The Baltic States’ path to independence and their military heritage has attracted the interest of tour operators and media from around the world. At the end of August, tourism professionals and media representatives from the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK, Italy, Norway, Hong Kong, and the USA went on a familiarization trip, visiting former military heritage sites that have been transformed into tourist attractions in Zemgale, Latgale, South Kurzeme, and Lithuania.
More than 1,000 military heritage tourism sites in the Baltics
The familiarization trip was organized by the Latvian Country Tourism Association “Lauku ceļotājs” in cooperation with project partners in Zemgale, Latgale, and Lithuania, as well as the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia. The program included visits to sites listed on the military heritage tourism website militaryheritagetourism.info, which features more than 1,000 places connected to Baltic military heritage — from World War I and the Wars of Independence to the occupation period, national partisans’ struggles, and the restoration of independence in modern times.
Military heritage tourism attracts visitors from all continents
Participants included representatives of tourism companies specializing in military heritage tourism, catering to travelers not only from Europe but also from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Their clients range from the 50+ age group to younger generations — for example, descendants of WWII participants of American and Japanese origin, who are interested in tracing their ancestors’ paths and wartime fates in Europe.
The international tour operator Miki Travel, with 14 offices in Asian countries, has launched a Baltic program this year, convinced that the region offers high-quality tourism products at attractive prices.
Media representatives on the trip write for outlets such as Lonely Planet Guide to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Go World Travel Magazine, MSN.com, AAA World, NZ Herald, Denmark’s largest travel magazine RejsRejsRejs, and others.
Tourism professionals and media reflect
Over five days, participants visited 19 military heritage sites: Īle National Partisan Bunker, Saldus German Soldiers’ Cemetery, Ezere Customs House Museum, the Cold War Museum and Plokštinė Ballistic Missile Base, Minesweeper Museum Ship M52 Sūduvis, “Escape 1944” bunker in Klaipėda, “Memel Nord” coastal artillery battery, Liepāja Karosta Prison and Redan, Lestene Brothers’ Cemetery, Ložmetējkalns, Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, WWI Museum in Medumi, Daugavpils Fortress, German Army Bunker in Kimbartiškė, Military Vehicle Museum at Svente Manor, WWII Museum in Aglona, Hitler’s Bunker in Malnava, and National Partisan Hideouts in the “Stompaku Swamps” nature reserve.
Impressions of Latvia
Several participants had visited Latvia before but admitted this trip provided much new information and impressions. Some of their feedback:
- “Latvia is a hidden gem among European travel destinations. It is clean, safe, and sparsely populated — ideal for peaceful holidays.”
- “I was pleasantly surprised by how many impressive places there are in such a small country.”
- “After this trip, my understanding of military heritage has changed significantly. I learned not only about military history but also about the people, culture, and local cuisine in Latvia and Lithuania. I was impressed by how well-planned the program was — covering a wide range of tourism offers and experiences that can also be adapted to general-interest travel.”
Highlights of military heritage sites
Participants particularly appreciated being accompanied by historians Kārlis Dambītis and Ivars Dimdiņš, whose deep knowledge and excellent English helped provide context. Some impressions:
- Saldus German Soldiers’ Cemetery – About 25,000 German soldiers and some Latvian legionnaires have been reburied here since 1997. “The cemetery’s scale, together with the story of why it is located here, was very impressive. The presence of space for future reburials shows that the process continues decades after the war.”
- Plokštinė Cold War Museum and Missile Base – One of the first underground Soviet R-12 missile launch complexes, with four medium-range ballistic missiles aimed at Western Europe. “A must-see for everyone. Very interactive, educational, and never boring.”
- Anti-mine ship-museum M52 Sūduvis – Built with non-magnetic materials to destroy sea mines. “A great tour with detailed stories about the ship’s origins and use. Interesting for both adults and families with children.”
- Ezere Customs House – Site of the May 8, 1945 capitulation of German troops encircled in the Courland Pocket. “The museum director’s personal involvement made the visit engaging. Their offline archives and research support make it particularly valuable.”
- Liepāja Karosta Prison – The only military prison in Europe open to tourists, now also recognized as one of the world’s most unusual hotels. “The guide really brought the place to life! Informative, engaging, and fun — though overnight stays may be best suited for youth groups or team-building events rather than average tourists.”
- WWI Museum in Medumi – With immersive exhibits and authentic trench atmosphere. “I especially enjoyed tasting soldier’s porridge — a great way to make history come alive.”
- National Partisan Camp in Stompaki bog – In 1945, one of the largest partisan camps in the Baltics. “One of my favorites — clear storytelling, beautiful nature, and a powerful sense of place.”
- Museum of the Occupation of Latvia – Covering 1940–1991 under Soviet and Nazi regimes. “A well-designed museum that takes visitors step by step through history. The guide was excellent.”
The Latvian Country Tourism Association “Lauku ceļotājs” thanks all who contributed to preparing and running this familiarization trip for international media and tour operators! We will continue to tell the joint story of Baltic independence through military heritage tourism under the slogan “Strong yesterday – free today.”
The trip was organized within the project LL-00052 “Extending the Baltic military heritage tourism product in Lithuania and South Latvia” (Military Heritage II), supported by the European Union Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021-2027.
Project partners: Latvian Country Tourism Association “Lauku ceļotājs”, Zemgale Planning Region, Latgale region Tourism Association, Lithuanian Country Tourism Association, Žemaitija National Park directorate.
This press release has been produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Latvian Country Tourism Association “Lauku ceļotājs” and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.