Abandoned Latvia – the secret Soviet town of Irbene. Our visit to a secret Soviet radio telescope and the former closed town of Irbene.
Latvia Blog Posts
In photos: Lenin statues in the former Soviet Union
Photographs of Lenin statues in the former Soviet Union. These fifteen monuments to Lenin are still standing in the former USSR.
A Short History of the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991
A short history of the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991. A guide for those travellers to the former USSR who want to learn about the history of the region.
Former secret Soviet bunker in Līgatne, Latvia
A guide on visiting the former secret Soviet bunker in Līgatne, Latvia. With information on how to get there and experience of the guided tour.
In photos: twenty-five examples of Soviet modernism in the former USSR
Photographs of some of the best examples of Soviet modernism in the former USSR, plus a brief explanation of this genre of architecture.
Lesser-visited places in the Baltic States
A guide to lesser-visit places in the Baltic States for independent travellers. Suggestions of Off the Beaten Track places in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Soviet-era sanatoriums in Jūrmala, Latvia
A guide to Soviet-era sanatoriums in Jūrmala. A popular spa town since the late 18th century, we focus on the architecture when Latvia was part of the USSR.
Off-the-beaten-track Latvia: Zeltini Missile Base
Once a secret Soviet military base, Zeltini Missile Base lies deep in the forest of northeastern Latvia, close to the borders with Russia and Estonia.
What we got up to in the Baltic States and the Caucasus
Alternative things to see on our Baltic States and the Caucasus trip included street art, abandoned places, Soviet-era architecture, mosaics and monuments.
Suggested Baltics Itinerary: Vilnius to Tallinn, an introduction to the Baltics
This suggested two to three week Baltics itinerary travelling to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia on an overland journey from Vilnius to Tallinn.
Twelve Forts and Castles from Around the World
Forts and castles from around the world that you must visit. A photo essay featuring the finest forts and castles we have visited on our travels.
What to do in Riga, Latvia
How to spend a few days in Riga, Latvia. Read our recommendations on what to see and do on a short break in Riga, our favourite city in the Baltics.