On the website of the Latvian National Museum of History, three walking routes in Riga are available in both Latvian and English. These routes introduce the period of the Bermontians in the city center and the Pārdaugava area. The link to the page is in the first comment. Latvijas Nacionālā vēstures muzeja lapā ir apskatāmi trīs ar kājām izejami maršruti Rīgā latviešu un angļu valodā, kas iepazīstina ar Bermontiādes laiku Rīgas centrā un Pārdaugavas daļā. Saite uz lapu ir pirmajā komentārā.

Then and Now. The Bermontians. Bermont’s soldiers in Pārdaugava (Riga, Latvia) near the Āgenskalns boat pier in October 1919. And a photo taken today. The house on the left looks quite similar to the one from over a century ago. Historical photo – Latvian National History Museum (eMuseum, Route 1: Pārdaugava). Today’s photo – Juris Smaļinskis

🚂 Discover the Viesīte Museum and the Little Narrow-Gauge Train Park! The Viesīte Museum includes several parts: 🏠 The Sēlija House (an exhibition of Sēlija’s cultural history) and the Tourism Information Point (set up in the former railway office building), 🔧 the former Viesīte depot locomotive repair workshop, 🎨 the Craft Centre, and 🚆 the Sēlija Narrow-Gauge Railway History Exhibition (located in the former railway carriage repair workshop). The most famous part of the museum is the Little Train Park (Mazā Bānīša parks), located in the territory of the former Viesīte depot. Originally built by the German army in 1915–1916 for transporting military cargo, the narrow-gauge railway was later adapted for passenger transport after World War I. The museum features a 1918 steam locomotive made by Schwarzkopff, a 1916 service carriage, a freight wagon, a timber platform, a handcar, a draisine, and an exhibition about the Sēlija railway. The museum also maintains seven historical station buildings. Just a short walk from the Little Train Park, in the historic Viesīte Station Square, you’ll find the only preserved section of narrow-gauge railway in Latvia complete with a water pump. Nearby are several historical buildings — the former freight warehouse, cultural centre, passenger station building, and ambulance. 👨‍👩‍👧 The Little Train Park is perfect for families with children! 📍 Address: A. Brodeles iela 7, Viesīte, Jēkabpils Municipality, Latvia Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme

📍 Miķelis Recreation Complex, Gailīši Parish — by the Mūsa River 📫 Address: Gailīšu pagasts, Bauskas novads, Latvia A hidden gem of Zemgale’s heritage! 🌾 The Miķelis Museum was founded in the 1970s during Latvia’s major land reclamation period, when many traditional farmsteads disappeared. Thanks to the vision of Ivars Jansons, chairman of the collective farm “Uzvara”, several typical Zemgale farm buildings from the late 18th to early 20th centuries were moved here from the Bauska area and carefully rebuilt. Opened to visitors in 1978 as an Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, Miķelis also became home to an impressive collection of agricultural machinery and vehicles. 🛞🚜 Today, you can explore more than 100 historic machines — from early tractors and motorcycles to fire trucks and WWII-era military vehicles from the USSR, USA, and Germany. Highlights include a 1944 Mercedes-Benz army truck, a 1949 GAZ-67B, a 1952 GAZ-51 from the Bauska War Commissariat, and one of the oldest military transport vehicles in Latvia — an ALBION (1919) used by the Latvian army. Whether you’re into history, engineering, or simply beautiful countryside views, Miķelis offers a fascinating journey through time. 🚗✨ Atpūtas Komplekss Miķelis Military Heritage Tourism Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme

