The holiday season is a perfect time to explore the military heritage of the Baltic States! We invite you and your loved ones to walk through historic sites that still carry the spirit of soldiers, stories of resistance, and the enduring quest for freedom. 🚶‍♂️ Choose one of our routes and spend this Easter a little differently – with a touch of history and the fresh breeze of spring! https://militaryheritagetourism.info/en/tours Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🌊 Step into history at the Seaplane Harbour in Tallinn! 🚢✈️ Located right on the waterfront in the charming Kalamaja district, this incredible maritime museum is packed with stories from the past. Housed in a one-of-a-kind seaplane hangar—a true architectural marvel from World War I—it’s a place where history comes alive! Explore over 200 original exhibits, including: 🔹 The legendary submarine Lembit 🔹 The mighty 100-year-old icebreaker Suur Tõll 🔹 A historic seaplane Short 184 🔹 Estonia’s oldest known shipwreck 🔹 Mines, cannons, and so much more! Perfect for both adults and kids, the Seaplane Harbour offers fun, hands-on experiences and exciting temporary exhibitions to keep every visit fresh and fascinating. 🧭 Whether you're a history buff, a curious explorer, or just looking for a great family outing — this is a must-see in Tallinn! 📍 Visit the Seaplane Harbour in Kalamaja and dive into Estonia’s seafaring past! 🔍Discover more military heritage museums here: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/en/military/sites/list/MU Eesti Meremuuseum #militaryheritage #heritagetourism

Baltic Way Memory Near Pasvalys 🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪 On August 23, 1989, nearly 2 million people joined hands in a 650 km human chain across Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, demanding freedom from Soviet occupation. This peaceful protest, known as the Baltic Way, remains one of the most powerful symbols of unity and resistance. Near Pasvalys, along the Via Baltica (E67, A10), road signs and a special place — the Valley of Crosses on the Baltic Way — honor this moment. Built by locals with stones and crosses, it has grown into a memorial of hope, history, and solidarity. As of 2024, 14 crosses stand there, remembering both the past and those who stood for freedom. Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

Military Heritage project meeting on Hiiumaa! 🇪🇪 We had an amazing couple of days with the MIL-HER ACCESSIBLE project partners on Hiiumaa where we discovered Hiiumaa's military heritage sites and discussed the accessibility improvements of our partners' objects. 🪖 🌐 You can find the new solutions on our webpage soon: militaryheritagetourism.info

🚀 Hidden in the forest near Šeikiškės, just off the Molėtai–Pabradė road, lies a forgotten piece of Cold War history — a Soviet-era anti-aircraft missile base. Part of the 466th brigade, it once defended Vilnius from above. You can still spot the circular launch site layout and old earth mounds, with a few buildings repurposed or left in ruins. A quiet but fascinating relic of the past! 🌲🛰️ More information - https://militaryheritagetourism.info/en/military/sites/view/995?7 Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

We spent two days with our Estonian colleagues on Hiiumaa and Kasari Island to continue working on solutions for accessibility of military heritage sites for school-age youth and people with vision and mobility limitations. We also visited several military heritage sites - Orjaku Harbour, Tohvri (Hindu) 130 mm Coastal Defense Battery No. 44 and the wreck of the ship "Alar". 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.

Mūsu kopējā projektā ar Igauņu partneriem, šajā mazā mājiņā ir plānota Eiropā (ja pavisam precīzi - ES teritorijā) mazākā ekspozīcija par šīs vietas vēsturi. Vietu atminēs tikai rūdīti ceļotāji :)

Viens no noslēpumainākajiem un iespaidīgākajiem militārā mantojuma objektiem Latvijā ir Kodolraķešu bāze Zeltiņos. Šī vieta reiz bija slēgta un nepieejama sabiedrībai, bet tagad ikviens var iepazīt tās vēsturi un atmosfēru. Teritorijā saglabājušies dažādi angāri, pazemes bunkuri un raķešu palaišanas laukumi, kas sniedz ieskatu pagātnes notikumos. 2025. gadā reizi mēnesī notiks aizraujošas atvērtās ekskursijas kopā ar gidu, kurā varēsi atklāt šīs vietas stāstus un noslēpumus. Ekskursijas laikā uzzināsi, kā šī bāze darbojās, būs iespēja pabūt Sakarnieku angārā un izmēģināt spēkus slepena ziņojuma atšifrēšanā, kā arī apmeklēt vairākas bumbu patvertnes un noskaidrot, kāda bija militārā sadzīve šajā teritorijā. Plānotie datumi: 5. aprīlis, 2. maijs, 1. jūnijs, 5. jūlijs, 17. augusts, 6. septembris, 5. oktobris un 19. oktobris. Dalības maksa: • Pieaugušajiem – 6,00 EUR • Skolēniem, studentiem un pensionāriem – 5,00 EUR Pieteikšanās un papildus informācija pa tālruni: +371 29492284 (Gunita)

