November is a special time in Latvia. It is a time when we pin a red-white-red ribbon to our clothes, light candles, remember our country’s freedom fighters and proudly celebrate Latvia’s birthday. From 11 November – Lāčplēsis Day – to 18 November – the day the Republic of Latvia was proclaimed – our thoughts turn in particular to Latvia’s history, its independence and the people who have shaped our country.
❤️🤍❤️ Latvia is not just a place on the map. It is our language, our songs, our traditions, our family stories and the values preserved through the generations. It is also the courage to defend our land, perseverance in difficult times and the ability to preserve our identity.
🏰 During this week of celebrations, we invite you to go on patriotic and educational trips around Latvia – to visit historical sites, museums, memorial sites, castles, craft centres and other places of cultural and historical significance. These help us to better understand how our country came into being and why its freedom is so important.
🎒 We have compiled a list of interesting places to visit and educational activities in various regions of Latvia. These ideas will be useful both for school trips and patriotic education lessons, and for families who wish to explore Latvia’s history and cultural heritage together with their children.
🕯️ Latvia’s Week of Celebrations – let’s learn, remember and celebrate!
The November celebrations offer an opportunity not only to take part in festive events, but also to set off on a journey and discover Latvia’s stories. In some places, these stories come to life in historical exhibitions; in others – in old country homesteads, craft workshops, memorial sites of the struggle for freedom, or interactive history lessons.
Discover Latvia – choose a region!
Discover stories of Latvia’s freedom, history and cultural heritage across our country’s various regions. Choose the region that interests you or explore all the places on the map!
- 🌊 Kurzeme – courage, history and traditions
- 🌾 Latgale – cultural diversity and the legacy of our ancestors
- 🏛️ Riga and the surrounding area – stories of Latvia’s history and freedom
- 🌲 Vidzeme – the formation of statehood and national identity
- ❤️ Zemgale – remembrance, gratitude and Latvia’s future
- 🗺️ Places of interest on the map
👇 Choose your destination and set off to explore Latvia! Below you’ll find historical sites and educational activities that allow you to experience our country’s history, culture and traditions.
Kurzemes Region
🌊 Kurzeme holds stories of the twists and turns of Latvian history, the courage of its people and its rich cultural heritage. Here you can learn about the events of the First World War and the daily lives of soldiers, visit ancient castles and discover Latvian and Livonian cultural traditions.
🧶 Craft workshops, historical exhibitions and the chance to learn traditional skills offer a glimpse into how our ancestors lived, worked and preserved their identity. A patriotic trip to Kurzeme can become an adventure in which history comes to life not only through stories, but also through hands-on experiences.
Latgales Region
🌾 Latvia’s strength also lies in the diversity of its cultures and traditions. Latgale’s historic sites, museums and cultural centres invite you to discover the life stories, crafts, languages, religious traditions and everyday life of our country’s diverse communities throughout the ages.
🏡 Ancient farmsteads, castles and traditional craft workshops serve as a reminder that Latvia’s cultural heritage is built on the work and knowledge of many generations. A trip like this is a wonderful opportunity to discuss how different traditions enrich Latvia and why it is important to preserve our cultural and historical heritage.
Rīgas Region
🏛️ In Riga and the surrounding area, you can explore Latvian history from various perspectives – from the lives of the ancient inhabitants of these lands to the complex events of the 20th century that shaped our nation’s destiny.
🕯️ Historical exhibitions and authentic historical sites help visitors understand the repressions of the occupation era, whilst educational adventure programmes offer an insight into the experiences of the Latvian Riflemen. During this week of celebrations, these places encourage us to reflect on how precious freedom is and why democracy, human dignity and independence are values worth safeguarding.
Sēlija Region
Vidzemes Region
🌲 Vidzeme is rich in places that tell the story of the formation of Latvian statehood, the struggles for freedom and the development of Latvian national identity. Here, you can explore the history of the Latvian army, pay tribute to the freedom fighters and learn about the people whose courage, hard work and conviction helped to build our country.
📜 Vidzeme’s museums, ancient settlements, sites of cultural and historical significance, and craft traditions also offer a glimpse into Latvia’s much more ancient roots. Latvian literature, education and the contribution of cultural figures to strengthening national identity hold a special place in our nation’s history.
This is a region where a patriotic tour can be combined with a fascinating exploration of Latvian history – from the lives of ancient inhabitants to the establishment of an independent state and the defence of its freedom.
Zemgales Region
❤️ Patriotism also means remembering the people whose lives, work and destinies have shaped Latvia. In Zemgale, you can visit a special place of remembrance and reflection that invites you to look back on our nation’s history, honour past generations and think about Latvia’s future.
🕯️ During such a trip, you can talk to children and young people about the value of freedom, a sense of belonging to one’s country, responsibility and the contribution each person makes to the common good. It is an opportunity to spend the festive week meaningfully – by remembering, giving thanks and looking to the future.
