Together with our Lithuanian project partners, we visited the Cold War Museum in the Žemaitija National Park, which was created in the Soviet Army's ballistic missile launch complex. Currently, this is the only museum of its kind in such a place in the Baltic States and much wider. Thank you Paulius Mika Rovena Augustinė ℹ️ The project LL-00052 “Extending the Baltic military heritage tourism product in Lithuania and South Latvia” (Military Heritage II) is being implemented with the support of the European Union Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme

25. martā plkst. 17.00 Kārsavas kultūrvēstures centrs "Līču mājas" fotogrāfiju izstādes “83 jeb Sibīrija bērnu acīs” atklāšana. Fotogrāfiju izstāde ir par no Ludzas novada izsūtīto Sibīrijas bērnu atmiņām, mākslinieciski neparastā risinājumā. Fotogrāfiju izstādes pamatā ir no Ludzas novada 1941.gadā deportēto bērnu un jauniešu atmiņas dialogā ar mūsdienu jauniešu fotogrāfijām un pārdomām. Fotogrāfiju autors Māris Justs. Izstādes atklāšānā būs iespēja noskatīties iestudējumu, kas ir balstīts uz Ludzas novada izsūtīto bērnu un jauniešu atmiņām. Spēlē Ludzas novada Bērnu un jauniešu centra Kustību teātra audzēkņi - Ludzas novada BJC Kustību teātra audzēkņi (Scenārijs un režija – M. Čerņavska). Ludzas novads | Maris Justs

Today in the Žemaitija National Park, we discussed future work with Latvian and Lithuanian project partners - we will supplement our common Baltic military heritage website with new objects, stories and topics, organize local and international journalist tours, prepare a new military heritage guide, create audio guides and many other things. ℹ️ The project LL-00052 “Extending the Baltic military heritage tourism product in Lithuania and South Latvia” (Military Heritage II) is being implemented with the support of the European Union Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme

🔥 New Exhibition at the Cold War Exposition! 🔥 The traveling exhibition of the Vytautas the Great War Museum, "BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY: LITHUANIAN ARMY TECHNOLOGY 1918–1940", is a unique opportunity to see how the young Lithuanian Armed Forces were equipped after the declaration of independence. 🔹 What weapons and technology did soldiers use during the Wars of Independence? 🔹 How did the Lithuanian military strengthen during the interwar period? 🔹 What equipment was acquired—or even captured? If you haven't visited the Cold War Exposition yet, don't miss this chance to explore this unique site and get a close look at Lithuania's military heritage! ⚔️🚁 More about the Cold War Exposition: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/en/military/sites/view/677?0 📍 Where? Cold War Exposition (Šilinės str. 4, Plokščių v., Plungė distr.) 📅 When? March 20 – June 3 #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

Komunistiskā genocīda upuru piemiņas diena 25. martā Rēzeknē 🩶 Plkst. 18.30 arī Rēzeknes Tautas teātris izrāde "Sibīrijas haiku" (rež. Māra Zaļaiskalns). Latgales Kultūrvēstures Muzejs | Rēzeknes Centrālā bibliotēka

25. martā plkst. 14 Alūksnes novada muzejs aicina uz Latvijas Nacionālā arhīva Vidzemes reģionālā arhīva lasījumiem par padomju varas represiju organizēšanu un īstenošanu Alūksnes, Balvu, Cēsu, Gulbenes un Madonas apriņķos 🤓 ⏩ Plašāka informācija par pasākumu šeit: ej.uz/regionalie-lasijumi Latvijas Nacionālais arhīvs | Alūksnes novada muzejs, Alūksnes Jaunā pils, Alūksne New Palace | Balvu novada Tūrisma informācijas centrs | Cēsis | VisitGulbene #militāraismantojums #militaryheritage

Today is National Language Day in Estonia. Only in a free country can people speak their native language, so National Language Day is also a day of freedom. #flagday #NationalLanguageDay 🇪🇪

