Hærvejen seeks more welcoming stops for hikers

More hiking boots are expected on the Hærvejen trail, a 500-kilometre route through Jutland, as the non-profit association Udvikling Hærvejen launches a campaign to encourage local residents to make walkers feel welcome.

The association, which represents 15 municipalities along the route, is asking neighbours to contribute small gestures—such as sharing apples from home orchards or allowing hikers to refill water bottles—that can turn a simple walk into a memorable experience.

“Hosting can be many things, but the essence is offering small touches that make the journey better,” said Julie Fabian, secretary-general of Udvikling Hærvejen. “In autumn, someone might leave apples in a basket with a note inviting hikers to help themselves. Others might let walkers use an outdoor tap to refill water bottles.”

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost the trail’s reputation and attract more visitors by 2030. Udvikling Hærvejen is also installing new signage, adding benches and information boards at rest stops, and stepping up marketing in northern Germany, where a survey found that roughly one in six active travellers are unaware of the route.