Welcome to the Daugava Museum
Stories connecting the river and the people
About the Museum
The Daugava Museum was established in 1969 and has been welcoming visitors since 1977. It is located on the scenic Dole Island, housed within the "New Manor House" of the Dole Manor complex, built in 1898.
The museum offers a captivating journey through the history of the Daugava River—from the arrival of the first inhabitants during the Stone Age to the present day.
Discover the river’s vital role in human life, explore ancient settlements, and learn about the hydroelectric power plants that changed the river’s flow and the landscape forever.
What to See & Do
Inside the Museum: Permanent Exhibition
The exhibition is located in the historic Dole Manor house and offers a journey through the history of the Daugava river:
-
From Stone Age To Today: Discover the oldest human settlements in Latvia and see unique archaeological artifacts.
-
The "River Of Destiny: Learn about the Daugava as a vital trade route, the legends of its rapids, and the ancient hillforts along its banks.
-
Traditions & Crafts: Explore the tools and lifestyles of the river’s inhabitants – from boatmen and raftsmen to master craftsmen.
-
The Changing Landscape: A dedicated look at the construction of the Riga Hydroelectric Power Plant (HES) and how it transformed the riverbed and local scenery forever.
-
Temporary Exhibitions: In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum offers art, history, and cultural exhibitions that change regularly.
In the Museum Park
Dole Manor Park
Dole Manor Park is a masterpiece of late 18th to early 19th-century landscaping. Founded in 1776 by Baron Otto Hermann von Fittinghof, it has evolved for over 200 years into a lush sanctuary.
-
Fishermen’s Open-Air Farmstead "Mellupi": Step back in time to an authentic 19th-century river fisherman's home.
-
Unique Fishing Weirs (Tači): See one-of-a-kind, full-scale reconstructions of historical salmon and lamprey fishing structures.
-
The Landscape Park: Enjoy a walk through our 19th-century park on the banks of the "Dry Daugava" (Sausā Daugava).
-
Dole Island Dolomite Outcrop: Witness one of the last remaining natural cliffs on the Daugava. This 3–4 meter high dolomite wall is a protected national natural monument and a rare glimpse of the river's original banks.
-
Ancient Giants: Feel the history beneath the "Vecpidiņi" Great Pine and see the remains of the Dole Great Oak—once a 450-year-old giant and a symbol of the island’s strength.
Plan Your Visit
Opening Hours
-
M - Th 10 AM – 5 PM
-
Fr - S 11 AM – 6 PM
-
Closed on Tuesdays
Admission Fees
-
Adults: 5 €
-
Students / Seniors: 2 €
-
Family Ticket: 10 €
-
Guided Tour (English): 30 € + tickets
Guided Tours at the
Daugava Museum
Located on scenic Dole Island, the Daugava Museum offers a captivating journey through the history of the Daugava River—from the arrival of the first inhabitants during the Stone Age to the present day. Discover the river’s vital role in human life, explore ancient settlements, hillforts, and castles, and learn about the crafts and hydroelectric power plants that reshaped the river’s flow and the surrounding landscape.
During the tour, you will:
Explore
the ancient Laukskola settlements and learn how people lived during the Stone and Bronze Ages.
Learn
about the history of hydroelectric power plants and how they transformed the Daugava’s riverbed, landscape, and the lives of local residents.
Discover
archaeological finds, ancient burial grounds, and jewelry that reveal the daily lives, crafts, and social structures of the Livs and other Baltic tribes.
See
the tools used by raftsmen, boatmen, and fishermen, and find out about historical river transport—including traditional rafts and barges (strūgas).
To book a guided tour or for any inquiries, please contact us:
Daugavas muzejs, Salaspils pagasts, Salaspils novads, LV-2121
Orienteering Course
For those who enjoy active recreation, an orienteering course is available within the museum grounds during opening hours.
To complete the course, you will need a smartphone with the MOBO app installed.
The app allows you to follow the route and check in at various control points along the way.
Events & Traditions
Throughout the year, the Daugava Museum comes to life through traditions, celebrations, and special events
-
Seasonal Festivities: Experience authentic Latvian traditions such as Easter, Summer Solstice, and the harvest festivals of Miķeļi and Mārtiņi. These celebrations are filled with traditional songs, dances, games, and creative activities.
-
Creative & Ancient Craft Workshops: Learn historical skills and crafts through hands-on workshops led by masters of their trade.
-
Local Markets: Discover unique treasures at our markets, featuring handmade goods from local artisans and home producers.
-
Open-Air Concerts: Our summer afternoon concerts have become a cherished tradition—offering a peaceful atmosphere where music meets the gentle sounds of the river and the wind.