This week, we participated in the annual forum organized by the Liberation Route Europe Foundation, which took place in 🇮🇩 Kraków, Poland. The LRE Foundation is an international remembrance network that connects World War II memorial sites and stories across Europe. The forum brought together organizations involved in tourism, history, and culture, including businesses, museums, tour operators and agents, tourism and history experts, guides, and others. 🔎 Over three days, we gained and shared insights on how to incorporate military heritage into tourism in an understandable and engaging way, ensuring that its lessons are passed on to future generations. The goal is to highlight the devastation and destruction caused by war, so that future generations do not repeat or seek to prevent such tragedies. This year’s keynote speaker at the forum was Yuriy Savchuk, 🇺🇦 Director of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (Національний музей історії України у Другій світовій війні. Офіційна стор.), whose primary mission is to document the ongoing war in Ukraine and inform the public about what war truly means. Since February 24, 2022, the museum’s team—risking their own lives—has collected over 15,000 pieces of evidence from the war initiated by Russia. The museum regularly organizes exhibitions in Ukraine and abroad to raise awareness of the current war. In February 2023, an exhibition titled "Battle for Ukraine" was opened at the Latvijas Kara muzejs/Latvian War Museum in Riga 🇱🇻, allowing visitors to see remnants of military equipment, weapon fragments, ammunition samples, soldiers' documents, and other items reflecting the actions of the Russian army in Ukraine. During the forum, Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays introduced industry colleagues from across Europe to our recently published Baltic Military Heritage Tourism Map and the Military Heritage Tourism platform www.militaryheritagetourism.info, which brings together military heritage sites, stories, and touring routes in 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇪🇪 Estonia, and 🇱🇹 Lithuania. 📌 As part of the forum, we also had the opportunity to visit 📌 Oskar Schindler’s Museum in Kraków—officially known as the "Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory"—as well as 📌 the Auschwitz Memorial / Muzeum Auschwitz, which serves as a reminder of one of the darkest chapters in human history and commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. 💭 We will share more about these sites in separate posts, but our key takeaway from visiting them is this: If possible, show and tell history by visiting the places where these events actually happened. This unique experience and the emotions it evokes make a lasting impact—something that reading books alone cannot provide. And most importantly, it is crucial to teach children and young people about history by visiting these places, rather than just learning about them in school. Being there in person helps everything finally to "click into place"... ℹ️ The project LL-00052 “Extending the Baltic military heritage tourism product in Lithuania and South Latvia” (Military Heritage II) is being implemented with the support of the European Union Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #militaryheritage #tourism #latlit #Interreg #militāraismantojums

🪖 Minaičiai Bunker – A Symbol of Lithuania’s Freedom Struggles 🇱🇹 On February 16, 1949, the village of Minaičiai hosted a historic congress of Lithuania’s partisan leaders. During this gathering, they adopted the Declaration of the council of Movement of Struggle for freedom of Lithuanian – the most significant document of the armed resistance, aiming to restore an independent parliamentary in Lithuania. In a small underground bunker beneath a barn, legendary partisan commanders such as Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas, Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas, and others convened to shape Lithuania’s fight for freedom. 🔎 We invite you to visit the restored Minaičiai homestead! Explore the authentic bunker, a historical exhibition, and a monument created by sculptor Jonas Jagėla, commemorating the partisans who fought for Lithuania’s independence. Experience the spirit of resistance and the legacy these heroes left for future generations. More information about the Minaičiai bunker: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/en/military/sites/view/797?32&lang=en 📍 Minaičiai, Radviliškis District 🕰️ Visits by appointment #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🇱🇹 Celebrating Lithuania’s Independence: A Story of the Freedom Monument in Plungė 🇱🇹 As we approach one of Lithuania’s one of the most important national holidays – Day of Restitution of Independence of Lithuania (March 11) – we want to share the stories of military heritage sites connected to Lithuania’s independence. Following the restoration of Lithuania’s statehood, cities and towns across the country enthusiastically began erecting monuments to commemorate this historic moment. Today, we want to introduce you to a monument with a truly fascinating history, located in Plungė, Žemaitija (Samogitia). ✨ The Freedom Monument in Plungė ✨ 📍 Location: Laisvės Alėja, Plungė 🗿 Construction began in 1928 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Republic of Lithuania. 📏 Height: Originally 18 meters, making it one of the tallest in Žemaitija (Samogitia)! The monument featured a tapered cement pedestal topped with a 3-meter-tall white "Statue of Freedom". However, this statue sparked debates among locals. Why? 🤔 You can find out more here: 🔗 https://militaryheritagetourism.info/en/military/sites/view/835?81&lang=en Unfortunately, neither the residents nor the Soviet regime that later took control of Lithuania were pleased with the monument. In 1953, it was demolished. After Lithuania regained independence, the Freedom Monument was rebuilt in 1992, now featuring a striking bronze angel statue. Today, the Freedom Monument is one of Plungė’s key landmarks, hosting commemorations and events dedicated to Lithuania’s national history. 💛💚❤️ If you're in Žemaitija, don’t miss the chance to visit this symbol of resilience and freedom! 🇱🇹✨ #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

