The museum contains a 'Mazbānītis' steam locomotive, a narrow-gauge train that once connected coastal towns in Northern Kurzeme.
The collection includes a sprawling outdoor exhibit of anchors, with some weighing several tons, salvaged from the Baltic Sea.
Many of the residential log buildings were dismantled at their original sites and reconstructed piece-by-piece within the museum park.
The museum features a specialized smokehouse, demonstrating traditional Latvian fish-preserving techniques still practiced in the region.
The site includes a reconstruction of a traditional village schoolhouse from the mid-1800s.
The Seaside Open-Air Museum in Ventspils displays the historical heritage of the coastal Kurzeme region, centering on the lifestyle of local fishermen and farmers. The site features a collection of over 24,000 ethnographic items housed within authentic 19th-century structures moved from across the region. A primary highlight is the extensive collection of fishing boats, including both traditional rowing boats and motorized vessels. Visitors can walk through reconstructed farmsteads, complete with residential houses, barns, and smokehouses. The museum grounds include an operating narrow-gauge railway known as the 'Mazbānītis' that traverses a scenic loop through the site. A dedicated pavilion showcases diverse anchor collections, highlighting the town's maritime history. The museum serves as an educational center illustrating the evolution of Latvian rural architecture and coastal industrialization.
The elevated platform near the anchor collection or inside the authentic fisherman's hut, which offers soft, directional natural lighting.
Check the narrow-gauge train schedule upon arrival to coordinate your walking tour with its operation times.
Dress in comfortable, flat shoes as the museum grounds are expansive and include uneven paths and grass trails.
Visit the secondary exhibits, such as the indoor historical displays, to get a better understanding of local craft tools before walking the grounds.
Avoid visiting only during the winter months, as many outdoor exhibits are restricted or the train may not be operational.
The narrow-gauge train 'Mazbānītis' operates only on specific seasonal schedules and weekends; the museum grounds have reduced access during the winter.
Respect the historic structures by not climbing on non-exhibit surfaces and follow designated paths through the garden areas.
