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Christmas Battle Museum: A Testament to WWI Valor

Explore reconstructed WWI battlefields & discover the history of Latvian Riflemen at the Christmas Battle Museum in Mangaļi, Latvia.

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The Christmas Battle Museum, located in Mangaļi, Latvia, is dedicated to preserving the history of the legendary Christmas Battles of World War I. The open-air museum features reconstructed fortifications and exhibits that tell the stories of the Latvian Riflemen and other soldiers who fought on the Riga Front.

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Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and have a more personal experience.
  • Check the museum's website for special events and exhibitions to enhance your visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the outdoor exhibits and the 7.2 km exploratory trail.
  • Take your time to explore each exhibit and consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving from Jelgava, take the A8 highway towards Riga. After approximately 10 kilometers, exit towards Valgunde and follow the signs to Valgunde Parish. Continue to Mangaļi, where the Christmas Battle Museum is located. Free parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Christmas Battle Museum via public transport, take a bus from Jelgava to Valgunde. Buses run regularly, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. From Valgunde, you can walk approximately 2 kilometers to Mangaļi or take a local taxi. Check bus schedules for accurate timings. A single bus fare from Jelgava to Valgunde typically costs around €1-€2.

  • Taxi

    For a direct route, consider taking a taxi from Jelgava to the Christmas Battle Museum. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost ranges from €15 to €25. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey.

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Discover more about Christmas battle museum

The Christmas Battle Museum offers a poignant look into a crucial period of World War I, focusing on the Christmas Battles fought in Latvia. Established in 2005, the museum stands on an authentic battlefield, allowing visitors to explore remnants of the original fortifications. The open-air exhibition includes a reconstructed fragment of the fortifications system, featuring a dugout and part of the first line of German defenses known as the “German Wall”. This unique structure, the only one of its kind in the Baltic region, provides a tangible connection to the past. Inside the museum, the exhibition “The Christmas Battles of Latvian Riflemen” displays over 200 photographs, battle plans, and artifacts discovered in the area. These items offer a fascinating historical account of the events. A large-scale model depicts the World War I fortifications across several square kilometers of the battlefield. The Christmas Battles, which took place in the winter of 1916-1917, saw Latvian Riflemen displaying immense courage and heroism. The battles aimed to break through German lines and draw German forces from other fronts. The museum honors these soldiers and provides insight into the harsh conditions they faced. Visitors can also explore a 7.2 km exploratory trail that starts and ends at the museum, highlighting key sites from the battles.

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