Today 35 years ago, the Supreme Soviet of Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic declared a transition period to lead to the restoration of the Republic of Estonia! 🇪🇪 On the 30th of March 1990, the Supreme Soviet adopted a resolution on the national status of Estonia called "On the Independence of the Estonian State". 📃This was part of an institutionalised fight for the restoration of independence that had begun in the start of 1990 with the elections of Estonian Congress. 🗳 In the same spring, the name Republic of Estonia was restored, the symbols of Estonian SSR were no longer used and it was declared that only Estonian laws would apply in Estonia.👩‍⚖️ 🇪🇪The period culminated with Estonia regaining its independence on the 20th of August 1991. Photo by Martti Volt, Visit Estonia

🔴 Auschwitz concentration camp was the largest Nazi death camp during World War II. Located in Poland, it operated from 1940 to 1945. More than 1.1 million people were imprisoned and murdered there—primarily Jews, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and others. 🕯️ The Auschwitz complex consisted of several parts: 📍 Auschwitz I – The administrative center 📍 Auschwitz II–Birkenau – The main extermination site with gas chambers 📍 Auschwitz III – A forced labor camp Today, the Auschwitz Memorial / Muzeum Auschwitz serves as a solemn reminder of one of the darkest chapters in human history, honoring the memory of Holocaust victims. 🏛️🙏 Here, in the Baltics, we can use this place as an example in the education. 🎓📖 The museum is committed to preserving historical knowledge and ensuring that future generations understand the past. Through its educational programs, it provides valuable resources for learning and reflection: www.auschwitz.org/en/education/ Visiting historical sites like Auschwitz is one of the most impactful ways to educate younger generations about history. Seeing these places firsthand fosters a deeper understanding, offering an emotional and personal connection that books alone cannot provide. 📚

Viens no padomju varas noziegumiem, kad 1941. gada 14. jūnijā un 1949. gada 25. martā uz Sibīriju tika izsūtīti Latvijas iedzīvotāji, tai skaitā - bērni. Kartē apskatāmas vietas, no kurām cilvēkus izsūtījami, redzami izsūtīto vārdi un vecums. Sagatavojusi "Jāņa sēta", balstoties uz Latvijas Valsts arhīva datiem.

Today we remember the people who were deported from the Baltic states in 1949. 🕯 25th of March is the commemoration day of the March deportation victims. From the 25th to 28th of March 1949, more than 90 000 Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians were deported to Siberia under Operation Priboi (Tidal Wave). This was the biggest Stalin-era mass deportation in the Baltics. 🇪🇪In Estonia, commemoration events take place all over the country. Estonian Institute of Human Rights invites people to participate in the remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony at Estonia's Memorial to Victims of Communism in Maarjamäe at 16:00. 🕯At 18:00, you can light a candle at Tallinn Liberty Square or in your own window at home. By doing this, we show that we cherish freedom, remember the victims of terror and stand together. More information:

At the beginning of March, our project partner Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays had the opportunity to visit the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory Museum in Krakow, 🇲🇨 Poland. This powerful museum commemorates the Holocaust 🕊️ and honors the incredible efforts of Oskar Schindler, who saved the lives of 1,200 Jews during World War II ✨. 🏭 The factory, originally established in 1937 by three Jewish entrepreneurs, was later seized by Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist and member of the Nazi Party, after the German invasion of Poland in 1939 ⚔️. Over time, Schindler recognized his moral duty to help the Jewish population. He began manufacturing ammunition shells, ensuring the factory was classified as vital to the war effort, which allowed the Jewish workers to remain employed and safe from concentration camps 🚫. 📅 Opened in 2010, the museum now stands as one of the most visited attractions in Krakow. It also offers 🧑‍🏫 educational programs for children, helping them understand the 📖 history of Krakow during World War II, the impact of Nazi occupation, and the remarkable legacy of Oskar Schindler 🌍. Used sources: ℹ️ www.schindlers-factory-tickets.com ℹ️ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskar_Schindler%27s_Enamel_Factory #militaryheritage #tourism

Together with our Lithuanian project partners, we visited the Cold War Museum in the Žemaitija National Park, which was created in the Soviet Army's ballistic missile launch complex. Currently, this is the only museum of its kind in such a place in the Baltic States and much wider. Thank you Paulius Mika Rovena Augustinė ℹ️ The project LL-00052 “Extending the Baltic military heritage tourism product in Lithuania and South Latvia” (Military Heritage II) is being implemented with the support of the European Union Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme

25. martā plkst. 17.00 Kārsavas kultūrvēstures centrs "Līču mājas" fotogrāfiju izstādes “83 jeb Sibīrija bērnu acīs” atklāšana. Fotogrāfiju izstāde ir par no Ludzas novada izsūtīto Sibīrijas bērnu atmiņām, mākslinieciski neparastā risinājumā. Fotogrāfiju izstādes pamatā ir no Ludzas novada 1941.gadā deportēto bērnu un jauniešu atmiņas dialogā ar mūsdienu jauniešu fotogrāfijām un pārdomām. Fotogrāfiju autors Māris Justs. Izstādes atklāšānā būs iespēja noskatīties iestudējumu, kas ir balstīts uz Ludzas novada izsūtīto bērnu un jauniešu atmiņām. Spēlē Ludzas novada Bērnu un jauniešu centra Kustību teātra audzēkņi - Ludzas novada BJC Kustību teātra audzēkņi (Scenārijs un režija – M. Čerņavska). Ludzas novads | Maris Justs

Today in the Žemaitija National Park, we discussed future work with Latvian and Lithuanian project partners - we will supplement our common Baltic military heritage website with new objects, stories and topics, organize local and international journalist tours, prepare a new military heritage guide, create audio guides and many other things. ℹ️ The project LL-00052 “Extending the Baltic military heritage tourism product in Lithuania and South Latvia” (Military Heritage II) is being implemented with the support of the European Union Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme

🔥 New Exhibition at the Cold War Exposition! 🔥 The traveling exhibition of the Vytautas the Great War Museum, "BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY: LITHUANIAN ARMY TECHNOLOGY 1918–1940", is a unique opportunity to see how the young Lithuanian Armed Forces were equipped after the declaration of independence. 🔹 What weapons and technology did soldiers use during the Wars of Independence? 🔹 How did the Lithuanian military strengthen during the interwar period? 🔹 What equipment was acquired—or even captured? If you haven't visited the Cold War Exposition yet, don't miss this chance to explore this unique site and get a close look at Lithuania's military heritage! ⚔️🚁 More about the Cold War Exposition: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/en/military/sites/view/677?0 📍 Where? Cold War Exposition (Šilinės str. 4, Plokščių v., Plungė distr.) 📅 When? March 20 – June 3 #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

Komunistiskā genocīda upuru piemiņas diena 25. martā Rēzeknē 🩶 Plkst. 18.30 arī Rēzeknes Tautas teātris izrāde "Sibīrijas haiku" (rež. Māra Zaļaiskalns). Latgales Kultūrvēstures Muzejs | Rēzeknes Centrālā bibliotēka

25. martā plkst. 14 Alūksnes novada muzejs aicina uz Latvijas Nacionālā arhīva Vidzemes reģionālā arhīva lasījumiem par padomju varas represiju organizēšanu un īstenošanu Alūksnes, Balvu, Cēsu, Gulbenes un Madonas apriņķos 🤓 ⏩ Plašāka informācija par pasākumu šeit: ej.uz/regionalie-lasijumi Latvijas Nacionālais arhīvs | Alūksnes novada muzejs, Alūksnes Jaunā pils, Alūksne New Palace | Balvu novada Tūrisma informācijas centrs | Cēsis | VisitGulbene #militāraismantojums #militaryheritage

Today is National Language Day in Estonia. Only in a free country can people speak their native language, so National Language Day is also a day of freedom. #flagday #NationalLanguageDay 🇪🇪

This week, we participated in the annual forum organized by the Liberation Route Europe Foundation, which took place in 🇮🇩 Kraków, Poland. The LRE Foundation is an international remembrance network that connects World War II memorial sites and stories across Europe. The forum brought together organizations involved in tourism, history, and culture, including businesses, museums, tour operators and agents, tourism and history experts, guides, and others. 🔎 Over three days, we gained and shared insights on how to incorporate military heritage into tourism in an understandable and engaging way, ensuring that its lessons are passed on to future generations. The goal is to highlight the devastation and destruction caused by war, so that future generations do not repeat or seek to prevent such tragedies. This year’s keynote speaker at the forum was Yuriy Savchuk, 🇺🇦 Director of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (Національний музей історії України у Другій світовій війні. Офіційна стор.), whose primary mission is to document the ongoing war in Ukraine and inform the public about what war truly means. Since February 24, 2022, the museum’s team—risking their own lives—has collected over 15,000 pieces of evidence from the war initiated by Russia. The museum regularly organizes exhibitions in Ukraine and abroad to raise awareness of the current war. In February 2023, an exhibition titled "Battle for Ukraine" was opened at the Latvijas Kara muzejs/Latvian War Museum in Riga 🇱🇻, allowing visitors to see remnants of military equipment, weapon fragments, ammunition samples, soldiers' documents, and other items reflecting the actions of the Russian army in Ukraine. During the forum, Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays introduced industry colleagues from across Europe to our recently published Baltic Military Heritage Tourism Map and the Military Heritage Tourism platform www.militaryheritagetourism.info, which brings together military heritage sites, stories, and touring routes in 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇪🇪 Estonia, and 🇱🇹 Lithuania. 📌 As part of the forum, we also had the opportunity to visit 📌 Oskar Schindler’s Museum in Kraków—officially known as the "Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory"—as well as 📌 the Auschwitz Memorial / Muzeum Auschwitz, which serves as a reminder of one of the darkest chapters in human history and commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. 💭 We will share more about these sites in separate posts, but our key takeaway from visiting them is this: If possible, show and tell history by visiting the places where these events actually happened. This unique experience and the emotions it evokes make a lasting impact—something that reading books alone cannot provide. And most importantly, it is crucial to teach children and young people about history by visiting these places, rather than just learning about them in school. Being there in person helps everything finally to "click into place"... ℹ️ The project LL-00052 “Extending the Baltic military heritage tourism product in Lithuania and South Latvia” (Military Heritage II) is being implemented with the support of the European Union Interreg Latvia - Lithuania Programme #militaryheritage #tourism #latlit #Interreg #militāraismantojums

