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Offered languages
- German
- Dutch
This private full-day tour takes you deep into the history of Latvia during the Soviet era, far beyond what you can see in the city center of Riga.
On the drive from Riga to Aizkraukle, you will discover typical examples of Soviet architecture, industrial facilities, housing estates, and infrastructure projects. You visit places that reflect the everyday life, ideology, and social structures of the time: Salaspils, Saulkalne, Ogre, a former collective farm village, the Pļaviņas hydroelectric power plant, and the planned city of Stučka, now Aizkraukle.
The tour is supplemented by a visit to a museum from the Soviet era and the Likteņdārz memorial park in Koknese, which offers a space for reflection on history and memory culture.
This tour is aimed at culture and history-interested travelers who are looking for a personal insight into the Soviet past of Latvia.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
At the Monument to Latvian Shooters in the square between the Occupation Museum and the Daugava River.
Itinerary
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1Riga
Riga, the capital of Latvia, belonged to the Soviet Union in 1940 - 1941 and 1945 - 1991. This period has shaped the cityscape - bridges, railway stations, hotels, theatres, housing estates. During a one-hour tour, you will discover the most important examples of Soviet architecture, urban planning and monumental architecture, and learn about the city’s ideology, politics and everyday life.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
Salaspils (Pass by)
The youngest town in Latvia, which evolved from a rural area to an energo, agricultural and scientific centre in the 1970s.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
A typical settlement of the post-war years near building material and asphalt concrete plants.
Admission ticket free -
2
The Soviets built a large knitwear factory in a spa town and completely changed the cityscape and population structure.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Today's Aizkraukle was created in the 1960s as a construction workers' settlement Stučka (named after the Communist Pēteris Stučkas) during the construction of the hydroelectric power plant Pļaviņas. You will see the largest hydroelectric power plant in the Baltics and the large reservoir under which Latvian nature and cultural values have been lost. You will learn about the typical architecture of Soviet modernism and visit a special exhibition about the Soviet years in the city museum.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
4
The Garden of Destiny in Koknese is a monumental landscape architecture ensemble created in memory of all those Latvians who lost in the 20th century – those who died in wars, were oppressed, deported to Siberia or forced into exile, or otherwise suffered because of their political beliefs. The meditative and reflective walk offers a magnificent view of the Daugava River and gives strength and courage through connection with nature.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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