Īle National Partisan Group “Kārļa Krauja’s Group” 🇱🇻 Hidden deep in the forests of Īle lies one of the most powerful symbols of Latvia’s national resistance. The “Kārļa Krauja’s Group” was formed in 1947, led by V. Ž. Brizga (codename K. Krauja). In October 1948, the group united with Lithuanian partisans, forming a joint force of 27 freedom fighters operating in the Jelgava district area. That same year, in Lielauce Parish, about 300 meters north of “Priedaiši” farm, they built an underground bunker — 45 meters long, with combat trenches, a stove, a well, a storeroom, and even a toilet. Around the bunker, 70 remote-controlled mines were installed. 💥 On March 17, 1949, 24 partisans fought their final battle against 760 Soviet (VDM/cheka) troops. Fifteen freedom fighters fell — eight Latvians and seven Lithuanians — and nine were captured. In 1992, members of the Latvian National Guard (Zemessargi), together with the Daugavas Vanagi organization, excavated the blown-up bunker. A White Cross, memorial stone, and granite stele were erected at the site. Today, visitors can see the original stove, table, and narrow bunks used by the partisans. Around the bunker, there are informational stands and memorial stones engraved with their names. 📍 Address: Zebrene Parish, Dobele Municipality, Latvia Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #Militaryheritagetourism

The Bermont Affair — A Moment of Latvia’s Fight for Freedom (1919) 🇱🇻 In the autumn of 1919, the Latvian army defended Riga against the West Russian Volunteer Army led by Pavel Bermondt-Avalov, which included German troops. The attack began on October 8, when Bermont’s forces occupied the left bank of the Daugava (Pārdaugava), but after fierce battles, by December, the Latvians had completely defeated them. ⚔️ The Bermont Affair was part of Latvia’s War of Independence — not just a fight for land, but for the very existence of a free Latvian state. As a result, Latvia secured its sovereignty and expelled foreign forces from its territory. Photo: Soldiers of the Latvian Army move to their positions during the Bermont Army’s offensive. Riga, October 1919. Museum of the History of Latvia. #Latvia #Bermontiade #WarOfIndependence #1919

Discover the History of Viļaka at “Abrene Rooms”! Step into the Private Exhibition “Abrene Rooms” in the town of Viļaka, where history comes alive! Housed in a building with a diverse past—once part of the old Marienhausen market square, later apartments, offices, shops, and during World War II, the Latvian self-defence headquarters, the Gestapo, and the Cheka—this exhibition takes you through the town’s history from 1920 to 1960. Explore items from the national partisan camp in Stompaki Swamp, documents and photos from the War of Independence, and the latest exhibition dedicated to the once-famous motocross track “Baltais briedis”. 📍 Address: Tautas iela 1, Viļaka, Balvu novads, Latvia Come and uncover the fascinating stories of Viļaka! Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme Military Heritage Tourism Abrenes Istabas

The fiercest battles of World War I in Latvia unfolded near Daugavpils, in the highlands of Ilūkste and Medumi, in August and October 1915. German forces tried to break through to Daugavpils. Neither side succeeded, and trenches were built, forming three-layered defense lines. Today, the First World War Museum in Medumi, located in northeastern Latvia near the border with Lithuania, preserves the history of these battles. Explore the three-part exhibition: 1️⃣ Discover Medumi’s rich history before the war and see testimonies of a thriving community. 2️⃣ Learn about WWI in Europe and Latvia, soldier life, innovations of the war, and the weapons of German and Russian armies. 3️⃣ Step into a recreated Russian bunker and experience the realities of trench warfare – complete with shelters, battlefield elements, and lifelike soldier dummies. Concrete German bunkers still stand along the International WWI Bunker Route, while the museum has reconstructed wooden Russian bunkers. With immersive audio-visual setups, the museum truly brings the battlefield to life. 📍 Location: Medumi, northeastern Latvia, near the Latvian-Lithuanian border. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about the stories etched into Latvia’s landscapes! Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme Military Heritage Tourism

