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4 hours 30 minutes
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Discover a Hidden Soviet-Era Bunker & Mangalsala Fortress Near Riga!
Step into the past and explore an authentic Soviet communication bunker, just 30 minutes from Riga’s city center. Experience a once top-secret facility with original Soviet artifacts like communication equipment, gas masks, and survival gear. Hear fascinating Cold War stories in a hands-on, personal setting.
Your journey also includes a visit to Mangalsala Fortress, where you’ll explore historic coastal defense structures and enjoy beautiful Baltic Sea views. Afterward, enjoy an authentic Soviet-style BBQ meal, with a local Latvian beer to wrap up the day.
This is a shared trip, confirmed with at least three participants, but solo travelers are welcome! If the minimum isn’t met, we’ll contact you with alternative options.
Book now for a one-of-a-kind adventure into Soviet history and Latvian heritage!
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Authentic BBQ meal
Entrance fees and guide services at the bunker
Local Latvian Beer
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Tour Guide
Sakaru Bunkurs
Step back in time and explore an authentic Soviet communication bunker from the Cold War era! Just a 30-minute drive from the city center, this unique experience easily fits into any travel itinerary—even if you're short on time. Once inside, you'll dive deep into the underground world of Soviet-era secrets. Admire a fascinating collection of original artifacts, from communication equipment to survival tools, and hear gripping stories about life during the Cold War and the bunker’s critical role in case of a nuclear attack. Unlike the larger Ligatne bunker, this site offers a more intimate and hands-on experience, allowing you to not only see but also interact with many historical items. Don't miss this hidden gem so close to the city—it's an unforgettable journey into a fascinating chapter of history!
MangaLsala fortification
Explore Mangalsala Fortifications in Riga, Latvia Visit Mangalsala Fortification, a historic site built in the 19th century to protect Riga from attacks by sea. Here, you can see the remains of old bunkers, cannon platforms, and defense walls, all surrounded by nature. Walk around the large concrete structures, take in the fresh sea air, and enjoy beautiful views of the Baltic Sea from the breakwater. It’s a great place for anyone interested in history or just looking for a peaceful walk by the coast.
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
dgibbs8679,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Outstanding day! Second trip with Viesturs as the guide. Day started at the nuclear bunker and then a hike through the forest after a quick shot of black balsam, to the old Soviet storage facilities hidden there. Walked along the beach watching the incredible sunset! The meal at the end was fantastic. A small family run restaurant in an old soviet style warehouse. Lovely decoration inside. We had chicken and ribs with a Latvian beer and it was some of the best food we had on the trip! I believe Viesturs was from the area with the sites on the trip and it was great hearing his local knowledge and history of the area
365gregge,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Krista - the Tour Guide - was excellent, a lovely, professional, informative Guide. The Tour was interesting and informative, delving into parts of the Cold War and its' relevant aspects. Krista kept the information interesting, and, the information was also provided in a way that wasn't just rote. Lunch at a local Restaurant was also another highlight, and, was also delicious. Chatting with Krista at the Beach, you also learned about how the Cold War impacted on her and her family. A highly interesting and informative Tour.
iowacityia,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This would be day 2 of 2, for private day tours with Latvian Gem, and Krista as our tour guide. Day 1’s tour was amazing, and guess what, day 2’s tour was equally as great. Both days we had wonderful weather. On this tour, Krista once again picked us up at our accommodation, and off we went. Our first stop was the communications bunker, in Riga. We arrived close to noon. There we were met by one of the owners/ proprietors. Her name is Victoria. She, along with Krista, would be our private tour guides. The bunker being opened up just for my wife and I, arranged through Latvian gem. first of all, Victoria was wonderful! She was a great guide. And so friendly and welcoming. They have put in a lot of work to get the bunker in this condition, and have so many fascinating displays. It is very obvious they care about what they do there. This may have been one of the smaller bunkers we visited over 3 weeks, but it was absolutely our favorite bunker visit of our trip. Between Victoria and Krista, we felt like we got the VIP treatment, and felt very lucky to be there with them. After the bunker visit we worked our way towards the gulf of Riga, and I am not exactly sure, but perhaps the Mangalsala and Vecaki areas. A whole different world than Riga city. We made several stops, walked through the woods, and visited several bunkers and other sites mostly forgotten in the woods. That too was fascinating. We finished our day with 2 different Riga Black Balsam tastings, then a stop for dinner. Both of the Black Balsam tastings were actually quite tasty. Dinner at the BBQ place was very tasty, and fun to experience. We had another great day with Krista as our guide. We are so very thankful to her for treating us so well, and making our time in Riga so very nice. If I came back to Riga, I would absolutely look up Latvian Gem for another private tour, and if we were lucky, get Krista as our guide once again.

























scotteG8433PH,
Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had such a brilliant day! If you want to experience an authentic taste of how life was before Latvian independence this will be ideal for you. The soviet bunker was so interesting and something you won’t get to do very often so I would definitely recommend it then the fortresses in the forest area are great as you realise just what it was like then. This is all within 30 minutes of the centre of Riga so no lengthy travel needed either. Kristna was a great guide who knew the answers to all my questions and nothing was too much trouble. If you are looking for a different experience than what the old town in Riga offers this tour is a must 😃👍






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