Tarptautinis partnerių vizitas Šilutės ir Švėkšnos krašte: žingsnis bendro kultūros paveldo maršruto link

International partner visit in Šilutė and Švėkšna: A step toward a s hared cultural heritage route

On January 20–21, 2026, an international partner visit took place in Šilutė District as part of the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027 project Interreg VI-A Latvijos–Lietuvos programos 2021–2027 projektą “HERITAGE HORIZONS” (Project No. LL-0230).During the visit, Lithuanian and Latvian partners met for working discussions and participated in experience-exchange activities focused on cultural heritage preservation, its adaptation for tourism, and the strengthening of local communities.

Working meeting in Šilutė

On January 20, a working meeting of the project partners was held in Šilutė. The meeting presented the project’s objectives, discussed partner roles and responsibilities, planned activities and their implementation timelines, and reviewed communication and reporting processes. Partners also discussed potential project challenges and risks, along with ways to ensure high-quality implementation of activities.

Following the official meeting, partners from Kuldīga took part in an introductory tour of the Hugo Šojus Museum. During the guided tour, participants learned about the museum’s exhibitions, the history of the manor, and its significance to the cultural heritage of the Šilutė region.

Experience-exchange visit in Švėkšna

On January 21, project partners visited Švėkšna. The visit began at the former Švėkšna Synagogue, where participants became acquainted with educational activities and discussed possibilities for the building’s restoration and adaptation for visitors. This site is one of the key heritage objects included in the project, and its revitalization will contribute to strengthening local cultural identity.

Later, a guided tour of Švėkšna town took place. The guide introduced participants to the town’s history, architecture, and most important landmarks, including a visit to St. James’s Church, a significant cultural and historical site in Švėkšna.

In the afternoon, project partners participated in an educational workshop on traditional crafts – ceramics. During the session, traditional patterns and ceramic techniques were presented, and participants had the opportunity to try creating traditional ceramic items themselves. This hands-on activity offered a vivid experience of the importance of preserving and passing on cultural heritage.

Project context and objectives The “HERITAGE HORIZONS” project (LL-0230) aims to create a joint tourist route connecting Švėkšna in Lithuania and Kuldīga in Latvia. Both towns face similar challenges related to the preservation of historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and significant heritage sites, as well as their adaptation to modern needs. Kuldīga already holds UNESCO World Heritage status, while Švėkšna is purposefully working toward following this example, making international cooperation and experience exchange particularly important. The project includes the restoration of the former Švėkšna Synagogue, the preservation of a medieval cellar in Kuldīga, the creation of gamified and interactive exhibitions, and the development of a unified tourist route. It is expected that these activities will encourage growth in tourist flows, contribute to strengthening local economies, and ensure improved protection of cultural heritage. International cooperation under the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027 creating a sustainable and cohesive tourism experience and shaping a model that can be adapted to other routes across the Baltic region in the future.