The fiercest battles of World War I in Latvia unfolded near Daugavpils, in the highlands of Ilūkste and Medumi, in August and October 1915. German forces tried to break through to Daugavpils. Neither side succeeded, and trenches were built, forming three-layered defense lines. Today, the First World War Museum in Medumi (WWI ROUTE), located in northeastern Latvia near the border with Lithuania, preserves the history of these battles. Explore the three-part exhibition: 1️⃣ Discover Medumi’s rich history before the war and see testimonies of a thriving community. 2️⃣ Learn about WWI in Europe and Latvia, soldier life, innovations of the war, and the weapons of the German and Russian armies. 3️⃣ Step into a recreated Russian bunker and experience the realities of trench warfare – complete with shelters, battlefield elements, and lifelike soldier dummies. Concrete German bunkers still stand along the International WWI Bunker Route, while the museum has reconstructed wooden Russian bunkers. With immersive audio-visual setups, the museum truly brings the battlefield to life. 📍 Location: Medumi, northeastern Latvia, near the Latvian-Lithuanian border. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about the stories etched into Latvia’s landscapes! Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme | Latgale.Travel | Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays

👏 Viļakas muzejā īstenots vērienīgs vēsturiskās ekspozīcijas papildinājums, apvienojot tradicionālo ekspozīciju un digitālās tehnoloģijas. Tās stāsts sākas ar Marienhauzenas muižas laikiem un iedziļinās Ziemeļlatgales vēsturē līdz Atmodas laikam 😇 ❕ Vairāk uzzini šeit: ej.uz/vilakasmuzejs Latvijas Radio Latgales studija | Visit Viļaka

In the village of Nursi (Estonia) lies a place where the story of the Forest Brothers comes unusually close to the surface 📖 Here, memory lives not only between museum walls but also in the landscape itself — in the bunker site, that once hid men who refused to surrender their hope for freedom. Near the Nursi library stands the Battle of Lükka (Nursi) Bunker site, discovered after years of searching and finally identified in 2008. On 28 December 1945, nine Forest Brothers fell here when their aboveground bunker was burned down in a Soviet assault. Three men managed to escape. Today, a memorial by the Võru–Valga road marks the battle, while the bunker's replica remains open for visitors. Please note: the site lies in an unrestricted part of the Nursipalu Defence Forces training area; during training periods, gunfire may be heard in the distance. 👂🏻 🔎In Nursi library, the Forest Brothers museum room preserves the story with documents, photographs and artefacts — a respectful space where the past can be explored at your own pace. Entry is free, and the room is open during the library's opening hours. 🕛Library's opening hours: Tuesdays 9:00–15:00, Thursdays 11:00–17:00 📍 Nursi Village, Rõuge Parish, Võrumaa 📞 +372 5428 0038 📧 nursiraamatukogu@rougevald.ee 👉 Come and explore the Forest Brothers history in Nursi!

Latgales Tūrisma asociācija turpina īstenot projektu "Militārais mantojums II" 💪 – Ir izveidotas 20 informatīvas plāksnes ar QR kodiem, kuras tiks izvietotas reģiona militārā mantojuma tūrisma vietās – Sagatavoti jauni audio gidi, kuri nav tikai stāsti putekļainās grāmatās, bet skanēs tavās ausīs, kad dosies pastaigā pa Balvu ielām, apskatot bunkurus Augšdaugavas novadā vai ieejot Vanagu baznīcā Preiļu pusē. Audio gidus var noklausīties arī mājās vai klases vēstures stundās 👏 🎶 Visi audio gidi pieejami šeit: ej.uz/latgales-audiogidi Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme | Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays | Valsts robežsardzes koledža | Balvu Novada muzejs #militāraismantojums #military #Interreg #cooperation

🇱🇻 November is a deeply patriotic month for Latvians. As we honor 🕯 Lāčplēsis Day on November 11 and celebrate ✨ Latvia’s Independence Day on November 18, our thoughts naturally turn to stories of courage, heritage, and the roots that connect us to this land. In this spirit, here is a touching and beautifully written story from a traveler whose visit to Riga grew into a journey through her Latvian family history. The article highlights how stories passed down through generations can create a deep emotional bond with a place, reminding us that Latvia is more than a destination - it is a living testament to resilience, beauty, and identity. 👉 Read the story here: https://www.goworldtravel.com/discovering-riga-latvia/ 🇱🇻 Let us cherish our history, honor our ancestors, and continue sharing Latvia with the world.

