Latgale - Latvijas austrumu pierobeža

The Daugavpils Fortress is located on the right bank of Daugava, in the western part of the city of Daugavpils. This is the only fortress of the first half of the 19th century in Northern Europe, which has survived almost unchanged. Construction began in 1810, shortly after which it suffered in the war of 1812 and the floods of 1829. The fortress was a place of strategic importance, including in the fight against Napoleon’s army. Consecrated in 1833, the fortress was completed almost half a century later, in 1878. The Daugavpils Fortress is divided into quarters, with the Parade Square located in the central part. Later the fortress lost its strategic importance and a warehouse was set up in it in 1897. Before World War I, Latvian Army officers, including General Jānis Balodis and Colonel Frīdrihs Briedis, served in the Daugavpils Garrison. In honour of the centenary of the war of 1812, a monument was unveiled in the fortress park in 1912. Army units were stationed here during the Soviet era, and the Daugavpils Higher Military Aviation Engineering School was established. The fortress features several tourist attractions, including the Daugavpils Fortress Culture and Information Centre (trips around the Daugavpils Fortress are available), World War I Museum, Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre, the White Horse art gallery, a medical exhibit displaying contraceptives, the Housevintage antique shop, the Daugavpils Bat Centre and the ‘Retrogaraž-D’ exhibit of retro cars.

Daugavpils Shotgun Factory was founded in 1885. The factory is the oldest ammunition manufacturing plant in Northern Europe. The only factory of its kind in the Baltics, and one of the oldest industrial heritage sites in Latvia. The factory houses the only working lead shot casting tower in Europe.

Throughout the centuries, the factory has always produced high-quality hunting shotguns, which it continues to do today. The factory displays equipment and structures that were built in the 19th century, supplemented before and after both World Wars, but they harmonize well with the modern equipment used in the production of ammunition.

The factory offers a historical exhibition, a shot-casting workshop, and a climb up its unique 31.5 m high tower, under which there is a 13.5 m deep cooling well. The ammunition factory is a destination for many domestic and foreign tourists who want to feel the unique atmosphere of the 19th century today and get to know the ancient equipment in action. After the factory tour, everyone has the opportunity to try out the manufactured products in the factory shooting range.

Second World War Artifacts Exhibition-Museum in Aglona. The exhibition contains 1000+ items, which are displayed in a relatively small space in such a way that they are easy to see and are close to the viewer, not hidden in showcases, so you can fully feel the aura of the events of those times. Exhibits were collected for many years in active war zones during the Second World War, also through barter or purchased at auctions. The museum exhibits one of the largest collections in Latvia. In one place you can see almost all the light, "hot" weapons (carbines, machine guns, machine guns) that fought on the Eastern Front. The personal belongings of the soldiers of both warring parties, ammunition, projectiles, reactive projectiles, air bombs, cumulative weapons, cold weapons are available for viewing. A look at the uniforms and the kitchen as well. In the museum, you can try on uniforms, helmets, etc., hold a model of a machine gun and take a picture on a motorcycle with a sidecar.

Monument to the 3rd Jelgava Infantry Regiment's January 16, 1920, freedom struggle in Latgale. With the inscription: “The place of the 3rd Jelgava Infantry Regiment's battles, the victory march through Latgale. 1920.16.I. We brought the sun, freedom and independence to Latvia”

The monument was unveiled in 1936. On August 16, General Žanis Bachs (1885–1941) consecrated it by Pastor Ādams Vizulis (1891–1970). The author of the monument's design was Engineer Zilēvičs.

The Latvian War of Independence (1918–1920) operation to liberate Latgale began on January 3, 1920. By mid-January, the Latvian and Polish armies had liberated Daugavpils and most of southern Latgale up to the Dagda–Indra line from the Bolshevik forces that had seized power in Russia. On January 9, the Latvian army began its offensive in Northern Latgale, rapidly advancing towards the Kārsava and Pitalova stations.

In the middle between the two directions of attack remained the Bolshevik-controlled area around Varakļāni, Viļāni and Rēzekne. On January 20, Latvian army units began the operation to liberate Rēzekne. Rēzekne was liberated on January 21. The Latvian army, across the entire expanse of the Eastern Front, reached the border of Latvian-inhabited lands by the end of January. Already on February 1, Soviet Russia signed an armistice agreement with Latvia.

With the victory in the Battles of Latgale, Latvia's eastern border was secured and the opportunity to annex Latgale to Latvia was gained. The Latvian army achieved the final unification and independence of Latvia in 1920.

The monument, dated 1920.16.I., is dedicated to the moment when the 3rd Jelgava Infantry Regiment took up its starting positions before the operation to liberate Rēzekne.

