Baltic way footstep, Semigallia Travel Guide

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A red granite footprint in Riga's Old Town commemorates the Baltic Way, a peaceful protest for Baltic independence and unity in 1989.

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Baltic way footstep

The Baltic Way Footprint is a small red granite marker on Kaļķu iela in Riga, commemorating the Baltic Way, a historic peaceful protest in 1989 where approximately two million people joined hands to form a human chain across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. It stands as a symbol of solidarity and the pursuit of independence from Soviet rule.

A brief summary to Baltic way footstep

Kaļķu iela 28, Riga, Central District, 1050, LV

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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Baltic way footstep.

Look for the footprint near the intersection of Kaļķu and Vaļņu streets, a short walk from the Freedom Monument.
Combine your visit with a walk along Kaļķu iela, a pedestrian street in Riga's Old Town with shops and cafes.
Learn more about the Baltic Way at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which provides historical context.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Freedom Monument, walk south along Brīvības bulvāris, then turn left onto Kaļķu iela. The Baltic Way Footprint is located on Kaļķu iela near the intersection with Vaļņu iela. The walk is short and easy.
Public Transport

Take any tram, trolleybus, or bus to the Aspazijas bulvāris stop. From there, walk a short distance along Kaļķu iela towards the Old Town. The Footprint will be on your right. A single 90-minute ticket costs €1.50.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Riga. Ask to be dropped off at Kaļķu iela near the Freedom Monument. From there, walk south towards Vaļņu iela. A short taxi ride from the city center will typically cost between €6-€10.

Discover more about Baltic way footstep

Located on Kaļķu iela 28, the Baltic Way Footprint serves as a lasting reminder of a remarkable event in Baltic history. The Baltic Way, also known as the Baltic Chain, was a peaceful political demonstration that took place on August 23, 1989. Approximately two million people joined hands, forming a 675-kilometer human chain across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This powerful act of solidarity connected Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, the capital cities of the three Baltic states.The demonstration marked the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a secret agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union that divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. This pact led to the Soviet occupation and annexation of the Baltic countries in 1940. The Baltic Way was organized by pro-independence movements in each country to draw international attention to the desire for freedom and self-determination.The small red granite 'footprint' at the crossroads of Kaļķu and Vaļņu serves as a reminder of that amazing event. Identical tiles containing the impression of a set of footprints were installed in prominent public locations in all three capital cities. In Riga, the footprints were placed in front of the Freedom Monument.