Discover powerful educational programs for school groups at Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom! 👩‍🏫 Located in the heart of Tallinn, Vabamu offers a unique opportunity for school groups to explore Estonia’s recent past and reflect on timeless questions of freedom, choices, and values. The educational programs combine real-life stories with active learning methods. 🎓Programs for II school level, 60 min: 🔹 Freedom and Equality as Your Right and Duty – a workshop where students explore human rights, responsibilities, and the meaning of dignity in both history and today’s world. 🔹 What Is Freedom? – through children’s life stories, students create their own “freedom compass” and reflect on what freedom has meant for different generations. 🎓Programs for III school level and high school, 90 min: 🔹 Facets of Collaborationism – an interactive discussion about choices under foreign occupation, inspired also by Orwell’s 1984. 🔹 Estonia 1939–1991: Difficult Choices – using video testimonies, students discover how war and occupation forced people to make life-changing decisions, and connect these lessons to the challenges we face today. 🇪🇪🇷🇺🇬🇧 Lessons are available in Estonian, Russian, or English. 📍 Plan your class visit and give your students an unforgettable learning experience at Vabamu! 👉 More information: www.vabamu.ee 📧 Bookings: broneering@vabamu.ee

📌 9. un 10. septembrī Zemgalē un Latgalē viesojās Latvijas mediju pārstāvji! 😎 Divu dienu laikā viņi iepazina militārā mantojuma tūrisma vietas, uzzināja daudz jauna par vēsturi un šo vietu nozīmi, kā arī atklāja, kāpēc tie ir vērtīgi un interesanti galamērķi ceļotājiem ✨ Šoreiz viesojāmies: 📍 Ģederta Eliasa Jelgavas vēstures un mākslas muzejs 📍 Elejas kara vēstures ekspozīcijā 📍 Atpūtas Komplekss Miķelis spēkratu ekspozīcijā 📍 Viesītes muzejs "Sēlija" 📍 Kara Muzejs Aglonā 📍 Brīvvalsts dārgumu nams 📍 Ludzas Novadpētniecības muzejs 📍 Malnavas bunkurus un Latgolys šmakovka Malnavā 📍 Abrenes Istabas 📍 Nacionālo partizānu mītnes Stompaku purvos. Vizīte tika organizēta projekta “Militārais mantojums II” ietvaros, sadarbojoties Latgales Tūrisma asociācija, Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays un Zemgales Plānošanas reģions / Zemgale Planning Region. #MilitaryHeritage #military #militaraismantojums #Interreg Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme

✍️📸 At the end of this summer, over five days, “Lauku ceļotājs” together with the partners of the "Military Heritage II" project organized an international tour for journalists and tour operators across Southern Latvia 🇱🇻 and Lithuania 🇱🇹. The purpose of the tour was to introduce military heritage sites and tourism products. The tour was attended by 13 foreign journalists and tour operators from various countries around the world 🌎: 🇳🇱 The Netherlands, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇬🇧 the United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 the USA, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇳🇴 Norway During the trip, we met with: 💼 Entrepreneurs offering military heritage tourism products ℹ️ Tourism information centres 🏛️ Municipal representatives 📚 Local researchers and history enthusiasts The trip was divided into two parts. In the second part, we visited: ⚔️ The World War I Museum in Medumi 🪖 German Army bunkers from World War I in Kimbartiškė (Lithuania) 🏰 Daugavpils Fortress 🎖️ The World War II Museum in Aglona 🥖 Malnava bakery “Dzīles” 🔥 Malnava Šmakovka distillery and the so-called “Hitler’s bunker” 🚛 Svente Military Equipment Museum Participants filled out questionnaires about their impressions, and we will be sharing the results soon! A big thank you to our project partners: • Zemgales Plānošanas reģions / Zemgale Planning Region • Lithuanian Rural Tourism Association AtostogosKaime.lt • Žemaitija National Park Directorate Žemaitijos nacionalinis parkas • Latgale region Tourism association Latgales Tūrisma asociācija …and to all others involved, as well as the owners and managers of the visited sites, for their warm hospitality! And special thanks to our guide – Kārlis Dambītis. The trip was organized within the framework of project LL-00052 “Expanding the Baltic Military Heritage Tourism Product in Lithuania and Southern Latvia” (Military Heritage II) with the support of the European Union Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027. 🇪🇺 Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays Latvijas Investīciju un attīstības aģentūra - LIAA

