Virtual River – On the Waves and Shores

The Aura River Valley is one of Finland's national landscapes. The river has always been an important recreational destination, and in recent years, its significance has only grown for both local residents and hikers. The historical nature of the river valley, its cultural landscape, and the old roads that follow the river, such as the Härkätie and the Aura River Scenic Route, further enrich the area.

The region features trails, nature sites, and routes. In various discussions, there has been a desire to better utilize the river environments for recreation while also raising environmental awareness. With the increase in outdoor activities during the pandemic, the need for virtual resources and educational materials that showcase the nature and recreational use of the Aura River watershed from different perspectives has become even more apparent.

Objectives of the Virtual River Project:

  • To seek and implement solutions for improving access to river nature, landscapes, and the experience of moving along the riverbanks and on the water for both residents and nature enthusiasts, making the elements of the river accessible both in nature and remotely.
  • To produce new electronic materials and supplementary resources about the nature, landscape, and recreational activities along the Aura River for free use.
  • To enhance environmental awareness among outdoor enthusiasts by promoting more effective recreational use. Nature travelers also learn to cherish the environment.
  • To provide information about fishing opportunities and regulations, which have changed in recent years and can be unclear for many anglers.
  • To offer the opportunity to enjoy walking along the riverbanks remotely.

Actions of the Virtual River Project:

  • New electronic river-related content will be created, available for use on smartphones.
  • The materials will be downloadable from the Aura River Foundation’s website, www.aurajoki.net, and accessible in the field via QR codes.
  • QR codes will be placed along the river trails and routes to link to the resources, as well as other signs, such as:
    • A task trail with assignments or questions, such as identification tasks or time-passing activities
    • General information about locations, including details on specific plants or the history of places
    • Tips for navigation, such as how to bypass rapids or handle routes with complex trail networks or challenging terrain
    • Local fishing information
  • Video clips and photo series will be created to showcase nature walks for remote users.

The project has received Leader funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) of Southwest Finland and the Varsin Hyvä association.

For more information: Aura River Foundation, info@aurajoki.net, Tel. +358 40 5537 409.