Patriotism begins with getting to know one’s own country
Latvia’s history is so much more than just the dates in textbooks. It is about people’s lives, courageous decisions, difficult trials, preserved traditions and the desire of generations to live in a free country.
❤️ The better we get to know our country, the deeper our understanding of its value becomes. By visiting historical sites, listening to people’s stories and taking part in educational activities, children and young people can gain a better understanding of Latvia’s past and their own connection to it.
🎒 Ideas for a patriotic excursion for schoolchildren and families
When planning a trip during Latvia’s National Holiday week, it is advisable to combine various activities:
- 🕯️ Visits to historical and commemorative sites – to honour Latvia’s freedom fighters and learn about significant historical events.
- 🏛️ Museums and educational exhibitions – to understand the formation of the Latvian state and the trials it has faced throughout history.
- 🧶 Craft and traditional workshops – to gain a hands-on understanding of our cultural heritage.
- 🌳 Walks through historic sites – to discover Latvia’s stories beyond the walls of museums.
- 🤝 Shared discussions and reflections – on freedom, responsibility, belonging and what each of us can contribute to Latvia.
📅 Before setting off, please check the opening hours of your chosen attraction and the availability of tours and workshops. Opening hours may vary on public holidays, and group visits may need to be booked in advance.
Let us remember our history, safeguard our freedom, cherish our traditions and proudly carry the name of Latvia out into the world!
-
1.
"Front Art" workshop
Klapkalnciems, Engures pagasts, Tukuma novads
-
2.
No victory without a fight
Klapkalnciems, Engures pagasts, Tukuma novads
-
3.
Kolka Livs Meeting House
«Pastnieki», Kolka, Kolkas pag., Talsu novads
-
4.
Jaunpils Craft House
„Ērģelnieki”, Jaunpils pag., Tukuma nov.
-
5.
The Castle of the Livonian Order in Ventspils
Jāņa iela 17, Ventspils
-
6.
Tukums Weaving Workshop
Tidaholmas iela 3, Tukums
-
7.
Castle Tower
Brīvības laukums 19a, Tukums
-
8.
Tukums Art Museum
Harmonijas iela 7, Tukums
-
9.
Pastariņa Museum
Zentenes pagasts "Bisnieki", Dzirciems, Tukuma novads
-
10.
Museum "Andrupene Farmstead"
Skolas iela 5, Andrupene, Krāslavas novads
-
11.
House of Traditions
Rīgas iela 22a, Daugavpils (ieeja no Saules ielas puses)
-
12.
Russian Cultural Centre (Russian House)
Varšavas iela 14, Daugavpils
-
13.
Civil Protection Museum Communications bunker
Augusta Dombrovska iela 2, Rīga
-
14.
Exploring history at the Corner House
Brīvības iela 61 (ieeja no Stabu/Brīvības stūra), Rīga
-
15.
"On the Spy Trail" - adventure game
Ķemeru nacionālais parks
-
17.
The ‘Technology of the Past’ Museum
Druvas iela 4d, Ogre
-
18.
Vienkoči Park and Woodcraft Museum
Vienkoči, Līgatnes pag., Cēsu nov.
-
19.
Walking route: "The Iron Fist of the Ādaži Collective Farm"
Sākums: Gaujas iela 8, Ādaži
-
20.
The poetry barn of Bronislava Martuževa
Dārziņi 1, Indrānu pag., Madonas nov.
-
21.
Āraiši Lake Castle Archaeological Park
Āraišu ezerpils Arheoloģiskais parks, Āraiši, Drabešu pag., Cēsu nov.
-
22.
Ogre Museum of History and Art - Freedom Road
Brīvības iela 2, Ogre
-
23.
Ancient bicycle museum in Ligatne
Spriņģu iela 1, Līgatne
-
24.
Lejasciems Cultural Heritage and Traditions Centre
Rīgas iela 18, Lejasciems, Gulbenes novads
-
25.
Site of the summer camp of the Army of the Republic of Latvia
Litenes pagasts, Gulbenes novads
-
26.
Ethnographic farm "Ielīcas"
'Ielīcas", Vijciema pagasts, Valkas novads
-
27.
Ogre Museum of History and Art
Brīvības iela 36, Ogre
-
28.
Zeltiņi Museum and former USSR nuclear missile base
Skola, Zeltiņu pag., Alūksnes novads
-
29.
"Liepsalas - the birthplace of Colonel O. Kalpaka
"Kalpaka Liepsalas" Ošupes pagasts, Madonas novads
-
30.
Aizkraukle Museum of History and Art
"Kalna Ziedi", Muzeja iela, Aizkraukle
-
31.
Valka Museum of Local History
Rīgas iela 64, Valka
-
32.
Memorial to the Livs of Daugava and their leader Ako
Salaspils novads
-
33.
Sigulda New Castle
Pils iela 16, Sigulda
-
34.
Soviet Secret Bunker
Skaļupes, Līgatne, Cēsu novads