Today we visited the former Latvian Army camp site in Litene. The forest was peaceful, birds were singing, and it was hard to imagine how much history this quiet place has witnessed.
Before World War II, Litene was one of Latvia’s largest military training camps. Thousands of soldiers spent their summers here learning military skills, living in field conditions, and preparing for service. The camp included barracks, kitchens, roads, wells, and even a large wooden bridge across the Pededze River.
Litene is also remembered for a tragic chapter in Latvia’s history. In June 1941, hundreds of Latvian officers were arrested here by Soviet authorities. Many were deported to Siberia, while others were executed. Only a small number ever returned. Today, the site stands as a memorial to those who suffered during the occupation.
In recent years, the area has been improved for visitors. There is a campfire site, restored wooden benches, information boards, a flagpole, and a viewing platform. A demilitarized anti-tank gun is also on display, and during the summer visitors can explore the camp area with a knowledgeable guide.
What I liked most was seeing that the place is not only preserving history but is still being used today. Military youth groups and cadets visit the area for camps, activities, and learning experiences. The viewing platform is also popular with birdwatchers, who come to enjoy the surrounding wetlands and forest wildlife.
The forest has grown back, the camp is quiet once again, and new generations now walk these paths. Some come to learn about history, some to watch birds, and some simply to enjoy the peace of nature.
Litene feels like a place where remembrance and life exist side by side, keeping the past alive while creating new memories.
Ilze
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Beautiful series of photographs, and thank you for sharing this piece of history with us. I’m glad your children had the opportunity to visit and learn about it as well. Remembering places like this matters. Many of us have spent most of our lives enjoying peace and security, but recent events have reminded us that neither is guaranteed. That is exactly why these stories should continue to be told and remembered.
Thank you for your thoughtful words.
I do agree that remembering these places and stories matters deeply, especially here in Latvia. Our history is not distant at all — it is still very present in how we see the world today. Since 1991, when we regained our independence, we’ve learned to value peace in a very real, lived way, not as something guaranteed, but something that needs care and attention.
And yes, living so close to Russia means that sense of security is always a bit more fragile than many others might imagine. Even recent incidents in our region remind us that the world around us is not as stable as we would like it to be.
That’s also why preserving history and sharing it with the younger generation feels so important — so they understand where we come from, and why freedom and peace are never something to take for granted.
Thank you again for taking the time to reflect on this and for your kind message.
Ilze – your photos have actually been a birthday present to me. My father was very high-ranking army and was only saved from our horrific June deportations at exactly the same time because his secretary lied to the deportation crew in the front whilst Dad got out of the office window at the back, grabbed us at home and for the next number of months we hid in the forests until the German army saved us.. I can assure you most kids these days would truly think we were the biggest liars in the world if we told what really happened. Sat most of the time in air raid bunkers, saw people killed, women raped, babies bashed to death .. . that was my childhood . . . be glad your girls are growing up in peace and that being NATO may help . . .
Thank you for sharing your story.
It’s deeply moving, and I’m truly sorry you and your family had to go through something like that (the same with part of my family). No child should ever have those memories.
I do feel very grateful that my daughters are growing up in a time of relative safety here.
I hope today, on your birthday, you can hold on to the present as well — not only what was endured, but also what has been built and survived since then, including your family and everything that came after.
What a great place to visit and learn about the past. It is good the place is still being used. Your photos are wonderful. I sure do like those very tall, beautiful trees. Thank you for sharing the pictures and a bit of history at the place.
What a great way to keep history alive.
In Latvia, we have many places like this, but sadly that’s because we’ve lived through some very difficult times
Yes, Latvia and so many more.
Interesting and terrible at the same time. Thank you
…and life goes on…
A very important memorial venue
This looks like a great place to explore, Ilze.
I wish kids were younger 😀 Nooooo! I didn’t say that! 🙂