Skangaļi: Manor House, Museums and Sandstone Landscapes

Skangaļi combines the history of Skangaļi Manor with museums and memorial sites. The area around Skangaļi is also home to an impressive sandstone landscape. Those wishing to combine culture and nature on their trip will find a range of themes here for a varied stay: historical events, Latvian literature, walks around the Manor grounds, and hiking destinations featuring rocks, springs, caves and arches.

History surrounding Skangaļi Manor

Skangaļi Manor was acquired by J. A. von Knīrīms in 1843. From 1890, Voldemars von Knīrīms was the owner; on his initiative, a practical training institution for prospective agricultural students was established there. The Manor therefore represents not just a single building, but also a history in which ownership, education and agricultural knowledge are interconnected.

Another historical focus is the Battle of Skangaļi, which took place near Skangaļi Manor on 22 June 1919 and was one of the larger confrontations of the Cēsis Battles. The memorial “Piemiņas vieta apvienotā karaspēka uzvaras kaujai par Skangaļu muižu” commemorates the participants in the Cēsis Battles as well as the fighters of the Kalevlaste Maleva Battalion. One memorial plaque bears text in Latvian and Estonian.

Museums, Events and Local Impressions

The E. Veidenbaums Museum “Kalāči” is located at the place where the Latvian poet grew up, studied, worked and died from the age of five. The museum traditionally hosts a Museum Night, Eduards’ name day on the last Sunday in May, and Eduards’ birthday celebration on the first Sunday in October. These dates add a cultural focus to trip planning, especially if you are interested in Latvian literature and personal life stories.

In 2026, several performances from the concert series “Mirklis” took place at Skangaļi Manor, including concerts on 24 January, 14 February, 14 March and 11 April. The Manor also offers spaces for seminars, conferences and business events. A restaurant at the Manor allows visitors to have meals on site. Organised camps use a purpose-built camp house, which is equipped to accommodate up to 40 guests. The extensive camp grounds are suitable for sporting, recreational and educational activities.

Sandstone, Springs and Trails in the Surrounding Area

The Līču-Laņģu hiking trail, which is open year-round and free of charge, is located near Skangaļi. There, the Līču-Laņģu Cliffs form a sandstone cliff about one kilometre long, with a maximum height of around 30 metres. Around 20 springs emerge at the foot of the cliffs; their activity has formed caves and niches of varying lengths and sizes. For day planning, this offers a clear choice between cultural stops and a nature experience centred on geological formations.

Lielā Ellīte is also a destination in the Skangaļi area. This protected geological natural monument is located in Gauja National Park. It is home to Latvia’s only natural sandstone arches. Those travelling with different interests can therefore devote one day more to history and literature and explore the sandstone formations, springs and rocky areas on another day. Visitors can also go for walks on the grounds of Skangaļi Manor.

Skangaļi as a Base for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Skangaļi, it is worth defining your preferred travel focus. Culture enthusiasts can make the Manor, the historical memorial sites and the “Kalāči” Museum the centre of their visit. For travellers who enjoy spending time outdoors, the Līču-Laņģu hiking trail, the cliffs and Lielā Ellīte offer specific nature-related activities. Families can vary their days without having to limit themselves to just one type of excursion.

Another local perspective is provided by the “Maizes māja” in Liepas parish. There, bread-making traditions are presented in a rural farmstead setting. Together with the restaurant at Skangaļi Manor, this offering expands the cultural experience with a theme from everyday life and regional food culture. This makes it possible to choose accommodation in Skangaļi according to your own travel interests: history, nature, literature, events or culinary traditions.

Discover More Places

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Skangaļi, you can find Liepasmuiža, Bunka, Dukuri, Priekuļi, Veselava, Jāņmuiža and Priekule here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Priekuļu Novads.