The museum is located on the outskirts of Rēzekne. The museum has an exposition of the border guard's history research department, which reflects the chronological development of the Latvian border guard. An integral part of the excursion is a visit to the Kennel Center, where you can watch demonstrations of service dogs in person.

The object is available only with prior reservation.

A unique exposition on the history of military and civil awards of the first free state of Latvia, as well as various organizations related to the activities of state and civil organizations in the period from the Latvian War of Independence to the Second World War.

Several hundred different historical evidences from Latvian and foreign private collections are exhibited in the exhibition house, covering the period from 1918 to 1940, revealing the pages of the history of Latgale and Rēzekne.

The monument to the liberation of Latgale (popularly known as "Latgales Māra") is the most recognizable symbol of Rēzekne. Dedicated in 1920 to the participants of the Latvian freedom struggle and embodies the idea of the freedom and unity of the Latvian state. The monument was opened in 1939. (artist L. Tomasickis, sculptor K. Jansons), its bronze sculptural composition consists of: a chain puller, symbolizing the freedom won by the heroic sons of Latgale over foreign powers, a kneeling girl next to him crowns the liberator with a wreath of oak leaves, and above both figures - a national daughter who in his hand he holds a raised golden cross - symbolizing faith and satisfaction for regained freedom.

1940 the monument was demolished in 1943 it was restored, but in 1950 the ruling power destroyed it. In 1992, thanks to the funds donated by the people, the monument rose again in all its glory on the hill of Liberation Alley (sculptor A. Jansons).

Latgale Culture and History Museum was established in 1959, it is located in the city center, in the building where the Central Latgale Museum was located before World War II. In a three-story building visitors can view permanent and changing exhibitions. A museum is available for visitors with disabilities, there is a comfortable elevator. One can also purchase souvenirs.

Dedicated to the residents of Rēzekne district killed during the Nazi occupation. In the Ančupāni Hills, starting in August 1941, Jews from Rēzekne and surrounding villages, supporters of the communist occupation regime, Red Army soldiers, etc. were shot. Among the killed were also 203 residents of the village of Audriņi, Makašēni parish, who were killed on January 3, 1942.

The memorial was opened on July 27, 1974. Its author is landscape architect Alfons Kišķis (1910–1994). The evergreen fir trees on the right side of the road symbolize the people lined up for execution, the stone wall on the opposite side of the road symbolizes the shooters. In the lower part – in the Valley of Suffering – a path covered with boulders leads past the mass graves of the shot people, ending at a concrete wall with the inscription “They died so that you could live”. Further on, there are stairs to the Square of Life, the author of the central sculpture “Mother Apple Tree” of which is the sculptor Rasa Kalniņa-Grīnberga (1936).

The Ludza Regional Studies Museum’s exhibition “May you live forever in Latvia! 1918–1945” reflects an important historical stage in the development of Eastern Latgale from 1918 to 1945. The exhibition features various relics from this historical era. Among them are items that once belonged to R. Kalniņš, a Ludza resident and participant in the Freedom Struggle. The artistic design of the space allows visitors to feel the atmosphere of the time when a wave of mass deportations swept across Latvia. The central relic that depicts this historical stage is a wooden cross made by the repressed Catholic priest Kazimirs Vitanis. The installation of the World War II battlefield creates an emotionally vivid atmosphere of that time. Visitors to the exhibition can also get acquainted with the war awards of the Soviet Army and the German Army. The old photographs of Ludza shown in the exhibition give visitors an idea of the image of the city before and after World War II.

In the former parish council building, local enthusiasts - brothers Imants and Ivars Novozhilovi - have created an exhibition of evidence from the Second World War found in the immediate area over > 10 years, including weapons, remains of armored vehicles, various household items of soldiers, etc.

Memorial plaque near Malnava College, where 1932-1937 Lieutenant R. Rubenis studied in Opened in 2000

The exhibit ‘Abrene Rooms’ is located near the city centre of Viļaka. It covers the period from 1920 to 1960 when Viļaka was part of Jaunlatgale, Abrene district, and became the centre of Viļaka district and Abrene municipality. The exhibit is located in the building with the most interesting and diverse history in Viļaka. Initially located on the old Marienhausen Market Square, it later housed apartments, offices and various shops and, during World War  II, the Latvian Self-Defence headquarters, the Gestapo and also the Cheka. The exhibit features items from the national partisan camp in the Stompaki Bog, which are related to the national partisan movement in the Latgale region, as well as documents and photos associated with the War of Independence. With a guided tour booked in advance, the owner, Dzintars Dvinskis, will present the testimonies available in the exhibit.

In 2023, an exhibition for military heritage in Northern Latgale was created.