🚨 Our journey through Lithuania’s military heritage continues! This time – the Atomic KGB Bunker in Kaunas, a unique underground site that preserves a remarkable collection and offers an unforgettable interactive experience: ➡️ a tunnel like an escape room, where you must find your way through complete darkness, ➡️ a working electric chair, ➡️ the chance to hold authentic weapons, ➡️ an extensive gas mask collection – including masks for children and even animals, ➡️ and much more! 🎥 Watch this short video and discover what secrets lie beneath Kaunas. Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🇱🇹 Our journey through Lithuania’s military heritage continues – this time, we invite you to visit the IX Fort Museum in Kaunas. This historic site is a place of remembrance and reflection, where layers of Lithuania’s past come together: ✦ A part of the Kaunas Fortress, built at the end of the 19th century ✦ A place of suffering during Soviet repressions and Nazi occupation ✦ A memorial to Holocaust victims and those who fought for freedom The IX Fort stands today as a museum and a powerful symbol, reminding us of resilience, tragedy, and the enduring spirit of remembrance. Kauno IX forto muziejus Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🇱🇹 Our journey through military heritage sites continues – this time, we invite you to discover some of the most meaningful freedom memorials in Lithuania. In this short video, you will see places that honor the struggle, sacrifice, and resilience of people in Lithuania: ✦ Lithuanian Partisans’ Memorial in Kryžkalnis ✦ Freedom Monument in Plungė ✦ Dimitravas Forced Labor Camp ✦ Litvak Memorial Garden ✦ Rainiai Chapel of Suffering These sites remind us of the price of freedom and the importance of remembering history. 🎥 Watch the video and join us on this journey through Lithuania’s military heritage. Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🌍 Partners of the MIL-HER ACCESSIBLE project from Estonia 🇪🇪 and Latvia 🇱🇻 met in Riga at Latvijas Okupācijas muzejs/Museum of the Occupation of Latvia to review progress and plan next steps in making military heritage tourism more accessible for different social groups. Over two days on 22–23 September: 👩‍🏫 We explored ways to adapt content and activities for school-age youth by getting to know the experience of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. 🤝 Inspired by the museum’s experience with teachers and students, partners stepped into the role of pupils themselves, testing tasks designed for school groups. 👓 We worked on accessibility solutions for people with visual impairments – even trying simulation glasses during a special museum tour. Together, we’re making history more accessible to everyone! ✨ ℹ️ Project EE-LV00094 “Improved Accessibility of the Latvian-Estonian Military Heritage Tourism Product" (MIL-HER ACCESSIBLE) is being implemented with the support of the European Union Interreg Estonia-Latvia Programme. #MilitaryHeritage #tourism #estlat #Interreg #Accessibility Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays | Karosta | The secret soviet bunker/Padomju slepenais bunkurs | Saldus novada pašvaldība | Cēsis. Cēsu novads | Latvijas Okupācijas muzejs/Museum of the Occupation of Latvia | Sõjavara Muuseum | Raudtee- ja Sidemuuseum | Eesti Sõjamuuseum | Eesti Lennundusmuuseum / Estonian Aviation Museum | Hiiumaa Militaarmuuseum | Puhkus Maal

September 22 – Resistance Day in Estonia ⚔️ On this day, Estonia commemorates the courage of Otto Tief’s government and the Estonians who, in September 1944, tried to restore national independence between two occupying powers. As German troops withdrew and before the Soviet army entered Tallinn, Tief’s cabinet declared Estonia’s neutrality and raised the blue-black-white flag on the tower of Pikk Hermann. 🇪🇪 Although independence was short-lived and most members of the government faced imprisonment or persecution, their actions symbolized the unbroken will of the Estonian people. The Day of Resistance is dedicated to all Estonians who, with both words and deeds, stood up against occupying powers in the name of restoring the independence and freedom of the Republic of Estonia. Today, the occasion is marked with ceremonies, flag guards, and wreath-laying at Freedom Square, keeping alive the memory of those who believed in Estonia’s right to self-determination. It also reminds us that in 1944, one occupation was simply replaced by another – a truth often obscured by Soviet narratives. 📷 Photo: Jaan Künnap, Baltic Way 👉 Learn more about Estonia's path to freedom: www.militaryheritagetourism.info

