Industrial heritage is a part of our cultural heritage. It demonstrates the development of industrial technology, the changing production methods and working conditions, and helps us to understand the history and development of society more broadly.
The oldest preserved industrial heritage in Estonia and Latvia goes back to the 18th century, when the two countries were under the power of the Russian Empire, and major businesses and land holdings were in the hands of the privileged Baltic German aristocracy. In the countryside, the right to engage in commerce belonged to the manor lords; in the cities – to the guilds and shops.

Nowadays, industrial heritage can be seen in the form of historic factories, water towers, mills, railways, lighthouses, other buildings of that age as well as historic documents.

Industrial heritage tourism is a growing trend, and an excellent opportunity to preserve and present old production facilities, equipment, and the skills of using them.