It’s the final countdown to the longest Riverwalk yet!

On July 14, 20 young adults from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland will gather in the amazing Swiss Alps along the Austrian border and begin their epic journey follwing the Inn River.  Together, they will travel 500+ kilometers from the spring to its confluence with the Danube River. The journey will include hiking, biking and rafting along and down a hallmark of the Alps.

The Inn River, often referred to as “the lifeline” of the Alps, and once a wild and natural river, has been greatly modified by humans – straightened, dammed and degraded over the past decades.

According to a study by WWF, only ca. 1% of the entire river is still in its original shape. Twenty-four hydropower plants have dramatically affected the river’s flow and have caused a decline of the river´s bed load and biodiversity.

But there is hope! Over the last several years, various renaturation initiatives have been launched to try to preserve the flora and fauna in the wetlands and the Riverwalk crew is hoping to discover the chances and opportunities for bringing the mighty Inn River „back to life!“

Like past years, this Riverwalk also aims to develop the participants’ personal connection to nature and rivers, explore topics of renewable energy, nature conservation, sustainability and eco-tourism, as well as develop competences such as leadership, team building, project management and active citizenship. At the same time, participants will learn how to live and work together with youth from different backgrounds and co-create a supportive, participatory, open-minded, communicative atmosphere and thus improve intercultural understanding.

Are you interested in „joining“ the Riverwalk?  You can do it in many ways:

• Virtually:  follow our blog and Facebook group and postings:  RiverwalkEurope
  • Please leave us a comment, share our posts, and add your thoughts!
• In person: there will be several events where YOU can join the Riverwalkers to celebrate and cheer them on their way.
  • Stay tuned for more information soon!