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Carnikava Regional History Centre
Jomas iela 7, Carnikava
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Carnikavas-novadpētniecības-centrs
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The evidence of the history and cultural heritage of Carnikava parish can be seen at the Regional Research Centre at Jomas Street 7.The Regional Research Centre was opened in 2012, and its building is a replica of the fisherman’s and ferryman’s house “Cēlāji” built in 1851 near the mouth of the Gauja River. The land route from Riga to Pärnu used to run along the bay, and one of the three most important ferry crossings on the lower Gauja was located at Cēlāji. The inhabitants of this house carried passengers and goods across the river until the 19th century. In the late 18th century. The original building was appreciated as an outstanding example of the 19th century. In 1966, it was moved to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia.
Carnikava Regional Research Centre offers:
  • Free excursions on weekdays and weekends
  • Museum educational programmes on fishing for children of different ages
  • Fishing boat trips on the Gauja
  • Lamprey soup cooking and tasting (during the lamprey fishing season)
  • Rest, camping and campfire places for travellers and walkers
  • Slip and pontoon boats for.

Museum educational programmes: “Visits to the Fisherman of Carnikava” and “Lamprey Hour”. Carnikava is the kingdom of the lamprey, and the lamprey is a symbol, a feeder and a history-maker. That is why the programme “Lamprey Hour” gives children the opportunity to get acquainted with lamprey fishing, to learn and do many new things, for example, by making a fabric lamprey and at the end of the exciting journey taking with them their own souvenir – a Carnikava lamprey. During the museum-educational programme “Visits to the Fisherman of Carnikava”, participants have the opportunity to get acquainted with the life and fishing traditions of the fishermen of Carnikava, try their hand at mending nets, tying knots, etc. Both programmes are adapted for children of different ages, so they will be interesting for kindergarten children, schoolchildren and even students.

Visits to the Local History Centre are also possible upon prior request by tel. 29128086 or by contacting the Ādaži Municipality Tourism Information Centre (Rīgas iela 16, Carnikava).
Photos by H.Toms and from the archives of the Carnikava Local History Centre.