Last week, our partners gathered in Jelgava for the Military Heritage II project meeting. Over two days, we reviewed the progress made since spring and planned the next steps for extending the Baltic military heritage tourism product in Lithuania and South Latvia. Discussions focused on: 📍Development of military heritage sites and routes, including improvements in Latgale (LV) and Žemaitija (LT). 📍Creating new visitor experiences such as audio guides, info plates, and updated descriptions of heritage objects. 📍Marketing activities: videos, publications, media tours, ect. 📍Planning future events and project promotion. The meeting also included visits to Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower, Bauska town and Museum, and the historic vehicle exposition at Miķelis recreation complex – inspiring examples of how military objects can be experienced and shared with wider audiences. Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

Discover Military History in Viljandi 🇪🇪 The Museum of Viljandi, located in the town’s old pharmacy, presents the history of Viljandi County over the centuries. 🔹 Walk through the exhibition on World War I, the War of Independence, and World War II, each revealing how local lives were shaped by global events. 🔹 Explore the personal collections of Estonian officers – medals, guns, documents and rare memorabilia from Lt. Col. Martin-Friedrich Bergmann, Lt. Col. Artur Tenno and Col. Johannes-August Vellerind. 🔹 Discover the remarkable Sakala Defence League medal collection, hidden for decades and uncovered during the museum’s renovation in 1999. 🔹 Step into the tense atmosphere of the 1940–1944 years, with authentic propaganda materials and military equipment from both the German and Soviet sides. 🔹For school and kindergarten groups, the museum offers museum classes on different topics. For anyone fascinated by Europe’s turbulent past, the Museum of Viljandi offers a valuable window into the resilience of Estonians. 📍 Johan Laidoneri plats 10, Viljandi 🌐 www.muuseum.viljandimaa.ee/www/in-english/ 👉 Come and peek into the history of Viljandi County! Viljandi Muuseum

Interesē vēsturiski militārā mantojuma stāsti? 🧐 Latgales reģionā ir tapuši vairāki audio gidi ar mums visiem nozīmīgiem stāstiem! Noklausoties stāstus vari uzzināt par Pirmā pasaules kara vācu betona bunkuriem Augšdaugavas novadā, par Preiļu puses Nacionālo partizānu līderi priesteri Antonu Juhņeviču, par Ludzas puses un visas austrumu pierobežas robežsargu vēsturi un citiem interesantiem faktiem 😎 Stāsti nav gari, tie ir viegli klausāmi, patiesi aizraujoši un īpaši būtiski arī mūsdienu kontekstā! 💪 Audio stāsti pieejami latviešu un angļu valodās. ---------------- Interested in stories of military heritage? 🧐 You can explore audio guides that reveal key moments from the Latgale region's past – from German bunkers of World War I in Augšdaugava, to the partisan leader and priest Antons Juhņevičs near Preiļi, to the history of border guards along Latvia’s eastern frontier. The stories are short, easy to follow, and deeply engaging – with a meaning that still resonates today! 😎💪 Audio stories are available in English and Latvian. #MilitaryHeritage #military #militaraismantojums #Interreg Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme

Discover powerful educational programs for school groups at Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom! 👩‍🏫 Located in the heart of Tallinn, Vabamu offers a unique opportunity for school groups to explore Estonia’s recent past and reflect on timeless questions of freedom, choices, and values. The educational programs combine real-life stories with active learning methods. 🎓Programs for II school level, 60 min: 🔹 Freedom and Equality as Your Right and Duty – a workshop where students explore human rights, responsibilities, and the meaning of dignity in both history and today’s world. 🔹 What Is Freedom? – through children’s life stories, students create their own “freedom compass” and reflect on what freedom has meant for different generations. 🎓Programs for III school level and high school, 90 min: 🔹 Facets of Collaborationism – an interactive discussion about choices under foreign occupation, inspired also by Orwell’s 1984. 🔹 Estonia 1939–1991: Difficult Choices – using video testimonies, students discover how war and occupation forced people to make life-changing decisions, and connect these lessons to the challenges we face today. 🇪🇪🇷🇺🇬🇧 Lessons are available in Estonian, Russian, or English. 📍 Plan your class visit and give your students an unforgettable learning experience at Vabamu! 👉 More information: www.vabamu.ee 📧 Bookings: broneering@vabamu.ee

