Kārlis Skalbe (1879-1945) gave his Vecpiebalga home, perched on top of Incēni Hill, the name of “Saulrieti” (Sunsets). The glass endwall in the large room on the top floor lets in the rosy light cast by the setting sun.

For 18 years (1926-1944), “Saulrieti” was the summer home to the Skalbe family. In close proximity to his native “Incēni”, Kārlis Skalbe found respite from the anxieties of life in Rīga and drew inspiration for his writing. The poet rested his soul in the harmony of lakes, forests and hills that were known and dear to him since childhood.

Today, every curious traveller is a dearly welcome guest in the palace of Latvian fairy tale king, where a memorial museum to Kārlis Skalbe has been operating since 1987. It gives a glimpse into the lives of the Skalbe family during those summers of yore. The final resting place of Kārlis, Lizete and Ilze Skalbe affords spectacular vistas and lets you approach the poet’s magical worldview. The gravestone is shaped like a boat with a billowing sail, a symbol to the romantic streak of Skalbe’s writing and the tragedy of his family line.