Sveicam Latvijas dzimšanas dienā! 😇 Šodien godinām savu valsti, tās cilvēkus un stāstus, kas veidojuši mūsu brīvību. Katra militārā vēstures vieta ir kā klusā liecība tam, cik ļoti mēs spējam pastāvēt, aizstāvēties un nezaudēt savu identitāti. Tie nav tikai objekti kartē – tie ir pierādījumi mūsu brīvības cenai. Aicinām ceļot, ielūkoties vēsturē un atklāt stāstus, kas veido mūsu nacionālo kodu. Zināsim savu vēsturi – cienīsim savu valsti! 🇱🇻 Par stipru Latviju un stiprām Baltijas valstīm! 🇱🇻 ENG Happy Independence Day, Latvia! Today, we honour our country, its people, and the stories that have shaped our freedom. Every military heritage site stands as a silent reminder of how strongly we are able to endure, defend ourselves, and preserve our identity. These are not just points on a map – they are proof of the price of our freedom. We invite you to travel, explore history, and discover the stories that form our national identity. Let Latvia live on – strong, independent and beautiful! 🇱🇻 To a strong Latvia and strong Baltic nations! 🇱🇻 #militaryheritagetourism #MilitaryHeritage #latvia #baltics

📍 Krāču kalni – vieta, kur sastopas senā daba un mūsu vēstures varoņi 🌊 Krāču kalni ir vieta, kur senā daba satiekas ar Latvijas vēstures varonību. Šis iespaidīgais Litorīnas jūras krasta valnis paceļas 29 metrus virs jūras līmeņa, atgādinot par laiku, kad pirms 7000–5000 gadiem te viļņojās Baltijas jūras priekštece. ⚔️ Tieši no Krāču kalniem Ziemassvētku kaujās uzbrukumu uzsāka 12. krievu armijas 6. sevišķā brigāde, cenšoties pārraut vācu fronti no Lielā Tīreļa purva līdz Lielupei. 🕯️ Kritušo piemiņai šeit uzstādīts piemineklis, un ik gadu 11. novembrī un 18. novembrī šajā vietā tiek aizdegtas sveces, godinot tos, kuri krituši Latvijas brīvības vārdā. 🌿 Krāču kalni ir arī aizsargājama dabas teritorija – unikāls Litorīnas laika kāpu valnis, kas glabā gan dabas, gan mūsu vēstures stāstu. Vairāk par objektu: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/lv/military/sites/view/1038 #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🇱🇻 11. novembris – Lāčplēša diena 🇱🇻✨ Šī diena Latvijā ir veltīta brīvības cīnītāju piemiņai - tiem, kuri aizstāvēja mūsu valsti Neatkarības karā un ziedoja savu dzīvību par brīvu Latviju. 1919. gada 11. novembrī Latvijas armija guva izšķirošu uzvaru pār Bermonta karaspēku Rīgā, un kopš tā laika šis datums simbolizē drosmi, patriotismu un ticību savai zemei. 🕯 Lāčplēša dienā iedegsim sveces - par tiem, kuri cīnījās, lai mēs dzīvotu brīvā Latvijā. 🙏

📍 Bauskas muzeja ekspozīcija “Bauska laikā un cilvēki Bauskā 20. gadsimtā” 🕰️ Bauskas muzejā Tevi gaida ekspozīcija, kas ved cauri vesalam gadsimtam — no 20. gadsimta sākuma līdz 80. gadiem. Tā ir aizraujoša vēsturiska pastaiga, kur katrs priekšmets, fotogrāfija un stāsts atklāj, kā Bauska dzīvoja, pārdzīvoja un mainījās. 🔹 Sajūti pilsētas ikdienu dažādos laikmetos – no brīvvalsts līdz padomju gadiem. 🔹 Aplūko PSRS un Vācijas armijas tērpus un bruņojumu. 🔹 Aplūko pēckara fotogrāfijas, kas ataino Bauskas un baušķenieku pārvērtības. 🔹 Ielūkojies čekista kabinetā un izzini, kādu lomu šeit spēlēja valsts drošības struktūras laikā, kad apkārtnē darbojās spēcīga nacionālās pretošanās kustība. 👉Vairāk uzzini: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/lv/military/sites/view/944 Bauskas muzejs FOTO: Visit Bauska #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

Discover the spirit of resistance at the Võrumaa Museum in Võru — where Estonia’s 20th-century history unfolds through the stories of freedom and survival. 🇪🇪 🪖Explore one of the most detailed Forest Brothers exhibitions in the country, including a replica of a partisan bunker that brings the resistance years vividly to life. The museum’s permanent exhibition walks you through Võru County’s past — from prehistory to the turbulent 20th century, revealing how local people lived, fought, and rebuilt their independence. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Estonia’s past, this museum offers a great opportunity to experience it up close. 🧐 📍 Katariina allee 11, Võru 🕰️ Open Wed–Sun 10:00–17:00 🔗 Plan your visit: www.vanavorumaamuuseumid.ee/vorumuuseum Võrumaa Muuseum

