Military Heritage Tourism Audio Guides

Before World War I, the area around Medumi was a beloved retreat, attracting artists, writers, and actors. Back in 1836, the St. Petersburg–Warsaw postal route, the longest road in the Russian Empire at the time, passed through Medumi. This important route came with its own infrastructure: stations, stables, and support buildings. For example, "stazharkas" were guard posts for road patrols who checked travelers, while "kasharkas" served as homes for road supervisors and soldiers.

In the audio guide, explore the twists and turns of the Balvi region’s history – from the era of manor lords, through the freedom struggles of the national partisan movement, to the repeated occupation and its impact on the local population.

Take a walk through the town, follow the audio guide’s route instructions, and discover Balvi from a different perspective!

Hike from Jersika to Vanagi (approx. 22 km) is a good test of endurance – the route leads through forests, swamps, bogs, meadows, and country trails.

Along the way, you can listen to an audio guide about the most notable figures of the National partisan movement, their activities, and explore significant sites surrounded by local legends and preserved in the memories of those who lived through those times.

Welcome to the House of Treasures of the Free State – a place where the era of Latvia’s first independence comes to life!

This is no ordinary exhibition hall – it’s a true treasury, a source of pride not only for the people of Rēzekne but for all Latvians. Here, you’ll find hundreds of unique historical artifacts – medals, breast badges, uniforms, swords, documents, photographs, and more, telling the story of our nation from the War of Independence to the outbreak of World War II.

The most amazing about the exposition is that around 80% of these treasures have returned home from abroad, thanks to ten passionate collectors who spent years tracking the items down and preserving our history.

In this audio guide, you'll learn about the guardians of border along Latvia’s eastern border in Latgale – the border guards. You’ll discover what their daily lives were like between the founding of the Latvian state in 1918 and the Soviet occupation in 1940.

Today, thanks to modern technology, border surveillance might seem relatively straightforward. But hundred years ago, guarding the border was a serious challenge that demanded not only physical endurance but also great courage and a strong sense of responsibility. Back then, border guards had to rely entirely on their own skills, experience, and teamwork to protect the country – often in remote and difficult terrain.

It’s important to remember that borders are not just geopolitical lines. They are also home to real people, with their own social lives, cultures, and livelihoods.

We hope these stories will help you appreciate the dedication, professionalism, and bravery of Latvia’s border guards, past and present.