Kārlis Skalbe Memorial Museum "Saulrieti"
“Standing on the upper veranda felt like being at the centre of the world…” – so wrote Kārlis Skalbe (1879–1945), the revered “King of Latvian Fairy Tales”. From his home “Saulrieti” on Incēnu Hill, Skalbe gazed over the lakes Alauksts, Tauns and Inesis – a landscape that inspired his deeply poetic worldview.
The Home That Breathed Inspiration
Built as a summer retreat, “Saulrieti” became the Skalbe family’s countryside haven from 1926 to 1944. The house was named for its sun-drenched views – the large glass wall in the main room catching every glowing sunset over the hills of Vecpiebalga.
Here, Skalbe sought rest from the turbulence of Riga’s political life and returned to the harmony of childhood landscapes. The museum offers a rare glimpse into the poet’s inner world, filled with beauty, silence, and soul.
Visit Today
Since 1987, “Saulrieti” has served as a memorial museum dedicated to Skalbe’s life and literature. Visitors are welcome to explore the peaceful rooms, personal belongings, and the quiet magic of Latvian storytelling.
Don’t Miss:
- The glass-walled veranda with panoramic views
- The grave of Kārlis, Lizete and Ilze Skalbe on Vaktskalns – designed as a boat with a sail in the wind, symbolising both Skalbe’s romanticism and the family’s tragedy
- The museum’s unique literary atmosphere, steeped in Latvian cultural heritage
Note: The museum accepts cash payments only.