The Viļaka Museum is located in two buildings – a Catholic parish house built in 1913, which is significant for the cultural history of the city, and the second museum building – in the former Capuchin monastery, the basements of which are closely connected with the national partisan movement in Stompaki and the Soviet Cheka. According to people’s memories, people were kept and tortured in these basements. The old museum building houses several exhibitions, one of which shows the course of the 1920 freedom struggle in Northern Latgale, the events of World War II – the Jewish Holocaust in Viļaka and information about the families who were shot. You can find out more information about each family by their address. The exhibition is supplemented by information about the national partisan movement in Stompaki – various testimonies, photographs, and objects. Visitors to the museum can learn about military heritage sites in and around Viļaka, such as the Freedom Fighters Monument in Jashkov, which was demolished during the Soviet era and restored in 1990, as well as a stele dedicated to the Cavaliers of the Lāčplēsis War Order. The museum's exposition incorporates the sound of a World War II aircraft, as the German Luftwaffe airfield was located near Viļaka. The museum offers the opportunity to view some memories of the events of World War II in Viļaka, as well as obtain information about the German prisoner of war camp in Rači.

The Stompaki Bog Area is a specially protected nature and NATURA 2000 territory located between the cities of Balvi and Viļaka. The eastern part of the bog features a marked 1.5-kilometre trail that crosses the forest and also a small part of the high bog (wooden footbridges), leading to five islands within the bog where the national partisans had built residential bunkers. Information stands along the edges of the trail tell about the local natural values and historical events. There is a rest area by the trail. Directions from the P35 road will help visitors find the trail. In early March 1945, one of the largest national partisan settlements in the Baltic States was established at the Stompaki Camp. About 350 to 360 people lived here, including 40 to 50 women. Starting from January 1945, national partisans carried out regular attacks on the military personnel of the occupation regime and their supporters. The camp had a bakery, a church bunker and 25 residential bunkers, immersed halfway into the ground, for accommodating 8 to 30 people. The bunker sites are still visible today. The Battle of Stompaki, the largest battle in the history of Latvian national partisan battles, took place here on 2-3 March 1945. The anti-partisan forces consisted of a total of about 483 soldiers, including subunits of the 2nd and 3rd Rifle Battalions of the 143rd Rifle Regiment of the NKVD 5th Rifle Division, the rifle platoon (armed with submachine guns), mortar company, reconnaissance and sapper platoons, as well as the so-called ‘istrebitel’ (destruction) fighters.

The exhibition allows you to look into the history of Latvian Independence from the point of view of Northern Latgale. What is the contribution of the people of our side, how did our grandfathers get involved in the fight for the common cause of Latvia, what are their fates, how is their memory preserved? Answers to these and other questions can be found in Latvian, Russian and English.

The Northern Latgale liberation operation, also called the Viļakas-Jaunlatgale capture operation, was part of the Latgale liberation attack operation carried out by the Latvian armed forces during the Latvian freedom struggle. Its purpose was to occupy the northern part of Latgale and cut the Pskov-Daugavpils railway line in order to prevent the arrival of additional units of Soviet Russian troops from the Estonian front and from inside Russia. The most important battles took place between January 9 and 20, 1920, when control over the railway line from Pitalova (Abrene) to Kārsava was gained.

It is located in the premises of the Preiļi Cultural Center.

Preiļi Museum of History and Applied Art (PVLMM) exhibition "Museum stories for Latvia" about the First World War, the War of Independence and the Second World War can be viewed.

The "Story of Drywys" section of the exhibition "Museum Stories for Latvia" (opened in 2018) of the Museum of Preiļi History and Applied Arts is dedicated to the First World War, the War of Independence and the liberation of Latgale, as well as to the knights of the Lāčplešana War Order. The exhibition section "The story of the flag" tells about the difficult events of the Second World War period, during which the people of Preila were affected by deportations, the Holocaust, involvement in the military units of the warring parties, and after the war - in the ranks of national partisans. The "Righteous Among the Nations" medal awarded to Vladislav Vuškānas, the savior of the Jews from Preiliat, can also be viewed.

Upon prior application, a tour is available in Russian and English.

Hiking route Jersika–Vanagi: "In the footsteps of national partisan legends" (the route includes: a memorial stone dedicated to the Latvian Fatherland Guards (partisans) Association in Jersika, "Avotnīca", a memorial stone to the Presidium of the Latvian Fatherland Guards Association in Augšmukti, Vanagi Church).

A hard-to-find natural object. Hike length: approximately 22 km, can be completed in approximately 6 hours.

Go on a hike from Jersika to Vanagi, allowing yourself to be challenged in endurance, as the hike leads through forests, swamps, moors, meadows and country paths, and in the historical knowledge of the most prominent figures of the national partisan movement, their activities, see the most significant places about which local legends and written memories of fellow citizens are told. The path begins at the Jersika elementary school and leads to a memorial stone under an old oak tree, further along the way including the Jersika railway station. The inscription on the stone reads “LTS(p)A – For the fighters of the Latvian Fatherland Partisan Association. LTS(p)A united the national partisans of six Latvian districts in the fight against the communist occupation regime in 1945-1955”.