Today, at the Freedom Monument in Riga, more than 400 young soldiers who were conscripted this summer took the solemn oath. The attendees were addressed by the President of Latvia, the Minister of Defense, and other officials. A new and strong generation is growing, ready to protect their country and fellow citizens! Video: Juris Smaļinskis

At the end of this August, over five days, 🚌 “Lauku ceļotājs” together with the "Military Heritage II" project partners organized an international tour for journalists and tour operators across Southern Latvia and Lithuania. The goal of the tour was to introduce participants to military heritage sites and tourism products. The tour included 13 international journalists and tour operators from various countries around the world 🌍: 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | 🇳🇴 Norway During the trip, we met with: • Entrepreneurs offering military heritage tourism products • Tourist information centers ℹ️ • Local government representatives 🏢 • Researchers and history enthusiasts 🔍 The trip was divided into two parts. In the first part, we visited: 🪖 Īle National Partisan Bunker ✝️ Saldus WWII German Soldiers’ Cemetery 🏠 Ezere Customs House 🚀 Plokštine Missile Base & Cold War Museum in Žemaitija National Park 🪖 Escape Bunker in Klaipėda 🛳️ Minesweeper M52 “Suduvis” in Klaipėda 🏖️ “Memel – Nord” Coastal Defense Battery 🏰 Liepāja Karosta Prison and Redan ✝️ Lestene Brothers’ Cemetery 🎄 Christmas Battles Memorial Park & Ložmetējkalns 🏛️ Museum of Occupation in Riga Participants completed feedback surveys, and we will share the results soon! 📊 A big thank you to our project partners: Zemgale Planning Region Lithuanian Rural Tourism Association Žemaitija National Park Directorate Latgale Tourism Association …and all other participants, as well as the owners and managers of the sites, for their warm welcome! 💛 The trip was organized within the framework of project LL-00052 “Expanding the Baltic Military Heritage Tourism Product in Lithuania and Southern Latvia” (Military Heritage II) with the support of the European Union Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027. 🇪🇺 Photos: Katrīna Seržante Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme Latvijas Investīciju un attīstības aģentūra - LIAA Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays

✨ Military Heritage II at the Festival “SAUgoma ir TAU” ✨ On August 27th in Vilnius, a special event invited visitors to discover Lithuania’s protected areas. 🌿 Among the participants was Žemaitija National Park Directorate. We used this opportunity to showcase not only the natural treasures of Žemaitija National Park – lakes, forests, and unique landscapes – but also the historical heritage we help preserve together with the international project Military Heritage II. 📖 💡 Žemaitija National Park is more than nature. In the heart of the park stands the unique Cold War Exposition, located in the former missile base of Plokštinė. A powerful reminder of history, and proof that nature and culture can go hand in hand. 🎯 At the festival, visitors received: 📘Military Heritage Travel Guide – Southern Part – with 113 sites and 10 ready-to-go routes 🗺️ A travel map – featuring 242 places across the Baltics to explore 🌍 And possibility to find much more online 👉 www.militaryheritagetourism.info 🤝 We are proud to bring together nature, culture, and history – because to protect means not only to care for forests and lakes, but also to keep people’s memory alive. “Strong yesterday – free today.” Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

