In the Footsteps of History in Priekule

Starting point: Priekule Swedish Gate (Zviedru iela 2, Priekule, Dienvidkurzemes novads)
Route type: Circular
Length: ~3 km
Recommended mode of travel: On foot or by bicycle

Route map

Priekule is located in the southwest of Latvia, near the Lithuanian border. Over the centuries, it has been a lively market and crafts center, developing at the crossroads of ancient routes and the railway.

However, during World War II, Priekule was almost completely destroyed. In 1944–1945, some of the bloodiest and longest battles of the Courland Pocket took place here. The town was reduced to ruins—its buildings demolished, its streets leveled. After the war, people returned to Priekule, and the town was rebuilt almost from scratch.

Today, as you walk the streets of Priekule, it may be hard to imagine what it once looked like.

“In the Footsteps of History in Priekule” is a route created using old photographs. It allows you to glimpse into the town’s past, comparing how Priekule looked before with how it appears today.

To follow the route, you will need a charged mobile device with internet access.

On the back of each QR code placed along the route, you will find a smaller QR code that opens the route map.

When visiting the stops marked on the map:

Scan the QR code at the site – this will reveal historical images of that particular location.
Or – click the link next to the stop on the map to view the photo on your device.
Look around and compare – can you recognize the place from the picture?