Skangaļi: Culture, History and Nature

• Skangaļi Manor was acquired by J. A. von Knīrīms in 1843.
• On 22 June 1919, the Battle of Skangaļi took place at Skangaļi Manor; it was one of the larger clashes of the Battles of Cēsis.
• From 1890, Voldemars von Knīrīms was the owner; on his initiative, a practical training institution for prospective agricultural students was established there.
• The surrounding area includes, among other places, the Līču-Laņģu hiking trail, which is accessible year-round and free of charge, and the protected geological natural monument Lielā Ellīte in Gauja National Park.

The history of Skangaļi Manor can be traced through several distinct periods. The acquisition by J. A. von Knīrīms in 1843 marks an important point in the development of the estate. From 1890, Voldemars von Knīrīms shaped the site; on his initiative, a practical training institution for prospective agricultural students was established there. The manor therefore represents not only the history of ownership, but also a specific educational purpose.

Another focal point is the Battle of Skangaļi on 22 June 1919, which is considered one of the larger clashes of the Battles of Cēsis. The memorial site “Piemiņas vieta apvienotā karaspēka uzvaras kaujai par Skangaļu muižu” commemorates the participants in the Battles of Cēsis and the fighters of the Kalevlaste Maleva Battalion. Those interested in history will therefore find various points of connection in Skangaļi rather than just a single historical theme.

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 Eduard’s birthday celebration on the first Sunday in October. These dates provide possible seasonal occasions for culture enthusiasts to consider when planning their trip.

Skangaļi Manor itself is also a cultural event venue. In 2026, it hosted several performances in the “Mirklis” concert series, including concerts on 24 January, 14 February, 14 March and 11 April. The manor also offers rooms for seminars, conferences and business events. Visitors can have meals at a restaurant at Skangaļi Manor. For a trip combining several interests, this makes it possible to bring together history, culture and an on-site stay without limiting the visit to a single excursion destination.

The Līču-Laņģu hiking trail near Skangaļi is accessible year-round and free of charge. The nearby Līču-Laņģu Cliffs form a sandstone cliff about one kilometre long, with a maximum height of around 30 metres. About 20 springs emerge at the foot of the cliffs; their activity has created caves and niches of varying lengths and sizes. Take this information into account when planning your day if you would like to include natural formations and a hiking trail in your trip.

Other natural destinations in the area include Lielā Ellīte. This protected geological natural monument is located in Gauja National Park and has Latvia’s only natural sandstone arches. Visitors can also go for walks on the grounds of Skangaļi Manor. Another thematic addition is “Maizes māja” in Liepas parish, which presents bread-making traditions in a rural farm setting.

The camp house at Skangaļi Manor is equipped for up to 40 guests and is used for organised camps. The extensive camp grounds are suitable for sporting, recreational and educational activities. Skangaļi Manor therefore focuses on accommodation for organised camps and group activities.

If you would like to expand your selection to include other places, you can also compare Liepasmuiža, Priekule, Veselava, Priekuļi, Dukuri, Bunka and Jāņmuiža.

What is the most important historical theme in Skangaļi?

The history includes the acquisition of Skangaļi Manor by J. A. von Knīrīms in 1843, the establishment of a practical training institution for prospective agricultural students from 1890, and the Battle of Skangaļi on 22 June 1919.

What nature experiences are available in the surrounding area?

The Līču-Laņģu hiking trail is accessible year-round and free of charge. There is also the approximately one-kilometre-long Līču-Laņģu sandstone cliff, with a maximum height of around 30 metres, springs, caves and niches, as well as the Lielā Ellīte natural monument.

What accommodation capacity is mentioned for groups?

The camp house at Skangaļi Manor is equipped to accommodate up to 40 guests. The manor also offers organised camps.

Which cultural dates are associated with the “Kalāči” museum?

The museum traditionally hosts a Museum Night, Eduards’ name day on the last Sunday in May and Eduard’s birthday celebration on the first Sunday in October.

For the broader travel overview: Priekuļu Municipality.