Vääna river
AUTHORS Sulev Nurme PhD, Tiina Laineste MsC (AB Artes Terrae, Estonia) LOCATION Last 43 km of Vääna river, North Estonia, Harku and Saue municipality TIME July of 2022
With this project the two municipalities wanted to make the scenic Vääna river more accessible for on-foot hikers as well as people travelling with boats. Vääna river is 64.3 km long, but becomes accessible by boat about 20 km downstream, this is where the project site begins.
Five posters show the whole project area, the river from Padula railway bridge until the river reaches the sea. Along the river there are blue markings that indicate, where the river should be cleaned of fallen trees or other structures preventing boat travellers to sail the river. There are resting areas for boat travellers on municipality (yellow) or state land (blue).
From Vahi village bridge the hiking trail begins. It consists of already existing as well as proposed trails. There are proposed resting spots along the way. The paths avoid going trough any privately owned lands (red).
Drawing 1
Drawing 6
For two areas along the river there were more detailed ideas proposed. Hüüru manor (on Drawing 6) is a good place for launcing boats as well as resting in a scenic and historical place. A path to get better access too the river and picnic area with more inventory was proposed.
At Vahi village there is a dangerous rapid and it should be possible for less experienced boaters to leave the river prior to getting there. However, there is a 1.2 m high limestone wall bordering the river (see on Drawing 7). To exit the boat before the rapid, the steps in the limestone can be used and altered if needed. Also, big stones help make a pocket of slower stream.
Drawing 7