The walk continues along the railway tracks and winds along Lake Jersika, where the forest presents natural treasures: spring-flowering primroses and common sedge. The approach to the bog is indicated by the smell of primroses, but in spring it is especially surprising to see them blooming. A lazy walk is not possible, several ditches must be overcome, crossing the bog provides a tempering - water remains in the moss at every step, cranberry berries shine in the bushes. The bog is replaced by a forest and evidence of the former settlement of these places in homesteads - stately oaks, ruins of buildings, the site of a national partisan bunker surrounded by young growth. The path continues to the place mentioned in the testimonies as the place of founding of the Fatherland Guards (partisans) association. The forest massif also hides the memorial site “Avotnīca” (“Olūtneica”), where a campfire has been set up. The diversity of the forest is surprising, as is the width of the ditches. The destination of the hike is Vanagi Church, where priest A. Juhņevičs served, and about whom the film “Segvārds Vientulis” (directed by N. Pucis) tells the story.

A hard-to-find natural object. Hike length: approximately 22 km, can be completed in approximately 6 hours.

Hike length: approximately 22 km, can be completed in 6 hours.

Difficulty level: medium fitness hike.

Starting point: Jersika Elementary School (can be reached by train, bus).

End point: Vanagu Church (public transport does not run on weekends).

Note: The route includes a swimming break (during the summer season), fishing opportunities, a picnic area, and one public toilet. The route is also suitable for school-age children who already have experience in hiking of this length.

Go on a hike from Jersika to Vanagi, allowing yourself to be challenged in endurance, as the hike leads through forests, swamps, moors, meadows and country paths, and in the historical knowledge of the most prominent figures of the national partisan movement, their activities, see the most significant places about which local legends and written memories of fellow citizens are told. The path begins at the Jersika elementary school and leads to a memorial stone under an old oak tree, further along the way including the Jersika railway station. The inscription on the stone reads “LTS(p)A – For the fighters of the Latvian Fatherland Partisan Association. LTS(p)A united the national partisans of six Latvian districts in the fight against the communist occupation regime in 1945-1955”.

The walk continues along the railway tracks and winds along Lake Jersika, where the forest presents natural treasures: spring-flowering primroses and common sedge. The smell of primroses indicates that you are approaching the bog, but in spring it is especially surprising to see them blooming. A lazy walk is not possible, several ditches must be overcome, crossing the bog provides a tempering - water remains in the moss at every step, cranberry berries shine in the bushes. The bog is replaced by a forest and evidence of the former settlement of these places in homesteads - stately oaks, ruins of buildings, the site of a national partisan bunker surrounded by young growth. The path continues to the place mentioned in the testimonies as the place of founding of the Fatherland Guards (partisans) association. The forest massif also hides the memorial site “Avotnīca” (“Olūtneica”), where a campfire has been set up. The diversity of the forest is surprising, as is the width of the ditches. The destination of the hike is Vanagi Church, where priest A. Juhņevičs served, and about whom the film “Segvārds Vientulis” (directed by N. Pucis) tells the story.

Arendole Manor was first mentioned in historical sources in the 16th century. Over time, its owner families changed several times: Grappenbruck, Līdinghausen-Wulf, Platter-Sieberg. The manor acquired its current appearance during the next reconstruction from 1895 to 1901.

During World War I, the 18th-century wooden chapel in the manor park burned down, and much of the manor's inventory was looted.

Based on the agrarian reform law, the manor was expropriated on January 14, 1921 and transferred to the Kalupe parish board. The manor house was renovated, and in 1925 a primary school and an orphanage were established there. A boarding house for war invalids was set up in the servants' house. The school and the home for the disabled continued to operate until 1975. After that, the manor was inhabited for 20 years, but was not destroyed.

In 1995, the Arendole Manor House was purchased by private owners and its revival began. Since 2002, the “Es Latgalei” association has been operating in the manor. Renovation and restoration work has been carried out in the grain warehouse, the houses of the lords and servants, and the remaining walls of the horse stable have been preserved.

In the manor, you can see the renovated premises, as well as the largest collection of ancient objects in Latgale, and get acquainted with information about various historical events in Latgale in the 20th century. A separate exhibition is dedicated to the former Kalupe parish policeman Jānis Babris (1904–1982), who on June 14, 1941 resisted the deportation operational group: he shot the militiaman Slica and wounded the communist party agent Jozāns.

At Arendole Manor, it is possible to stay overnight, rent out rooms for various events, and relax in the open air.