On the Path to Freedom: Soldiers' Memorial and Battle Sites in Kurzeme
This route in Kurzeme covers the Latvian struggle for independence, the legacy of World War I and the Soviet occupation. It starts at the Oskars Kalpaks Museum “Airītēs” and leads through Skrunda to Liepāja and Karosta. Along the way, you can get to know Kalpaks’ personality and the events of the War of Independence, as well as the environment of the Skrunda Manor and the military heritage of Liepāja, including Redan, the Northern Forts and Karosta Prison. Finally, in Karosta, a strong historical contrast is revealed — from coastal defense fortifications to the experience of imprisonment and military life, which allows you to experience several layers of 20th-century history in one place.
What the tour includes
At the Colonel Oskars Kalpaks Museum, students will be able to learn about the personality and path of the first commander of the Latvian Army. Audio stories will allow them to emotionally relive the historical events of 1918/1919. In Karosta, at Redana Fort, where you can also listen to a guide's narration about the Latvian War of Independence or the battles of the War of Independence in Liepāja in November 1919. In Karosta Prison, you will be able to "really" feel like a prisoner, but in the Northern Forts you will see fortifications, wall paintings and former coastal defense batteries.