⚔️ Ziemassvētku kauju muzejs aicina uz atjaunotās brīvdabas ekspozīcijas atklāšanas svētkiem 1. novembrī! ✨ Godinot 🇱🇻 latviešu strēlnieku bataljonu dibināšanas 110. gadadienu 🕯️ un atzīmējot jaunās brīvdabas ekspozīcijas atklāšanu, Ziemassvētku kauju muzejs / Christmas Battle Museum sarūpējis izzinošas aktivitātes visas dienas garumā – gan vēstures mīļotājiem, gan ģimenēm ar bērniem 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. 🎟️ Ieeja pasākumā bez maksas! 🗓️ Norises laiks: sestdiena, 2025. gada 1. novembris, no plkst. 11.00 📍 Vieta: Ziemassvētku kauju muzejs, “Mangaļi”, Valgundes pagasts, Jelgavas novads 🪖 Atjaunotā vērienīgā brīvdabas ekspozīcija sniegs apmeklētājiem jaunas vēstures izzināšanas iespējas. Visa ekspozīcija, stāstot par latviešu strēlnieku ikdienu sadzīvē un kaujas laukā, ļaus ikvienam ar personīgiem pārdzīvojumiem saprast kara ļaunumu un tā ietekmi uz cilvēka dzīvi – lai nekad neaizmirstu. 🇱🇻🕯️

🇱🇹 Yesterday, Lietuvos kaimo turizmo asociacija held its final national event – the conference “Military Heritage: From History to Modern Experiences.” It was a meaningful day full of insights, discussions, and inspiration to explore Lithuania’s military heritage in new and engaging ways. Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

Inspire your students with a day of discovery at Valga Military Museum 🪖 Looking for an engaging school trip that combines learning and adventure? At the Valga Military Museum, students can explore Estonia’s military and internal security history through hands-on experiences – from cooking traditional army pea soup and using camouflage paints to navigating the forest. 🌲🌳 Your class can try laser tag battles in old trenches, conquer the museum's climbing wall or take a ride in an actual military vehicle. Guided tours present one of Estonia’s largest weapon collections and other exciting exhibits. 👩‍🏫All activities are designed to make history tangible and teamwork unforgettable – a perfect way to learn outside the classroom. 🎯 Plan your next school trip today! 📍 Pikk 16a, Valga, Estonia 🌐 www.isamaalinemuuseum.ee 📧 valga@isamaalinemuuseum.ee ☎️ +372 76 71 127 📸Photo by: Valga Militaarteemapark

Where history meets the Baltic Sea 🌊 At the southern tip of Saaremaa, in the former Soviet naval outpost in Sääre village, lies the Sõrve Military Museum – a museum introducing the dramatic history of the World Wars and the Cold War. Step inside the 1955 barracks to explore authentic rooms filled with military relics collected from nearby battlefields. Discover how this quiet coastline once stood on the front line of history — guarding the Irbe Strait, the maritime border of the Soviet Union. 🪖 Just a short walk away, the iconic Sõrve lighthouse rises above the sea, offering views that remind every visitor of the island’s strategic past and natural beauty. 🎟️ Plan your visit: 📍 Sääre village, Saaremaa, Estonia 📞 +372 5635 9533 📧 mati.martinson@gmail.com 🕟 Open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 — come and explore where the echoes of the past meet the calm of the Baltic breeze. Visit Saaremaa

On the website of the Latvian National Museum of History, three walking routes in Riga are available in both Latvian and English. These routes introduce the period of the Bermontians in the city center and the Pārdaugava area. The link to the page is in the first comment. Latvijas Nacionālā vēstures muzeja lapā ir apskatāmi trīs ar kājām izejami maršruti Rīgā latviešu un angļu valodā, kas iepazīstina ar Bermontiādes laiku Rīgas centrā un Pārdaugavas daļā. Saite uz lapu ir pirmajā komentārā.

