An estimated 29,000 Russians died at the Nazi POW camp Stalag-351, which was located in converted stables at Priimetsa on Valga’s outskirts. Most died of starvation, cold and disease. Nothing remains of the camp, but a simple, moving monument known as the Mourning Mother is located close by. The Soviets took over the camp in 1944 and held German POWs here, 300 of whom are buried among the firs in an official war cemetery nearby.
Valga Prison Camp Cemetery
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
28.67 MILES
See how one of Latvia's best-known craft beers is made on an entertaining tour: expect friendly guides and plenty of samples. Enjoy hearty pints and…
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17.01 MILES
Fairies, ghosts and witches abound in the 123 sq km of wooded hills, small lakes and ancient stone burial mounds that form Karula National Park, at least…
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22.81 MILES
According to legend, 3.5km-long, 8.5m-deep Pühajärv (Holy Lake) was formed from the tears of the mothers who lost their sons in a battle of the Kalevipoeg…
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24.54 MILES
Otepää’s Gothic hilltop church dates from 1671, although it was largely reconstructed in 1890. Inside there’s intricate woodwork, low-hanging chandeliers…
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24.47 MILES
The pretty tree-covered hill south of the church was an ancient Estonian stronghold for around 800 years before it was topped by an episcopal castle in…
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29.4 MILES
Exhibits at this enjoyable museum complex along the Gauja River are housed in eight historical buildings. Also on the grounds are medieval castle ruins…
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29.52 MILES
Dating to 1283, St Simon's shelters medieval burial tombs, an altarpiece, The Temptation (1842), a pulpit from 1739 and an 1886 pipe organ.
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10.97 MILES
British castle-spotters might experience déjà vu gazing on this majestic red-brick manor house, with its architectural debts to Windsor and Balmoral…
Nearby attractions
1.49 MILES
Housed in a handsome art nouveau building that dates to 1911, and has served as both a theatre and a bank, this museum focuses on the local area, with…
1.68 MILES
Built in 1816, St John's in Valga holds the distinction of being the only oval-plan church in Estonia. Its other claim to fame is a rare 19th-century…
10.97 MILES
British castle-spotters might experience déjà vu gazing on this majestic red-brick manor house, with its architectural debts to Windsor and Balmoral…
4. St Andrew's Lutheran Church
13.25 MILES
It's thought that the name Sangaste might derive from the Latin phrase Sanguis Christi (Blood of Christ), referring to a relic kept in Sangaste's original…
17.01 MILES
Fairies, ghosts and witches abound in the 123 sq km of wooded hills, small lakes and ancient stone burial mounds that form Karula National Park, at least…
22.81 MILES
According to legend, 3.5km-long, 8.5m-deep Pühajärv (Holy Lake) was formed from the tears of the mothers who lost their sons in a battle of the Kalevipoeg…
22.88 MILES
The popular sandy beach on the northeastern shore of Pühajärv has waterslides, a swimming pontoon, a cafe and lifeguards in summer.
23.98 MILES
If energy levels are low, recharge at this odd bear-covered totem pole. It was erected in 1992 to mark the long-held belief of psychics that this area…