Ligatne Bunker

Līgatne Bunker, constructed nine meters beneath the ground, was intended to serve as a shelter for Latvia’s Communist elite in case of a hypothetical nuclear war.

History

The bunker was built during the Cold War when the Soviet Union maintained constant high alert for a Western attack, more specifically a nuclear assault from the United States. The bunker was supplied with everything necessary to survive several months after a nuclear fallout.

On the excursion, you can see:

• Maps and situation plans showing what happens when all dams of hydroelectric power plants are destroyed during war;
• Autonomous power plant with diesel generators and a fuel storeroom;
• Air purification equipment with oxygen supplies;
• Water supply and sewerage facilities like those in submarines;
• Telecommunications centre complete hotline with the Kremlin in Moscow and autonomous communications with all the key services in Latvia;
• Unique map with the historical names of collective farms, or kolkhoz;
• Canteen - with a typical Soviet-era menu;
• Various Soviet memorabilia; items and accessories.

Dine at the bunker

Tourists can have a 1980s-style meal here, sitting at a table covered by wax-cloth and drinking from faceted vintage glasses. The menu features entries like the ‘Kolkhoz combo’ with soup, stewed fruit drink and rye bread. That really brings you into atmosphere of soviet times.