On 21 May, the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) was marked worldwide. The day highlights the importance of an accessible living environment and equal opportunities for all people.
As a result of the Võrumaa Development Centre’s project Access Routes (Development of Accessible Tourism Routes), the accessibility of four tourism sites in Võru County has significantly improved for people with disabilities, senior visitors and families with children. The project was implemented in cooperation with Võru City as well as Võru, Rõuge and Antsla municipalities.
Investments were made at Piusa Visitor Centre, Tamula Beach, Ööbikuorg and Pokumaa. People using wheelchairs and visitors with visual impairments were actively involved in planning the developments to ensure that the solutions meet real user needs.
Digital cave experience at Piusa
In Võru Municipality, investments focused on Piusa Visitor Centre. During the summer of 2025, photogrammetric measurements and filming were carried out in the Museum Cave, resulting in a digital 3D model of the underground cave system. Using a touchscreen, visitors can explore the virtual cave, examine passages, historical graffiti and so‑called altars.
In addition, a tactile 3D model of the Museum Cave was created based on historical cave maps. This allows visitors with visual impairments to understand the structure of the cave system through touch. The Piusa sand caves have been closed to regular visitors since 2006.
The visitor centre guides also received wooden boxes produced by the Tsenter Wood Competence Centre. These contain lifelike resin models of crested newts and other materials that help introduce the region’s natural heritage in a hands‑on way.
Tamula Beach and the Kreutzwald Trail
In Võru City, the project focused on Tamula Beach area and the Kreutzwald Trail. The park and beach feature nine information boards presenting the life and work of Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald, forming a coherent educational trail.
Parts of the content on the information boards and maps are tactile, and QR codes allow visitors to read and listen to the texts in Estonian, English and Võro language. Simplified text versions were also created for children and visitors who benefit from easy‑to‑read language.
Soon, audio description in Estonian and English will be added via QR codes, supporting independent movement for visitors with visual impairments in Tamula Beach area and Kreutzwald Park.
First introduction to Pokumaa through audio description
In Antsla Municipality, a tactile map of Pokumaa was created. Via a QR code, visitors can watch an introductory video about Pokumaa that includes audio description in Estonian and English, developed within the project.
Guiding route for visitors with visual impairments in Ööbikuorg
The largest investment was made in Rõuge Municipality, where a 745‑metre guiding route was built in Ööbikuorg. The route, marked with a metal handrail, allows visitors with visual impairments to move independently using a cane while listening to information via QR codes.
Information boards and signage were renewed, and additional benches were installed in the recreation area. The information boards were placed at heights suitable for wheelchair users and children.
The most important result is a change in mindset
According to Astrid Org, project manager at the Võrumaa Development Centre, a single project cannot solve all accessibility challenges, but the most important outcome is a change in mindset.
“Wheelchair users are still not often seen moving around Võru County. Not because they do not exist, but because it is difficult for them to manage here – to visit museums, restaurants or accessible toilets,” said Org.
At the same time, awareness has clearly increased in recent years. “I really wanted a change in thinking at least among those involved in the project – that they start noticing accessibility barriers and actively look for solutions so that people with different needs can share the same space without anyone feeling excluded.”
Activities beyond the county
In cooperation with Estonian and Latvian partners, the project also produced guidelines for tourism entrepreneurs on improving accessibility in hiking trails and accommodation services. In addition, accessible tourism routes for people with special needs were developed, and the accessibility database was updated.
Accessibility guidelines and materials are available on partner organisations’ websites, and the database can be accessed at www.mapeirons.eu.
Original article (Estonian):
https://lounaeestlane.ee/voru-maakond-laheb-suvisele-turismihooajale-vastu-senisest-ligipaasetavamana/
https://lounaeestlane.ee/voru-maakond-laheb-suvisele-turismihooajale-vastu-senisest-ligipaasetavamana/
Investments supported by Access Routes: Piusa Visitor Centre, Tamula Beach, Ööbikuorg (Nightingale Valley), and Pokumaa