📌 9. un 10. septembrī Zemgalē un Latgalē viesojās Latvijas mediju pārstāvji! 😎 Divu dienu laikā viņi iepazina militārā mantojuma tūrisma vietas, uzzināja daudz jauna par vēsturi un šo vietu nozīmi, kā arī atklāja, kāpēc tie ir vērtīgi un interesanti galamērķi ceļotājiem ✨ Šoreiz viesojāmies: 📍 Ģederta Eliasa Jelgavas vēstures un mākslas muzejs 📍 Elejas kara vēstures ekspozīcijā 📍 Atpūtas Komplekss Miķelis spēkratu ekspozīcijā 📍 Viesītes muzejs "Sēlija" 📍 Kara Muzejs Aglonā 📍 Brīvvalsts dārgumu nams 📍 Ludzas Novadpētniecības muzejs 📍 Malnavas bunkurus un Latgolys šmakovka Malnavā 📍 Abrenes Istabas 📍 Nacionālo partizānu mītnes Stompaku purvos. Vizīte tika organizēta projekta “Militārais mantojums II” ietvaros, sadarbojoties Latgales Tūrisma asociācija, Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays un Zemgales Plānošanas reģions / Zemgale Planning Region. #MilitaryHeritage #military #militaraismantojums #Interreg Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme

✍️📸 At the end of this summer, over five days, “Lauku ceļotājs” together with the partners of the "Military Heritage II" project organized an international tour for journalists and tour operators across Southern Latvia 🇱🇻 and Lithuania 🇱🇹. The purpose of the tour was to introduce military heritage sites and tourism products. The tour was attended by 13 foreign journalists and tour operators from various countries around the world 🌎: 🇳🇱 The Netherlands, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇬🇧 the United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 the USA, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇳🇴 Norway During the trip, we met with: 💼 Entrepreneurs offering military heritage tourism products ℹ️ Tourism information centres 🏛️ Municipal representatives 📚 Local researchers and history enthusiasts The trip was divided into two parts. In the second part, we visited: ⚔️ The World War I Museum in Medumi 🪖 German Army bunkers from World War I in Kimbartiškė (Lithuania) 🏰 Daugavpils Fortress 🎖️ The World War II Museum in Aglona 🥖 Malnava bakery “Dzīles” 🔥 Malnava Šmakovka distillery and the so-called “Hitler’s bunker” 🚛 Svente Military Equipment Museum Participants filled out questionnaires about their impressions, and we will be sharing the results soon! A big thank you to our project partners: • Zemgales Plānošanas reģions / Zemgale Planning Region • Lithuanian Rural Tourism Association AtostogosKaime.lt • Žemaitija National Park Directorate Žemaitijos nacionalinis parkas • Latgale region Tourism association Latgales Tūrisma asociācija …and to all others involved, as well as the owners and managers of the visited sites, for their warm hospitality! And special thanks to our guide – Kārlis Dambītis. The trip was organized within the framework of project LL-00052 “Expanding the Baltic Military Heritage Tourism Product in Lithuania and Southern Latvia” (Military Heritage II) with the support of the European Union Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027. 🇪🇺 Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays Latvijas Investīciju un attīstības aģentūra - LIAA

Today, at the Freedom Monument in Riga, more than 400 young soldiers who were conscripted this summer took the solemn oath. The attendees were addressed by the President of Latvia, the Minister of Defense, and other officials. A new and strong generation is growing, ready to protect their country and fellow citizens! Video: Juris Smaļinskis