Aicinām izmantot unikālu iespēju un ielūdzam masu mediju pārstāvjus divu dienu vizītē 9. un 10. septembrī iepazīt Zemgales un Latgales militārā mantojuma tūrisma vietas 😎 🎯 Plašāka informācija un reģistrācija te: forms.gle/FDV8PCSBMfAxra7D9 Pieteikumi tiek pieņemti līdz 2. septembrim! 💪 Zemgales Plānošanas reģions / Zemgale Planning Region | Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays | Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #Interreg #military #MilitaryHeritage #militaraismantojums

23rd of August is the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism 🕯 On 23 August 1939, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was signed by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, dividing Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland into designated Soviet and German spheres of influence. On 23 September 2008, 409 members of the European Parliament signed a declaration on the proclamation of 23 August as European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism. In 2009, European Parliament called on European countries to implement the Day of Remembrance. Today we remember the victims of mass deportations, exterminations, murders, kleptocracies and enslavements committed in the context of Stalinism and Nazism. They will not be forgotten 🖤

Today we celebrate the Estonian Restoration of Independence! 🇪🇪 34 years ago today, on the 20th of August 1991, the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Estonia adopted the "Resolution on the Independence of the Estonian State". The failed coup d'état in Moscow had provided a perfect opportunity for Estonia to break free from the Soviet Union. The restoration of independence allowed Estonia to set a new course for its future. In mid-September 1991, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were accepted into the United Nations. It was time for the Baltic states to integrate with the economic and political structures of Europe. 🇪🇺 🇮🇸 Did you know that Iceland was the first to recognise Estonia's independence? 🤔 Celebrate Estonia with us today! 🎉

🇱🇻 Ložmetējkalns – latviešu strēlnieku varonības simbols Jelgavas novada Valgundes pagastā, uz Garās kāpas, slejas vieta, kas ierakstīta Latvijas vēsturē ar īpašu spēku – Ložmetējkalns. 💥 Nosaukumu tas ieguva Pirmā pasaules kara laikā, kad šeit atradās spēcīgi Vācijas armijas nocietinājumi, ko aizstāvēja ar ložmetēju uguni. 1917. gada Ziemassvētku kaujās latviešu strēlnieki kopā ar sibīriešu vienībām ieņēma Ložmetējkalnu, sagūstot vairāk nekā 600 pretiniekus un apliecinot savu drosmi un neatlaidību. 🕯 Šodien Ložmetējkalns ir piemiņas un cieņas vieta, kur katru gadu janvārī tiek godināti kritušie karavīri. 👀 Apmeklējot to, iespējams ne tikai aplūkot piemiņas zīmes, bet arī uzkāpt 27 m augstajā skatu tornī, no kura paveras skats uz Ziemassvētku kauju vietām. 🖱 Uzzini vairāk par šo vietu: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/lv/military/sites/view/60?a=od #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

📍 Jelgavas sirds – Sv. Trīsvienības baznīcas tornis ❓Vai zinājāt, ka šis tornis ir vienīgā saglabājusies daļa no kādreizējās baznīcas, kuras vēsture sniedzas vairāk nekā 400 gadu garumā? ⛪ Celtniecība sākās jau 1574. gadā pēc hercoga Gotharda Ketlera pavēles, un tornis tika pabeigts 1688. gadā meistara Martina Knoha vadībā. 💥 Otrā pasaules kara laikā Jelgava tika smagi nopostīta, baznīca nodega un tika nojaukta, taču tornis palika – sākotnēji kā militārs novērošanas punkts, vēlāk arī kā pretošanās kustības slepena tikšanās vieta. 👀Šodien tas ir atdzimis kā kultūras un izziņas centrs, kas glabā ne tikai vēsturiskus stāstus, bet arī pilsētas garu. 📸 Nākamreiz esot Jelgavā, uzkāpiet tornī un paskatieties uz pilsētu tā, kā to redzējušas paaudzes pirms mums! FOTO: Jelgavas reģionālais tūrisma centrs, digitālais fotoarhīvs 🖱 Uzzini vairāk par šo vietu: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/lv/military/sites/view/911 #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

The War of Independence monument on Vormsi Island (Estonia) is one of the few that remained standing and survived the occupation. Local people hid it with bushes. The Saxby lighthouse is also an object of military heritage history.

