The wooden path in Arouca, Portugal

In Portugal, along the Paiva River in Arouca, there is a wooden road 8700 m long. It passes through landscapes of stunning beauty, offering unforgettable experiences. The wooden path is built in such a way that it interferes as little as possible with the environment, protecting it, but also offering it generously to the traveller's gaze.

Paiva Walkways - Passadicos do Paiva - is a development made in 2015 by the Portuguese company Trimetrica at the request of the Municipality of Arouca so that the natural beauty of the area can be seen and studied without being affected by these hikes. The trail offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, quartz crystal deposits, exotic fauna and flora and the river it also crosses. The structure interferes as little as possible with its surroundings.

The road, which zig-zags numerous times, is constructed of wood with metal elements added to secure the wooden beams and add extra strength where needed. It goes from ordinary road to staircase, climbing to the top of a hill where it offers a panoramic view of the whole area.

It then continues down to the level of the Paiva River, which it crosses in the form of a very narrow bridge, crossed by high cliffs covered with abundant natural vegetation. The route has rest stops and panoramic points strategically positioned to give the best view of the natural beauty of the area.

The 2 ends of the road are in Areinho and Espiunca. The road is 8700 m long and takes 2.5 hours. It is considered difficult but is open all year round. There is also access to the beaches of the Paiva river and it is not compulsory to cross the river on the narrow footbridge.

The trail offers more than a simple walk in the middle of nature. It is a unique experience characterised by a special relationship with nature, unique landscapes and a deep respect for what nature so generously provides.

Starting from this connection with nature that we would like to explore, but at the same time we want to protect it, we seepark development projects with suspended paths.

source: designboom.com