Ziemassvētku kauju muzejs
Branch of the Latvijas Kara muzejs (Latvian War Museum) in Valgunde parish, with an outdoor exhibition of First World War field fortifications, an exhibition on the Latvian Riflemen's Christmas battles and the largest model of battle sites in Latvia; admission is free.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was established in 2005 at the “Mangaļi” farmhouse in Valgunde parish, where the Latvian Riflemen's Christmas battles took place at the turn of 1916/1917. Elements of First World War field fortifications have been preserved on the site, and outdoors, in an authentic location, a section of the fortifications has been reconstructed with a dugout and part of the German defence's first line — the “German rampart”, the only object of this kind in the Baltics.
Indoors, an exhibition on the riflemen's Christmas battles is displayed, with more than 200 photographs, battle diagrams and objects found in the area of Tīreļpurvs, as well as the largest model of battle sites in Latvia. A 7.2 km educational trail starts from the museum, along the route of the attack of the 1st Latvian Riflemen Brigade on 5 January 1917.
Highlights
- Reconstructed “German rampart” with a dugout — the only object of its kind in the Baltics
- The largest model of Christmas battle sites in Latvia
- Exhibition “Latvian Riflemen's Christmas Battles”
- 7.2 km educational trail through the battle sites
- Free admission to the museum
Permanent exhibitions
- Latviešu strēlnieku Ziemassvētku kaujas – Photographs, battle diagrams and objects found in the Tīreļpurvs area, as well as the largest model of battle sites in Latvia.
- Pirmā pasaules kara fortifikāciju brīvdabas ekspozīcija – Reconstructed section of fortifications with a dugout and the “German rampart”.
- Founded
- 2005
- Operated by
- Latvijas Kara muzejs
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
|---|---|
| Groups | €10 per personGuided tour in Latvian: €10 per group; in English or Russian: €15 per group. |
| Educational lesson “Latvian Riflemen in the Christmas Battles” (for pupils in grades 1–12) | €30Price per group; the lesson lasts 1.5–2 hours. |
Visits to the indoor and outdoor exhibitions are free of charge.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The outdoor exhibition and the educational trail are located in forest and marshy terrain.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Lessons and orienteering games in the open air are offered for pupils and families.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The museum is located at the “Mangaļi” farmhouse in Valgunde parish; from the highway, take the gravel road, following the signs for the “Ziemassvētku kauju muzejs”. About 1 km from the house there is a well-equipped picnic area.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
Souvenirs, toilets and a picnic area are available.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours are available in Latvian, English and Russian; for pupils, orienteering games “Kauju vietu noslēpumi” (Secrets of the Battle Sites) and “Ko domā Seržants?” (What Does the Sergeant Think?) are also offered. |