Dusetos Riflemen’s House – A Symbol of Civic Spirit and National Identity💪 Built during Lithuania’s interwar independence period, the Dusetos Riflemen’s House is a rare and remarkable example of the Riflemen’s Union architecture — designed to serve both military and cultural purposes. Initiated in 1935 by the local Riflemen’s Unit and opened in 1937, the project was a true community effort: locals donated funds, building materials, and helped with the construction. One of only 60 such buildings across the country, it reflects a blend of functionalism and national style — with its rectangular layout, large windows, glazed veranda, and spacious second-floor balcony. In the interwar years, it hosted the Riflemen’s headquarters, library, district court, and a 500-seat hall with a stage and orchestra rooms — making it a vital center for local life and culture. 📍 Vytauto str. 56, Dusetos, Zarasai district, Lithuania Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

📍 Former Zvārde Military Training Area in Latvia, Saldus district. Last week, we had a special event as part of the “MIL-HER ACCESSIBLE” project 🎧. Together with our project partners from Saldus, we tested new audio stories about the military heritage sites in Zvārde! 🚌 Participants went on a tour around the area, 🎶 listened to the prepared stories at each stop, 🗣️ and shared their feedback on the quality, clarity, and emotional impact. We are especially happy to have the support of the organization “Iniciative CENTRE for people with special needs” 🙌. Even though it was rainy, we visited some places in person, like: 🏰 Zvārde church ruins 🏡 “Lapsas” house 🏡 Rīteļi cemetery, which was bombed during the military training period 🏡 The vintage car collection “Retroknifiņš” 🏡 Striķi community center and more. 💬 The feedback was very positive! The audio stories were found interesting, easy to understand, and emotionally engaging. 📱 Next step – we will add these stories to a mobile app, so people can explore Zvārde’s military heritage on their own, in a modern way. The app will be accessible for people with vision or movement difficulties, as well as students and other visitors. We will also add the stories to our military heritage website.

Just 2 km from Šilutė, on the grounds of a former manor in the village of Macikai, stands one of the darkest reminders of 20th-century totalitarian regimes in Lithuania. Between 1939 and 1955, this site witnessed several brutal transformations: 🟢 1939–1944: Under Nazi Germany, it was Stalag 1C Heydekrug, a prisoner-of-war camp holding Polish, Belgian, French, and Russian POWs. 🟢 1944–1946: After the Soviet re-occupation, it became Camp No. 184 for German POWs. 🟢 1946–1955: Converted into the Šilutė (Macikai) Division 3 of the GULAG, where civilians deemed “unwanted” by the Soviet regime were imprisoned — many of them Lithuanians. Though relatively small, the camp could hold up to 3,000 detainees. It had all the features of a typical Soviet labor camp: barracks, sanitary facilities, and a solitary confinement cell. That solitary cell is the only original structure that remains today. In 1995, thanks to the initiative of the Šilutė Association of Deportees and Political Prisoners, the cell was restored and turned into a museum. 📍 Vilties str. 2, Macikai, Šilutė district, Lithuania Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🚂 Gulbene Locomotive and Wagon Depot 🚃 Once one of the largest and most important railway depots in Latvia (1930–1980), today it’s the home of the popular Gulbene – Alūksne narrow-gauge railway. 🌲🌄 🚆 Right next to the depot on the tracks stands Salon Wagon No. 572699-698047, built in 1964 and specially equipped for Karl Vaino, the 1st Secretary of the Communist Party of Estonia. Between 1978 and 1988, this wagon offered him and his entourage comfortable travel to Moscow and other Soviet cities. Although it looks like a regular passenger wagon from outside, inside it has a spacious salon with a conference room, showing its special importance. These special wagons were built in small numbers in East Germany (Wagonbau Ammendorf factory) on the passenger wagon K-47 base, ordered by the Soviet elite. After adding extra equipment in Moscow, these wagons served the top Communist Party leaders and government heads. 👔📋 🏠 Visitors can stay overnight in authentic Soviet-era locomotive crew rest rooms on the depot’s 2nd floor, or even sleep in the Estonian Communist Party leader’s salon wagon! 🛏️✨ 👀 You can also take a tour of the depot, watch the turntable demonstration 🔄, or ride a handcar! Located in Gulbene, Latvia

