vehicles, machinery, household objects and mills.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5people with special needs from Latvia (on presentation of a certificate) |
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 2 · Children aged 3 to 16: €4; up to 2 years: free of charge. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5On presentation of a certificate. |
| Groups | €30 per personGuide service in Latvian: €30 per group; in a foreign language: €40 per group. |
| Families | €14With the Latvian 3+ family card: 1 adult with children €14, 2 adults with children €20. |
| Admission to the traditional “Sējas” and “Pļaujas” festivals | €8Children up to 4 years: free of charge; ages 5–16: €4; pensioners and people with special needs: €7; families with a 3+ card: €16 or €24. |
| Programme with rye bread or saldskābmaize | €19Price per person. |
Free admission: On the first Wednesday of each month, admission is free for holders of the Latvian 3+ family card.
Prices for visiting the collection and grounds.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €14 · With the Latvian 3+ family card: 1 adult with children €14, 2 adults with children €20. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Playground / play area
The grounds include a children's playground and bathing places.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The mills are located about 2 km from the centre of Bārbele, on the bank of the Iecava River.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The grounds include camping and recreation sites, a tea house for up to 45 people, a celebration hall and a rural sauna.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Weddings / ceremonies
Up to 65 guests.
Celebration hall for 65 people, tea house for up to 45 people, accommodation for up to 44 people; a programme is offered for newlyweds and wedding guests.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The exhibition of old equipment and farm tools can also be viewed with a guide. By prior booking, a tasting of pancakes, pies and bread is offered, as well as workshops on baking pies and bread (6–12 people). |