Project “Access Routes” meet in Voru, Estonia

The two-day programme combined project discussions with practical experience exchange, giving partners the opportunity to visit investment sites and explore tactile, audio and nature interpretation solutions developed in Estonia. The meeting focused on the work still to be completed, as well as on sharing experience on how accessibility can be improved in cultural, natural and tourism sites.

In Valga, the partners visited outdoor sound installations and a tactile map at Valga Music School, while at Räpina Manor they explored a tactile floor plan designed to support orientation inside the building. Another highlight was a model of a cave labyrinth, a 3D virtual tour through the caves, and a nature interpretation box that allows visitors to discover the surrounding nature through touch, sound and smell. The participants also had the chance to see small triton models created with an epoxy resin printer, adding a creative and tangible element to nature interpretation.

At Võru Promenade, the partners learned about the newly installed signposts and tactile stands with audio stories, which make the promenade more informative and accessible to a wider range of visitors. In Rõuge, the partners visited the improved path near the Ööbikuoru Tower, where a guiding line has been installed along the full length of the path. This solution helps blind and visually impaired visitors orient themselves by following a metal tube with a cane. The path is also complemented by tactile stands with a map of the area and descriptive information.

The partner meeting in Estonia offered a valuable opportunity to see practical accessibility solutions in real settings, exchange experience and gather ideas for further work. Activities within the #AccessRoutes project are implemented with the support of the Interreg Estonia–Latvia Programme 2021–2027.