The Araisi Lake Fortress, the reconstruction of a dwelling from the 9th century AD, is located on a picturesque islet in Araisi Lake. The reconstruction has been modelled on the remains of a collection of timber buildings uncovered during archaeological excavation, and on long-term research on the lifestyle and building traditions of the ancient inhabitants of Latvia in the Viking Age. An open air archaeological museum is being developed on the basis of this reconstruction. Visitors can also view medieval castle ruins and a reconstructed Stone Age dwelling. The fortress is a venue for folklore events, the ‘‘Bee Festival’‘, ‘‘Viking Days’‘, dramatized tours ‘‘Turn of Ages in Araisi’‘ and social gatherings
