Soviet years in Latvia Day trip from Riga to Aizkraukle
Descriptions come from the operator and are translated automatically.
- 9–10 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- Private transportation
- Entrance fee
- Guided tour by a local expert
What's not
- Lunch at the Panna Canteen in Aizkraukle
Itinerary
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.
The youngest town in Latvia, which evolved from a rural area to an energo, agricultural and scientific centre in the 1970s.
A typical settlement of the post-war years near building material and asphalt concrete plants.
The Soviets built a large knitwear factory in a spa town and completely changed the cityscape and population structure.
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.
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.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- At the Monument to Latvian Shooters in the square between the Occupation Museum and the Daugava River.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- rigareis
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Riga
- Its from-price is 20% below the median of the 63 day trips we list in Riga.
- It is longer than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Riga
Riga, Latvia's capital on the Baltic, is a Hanseatic city of medieval spires and streets of Art Nouveau façades.
Riga was founded in 1201 and grew rich as a Hanseatic trading port on the Daugava River. Its old town, listed by UNESCO, has cobbled lanes around the Dome Cathedral, with a famous organ, and the spire of St Peter's Church, which has a viewing platform. The House of the Blackheads, a gabled merchants' guild hall, and the Three Brothers, among the oldest houses in the city, stand in the heart of the old town.
Top-ranked sights in Riga: Riga Cathedral (Rigas Doms), Riga Town Hall Square (Ratslaukums), St Peter's Church.
Special offers in Riga
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