Visit a historic railway station that played a key role in Estonia’s fight for independence 🚂 Nestled in a 19th-century wooden train station in Harjumaa, Kehra Museum offers a powerful glimpse into Estonia’s War of Independence. The station served as military headquarters in the early days of 1919, with armoured trains stationed here and the series of battles that launched the Estonian advance to victory being led from here. 👩‍🏫The museum offers educational programs for school groups focused on Estonia’s War of Independence, including topics like armoured trains, local battles, and war hero Jaan Lepp. 📸This summer, discover the temporary exhibition "Kehra: Then and Now II", which invites you to compare old photographs with modern-day Kehra – a nostalgic look at how time has changed the town. 📍 Kehra Museum – Raudtee 7, Kehra, Anija municipality 🌐 www.kehrajaam.ee 📩 info@kehrajaam.ee 👉 Plan your visit today! #militaryheritage #militaryheritagetourism #kehra

🏰 Saaremaa War Museum – A Journey Through 20th-Century Military History Founded in 2007, the museum showcases its founders’ private collection of around 12,000 exhibits. Across 650 m² of exhibition space and an outdoor display area, visitors can explore five fascinating halls: 🔹 Hall of the War of Independence (1918–1920) – featuring a real armored train machine-gun wagon, authentic uniforms, weapons, and soldiers’ personal gear. 🔹 Historical Uniforms Hall – Estonian Defence Forces & Defence League uniforms from 1925–1940, plus WWII uniforms and equipment. 🔹 Weapons Hall – firearms, cold weapons, and pistols used in Europe from 1450 to 1970. 🔹 WWII Equipment & Soldiers’ Daily Life – field gear, kitchenware, and personal items. 🔹 Technical Equipment Hall – communication devices, cannons, mortars, bicycles, motorcycles, and cars. The museum also hosts themed hikes and historic battle reenactments, bringing military history to life for all generations. Located in Estonia, on Saaremaa Island, in the town of Orissaare. Sõjavara Muuseum

Hidden deep in the woods near Paliūniškis lies a mysterious Soviet military site known today as the “Bunker” Park of Ideas. Once a Soviet Air Force training ground, this forest still bears the scars of bombing drills. It also hosted a secretive Soviet military base, likely built between 1961–1977. Its true purpose remains unclear, though it's believed to have served as a reserve communications hub or even a Command Post for the Baltic Military District. Today, this forgotten Cold War site has been transformed. The surviving bunker, concrete fence, and ruins are now part of an interactive park featuring: 📍 A Cold War-era exhibit of military gear and civil defense relics 📍 A horror room set in the original bunker 📍 An outdoor metal sculpture park Located in Vabalninkai str. 73, Likpetrių village, Panevėžys district, Lithuania. Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🇪🇪💥 VALGA MILFEST 2025 – A weekend of history, action & culture! Get ready for the 17th International Military History Festival in Valga, Estonia – a unique gathering of war history clubs, reenactments, military tech, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities. 🕟️ 15–16 August 2025 🎯 Highlights include: 🔹 A realistic battle reenactment with soldiers in historical uniforms 🔹 Live presentations by military and rescue organisations 🔹 A colourful craft & antique fair 🔹 Exciting cultural shows and concerts (Curly Strings, Terminaator, Shukar Roma & more!) 📍 Main locations: Valga War Museum & outdoor stage (Pikk 16 / 16a, Valga) Valga City Park (J. Kuperjanovi 65) 🌟 Bring the whole family and experience history like never before. ➡️ Full program & updates: Valga Militaarteemapark 🪖 See you at MILFEST 2025! #MilitaryHeritage #heritagetourism #valgamilfest

