The new Legends trail, mapped and marked within the “EU4Tourism: Outdoor adventures on the historic trails in Syunik” project, was officially opened in Tandzaver, Syunik marz.

Guests and participants were invited to hike on a 5 km long Magic forest segment presenting new LandArt installations created by local and international artists.

“The development of rural Armenia is a high priority for the European Union.  In addition, I have personally emphasised more attention to initiatives that allows Armenian citizens and visiting tourists to enjoy the beauty of this country while also pursuing an active lifestyle. I would encourage everyone to plan a hike on this Legends Trail that connects Goris and Kapan and explore the teahouses, guesthouses, the Magic Forest and other services that local community members have created with EU support,” mentioned Piotr Switalski, Head of the Delegation of the EU to Armenia.

Varos Simonyan, Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia, highlighted that the Government encourages diversification of tourism proposals and initiatives aimed at community involvement.

“We are glad to launch this huge project on the development of adventure and eco-tourism. The Legends Trail from Khndzoresk to Khustup will significantly contribute to the balanced development of the tourism industry, as well as improvement of economic situation and quality of life of local population. At the same time, this project greatly increases prospects of Kapan communities when positioning themselves as touristic destinations,’’ said Varduhi Dadunts, the Country Director of People in Need Czech NGO.

This new tourist route between Goris and Kapan has scouted, mapped and marked by local community members and tourism experts, students and volunteers. The project has also collected local legends and traditions with support by experts from Goris and Kapan museums, which has inspired the name of the Legends Trail.

The Legends Trails connects Khndzoresk, Nerkin Khndzoresk, Hartashen, Verishen, Akner, Karahunj, Vorotan, Shurnukh, Bardzravan, Tatev, Halidzor, Shinuhayr, Khot and Harzhis villages with marked trails in the Goris area, and Aghvani, Tandzaver, Tavrus, Arajadzor, Verin Khotanan, Shrvenants, Andokavan, Bekh, Vachagan, Baghaburj, Antarashat, Vanek, Dzorastan and Shgharshik in Kapan area.

Within the project, 15 sub-grants have been distributed to support community-led initiatives and individual or family-run small enterprises in villages along the trail.