At the end of this August, over five days, 🚌 “Lauku ceļotājs” together with the "Military Heritage II" project partners organized an international tour for journalists and tour operators across Southern Latvia and Lithuania. The goal of the tour was to introduce participants to military heritage sites and tourism products. The tour included 13 international journalists and tour operators from various countries around the world 🌍: 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | 🇳🇴 Norway During the trip, we met with: • Entrepreneurs offering military heritage tourism products • Tourist information centers ℹ️ • Local government representatives 🏢 • Researchers and history enthusiasts 🔍 The trip was divided into two parts. In the first part, we visited: 🪖 Īle National Partisan Bunker ✝️ Saldus WWII German Soldiers’ Cemetery 🏠 Ezere Customs House 🚀 Plokštine Missile Base & Cold War Museum in Žemaitija National Park 🪖 Escape Bunker in Klaipėda 🛳️ Minesweeper M52 “Suduvis” in Klaipėda 🏖️ “Memel – Nord” Coastal Defense Battery 🏰 Liepāja Karosta Prison and Redan ✝️ Lestene Brothers’ Cemetery 🎄 Christmas Battles Memorial Park & Ložmetējkalns 🏛️ Museum of Occupation in Riga Participants completed feedback surveys, and we will share the results soon! 📊 A big thank you to our project partners: Zemgale Planning Region Lithuanian Rural Tourism Association Žemaitija National Park Directorate Latgale Tourism Association …and all other participants, as well as the owners and managers of the sites, for their warm welcome! 💛 The trip was organized within the framework of project LL-00052 “Expanding the Baltic Military Heritage Tourism Product in Lithuania and Southern Latvia” (Military Heritage II) with the support of the European Union Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027. 🇪🇺 Photos: Katrīna Seržante Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme Latvijas Investīciju un attīstības aģentūra - LIAA Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays

✨ Military Heritage II at the Festival “SAUgoma ir TAU” ✨ On August 27th in Vilnius, a special event invited visitors to discover Lithuania’s protected areas. 🌿 Among the participants was Žemaitija National Park Directorate. We used this opportunity to showcase not only the natural treasures of Žemaitija National Park – lakes, forests, and unique landscapes – but also the historical heritage we help preserve together with the international project Military Heritage II. 📖 💡 Žemaitija National Park is more than nature. In the heart of the park stands the unique Cold War Exposition, located in the former missile base of Plokštinė. A powerful reminder of history, and proof that nature and culture can go hand in hand. 🎯 At the festival, visitors received: 📘Military Heritage Travel Guide – Southern Part – with 113 sites and 10 ready-to-go routes 🗺️ A travel map – featuring 242 places across the Baltics to explore 🌍 And possibility to find much more online 👉 www.militaryheritagetourism.info 🤝 We are proud to bring together nature, culture, and history – because to protect means not only to care for forests and lakes, but also to keep people’s memory alive. “Strong yesterday – free today.” Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

Aicinām izmantot unikālu iespēju un ielūdzam masu mediju pārstāvjus divu dienu vizītē 9. un 10. septembrī iepazīt Zemgales un Latgales militārā mantojuma tūrisma vietas 😎 🎯 Plašāka informācija un reģistrācija te: forms.gle/FDV8PCSBMfAxra7D9 Pieteikumi tiek pieņemti līdz 2. septembrim! 💪 Zemgales Plānošanas reģions / Zemgale Planning Region | Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays | Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #Interreg #military #MilitaryHeritage #militaraismantojums

23rd of August is the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism 🕯 On 23 August 1939, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was signed by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, dividing Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland into designated Soviet and German spheres of influence. On 23 September 2008, 409 members of the European Parliament signed a declaration on the proclamation of 23 August as European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism. In 2009, European Parliament called on European countries to implement the Day of Remembrance. Today we remember the victims of mass deportations, exterminations, murders, kleptocracies and enslavements committed in the context of Stalinism and Nazism. They will not be forgotten 🖤