From the elegance of vintage cars and the ingenuity of historic machinery to the excitement of motorsport and outdoor adventures, Bauska County offers a fascinating journey through the world of engines, technology and discovery.
Explore remarkable collections of classic vehicles, discover how machinery transformed everyday life and step into the world of traditional Latvian farming. See historic agricultural equipment in action, learn about the country's motoring heritage or experience the thrill of driving on a professional motorsport track. For those who prefer adventure in the great outdoors, guided quad bike trips offer a different way to discover the forests and natural landscapes of Zemgale.
Whether you are a car enthusiast, travelling with family or looking for an active getaway, Bauska County brings together history, hands-on experiences and a little adrenaline. Here, the past meets the present – and there is plenty to explore along the way!
TOP 5 Places to Discover
1. Bauska Motor Museum – A Journey Through the History of Motoring
The Bauska branch of the Riga Motor Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in automobiles, engineering and transport history. Its collection brings together historic vehicles from different periods, offering a glimpse into the development of motoring in Latvia and beyond.
A special highlight is the collection of vehicles produced by the legendary Riga Bus Factory (RAF), showcasing an important chapter in Latvia's automotive and industrial heritage.
Highlights and experiences:
• Discover historic passenger cars, trucks and motorcycles from different periods.
• Explore Soviet-era vehicles, military machinery and specialist transport.
• See rare and experimental vehicles from the Riga Bus Factory.
• Learn about the development of transport and automotive technology in Latvia.
• Join a guided tour and hear the stories behind the exhibits.
• Discover educational activities and creative workshops for younger visitors.
Make more of your visit: Combine your museum experience with a visit to Bauska Castle and the historic old town, where another chapter of the region's history awaits.
2. Miķelis Recreation Complex – Vintage Vehicles and Rural Heritage
Set in the peaceful countryside on the banks of the River Mūsa, Miķelis offers a unique combination of vintage vehicles, agricultural machinery and traditional Latvian rural heritage. Its impressive collection features more than 100 examples of historic machinery, making it an interesting destination for technology enthusiasts and families alike.
Alongside the vehicles, visitors can explore a traditional Zemgale farmstead, where historic buildings, household objects and agricultural tools reveal how people lived and worked in the countryside.
Highlights and experiences:
• Explore a collection of more than 100 historic vehicles and machines.
• Discover vintage passenger cars, trucks, fire engines and motorcycles.
• Admire historic tractors and agricultural machinery from different periods.
• See rare vehicles, including the 1916 Albion A10 truck.
• Visit the traditional Zemgale farmstead with its residential house, barn, granaries, stable, forge and bathhouse.
• Discover historic household objects, furniture, tools and traditional rural crafts.
• Enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
• Stay overnight at the hotel and turn your visit into a relaxing countryside getaway.
Make more of your visit: explore the rural heritage exhibitions and combine your visit with other attractions in Bauska County.
3. Ausekļu Dzirnavas Open-Air Museum – Where Traditional Machinery Comes to Life
Step into the world of traditional Latvian country life at Ausekļu Dzirnavas, an open-air museum set in a picturesque rural landscape. This historic farmstead offers a fascinating insight into traditional agriculture, rural machinery and the everyday lives of Latvian farmers.
Here, old machines are more than museum exhibits. During special events, visitors can see traditional agricultural equipment in action, discover how grain was processed and experience the skills and hard work behind rural life in earlier times.
Highlights and experiences:
• Explore a traditional Latvian farmstead with historic buildings, agricultural tools and machinery.
• Discover the restored wooden windmill and learn about traditional grain milling.
• See historic tractors, threshing machines and other agricultural equipment.
• Attend the annual Sowing Festival in spring (May) and Harvest Festival in autumn (September).
• Watch demonstrations of traditional farming activities, including ploughing with historic tractors and grain threshing.
• Discover traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving, basket making and wood carving.
• Try traditional farm and household activities during special events or pre-booked group visits.
• Book in advance to bake your own bread and taste the hosts’ freshly made pancakes.
Make more of your visit: Plan your trip around one of the seasonal festivals to see historic machinery in action and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Latvian farmstead.
4. Mūsa Raceland – Experience the Thrill of Motorsport
Ready for something more exciting than watching cars from the sidelines? Mūsa Raceland, near Bauska, is an established motorsport venue where the world of rallycross and autocross comes alive. Known for hosting international and national competitions, the track offers an exciting destination for motorsport fans and those looking for an adrenaline-filled experience.
Whether you want to watch professional drivers in action or get behind the wheel yourself, Mūsa Raceland offers a closer look at the world of competitive motorsport.
Highlights and experiences:
• Watch exciting autocross and rallycross competitions.
• Experience the atmosphere of a professional motorsport track.
• Get behind the wheel and experience the thrill of motorsport, including a chance to try Folkreiss.
Make more of your visit: Check the motorsport calendar and plan your trip around a competition weekend. Combine the excitement of the track with a countryside meal or an overnight stay nearby.
5. Green Road Trips – Explore Zvirgzde Forest by Quad Bike
For those who prefer adventure in the great outdoors, Green Road Trips offers guided quad bike excursions through the forest landscapes of Zemgale. Discover the beautiful surroundings of Zvirgzde, follow forest roads and explore secluded natural spots in a completely different way.
One of the highlights is a trip towards Zvirgzde White Dune, an impressive inland dune formation surrounded by pine forest. The guided excursions combine outdoor adventure with opportunities to discover the region's natural landscapes.
Highlights and experiences:
• Join a guided quad bike expedition through Zvirgzde Forest.
• Discover forest lakes and picturesque woodland landscapes.
• Enjoy an outdoor experience with friends, family or a group.
• Combine your excursion with other outdoor activities, such as archery, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and team games.
Make more of your visit: Explore Zvirgzde White Dune on foot using the designated walking trail and enjoy the unique landscape while respecting its natural environment. Motorised vehicles should remain on permitted forest roads and routes.
Make it an adventure getaway
From historic automobiles and traditional agricultural machinery to the excitement of motorsport and guided forest adventures, Bauska County offers plenty of ways to explore, learn and experience something different.
Spend a day discovering vintage vehicle collections and rural heritage, watch a motorsport competition or add an outdoor adventure to your itinerary. Combine your discoveries with local food, scenic countryside drives and a stay at one of the area's welcoming accommodation venues.
Whether you are fascinated by engines, curious about the past or simply looking for an active escape, Bauska County is ready to surprise you!