Riga - History School Trip

Day 1 - Fly to Riga, Guided Walking Tour

Arrive in Riga and transfer to your hotel by coach.

Begin your history school trip to Riga with a tour of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Old Town sets the stage for an exploration of the city’s rich history, with its vivid tapestry of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Modernist. Navigating through the narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter key historical landmarks such as The Dannenstern House, where students can learn about the daily life and culture of Riga through various historical periods. Explore the "Three Brothers," a trio of medieval houses with the oldest dating back to the 15th century, and discover the significance of Riga Castle in Latvia's political history. The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) provides insight into the military strategies and defences of the city over the centuries. Enter here to visit the Latvian War Museum with exhibits on Latvia’s military history.

Stop at Riga Central Market. It’s one of Europe’s largest markets and one of Latvia’s key 20th-century structures—it is made from five hangars that once housed old German Zeppelins. Its repurposing created pavilions in Neoclassic and Art Deco styles.

Finish your walking tour at the Swedish Gate. It’s the only remaining gate from Riga’s city walls. Built in 1698 under Swedish rule, it’s now a physical reminder of Riga’s amalgamation into the Swedish Empire.

The day concludes with a panoramic view from the top of the Gothic St. Peter's Church. Entering the church, students get to see one of the most significant medieval buildings in Riga, while climbing the spire offers students a visual perspective on how Riga’s urban landscape has evolved over time.

Day 2 - National History Museum of Latvia, Secret Soviet Bunker

Start today with a visit to the National History Museum of Latvia, where students will delve into the region's past from the Stone Age through the end of the 19th century. The “Founders of the Republic of Latvia” exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of Latvia's journey to independence, highlighting the pivotal events of World War I and the influential figures who shaped the nation’s early 20th-century history. The museum is one of two inside Riga Castle, alongside the Museum of Foreign Art and also the Latvian president’s office. Historically, the building has been a residence for Swedish and Russian rulers.

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to Latvia’s experience during the Soviet era with a visit to the Secret Soviet Bunker in Ligatne, a key educational site near Riga. This hidden underground facility, built to protect the communist elite during a potential nuclear conflict, offers students a unique opportunity to explore the harsh realities of life under Soviet rule. The bunker’s secrecy and its role in the Eastern Bloc provide a compelling case study in Cold War history, illustrating the pervasive atmosphere of fear and control that characterised the era. It’s a must-see Riga educational activity.

This evening, enjoy dinner served in a medieval restaurant in Riga Old Town. After, explore Alberta iela in the Art Nouveau district. Riga is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, with more than one-third of the buildings in the city centre designed in this style. Alberta Street is the heart of this district, showcasing some of the most ornate and well-preserved examples.

Day 3 - Museum of the Occupation of Latvia and Museum of the Barricades of 1991

Today’s itinerary continues the exploration of Latvia's 20th-century history, focusing on the periods of occupation and resistance. Begin at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, where students will gain a deep understanding of the impact of both Nazi and Soviet rule on the Latvian people. The museum’s exhibits vividly portray the human cost of occupation, including deportations, political repression, and the systematic efforts to erase Latvian sovereignty.

Next, visit the Museum of the Barricades of 1991, which offers a powerful narrative of Latvia’s non-violent struggle for independence. Through film footage and personal accounts, students will learn about the popular resistance movement that emerged in 1991, as ordinary Latvians constructed barricades throughout Riga to protect key locations from Soviet forces. This museum provides an invaluable lesson in the power of peaceful protest and the importance of civic engagement in the face of oppression.

Day 4 - Departure and Final Reflections

Before departing Riga, students have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of specific historical topics by visiting one of several specialised museums. The Corner House, the former headquarters of the Soviet KGB, offers chilling insights into the methods of Soviet control and repression. For those interested in medical history or technology, the Paul Stradins Medicine History Museum and the Riga Motor Museum provide fascinating interdisciplinary perspectives.

Students interested in Jewish history can visit the Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum, the Zanis Lipke Memorial, or the Jewish Museum to explore the experiences of the Jewish community in Latvia, particularly during the Holocaust.

Finish your educational tour of Riga with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.