☢️ Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant – A Soviet-Era Giant in Lithuania ☢️ Located just 6 km from Visaginas, the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant was once the most powerful of its kind in the Baltic States. Built with Soviet RBMK reactors—just like in Chernobyl—it earned the nickname “Chernobyl’s sister.” Planned to have four reactors, only two were ever completed. After the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, safety concerns and public protests stopped further construction. Shutdown began in 2010, but the site lives on as a unique Cold War landmark. Today, you can tour the facility, visit the exhibition hall, and even step onto the filming location of HBO’s Chernobyl series. Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

On our "Military Heritage Tourism Page," you'll find more than 400 stories – events from the 20th century and the early years of this century, the fates of individuals, and the turmoil that has swept through the Baltic states. These are not only documented historical facts but also deeply personal memories that shed light on the darker chapters of our past – wars, occupations, resistance, hope, and painful losses. These stories are not just about the past – they serve as a warning and a legacy for the future. They remind us how precious freedom is, how valuable everyday peace can be, and how fragile human life is in the face of history's upheavals. We invite you to explore these stories, share them, and – if there is a fate yet unheard in your family or region – contribute your own story to our shared historical record.

Įstra Airfield and Aviation Museum During the Soviet era, a military airfield was built near the VIA Baltica highway (E67), close to Panevėžys, intended for the needs of the Soviet Air Force. It was part of the extensive Soviet airfield network in Lithuania. During the Soviet period, there were many such airfields in Lithuania – both large ones, where military aviation was based (such as Šiauliai / Zokniai), and smaller tactical or reserve airfields. Įstra was one of the latter. It was not a main airbase but served as a reserve and training airfield. Today, an Aviation Museum has been established on the grounds of the former airfield. The museum features both outdoor and indoor exhibitions. The outdoor exhibition includes Soviet-era fighter jets such as the Su-15, MiG-21, MiG-23, helicopters Mi-2 and Mi-8, as well as a Czechoslovak-made military training aircraft L-29. All aircraft were manufactured in the 1960s and 1970s. The museum’s indoor exhibitions present the history of aviation both globally and in Lithuania, as well as military aviation equipment, devices, and memorabilia from World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. On display is equipment used by military pilots from different countries, including rescue, communication, and audio recording devices, as well as a collection of parade uniforms worn by air force officers. With advance booking, you can take a scenic flight around the city of Panevėžys in a CESSNA aircraft.

The military heritage of Mangaļsala can be explored with the help of an audio guide. The Mangaļsala fortification area is one of the most important military heritage sites in the vicinity of Riga, originally intended for the city’s defense against enemy naval forces. The area retained its strategic significance over a long period, which is clearly reflected in the various examples of fortifications. Visitors to Mangaļsala can take a hike with an audio guide, during which they can explore 15 different sites built and later transformed during various historical periods — including bunkers, coastal artillery batteries, ammunition depots, and more. The total length of the route is approximately 15 kilometers.

In the fragment of a pine trunk on display at the Daugava Museum, railway spikes have been driven in, serving as footholds used by an observer to climb the tree and survey the surroundings during the Battle of Mazā Jugla, which took place during the First World War. The pine was later destroyed and brought to the museum. Documentary evidence of this case has been preserved. Two lower images on the right (source: Daugava Museum): a spike in the pine trunk at the Daugava Museum and a fragment of the pine itself. Top image (photo by Juris Smaļinskis): a spike in the Kleisti pine near the Rīga–Bolderāja railway and the fallen Kleisti pine (lower left image, photo by Juris Smaļinskis). Events related to the Bermontiad took place in the Kleisti Forest. The similarity between the spikes in both pines is striking! This suggests that the Kleisti pine may also have been used for the same purpose. Latvijas Kara muzejs/Latvian War Museum Daugavas muzejs