Košrags combines Livonian history with a coastal landscape that can be explored on foot and by bike. The village originated in the 17th century as a Livonian coastal fishing village. Its history comes to life in specific places: at Žoki, on the Anduļi farmstead and in the buildings by the harbour. This offers different options for planning your trip—cultural history, walks and hikes along the beach, or a ride on the circular cycling route.

Livonian history at Žoki and Anduļi

In the mid-19th century, the first school teaching Livonian children from the Dundaga coastal villages to read was operating at Žoki in Košrags. Another cultural trace leads to Anduļi: more examples of Livonian folklore were recorded there than at any other Livonian farmstead. These two places offer different ways to explore the village’s history—schooling points to the education of Livonian children, while the folklore records reflect cultural traditions. These places make Košrags a destination for travellers interested in Livonian history, even beyond its coastal landscape.

Anduļi connects the history of an individual farmstead with the village’s character. It is the oldest farmstead in Košrags and is one of the surviving old farmsteads that make up the central part of the village. It has been known as Anduļi since 1896; before that, it was mentioned as “Kūkiņi” in 1680. The two dates tell different parts of its naming history: in 1680, the earlier name appears, while the name known today is documented from 1896. At the same time, Anduļi is part of the surviving farmstead layout in the central area of Košrags.

Harbour, beach and regional landscape

The history of the buildings also offers a glimpse into the development of this coastal fishing village. In 1932, a harbour was built in Košrags under the direction of Didriķis Volganskis. Six years later, a pier was added for collecting sea manure, known in Latvian as “mudas”. The harbour and pier mark two distinct stages in this history: one was built in 1932, the other in 1938 for a specifically stated purpose.

Košrags is associated with the Livonian Coast, “Līvõd rānda”, and a sandy beach landscape. The village has a recreational beach of local importance, suitable for long walks and hikes. The beach is therefore a specific point of reference for a stay focused on getting around on foot. Check conditions before your visit if you are planning longer routes.

The Slītere National Park, a Natura 2000 site, is also part of the wider landscape. In the broader region around Košrags, the park includes a 30-to-50-metre-high cliffed coast of the former Baltic Ice Lake, species-rich natural deciduous forest, and complexes of dune ridges and narrow, peat-filled depressions, primarily fens. This wider area complements the local beach with a variety of landscape features. The coastal landscape can thus be understood not only through sand and beach, but also through cliffs, forest, dunes and peatland areas.

Plan walks and cycling

The circular cycling route “Gar Dižjūr un Mazjūr” branches off from Košrags. The full route can be ridden using three parallel paths. These include a forest path through the villages, which becomes a gravel road in some sections; the paved Kolka–Ventspils road; and a route along the beach by the coast. The options therefore differ mainly in surface and route character: you can choose between the path through the villages, paved road and coastal route. Check route conditions before setting off.

For planning your trip, a simple comparison can help: walking focuses on the beach and longer walks, while cycling lets you choose between the three routes according to their course and surface. The cultural sites also offer a different focus from coastal activities. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Košrags, first decide whether local history, beach walks or the cycling route will shape your plans.

Discover more destinations: Dundaga, Mazirbe, Pitrags, Kolka, Dūmele, Saunags

Go to the main travel overview: Dundagas Novads.