🪖 Minaičiai Bunker – A Symbol of Lithuania’s Freedom Struggles 🇱🇹 On February 16, 1949, the village of Minaičiai hosted a historic congress of Lithuania’s partisan leaders. During this gathering, they adopted the Declaration of the council of Movement of Struggle for freedom of Lithuanian – the most significant document of the armed resistance, aiming to restore an independent parliamentary in Lithuania. In a small underground bunker beneath a barn, legendary partisan commanders such as Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas, Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas, and others convened to shape Lithuania’s fight for freedom. 🔎 We invite you to visit the restored Minaičiai homestead! Explore the authentic bunker, a historical exhibition, and a monument created by sculptor Jonas Jagėla, commemorating the partisans who fought for Lithuania’s independence. Experience the spirit of resistance and the legacy these heroes left for future generations. More information about the Minaičiai bunker: https://militaryheritagetourism.info/en/military/sites/view/797?32&lang=en 📍 Minaičiai, Radviliškis District 🕰️ Visits by appointment #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

🇱🇹 Celebrating Lithuania’s Independence: A Story of the Freedom Monument in Plungė 🇱🇹 As we approach one of Lithuania’s one of the most important national holidays – Day of Restitution of Independence of Lithuania (March 11) – we want to share the stories of military heritage sites connected to Lithuania’s independence. Following the restoration of Lithuania’s statehood, cities and towns across the country enthusiastically began erecting monuments to commemorate this historic moment. Today, we want to introduce you to a monument with a truly fascinating history, located in Plungė, Žemaitija (Samogitia). ✨ The Freedom Monument in Plungė ✨ 📍 Location: Laisvės Alėja, Plungė 🗿 Construction began in 1928 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Republic of Lithuania. 📏 Height: Originally 18 meters, making it one of the tallest in Žemaitija (Samogitia)! The monument featured a tapered cement pedestal topped with a 3-meter-tall white "Statue of Freedom". However, this statue sparked debates among locals. Why? 🤔 You can find out more here: 🔗 https://militaryheritagetourism.info/en/military/sites/view/835?81&lang=en Unfortunately, neither the residents nor the Soviet regime that later took control of Lithuania were pleased with the monument. In 1953, it was demolished. After Lithuania regained independence, the Freedom Monument was rebuilt in 1992, now featuring a striking bronze angel statue. Today, the Freedom Monument is one of Plungė’s key landmarks, hosting commemorations and events dedicated to Lithuania’s national history. 💛💚❤️ If you're in Žemaitija, don’t miss the chance to visit this symbol of resilience and freedom! 🇱🇹✨ #latlit #interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism

“Nacionālo partizānu leģendām pa pēdām – Jersika–Vanagi" (22 km) – Izzinošs un izglītojošs pārgājiens caur meža takām baudot Latgales dabu visā tās krāšņumā 😇 Maršruta sākums Jersikas pamatskola – Jersikas nacionālo partizānu piemineklis – Dzelzceļa stacija – Krievu purvs – Bunkuru vieta – Olūtneica – Piemiņas akmens LTS (P) piemiņai – Staru laipas (Rožupes pagasts), kur baudīsim pusdienas – Vanagu Svētās Annas Romas katoļu baznīcā, Plkst.16.00 muzicēs Latgaliešu dziesminieks Vinsents Kūkojs. Pārgājienā ar stāstījumu piedalīsies vēsturnieks un partizānu kustības izzinātājs Jānis Viļums 💪 Piesaki savu dalību, aizpildot reģistrācijas anketu: ej.uz/jersika-vanagi Visit Līvāni | Līvānu novads #latlit #Interreg #militaryheritage #heritagetourism #militaryheritagetourism