Riga Soviet History Tour
Discover the legacy of Latvia’s brutal Soviet occupation on a Riga Soviet history tour, and explore the inspiring struggle to regain independence with a knowledgeable local guide.Riga, the capital of Latvia, was deeply shaped by the Soviet occupation, and many of its key historical sites still bear witness to this period. Come on a moving journey through the history of Riga with a guide whose own family experienced these dramatic events.
Tour Details & Pricing
Tour duration: About 5 hours, partly walking and partly in my car.
Cost: 150 euros per group (maximum 4 persons) plus 25 euros per person. This includes transport, Soviet banquet and entry to the Academy of Science viewing platform.
Meeting point: In front of the House of the Blackheads, or by arrangement at your hotel.
End point: I will drive you back to your hotel.
This Riga tour is a fascinating experience for history and politics buffs or anyone wanting a deeper insight into the Latvian people and their rich culture. It is for small private groups only. Please book at least three days in advance.
Riga Soviet History Tour - Main Sights
- Freedom Monument in Riga
- Riga KGB headquarters museum
- Monument to 1991 Barricades in Riga Old Town
- Hotel Latvija, site of former Lenin statue in Riga
- Academy of Science viewing platform in Riga
- Soviet housing estate Zolitūde in Riga
A Riga Tour from Darkness to Deliverance
In the nightmare of World War II, the Baltic countries endured a Soviet invasion in 1940, Nazi occupation in 1941, then the violent return of the communist regime. But the Latvians and their Baltic brothers never gave in, and won back their independence with the inspiring Singing Revolution.
This Riga Soviet history tour combines walking and transport to give a deeper understanding of the period.This Soviet tour in Riga explores sights connected to this dramatic historical period.
We visit the bleak former KGB headquarters in Riga where thousands were imprisoned, as well key sites in the struggle for independence, such as the Freedom Monument and the Memorial to the 1991 Barricades. We take in panoramic city from the Riga's Academy of Science skyscraper nicknamed "Stalin's birthday cake", and catch a glimpse of everyday life in the USSR with a drive through a Soviet residential district.Finally, enjoy a unique opportunity to taste traditional Latvian foods, with lunch in a flat in a Soviet apartment building.
Reviews of the Riga Soviet History Tour
"A small group of us on our first visit to Riga had the pleasure of Philips Soviet tour, we had such a great time, Philip was informative and friendly and he made the whole experience fun. He was an amazing host and we loved the personal touch of the food and drink at his home, it’s something we’ll never forget."
Denise Tapp, U.K., April 2024
"We cannot recommend the Riga Soviet History Tour with Philip highly enough. This was truly the highlight of our visit to Latvia. Philip's passion, knowledge, and engaging storytelling as he showed us around different sites brought the complex history of Soviet occupation to life. Philip wove together painful history with stories of Latvian resilience, humor, and culture, as well as tidbits of his own personal history, in a way that was captivating and nuanced. Philip himself is a personable, thoughtful, and attentive guide. The visit to the Soviet-era apartment added a warm human touch to conclude the experience. If you're at all interested in Riga's Soviet history, don't hesitate to take this unforgettable tour with Philip. Highly recommended!"
Luigi Acerbi, Italy
More Riga Sights Tours
Enjoy an Old Riga romp, an Art Nouveaub escapade, or a Riga highlights hike.
Or skip over to Sigulda, walk the streets of Jūrmala or take a health cure in Ķemeri.