Saunags on the Livonian Coast

Saunags is a small coastal village between Pitrags and Vaide on the Livonian Coast (Līvõd rānda). For a coastal hike through natural and cultural landscapes, the 15th stage of the Jūrtaka runs 13 km from the centre of Saunags to Kolkasrags and takes approximately 5–7 hours. It passes through Slītere National Park and through Saunags, Vaide and Kolkasrags.

Hiking between beach and forest path

The route is divided into individual sections to help with choosing the way. Between Saunags and Vaide, the route can be walked along the beach. Between Vaide and Kolka, there is also an alternative via a forest path. It can be identified by yellow markings on the trees or by bicycle route sign 558. This means that different types of paths are available on the same Jūrtaka stage, without changing the stated total distance or approximate duration.

The stage also includes the Vecročupe. It can be forded when the water level is low. The Jūrtaka connects the coastal settlements of Saunags, Vaide and Kolkasrags while also passing through the area of Slītere National Park. The water crossing is therefore part of a section that connects coastal settlements with protected landscapes.

Slītere and the landscape of the Livonian Coast

The Livonian Coast, to which Saunags belongs, is also part of Slītere National Park. The national park encompasses sandy coastal beaches and dunes, dry meadows, dry pine forests on dunes, and coastal waters. Saunags is therefore situated in a landscape of open beaches and dunes, dry meadows, dry pine forests on dunes, and coastal waters. Slītere National Park is also designated as a Natura 2000 site and an internationally important bird area (IBA).

The coastline can also be experienced by bicycle across a longer sequence of settlements. The “Pa lībiešu ciemiem” cycling route runs through Kolka–Vaide–Saunags–Pitrags–Košrags–Mazirbe–Sīkrags. Several surfaces and route options are described for this route: through the villages, there is a forest-path option, partly on gravel, as well as the paved Kolka–Ventspils road and an option along the beach. The route therefore includes forest path, gravel, paved road and beach sections.

Livonian history and local heritage

Saunags is one of the 12 villages on the Livonian Coast. The historical Livonian name of the settlement is Sǟnag. Part of Saunags was known as Dižsaunags over the course of time. In 1582/1583, eight farmsteads in the village were recorded in the Piltene Register.

Near Nigliņi, the medieval Veckapu kalns cemetery is designated as an archaeological monument of local significance. This cemetery can be visited near the houses of Nigliņa. The ancient cultural landscape and distinctive natural landscapes have also been preserved along the Livonian Coast.

For further orientation, you can also open the entries for Dūmele, Pitrags, Košrags, Dundaga, Mazirbe and Kolka.

For the overarching travel overview: Dundagas Novads.