Blue Route

If you’re interested in World War II and its consequences right up to the present day, and if you want to talk about it with a large group of other young people from all over Europe, then apply for the Blue Route. Here you can debate these topics and get an inside on different perspectives on World War II, the subsequent time and what it means for our future.

Two Blue Routes are offered in 2024:13 – 27 July and 30 August – 13 September

RIGA

In the capital of Latvia, you’ll visit several museums which tell the story of a country dominated by foreign rule in a constant state of division, and find out about people´s different lives in Latvia (and in the other Baltic states). Close to Riga, you will visit the forests of Bikernieki and Rumbula where you will learn about the atrocities committed there. Another stop will be Salaspils Memorial, where you will discover the history of this former camp built by the Nazis.

Creator: peaceline.eu

KAUNAS / VILNIUS

From Riga, the journey takes you to Lithuania. In July you will visit Kaunas, where you will talk about the changing roles and meanings of places. You’ll visit the Ninth Fort, which was built as a fortress during World War I. During the Soviet era, it was used as a prison, where political prisoners suffered from repression. When the country was occupied by Germany during World War II, Jews from all over Europe were murdered here. Today, the Ninth Fort, with its multi-faceted history, is a place of remembrance. In September you will visit Vilnius, where you will deal with the topic of national heroes as well as explore the capital of Lithuania.

WARSAW

From Kaunas, you’ll continue to Warsaw in Poland. In Warsaw you will explore the turbulent history of the city in the 20th century. Different museums, like the Museum of the History of Polish Jews (POLIN) and the Warsaw Rising Museum as well as the reconstructed city center of Warsaw will be places visited with the group.

Creator: peaceline.eu

GDAŃSK

From Warsaw the journey takes you to the north of Poland to Gdańsk. There, you’ll visit the Westerplatte peninsula and the Polish Post. It is here that World War II began, with the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany. You will also visit the Stutthof Concentration Camp Memorial where the focus will be on the systematic destruction of human life.

Creator: Stella von Saldern

GOLM

You’ll complete your journey with a final workshop at the International Youth Meeting and Education Centre in Golm on the island of Usedom. There, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on everything you’ve seen and experienced and to talk about it in the group.

The Blue Route

Along the Blue Route, you’ll gain an in-depth insight into the many facets of World War II and its impact on our present-day lives and our future. You’ll get to know different perspectives and narratives and share exciting experiences with your fellow travellers.

For 14 days, you will travel to these cities together with about 30 young people from all over Europe. Most of the journey will be done by a tour bus.

If you want to take part in the adventure, join us on the Blue Route that takes you through the history of the southern Baltic states and Poland!