“Nacionālo partizānu leģendām pa pēdām – Jersika–Vanagi" (22 km) – Izzinošs un izglītojošs pārgājiens caur meža takām baudot Latgales dabu visā tās krāšņumā 😇 Maršruta sākums Jersikas pamatskola – Jersikas nacionālo partizānu piemineklis – Dzelzceļa stacija – Krievu purvs – Bunkuru vieta – Olūtneica – Piemiņas akmens LTS (P) piemiņai – Staru laipas (Rožupes pagasts), kur baudīsim pusdienas – Vanagu Svētās Annas Romas katoļu baznīcā, Plkst.16.00 muzicēs Latgaliešu dziesminieks Vinsents Kūkojs. Pārgājienā ar stāstījumu piedalīsies vēsturnieks un partizānu kustības izzinātājs Jānis Viļums 💪 Piesaki savu dalību, aizpildot reģistrācijas anketu: ej.uz/jersika-vanagi Visit Līvāni | Līvānu novads #latlit #Interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🇱🇻 Viesītes Brīvības piemineklis Viesītē slejas simbols Latvijas brīvībai – Brīvības piemineklis, kas godina 1919. gada 14. oktobra varoņus. Šajā dienā Trešā Jelgavas kājnieku pulka kareivji un vietējie aizsargi pie Vales kalniņa apturēja bermontiešus, aizsargājot savu zemi un tautu. 📍 Piemineklis atklāts 1935. gada 11. augustā un tas attēlo brīvības cīnītāju, kurš sveic sauli ar Latvijas karogu rokās, un uz tā iekalti vārdi: "Brīvība – tautas dzīvība". 🔥 Katru gadu Lāčplēša dienā notiek Lāpu gājiens pa Viesītes pilsētu uz Brīvības pieminekli, godinot Latvijas brīvības cīnītājus, kuri atdevuši savu dzīvību un krituši par tēvu zemi. 👀 Vairāk par šo tūrisma objektu uzzini: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/lv/military/sites/view/909?1&lang=lv Tūrisms Jēkabpils novadā #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🚙 Atpūtas komplekss "Miķelis" 🛠️ 🛻 Atpūtas kompleksā esošais muzejs piedāvā dziļāku izpratni par Latvijas un pasaules militāro vēsturi, izstādot oriģinālus transportlīdzekļus, kas piedalījušies būtiskos vēstures notikumos. Šeit iespējams apskatīt transportlīdzekļus, kas izmantoti Otrajā pasaules karā. ⚙️ Atpūtas kompleksā ir iespēja apskatīt ne tikai lauksaimniecības tehniku, bet arī militārā transporta kolekciju. Ekspozīcijā apskatāmi vairāk nekā 100 dažādi transportlīdzekļi, tostarp: ▪ Kravas auto “Mercedes-Benz” (1944.g.) ar vācu armijas ekipējumu ▪ Sarkanās armijas GAZ-67B (1949.g.) ▪ GAZ-51 (1952.g.), kas izmantots Bauskas kara komisariātā ▪ Latvijas armijā izmantotais ALBION (1919.g.) - viens no kolekcijas senākajiem militārā transporta eksponātiem 📅 Muzejs pirmo reizi apmeklētājiem atvērts 1978. gadā. Tas izveidots 20. gs. 70. gados, kad notika plaša lauksaimniecības zemju meliorācija, un daudzas lauku sētas tika iznīcinātas. 👀Vairāk par šo tūrisma objektu uzzini: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/lv/military/sites/view/967?19&lang=lv Atpūtas Komplekss Miķelis | Visit Bauska #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

📍 Ģ. Eliasa Jelgavas vēstures un mākslas muzejs Muzejs atrodas vienā no retajām celtnēm Jelgavā, kas saglabājās pēc pilsētas nopostīšanas 1944. gadā. Muzejs ir iekārtots vēsturiskā ēkā, kas pazīstama kā Academia Petrina, celta 1775. gadā kā pirmā augstskola Latvijas teritorijā. Šī ēka ir daļa no Jelgavas kultūrvēsturiskā mantojuma, kas pārdzīvojusi Otrā pasaules kara postījumus. 🏛️ Muzeja vēsture Muzejs tika dibināts 1918. gadā un joprojām atrodas sākotnējā ēkā. Tā pastāvīgās ekspozīcijas ļauj izzināt: 🔹 Slaveno mākslinieku Ģedertu Eliasu 🔹 Jelgavas un Zemgales vēsturi 🔹 Paša muzeja ēkas stāstu Muzejā apskatāmas arī dažādas tematiski bagātas ekspozīcijas: 🌍 Digitālā ekspozīcija: "Kari un karavīrs cauri Jelgavas laiku lokiem" Šī ekspozīcija sniedz ieskatu Pirmā un Otrā pasaules kara vēstures notikumos Jelgavā un Latvijā. Tā īpaši izceļ latviešu karavīra dalību nacionālajos formējumos, atspoguļojot pārtapšanu no mierīga iedzīvotāja par karotāju. 🇱🇻 Ekspozīcija: "Zem svešām varām dzīve turpinās" Šajā ekspozīcijā atainota dzīve Latvijā padomju okupācijas laikā, kad gandrīz 70 gadus mūsu valsts bija politiski pakļauta svešām varām. Jelgavas pieredze, 1940. gadā zaudējot gandrīz visu pilsētu, ir spilgts atgādinājums par mūsu pagātni un cerību uz brīvību. 👀Vairāk par objektu: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/lv/military/sites/view/903?0&a=od Ģederta Eliasa Jelgavas vēstures un mākslas muzejs #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

The Estonian War Museum Eesti Sõjamuuseum celebrated Estonian Independence Day by staging a reenactment battle from the Estonian War of Independence. Main character was armoured train no 7 "Wabadus" (Freedom), built by the Estonian War Museum to replicate the armoured trains of the era. Taking part were reenactment clubs from Estonia and Latvia. Look at the video and next year come and see the battle yourself. Video: Estonian Defence Forces

2025. gada 2. martā Balvu novadā norisināsies Latvijas nacionālo partizānu bruņotās pretošanās atceres dienas pasākumi, pieminot 80 gadus kopš Latgales partizānu kaujas Stompaku purvā. Pasākuma laikā notiks ziedu nolikšana pie Latgales partizānu pieminekļa Balvos, zinātniskie lasījumi "Vēstures liecības neklusē!" sadarbībā ar Latvijas Universitāti un piemiņas ugunskurs Stompaku purvā – vietā, kur 80 gadus atpakaļ nacionālie partizāni izcīnīja varonīgu cīņu ✨ Balvu novada Tūrisma informācijas centrs Balvu novada pašvaldība Balvu Kultūras un atpūtas centrs

MATZĪREĻA SWAMP in LATVIA. You can walk through the swamp along the LINE OF GERMAN ARMY TRENCHES FROM THE FIRST WORLD WAR and the SITE OF THE FORMER NARROW GAUGE RAILWAY. You can still make it in these beautiful winter days! There was a well-trodden trail throughout. Satellite photo - clearly visible as a greener (bigger trees) line. Photo: Juris Smaļinskis

On Monday 24 February Estonia celebrates 107 years of independence. The Estonian War Museum - General Laidoner Museum Eesti Sõjamuuseum has a tradition to mark the anniversary by staging a reenactment battle from the Estonian War of Independence. This time the event takes place on Sunday 23 February at 1 PM. The star of the show will be armoured train no 7 “Wabadus” (Freedom) - a replica of the armoured trains used by the Estonian army in the War of Independence that the Estonian War Museum built in 2018. This is a rare opportunity to see, how armoured trains were used in a war more than hundred years ago. If you have a chance, come to see the battle. Entrance is free. The event https://www.facebook.com/events/1094239669142045/

A cemetery, a park, a memorial, an art space – all of this and more is embodied in one unique place. The Sculpture Park in Klaipėda holds the echoes of both city and world history. In 1944–1945, Soviet occupiers once again took control of Lithuania, and Klaipėda was left without its old inhabitants. What were once the city's "new" cemeteries became abandoned, vandalized, and eventually destroyed. In 1977, the cemetery was officially erased, and in its place, the Sculpture Park was established. Artistic creations began to take shape, transforming the space into what it is today – a fusion of memory, history, and art. Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

Today we want to share another route with you - "The Portrait of Soviet Lithuania". The Soviet occupation of Lithuania lasted for more than four decades, leaving a profound mark on the country’s history. This era saw repression, partisan resistance, militarization, and the eventual restoration of independence. Due to its strategic location near the West, Lithuania was of great importance to the USSR, leading to the establishment of military sites across the country. This route offers an in-depth look at the extent of Soviet influence and its lasting impact on Lithuania’s past. It also highlights the resilience of the Lithuanian people in preserving their identity and fighting for freedom. Along the way, you will see remnants of the Soviet era as well as other historical sites from the 20th century. 🔗 Discover the route: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/lt/tours/view/25 Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

We have created special tourist routes, and today we’re sharing one of them – "Partisan Trails in Aukštaitija." During the Soviet occupation, Lithuania witnessed a fierce partisan war. The country was divided into nine partisan districts, with fighters who were well-organized, armed, and wearing military uniforms. They continued the traditions of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, resisting Soviet forces, ambushing NKVD troops, and fighting for Lithuania’s freedom. To survive, partisans built hidden bunkers deep in forests, swamps, and other secluded areas. This route offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Lithuanian partisans, as well as other important 20th-century historical sites. 🔗 Discover the route: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/lt/tours/view/24 Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

✈️ Honoring Lithuania’s Aviation Pioneers 🇱🇹 On July 14, 1925, Lithuanian aviation took a bold leap forward when Brigadier General Antanas Gustaitis, commander of the Lithuanian Air Force, aircraft designer, and the mastermind behind the legendary ANBO planes, built his first single-seat sports aircraft – the ANBO-I. This marked the beginning of a new era in Lithuanian aviation. We also remember other great aviators: Jurgis Dobkevičius, Steponas Darius, Stasys Girėnas, Feliksas Vaitkus, Romualdas Marcinkus, Bronius Oškinis, and talented aircraft engineers who shaped our aviation legacy. Between 1918 and 1940, Lithuania’s military and civil aviation symbolized the nation’s modernization, innovation, and engineering excellence, embodying the pursuit of freedom and perfection. Postcard author - Gediminas Petras Pempė 📸 Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

Ja interesē Latvijas militāro dzelzceļu vēsture, tad šī, pagājušā gadā izdotā grāmata noderēs tālākajā militārās vēstures izpētē!

Militārā mantojuma tūrisms šogad ir pārstāvēts arī Izstāde-gadatirgus Balttour 🤩 Sestdien un svētdien (8. un 9. februārī) nāc ciemos uz Latgales tūrisma stendu un uzzini arī par reģiona militārā mantojuma apskates vietām. Tiekamies? 😎 #military #militaryheritage #latlit Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme