Unusual, Dark Tourist Destinations in the Baltics

Unusual Dark tourist destinations in the Baltics

Dark Tourism is something we find absolutely fascinating yet it is of great importance. It can be a controversial topic. However, we believe that these places must be seen and experienced so that the atrocities that occurred there can be remembered and understood. We have put together a few of the most interesting Dark Tourist destinations in the Baltics.

Dark Tourism can be defined as travel to places that are historically associated with death, tragedy or destruction. The draw for tourists to these locations is often their historical importance, rather than the death and suffering associated with them. The term “Dark Tourism” was coined in 1996 by professors John Lennon and Malcolm Foley of Glasgow Caledonian University.

The Baltics is made up of three countries – Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. But they share a very similar recent history. Their connection with WW2 and Soviet history is strong and this is what most of the Dark tourism sites are connected to.

Dark Tourist Destinations in Lithuania

The 9th fort, Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas is Lithuania’s second city. It has a lot to offer, but one of the best reasons to visit Kaunas is for its history. This makes it one of the best dark tourist destinations in the Baltics. We decided to visit the historic Ninth Fort just outside the city.

The memorial park contains a gargantuan concrete monument, a museum and, of course, the fort. We paid our €3 for the entry ticket and started in the museum. This part contains a lot of information and is well laid out. However, we were more interested in getting inside the fort itself.

The fort was built in the late 19th century as part of the Kaunas Fortress. The Soviets used it as a prison during the occupation of Lithuania. After that, the Nazis used it to exterminate up to 50,000 Jews and other prisoners.

The exhibition guides you through the different periods of history allowing you to walk through the corridors and stand in the cells. The atmosphere is heavy and it’s easy to forget you’re in the 21st century – until the security guard barks at you for going the wrong way!

After exiting the fort we walked around the memorial park to view the spectacular monument erected near the mass grave to commemorate those who suffered there.

The Devil Museum in Kaunas, Lithuania

The Žmuidzinavičius Museum – or Devils Museum – is a strange little place in Kaunas. Starting as a private collection, it now exhibits over 3,000 different interpretations of the/a devil. Even the building is a little spooky so it’s definitely worth the €3 entry fee.

Dark Tourist Destinations in Latvia

The Moscow District of Riga, Latvia

The Moscow district of Riga, or Maskavas priekšpilsēta, is perhaps preceded by is reputation. Known to be a little rough around the edges, there were no other tourists to be seen during our visit. Strolling through the quiet streets, we passed old, warped, wooden houses and it felt like another point in history.

The central focus of the area seems to be the soviet style building housing the Academy of Sciences – also nicknamed ‘Stalin’s birthday cake’. You can climb to the balcony of the 17th floor for a good view over Riga.

The remains of the Great Choral Synagogue are also contained within this district. During the Nazi occupation of Latvia, the Synagogue was destroyed. A Ghetto was swiftly set up to hold thousands of Jews before deportation.

During the Second World War, many Jews from across Europe arrived at Riga train station in transportation wagons. Nearly 20,000 arrived in 1941 and were sent to the Riga Ghetto. Later, in 1943, they were sent on to the Kaiserwald Concentration camp.

Karosta Prison, Latvia

Karosta Prison is near the town of Liepāja on the Latvian coast. This former Naval Prison now offers guests the chance to stay overnight for an authentic prison experience. It costs less than €20 per night for one of the ultimate dark tourist destinations in the Baltics.

The prison was in operation from 1905 to 1997 and it was notoriously easy to end up in there. The Nazis used the prison during their occupation of Latvia in the 1940s. During the Soviet period, anyone thought to be a spy was imprisoned here. There was brutal torture and death throughout the building’s history.

The prison is supposedly haunted and appeared on the show, “Ghost Hunters International.” There have been reports of lightbulbs unscrewing and falling to the ground, people being pushed out of bed and, of course, the classic white lady.

The Naval Cathedral nearby is incredibly beautiful and well worth a look. You might want to pray before or after your visit!

Dark Tourist Destinations in Estonia

Patarei Prison, Tallinn, Estonia

On a trip to Estonia we planned to visit Patarei Sea Fortress in Tallinn. A building that used to be one of the most feared locations in the country – the former Soviet prison. The complex was completed as an army barracks in 1840 as part of the Russian Empire. In 1920 it was converted into a prison and was used as such until 2002, when Estonia joined the EU. 

The communist regime in Estonia from 1940-1941 and 1944-1991 imprisoned many people in the fortress, including suspected political opponents. The prison was also used as a forced labour camp by the Nazis from 1941-1944 when they occupied Estonia.

The sea fortress is Estonia’s largest classicist building complex and is spread out over 4 hectares. When used as a Barracks in the 1800s, over 2,000 soldiers were stationed here. As a prison, the capacity peaked at over 4,200 in the 1940s. The numbers increased so much at the start of the Nazi occupation that temporary concentration camps had to be set up in the grounds.

The prison has an execution room where criminals were sentenced to death by hanging. But no mass murders were committed here.

After the defeat of the Nazis, many of the prisoners were sent to Soviet Labour Camps. Some were Estonian resistance fighters and therefore considered a threat to Communism. Others were released by Nazi guards before the forces left Tallinn.

The Soviets at Patarei Prison

The Soviets took charge of the prison once more and by 1945 the numbers had again swelled to well over 4,000 inmates. The suffering continued until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The purpose of the exhibition is to educate visitors on the nature of communist ideology and the crimes committed across the Soviet Union. It also raises awareness by telling the stories of the victims of the Nazi and Communist regimes. The creators hope the exhibition will inform guests of the true mentality and nature of the communist government. There are thought to be around 90 million victims of communism across the globe.

The KGB Cages in Tartu, Estonia

In Tartu, Estonia, visitors can explore the cellar of ‘The Grey Building’. This cellar contains original cells and corridors used by the KGB in the 20^th century. The cells were used for imprisonment, solitary confinement and even executions.

Many political prisoners were detained here. However, the majority of them passed through on their way to the Gulags (Russian labour camps) in Siberia.

The exhibition is poignant and informative and well worth a visit to find out more about this time in history.

Dark Tourist Destinations in the Baltics

There are many more dark tourist destinations in the Baltics. Visiting these locations provides an insight into the history of the area and helps to build an understanding of the modern culture in the Baltics. It is important to remain respectful of these sites. Tourists might refrain from taking mindless selfies in areas where human beings have experienced great tragedy in recent years.

On a lighter note, the Baltic countries are full of beautiful, historic cities and towns and breath-taking wilderness. There are plenty of great spots to relax with a coffee or meal. There are so many beautiful locations to explore and learn of the amazing culture. And make sure you find the perfect setting to take that Insta worthy selfie!

Where Next?

For some great Baltic destination ideas try the following posts –

VISIT BEAUTIFUL, MEDIEVIL TALLINN IN THE AUTUMN

Or

THE BEAUTIFUL HUSKIES OF RIGA, LATVIA

Have you visited any countries in the Baltic Region or any of the locations mentioned in the post? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!