III National partizans

In the footsteps of the Forest brothers in Latvia and Estonia

Day 1.

250 km

Rīga–Čevers bunker–Renda–Ugāle–Usma

Practical info


  • Driving distance: 250 km

  • The Čevers bunker can be visited from outside 24/7.

  • Visits to the Museum in Renda by advance bookings only + 371 26559172.

  • Rubenis’ bunker, Āpūznieku and Zlēku memorial sites can be visited from outside 24/7.

Sights

Pēteris Čevers national partisan bunker

The bunker of the national partisans of Peter Chever is located in Lauciene municipality, about 4 km from the Talsi-Upesgrīva road. A trail covered with wood chips leads to the bunker.  The renovated 31 square metre bunker is made of a concrete frame finished with half-logs of logs to create an authentic feel.

Captain Chever's group completed the bunker in the forest near Vangzene at the end of October 1949. It was planned to survive the winter of 1949-50. On 3 February 1950, the local forester betrayed the partisans and the bunker was attacked by a Cheka unit of more than 300 soldiers. At that time there were 19 people in the bunker - 17 men and two women. Six partisans fell in this unequal battle, but the others managed to break through two chains of Cheka siege by fighting their way through. By the end of the winter the partisans took refuge in surrounding houses with their supporters, but in the spring the group reunited until it was captured and destroyed in November 1950. After an attack by Cheka troops, the bunker was blown up and before it could be rebuilt, only a water-filled pit remained.

Museum of the National Resistance Movement in Renda

The museum is located a few kilometres from the centre of Renda parish. The exhibit tells about the 50-year-long resistance movement in Latvia: resistance to the first Soviet occupation, resistance to the Nazi German occupation, and the armed and non-violent resistance to the Soviet occupation. The exhibit is located in two buildings. The first building houses evidence of the first Soviet occupation and German occupation. The exhibit showcases a restored barn building where the focus lies on the National Partisan War. Between the two buildings there is a bunker with an authentic layout and trenches used by soldiers. Located near the museum in Renda, excavations, blindages and an obstacle course serve as a training ground for youth guards and anyone interested. Visits must be booked in advance.

One of the largest battles of the national partisans, called the Āpūznieki Battle, took place in January 1946 not far from here. The battle saw the Kabile National Partisan Group overpower much larger forces of the occupying power. Featuring information stands, the battle site is now home to a rest area.

Rubenis' battalion museum

Rubenis’ Battalion Museum is located in Ugāle. It is dedicated to the Battalion of R. Rubenis, who served and fought under General J. Kurelis in Kurzeme in 1944, the activities of the Kurelians and the national resistance movement. Museum has an exhibit on the activities of the Latvian Central Council (LCC) and its Ventspils group, as well as the LCC Memorandum with 188 signatures and photographs of signatories that is included in the Latvian National Register of the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme. The LCC was a joint centre of Latvia's highest political leadership with an underground government that operated during the occupation of Latvia from 1943 to 1994. It was formed with the aim of coordinating the activities of various Latvian resistance movements in order to restore Latvia's national independence. The museum also offers a trip to places significant to the history of the battalion (settlement with a reconstructed bunker in the Usma parish, battlefields in Renda and Zlēkas parishes, etc.).

Rubenis' battalion bunker and battlefields

The restored dugout of the 2nd Company of the Rubenis Battalion is located in a forest by lake Ilziķi in the Usma parish. The dugout can be viewed from the outside for free at any time. However, tours inside the dugout must be booked in advance.

The Battalion of Lieutenant Robert Rubenis was part of a military unit formed by General Jānis Kurelis, and it is known for not surrendering to the German troops and showing heavy resistance. From November 14 to December 9 in 1944 fierce battles were fought in Ugāle, Usma, Renda and Zlēkas parishes between forces of the 16th German Army, SD and SS units under the command of the Police General Friedrich Jeckeln, and the battalion of the Kurelian unit commanded by Lieutenant Roberts Rubenis. The men under Rubenis’ command were well armed and organized and did not associate themselves with any of the two hostile occupying powers. Their actions are considered to be the most wide-spread and longest in the history of the Latvian national resistance movement. In battles near Renda and Zlēkas about 250 German soldiers fell, while only 50 casualties were suffered by Rubenis’ men. The events of those days are represented by the restored dugout in the forest (sod-covered, log cabin dug in the ground) where the men of the Rubenis Battalion once stayed.

Places to eat

Restaurant in Usma Spa hotel & Camping near Usma village

This restaurant is located in a lovely place on the north bank of Lake Usma, which is the fifth largest lake in Latvia.

Latvian cuisine: Cod or pike-perch filet, potted vegetables and mushrooms, potato pancakes with smoked ham, crepes with jam or honey.

Special foods: Mutton soup with vegetables.

Cafe “Usmas Meķi” near Renda village

Recreation complex "Usmas Meķi" is located by Lake Usma in Kuldīga region. The recreation complex is open all year round.
The recreation complex will be interesting for nature lovers, lovers of active recreation, campers and comfort lovers.
"Usmas Meķi" offers accommodation for fans of different comfort levels, and various types of active recreation both on the water and on the lake shore. We offer 80 beds in different types of home-cottages. There are many types of houses-houses - from simple houses to well-equipped houses with saunas and baths. In total, the area can accommodate up to 300 people for various events. The recreation complex has people with experience in organizing and organizing various events.
There is a café with a banquet hall on site. The territory of the complex is fenced and is monitored around the clock.

In Kuldīga visitkuldiga.com

Places to stay

Usma Spa hotel & Camping near Usma village

Rest and relaxation in the camping by the Lake Usma. Cabins with WC/shower or shared use facilities in an outbuilding. Sites for tents and caravans. Active recreation on and in the water, saunas, paddle boats, yachting piers - everything for your leisure. Nearby is the "SPA hotel Usma"(Nr.706).

Camping and holiday cottages “Usmas Meķi” near Renda village

Recreation complex "Usmas Meķi" is located by Lake Usma in Kuldīga region. The recreation complex is open all year round.
The recreation complex will be interesting for nature lovers, lovers of active recreation, campers and comfort lovers.
"Usmas Meķi" offers accommodation for fans of different comfort levels, and various types of active recreation both on the water and on the lake shore. We offer 80 beds in different types of home-cottages. There are many types of houses-houses - from simple houses to well-equipped houses with saunas and baths. In total, the area can accommodate up to 300 people for various events. The recreation complex has people with experience in organizing and organizing various events.
There is a café with a banquet hall on site. The territory of the complex is fenced and is monitored around the clock.

In Kuldīga visitkuldiga.com