The first Dnyestr-M radar station was opened here in 1969 to calculate the trajectories of ballistic missiles. The trajectories of satellites were also calculated here. The range of the radar station was 5,000 km. In 1972, construction began on a second, more modern radar, the Dnyepr-M. In 1977, it was ready for use, and the first radar was modernised at the same time. The two radars were located in buildings that were 250 m long and 17 m high. During a 24/hour period, they could identify the height, speed and flight trajectory of up to 750 space objects. In 1985, work began on a third, even more modern radar – the Daryal-YM. This was a radar that could “peek” across the horizon. The antenna building was 117 m high (19 stories), 80 m long and 80 m wide. It had a planned range of 6,000 km, but it was not completed. After the withdrawal of the Russian army in 1995, the building was blown up. That cost LVL 6,172,311 and used up 360 kg of explosives. The territory of the radar stations took up 1,072 hectares, with barracks, a hotel, 551 apartments, a medical facility, a water tower, a war hospital, a bomb shelter, etc. The aim of the facility was to monitor space above Western Europe and North America, as well as to “intercept” any ballistic missiles that were fired at the USSR. The territory is closed to visitors, but it is an important part of Latvia’s military heritage. The abandoned territory can be viewed from the outside. The nearby bus stop is called “Kombināts.” This was the only facility of its kind in the Baltic States.

!!! Since March 2018 the Skrunda army base is closed for visitors.

Lietuvas lielākais sūnu purvs, kura aizsardzības nolūkā ir izveidots Čepkeļu dabas rezervāts (Čepeklių gmatinis rezervatas). Tas izvietojies starp Dzūkijas nacionālā parka dienvidaustrumu daļu un Baltkrieviju. No Marcinkones pa smilšainu meža ceļu (~ 9 km turp - atpakaļ) ar kājām vai divriteni (arī nelielu tūrisma autobusu līdz 20 vietām) var nokļūt līdz purva malai, kur mežainās kāpās un purvā izveidota 1,5 km gara dabas taka un skatu tornis, no kura labi pārredzama purva rietumdaļa. Pirms došanās uz Čepkeļu purvu, ir jāreģistrējas Dzūkijas nacionālā parka apmeklētāju centrā (Šilagėlių gatve 11), kas meklējams aiz dzelzceļa pārbrauktuves. Te apskatāma neliela nacionālajam parkam un rezervātam veltīta ekspozīcija.

The trail tells about grey dunes which have survived thanks to the border restrictions and the presence of military. The trail starts from the parking place at the mouth of the Užava river. It is one of the few natural rivermouths in Europe. One can also see the „tacis”, an industrial installation for lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) fishing during their spawning migration period. The 3km long trail is circular. It winds for 1.5km from the Užava rivermouth to the North, along the coastline (the beach is covered with sand and pebbles), and returns to the starting point by a gravel road through grey dunes. Along the trail, one can observe a distinct white dune with rare plant species Linaria loeselii, Lathyrus maritimus, Anthyllis arenaria, Tragopogon heterospermus. About 1km from the rivermouth, in the sea, one can see a wrack of a sailing ship (parts of frame). The visibility depends on the flow of sand in the sea. The way back opens a beautiful view of the range of grey dunes. Unfortunately, Scots Pine starts taking over the area. There are three important biotopes of EU significance: „Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation 2130”, „Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum 2140” and „Dunes with Salix arenaria 2170”, forming a unique mosaic. Typical species here: mountain Alison ‘(Alyssum gmelinii), Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla pratensis), Sand Pink (Dianthus arenarius), Rosemary Leaved Willow (Salix rosmarinifolia), Dark Red Helleborine (Epipactis atrorubens), Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylus uva-ursi).

As a former military site, some military constructions can be seen here like horseshoe-shaped sand ramparts by the road in gray dunes. They were built to disguise military vehicles in case of sea attack. By the Kangroti graveyard, towards the Užava river, there is an underground pillbox. It is a one-man fortification to fire along the coastal perimeter.

The Mouth of River Užava walking route is in the nature reserve „Užava”

Atrodas Vecpiebalgas dienviddaļā pie Inešu ceļa. No sarkanajiem ķieģeļiem būvētā ēka uzcelta 1887. g. par vietējo iedzīvotāju saziedotajiem līdzekļiem. Vairāk nekā simts gadus šī ir vieta, kur vecpiebaldzēni pulcējas uz nozīmīgiem notikumiem, svētkiem, uzturot novada kultūras mantojumu. Celtni uzskata par vienu no spilgtākajiem Latvijas lauku arhitektūras pieminekļiem. Tai blakus uzstādīts piemineklis brāļiem Kaudzītēm.

Die zentrale und auch schönste Straße in Trakai mit bunten Holzhäusern. Eins der seltenen Kenesa-Gebetshäuser der Welt – ein eingeschossiges Holzhaus mit einem bläulichen Dach.

We strart the tour from Riga by bus and proceed along the Baltic Sea coast, passing through many different landscapes - white sandy beaches, coastal meadows, dunes with pine forests and steep banks. Many beaches are wild and completely deserted. Access to these territories were highly restricted during Soviet times. The route leads through ethnographic fishermen villages at Nida, passing Pape nature reserve where wild horses graze. The bustling city of Liepaja impreses with its lively promanade and music scene. The city also has a long military history which can cleary be seen walking among the naval fortifications and visiting the former millitary town. Well-maintained Ventspils has a pleasant market, castle and numerous parks. A restored narrow-gauge railway with working steam engine is well worth a visit as well as the Craft House - ideal for local handmade souvenirs. On the way back the tour goes through the pretty provincial town of Kuldiga with well- preserved wooden architecture. The tour includes two of the most interesting national parks: Slitere which holds the geological history of former ages and Kemeri with its great heath trail and sulphur springs.

The café is along the Rīga-Ventspils highway (A10). A summer terrace is available during the season.

Latvian cuisine: Beef tongue salad, chilled soup, stock with dumplings, “little farmer,” pork ribs, potato pancakes and crepes, whipped fool.

Special foods: Kharcho a la “Pie Jānis”.

This tour offers a panorama of three Baltic countries - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia visiting the most important cities and towns. Explore the capitals and smaller towns at your own pace, travelling by train and bus. Enjoy the capitals with their vibrant rhythm, medieval Old Towns in the middle of modern cities, romantic seaside resorts and charming small towns with attractive architecture.

The tour starts in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Kaunas and Klaipėda are popular tourist attraction towns. The Curonian Spit is a scenic 98 km long sand-dune, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Latvia you’ll visit Riga, the capital, several cities with ambient historical old towns Liepāja, Ventspils, Tukums, Jūrmala, and Kuldīga Old Town that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Latvia. In Estonia visit Pärnu and Haapsalu resort towns, and Tallinn, the capital. As an option you can take extra few days to visit Kuressaare which is the capital of Saaremaa island.

Tourist information centres in cities and towns will help you with maps, information on sights, attractions and guided tours, food, shopping and public transport.