The Site
Āraiši Ezerpils Archaeological Park is one of Latvia’s most important archaeological sites, offering a comprehensive insight into the prehistoric settlement patterns of the region. At its core lies the reconstructed 9th–10th century lake-settlement, originally inhabited by the Latgallians, an ancient Baltic tribe. The site’s exceptional archaeological value is reflected in extensive archaeological excavations which uncovered the remains of 151 wooden structures, over 3,700 artefacts, and approximately 100,000 pottery fragments. Due to the waterlogged conditions of the site, organic materials were remarkably well preserved, providing an unparalleled understanding of construction techniques, daily life, and material culture of Latgallians during the Viking Age.
The Āraiši lake settlement is recognised as a cultural monument of national importance and holds exceptional value within the broader European context. Notably, ten lake settlements have been identified in the Vidzeme region, forming a network of prehistoric sites that offer insights into ancient Baltic habitation patterns. In recognition of their collective significance, efforts are underway to explore the possibility of nominating these sites for the UNESCO World Heritage List, ensuring their international recognition and long-term protection.
Beyond the lake-settlement, the park includes reconstructions of Stone and Bronze Age dwellings as well as remnants of a 14th-century medieval castle, constructed by the Teutonic Order, illustrating the architectural evolution of the region from prehistoric times until the Middle Ages. These elements, alongside the reconstructed Viking Age settlement, contribute to the park’s role as a vibrant centre for experimental archaeology, heritage interpretation, and the study of ancient construction techniques.
The Training Course
The European Heritage Training Course offers participants the opportunity to engage in the reconstruction of a Viking Age wooden building, employing traditional construction methods based on archaeological evidence and historical craftsmanship.
Guided by skilled craftsmen from Latvia and Germany, historians, and archaeologists, the participants will work with locally sourced timber, applying authentic woodworking techniques with period-appropriate tools such as narrow-blade axes and bevels to shape and assemble the structure. The tasks will include fitting logs through interlocking joints, applying natural insulation with moss harvested from the surrounding forests, constructing a roof using bark and split wooden logs, and installing a clay screed floor, all following methods historically used by the settlement’s inhabitants. Through this process, the participants will contribute to the long-term conservation and interpretation of prehistoric building traditions, ensuring that knowledge of these techniques remains accessible to future generations.
The site holds particular importance in the study of prehistoric wooden architecture in the Baltic region and is one of Latvia´s most important archaeological sites representative of the prehistoric period. As part of a broader initiative, it is currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage inscription within a serial nomination of ten prehistoric lake settlements. The course will incorporate an academic component focused on heritage recognition, where participants will engage in discussions on the Outstanding Universal Value of these sites, exploring the historical and architectural significance that supports their potential inclusion on the World Heritage List. Through this exchange, the training course will contribute to ongoing research efforts aimed at strengthening the case for the site’s inscription and enhancing its role within international heritage community.
An essential element of the educational programme will be the presentations prepared by the participants, offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge on archaeological sites and their valorisation. Each participant will prepare and deliver a presentation on successful examples of experimental archaeology in their home countries, specifically focusing on the reconstruction or replication of buildings based on archaeological and archival evidence. These presentations and the accompanying discussions will serve to contrast different regional approaches, enriching the collective learning experience and broadening perspectives on the management of archaeological heritage.
The programme will be complemented by guided visits to related archaeological and other heritage sites, thematic workshops on heritage conservation, and expert-led discussions, ensuring that the training course provides a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. Through practical engagement with historic techniques and intellectual exploration of conservation principles, the training course will enhance the understanding of prehistoric wooden architecture while contributing to the future safeguarding of lake settlements as a valuable part of Europe’s cultural heritage.
The training course will take place from August 18th to August 30th, 2025, and is jointly organised by European Heritage Volunteers and the Āraiši Ezerpils Archaeological Park.
