Saunags – Coastal Village on the Livonian Coast

• Saunags lies between Pitrags and Vaide and is one of the 12 villages on the Livonian Coast, Līvõd rānda.
• The village’s historical Livonian name is Sǟnag.
• Saunags is located in the area of Slītere National Park, which is designated as a Natura 2000 site and an internationally important bird area.
• The 15th stage of the Jūrtaka runs 13 km from the centre of Saunags to Kolkasrags and takes approximately 5–7 hours.

The landscape around Saunags is shaped by the Livonian Coast and Slītere National Park. The national park includes sandy coastal beaches and dunes, dry grasslands, dry pine forests on dunes and coastal waters. The Livonian Coast is also part of the national park. Its old cultural landscape and distinctive natural landscapes have been preserved.

The status as a Natura 2000 site and an internationally important bird area describes the region’s special protection and significance. For travellers who want to combine nature observation, coastal landscapes and a peaceful village setting, this combination forms Saunags’ main thematic focus.

The 15th stage of the Jūrtaka runs from Saunags via Vaide to Kolkasrags. It is 13 km long and takes approximately 5–7 hours. The route passes through Slītere National Park. You should take this information into account when planning your day, especially if you want to combine the hike with another activity or with arrival and departure travel.

For the Saunags–Vaide section, there is an option to walk along the beach. Between Vaide and Kolka, there is an alternative via a forest path. It is marked on the trees with yellow markings or with cycle route sign 558. This provides different route sections for the stage, without implying any particular walking speed or level of difficulty.

The Vecročupe is also located on the 15th stage. It can be waded across when the water level is low. Pay particular attention to this section when planning your day and bear in mind that this option depends on the water level.

The “Pa lībiešu ciemiem” cycling route runs through Kolka, Vaide, Saunags, Pitrags, Košrags, Mazirbe and Sīkrags. Saunags can therefore be included in a route connecting several villages on the Livonian Coast.

This cycling route includes a forest-path option through the villages, partly on gravel, as well as the paved Kolka–Ventspils road and an option along the beach. Anyone looking for accommodation in Saunags can therefore decide in advance whether the focus of their travel plans should be on walking the Jūrtaka, cycling the route or exploring the national park landscape. The different types of paths make it advisable to check the specific route and the desired surface before setting off.

Saunags is one of the villages on the Livonian Coast whose local history is connected with the Livonian cultural landscape. The village is mentioned in the Piltene Register of 1582/1583 as having eight farmsteads. The historical Livonian name Sǟnag recalls this regional linguistic and cultural history. Over time, part of Saunags came to be called Dižsaunags by the inhabitants.

The medieval Veckapu kalns cemetery can be visited near the houses of Nigliņa. At Nigliņi, it is designated as an archaeological site of local significance. The cemetery adds a specific cultural and historical site to the focus on nature and hiking. If you are interested in the history of the Livonian Coast, this visit can be incorporated into the rest of your travel plans.

When looking for accommodation in Saunags, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your days there. For the Jūrtaka, the 13 km length of the 15th stage, the approximate duration of 5–7 hours and the described crossing of the Vecročupe are important planning details. For a cycling tour, you should instead take into account the forest-path and gravel sections, the paved road and the beach option on the “Pa lībiešu ciemiem” route.

The interests of your travel group may also influence your choice. Couples and families who want to combine nature and culture can include Slītere National Park, the coastal landscape and Veckapu kalns in their plans. Those who mainly want to hike should consider the stage length and approximate walking time. For further information about localities, you can also refer to Mazirbe, Dūmele, Dundaga, Kolka, Košrags and Pitrags.

Where is Saunags located?

Saunags is a small coastal village between Pitrags and Vaide. It is one of the 12 villages on the Livonian Coast, Līvõd rānda.

How long is the Jūrtaka stage from Saunags?

The 15th stage runs 13 km from the centre of Saunags to Kolkasrags and takes approximately 5–7 hours.

Is there an alternative route on the Jūrtaka?

The Saunags–Vaide section can be walked along the beach. Between Vaide and Kolka, there is an alternative via a forest path with yellow markings on the trees or cycle route sign 558.

Can the Vecročupe be crossed?

The Vecročupe can be waded across on the 15th stage of the Jūrtaka when the water level is low.

What historical attraction is there in Saunags?

The medieval Veckapu kalns cemetery can be visited near the houses of Nigliņa. At Nigliņi, it is designated as an archaeological site of local significance.

For the higher-level travel overview: Dundagas Municipality.