Pitrags on the Livonian Coast

Pitrags is part of the Livonian Coast, “Līvõd rānda”. The village is a Livonian fishing village first mentioned in historical documents in 1582. Those seeking a combination of nature, maritime heritage and Livonian culture on the Baltic Sea will find many tangible points of interest here to incorporate into their travel plans.

Coast and nature in Slītere National Park

Pitrags is located in Slītere National Park, which is designated as a Natura 2000 site. The national park includes a sandy sea coast with dunes, dry meadows, dry pine forests on the dunes, and coastal waters. The dunes support both dry meadows and dry pine forests, while the coastal waters form a distinct landscape area of their own. These different landscapes make the area particularly interesting for visitors who want to experience the Baltic region not only through its beaches, but also through its natural transitions. Slītere National Park also lies along a bird migration route. In spring, large gatherings of migratory birds can be observed there. Numerous sunken ships lie in the shallow waters off Pitrags. After storms, old shipwreck remains can be found on the beach. The coast, waters and bird migration are therefore among the defining features of the area, without reducing Pitrags to a single nature experience.

Fishing village history and visible heritage

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Pitrags was known as an important center of boat and shipbuilding. The Pitrags jetty was built in 1938 to collect marine fertilizer and improve the poor soils along the coast. The remains of a jetty are visible on the shore at Pitrags. These traces point to the village’s close connection with the sea and the coastal economy. The Baptist Church of Pitrags, built in 1902, is another notable example of architectural and cultural heritage. The Kurgati fisherman's and farmer's homestead was established in the 1930s. According to tradition, the oldest farmsteads in Pitrags are Kurg, Tōriz, Sīm and Jōk; the names are also passed down as Dzērves, Sumbri, Sīmi and Jāki. The Krogi homestead in the center of Pitrags houses a collection of 27 old types of Livonian coastal fences. Visitors can also help smoke fish there and taste the finished product. Smoked fish can be sampled in Pitrags. Another cultural trace leads to the Livonian storyteller of language and fairy tales Marija Šaltjāre (Bertholde, 1860–1930). She passed down more than 200 fairy tales and legends, as well as more than 90 songs and games. Her transmitted work thus combines narrative forms with songs and games.

Pitrags as a starting point for cycling tours

For active days, two cycling routes pass through Pitrags: “Pa lībiešu ciemiem” and “Gar Dižjūru un Mazjūru”. Those who would like to explore other destinations from the same selection can also visit Dundaga, Dūmele, Mazirbe, Saunags, Kolka and Košrags.

For the overarching travel overview: Dundaga Municipality.