Then and Now. The Bermontians. Bermont’s soldiers in Pārdaugava (Riga, Latvia) near the Āgenskalns boat pier in October 1919. And a photo taken today. The house on the left looks quite similar to the one from over a century ago. Historical photo – Latvian National History Museum (eMuseum, Route 1: Pārdaugava). Today’s photo – Juris Smaļinskis

The Bermont Affair — A Moment of Latvia’s Fight for Freedom (1919) 🇱🇻 In the autumn of 1919, the Latvian army defended Riga against the West Russian Volunteer Army led by Pavel Bermondt-Avalov, which included German troops. The attack began on October 8, when Bermont’s forces occupied the left bank of the Daugava (Pārdaugava), but after fierce battles, by December, the Latvians had completely defeated them. ⚔️ The Bermont Affair was part of Latvia’s War of Independence — not just a fight for land, but for the very existence of a free Latvian state. As a result, Latvia secured its sovereignty and expelled foreign forces from its territory. Photo: Soldiers of the Latvian Army move to their positions during the Bermont Army’s offensive. Riga, October 1919. Museum of the History of Latvia. #Latvia #Bermontiade #WarOfIndependence #1919

🇱🇹 Our journey through military heritage sites continues – this time, we invite you to discover some of the most meaningful freedom memorials in Lithuania. In this short video, you will see places that honor the struggle, sacrifice, and resilience of people in Lithuania: ✦ Lithuanian Partisans’ Memorial in Kryžkalnis ✦ Freedom Monument in Plungė ✦ Dimitravas Forced Labor Camp ✦ Litvak Memorial Garden ✦ Rainiai Chapel of Suffering These sites remind us of the price of freedom and the importance of remembering history. 🎥 Watch the video and join us on this journey through Lithuania’s military heritage. Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🌍 Partners of the MIL-HER ACCESSIBLE project from Estonia 🇪🇪 and Latvia 🇱🇻 met in Riga at Latvijas Okupācijas muzejs/Museum of the Occupation of Latvia to review progress and plan next steps in making military heritage tourism more accessible for different social groups. Over two days on 22–23 September: 👩‍🏫 We explored ways to adapt content and activities for school-age youth by getting to know the experience of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. 🤝 Inspired by the museum’s experience with teachers and students, partners stepped into the role of pupils themselves, testing tasks designed for school groups. 👓 We worked on accessibility solutions for people with visual impairments – even trying simulation glasses during a special museum tour. Together, we’re making history more accessible to everyone! ✨ ℹ️ Project EE-LV00094 “Improved Accessibility of the Latvian-Estonian Military Heritage Tourism Product" (MIL-HER ACCESSIBLE) is being implemented with the support of the European Union Interreg Estonia-Latvia Programme. #MilitaryHeritage #tourism #estlat #Interreg #Accessibility Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays | Karosta | The secret soviet bunker/Padomju slepenais bunkurs | Saldus novada pašvaldība | Cēsis. Cēsu novads | Latvijas Okupācijas muzejs/Museum of the Occupation of Latvia | Sõjavara Muuseum | Raudtee- ja Sidemuuseum | Eesti Sõjamuuseum | Eesti Lennundusmuuseum / Estonian Aviation Museum | Hiiumaa Militaarmuuseum | Puhkus Maal

September 22 – Resistance Day in Estonia ⚔️ On this day, Estonia commemorates the courage of Otto Tief’s government and the Estonians who, in September 1944, tried to restore national independence between two occupying powers. As German troops withdrew and before the Soviet army entered Tallinn, Tief’s cabinet declared Estonia’s neutrality and raised the blue-black-white flag on the tower of Pikk Hermann. 🇪🇪 Although independence was short-lived and most members of the government faced imprisonment or persecution, their actions symbolized the unbroken will of the Estonian people. The Day of Resistance is dedicated to all Estonians who, with both words and deeds, stood up against occupying powers in the name of restoring the independence and freedom of the Republic of Estonia. Today, the occasion is marked with ceremonies, flag guards, and wreath-laying at Freedom Square, keeping alive the memory of those who believed in Estonia’s right to self-determination. It also reminds us that in 1944, one occupation was simply replaced by another – a truth often obscured by Soviet narratives. 📷 Photo: Jaan Künnap, Baltic Way 👉 Learn more about Estonia's path to freedom: www.militaryheritagetourism.info

Last week, our partners gathered in Jelgava for the Military Heritage II project meeting. Over two days, we reviewed the progress made since spring and planned the next steps for extending the Baltic military heritage tourism product in Lithuania and South Latvia. Discussions focused on: 📍Development of military heritage sites and routes, including improvements in Latgale (LV) and Žemaitija (LT). 📍Creating new visitor experiences such as audio guides, info plates, and updated descriptions of heritage objects. 📍Marketing activities: videos, publications, media tours, ect. 📍Planning future events and project promotion. The meeting also included visits to Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower, Bauska town and Museum, and the historic vehicle exposition at Miķelis recreation complex – inspiring examples of how military objects can be experienced and shared with wider audiences. Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism