The border guards along Latgale’s eastern border from 1918 to 1940

In this audio guide, you'll learn about the guardians of border along Latvia’s eastern border in Latgale – the border guards. You’ll discover what their daily lives were like between the founding of the Latvian state in 1918 and the Soviet occupation in 1940.

Today, thanks to modern technology, border surveillance might seem relatively straightforward. But hundred years ago, guarding the border was a serious challenge that demanded not only physical endurance but also great courage and a strong sense of responsibility. Back then, border guards had to rely entirely on their own skills, experience, and teamwork to protect the country – often in remote and difficult terrain.

It’s important to remember that borders are not just geopolitical lines. They are also home to real people, with their own social lives, cultures, and livelihoods.

We hope these stories will help you appreciate the dedication, professionalism, and bravery of Latvia’s border guards, past and present.

You can view this guide online by visiting the following page:

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Related objects

Border Guard Museum

The museum is located in the premises of the State Border Guard College of Latvia in Rēzekne.

The museum houses an exhibition of the Border Guard History Research Unit, which reflects the chronological development of the Latvian Border Guard from 1919 to the present day. The collected objects and photographs tell the story of the service and everyday life of Latvian border guards in the period from 1919 to 1940, and also about the tragic fate of the border guards after the occupation of the country in 1940. At that time, border guards, along with their relatives, were among the first to be repressed. The museum displays evidence of the service of the restored Border Guard after the restoration of the independence of Latvia – uniforms, equipment, awards and insignia, which have been undergoing continuous development and change even nowadays.

A visit to the Cynology Centre, where you can watch demonstrations by service dogs, is an integral part of the tour.

Appointments must be made in advance.