Kurelis: for Latvia against foreign occupying powers

During the Second World War in 1944, the Kurelian headquarters was located in the Annahite hunting castle in Stiklos. This building has survived to this day.

The surroundings of Stikli are rich not only with swamps and forests, but also with sand. In 1897, the new Annahites glass factory started its work - that's how this Latvian settlement got its name Stikli. In 1900, the so-called Annahite hunting palace, or the building where the factory manager lived, was built right there on the shore of Lake Stiklos.

A memorial stone for Kurele people near Annahite hunting castle "Stiklos" in Puze parish, discovered in 1997, moved in 2023.

There is an information board with a QR code near the stone, where there is an audio guide's narration about the Kurelians.

Memorial place in the old Annahite cemetery, where the soldiers and civilians killed on November 14, 1944 as a result of the headquarters and main forces of the German besieging general J. Kurelis group are buried.

Memorial stones for the group of General J. Kurelis and Lieutenant R. Rubenis in the "Dzelzkalnu" cemetery in Puze parish. Opened in 1997.

The memorial signs were installed even before the creation of the 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.).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Located on the shores of Lake Usma, it provides diverse water- and land-based recreational opportunities, a free picnic area and outdoor fireplace, as well as catering services.