A mere five kilometers from the Latvian-Estonian border, on the shores of Latvia's Rūja river, stands what was one of the first mechanized production facilities in the local countryside: the Ķoņi watermill. Here you can see the workings of the old waterwheel, as well as the wool processing machines that it powered. The facility still works the wool for its customers to this day; electricity-generating turbines were installed in 2000.

The building's three floors offer the chance to see how a mill is built, get a glimpse of the turbines, watch an old spinning wheel in action, participate in workshops, and purchase the products of local masters. The oldest machines here are from the 19th century. A unique exhibit is a Russian-made "three-in-one" machine, which washes, cards and spins the wool.

A film selection tells the story of the mill and its workings, and the process of turning wool into yarn. What you learn here will help you in hands-on workshops.
The romantic setting brings many people here to celebrate the most important events of their lives. The mill features a cafe and accommodation.

Making bread, sewing a quilt or working with wool at this facility is the first interaction with old-fashioned skills for many of the guests. Children can spend a weekend in the countryside with "Grandma", with all the associated activities.

The mill was built 210 years ago by the Baron J. von Menzenkampf, whose family managed it until 1922. In the Soviet days, the mill was run by the local collective farm. Today it is once again in private hands.