When a public holiday or a longer holiday approaches, many people are looking for ideas on how to spend it in a meaningful way – away from the everyday rush, while gaining new experiences and strengthening their sense of belonging to their country. One of the most beautiful ways to do this is to visit historical sites and museums that give you a sense of Latvia’s past and a better understanding of its values.

Latvia has no shortage of places where you can learn about our nation’s history in a lively, fascinating and educational way. These are museums, exhibitions, memorials, military history sites and family histories – all of which hold important evidence of who we are and how we became Latvia.

🗺️ Review our list of designated historic sites.

Here you will find a wide range of places to go, whether on your own or with your family, friends or classmates. Each site has been chosen with the idea of providing an educational and emotionally rewarding experience:

• Kalpaks’ family home “Liepsalas” – the birthplace of Oskars Kalpaks, the first commander of the Latvian army, where the Flag Festival and exciting activities for children and young people are organised;

• Latvian War Museum, Litene Memorial, Soviet secret bases – an opportunity to learn about military history in different eras;

• Ethnographic and open-air museums, such as the Latvian Museum of Agriculture, the Meadow Museum and many others, give you a glimpse into the life of people in ancient times, historical techniques, tools and everyday life.

These places offer not only tours and exhibitions, but also workshops, thematic programmes for schoolchildren, the chance to enjoy nature and even a picnic. In many places, guided tours or special activities for groups are also available to make the experience even more exciting and memorable.

We invite you to celebrate this holiday with your heart – by travelling around Latvia, stopping in places where the history of our country becomes tangible, visible and felt.