There are lovely walking trails around Høruphav, which stretch across the country, and are now a popular 84 km trekking route, called the Gendarmstein.
The route markers all show a gendarme figure, and we were intrigued to know why.
The gendarmerie was founded in 1839, a customs and excise foot patrol to check along the German-Danish border and coastline for smuggling. They knew all the little coves and caves where untaxed loot might be brought into Denmark.
Interestingly, when the border changed as a result of the 1864 war with the Germans, and subsequent reunification in 1920 when it moved north again, the border trails moved too.
In the 1980s the paths were opened to the public as a marked trail, and various wild camping sites established to break up a day of walking.
We dandered along part of the trail to see the famous ‘seven sisters’ pine trees, and passed one of the campsites, cosily snuggling from the wind, and with barbecue pits and tables and all basic facilities. It looked like a lot of fun.
Sadly, the sisters are now very old, and only four are still standing. The stumps are all that remain from the three that have fallen.
On our return, at the marina entrance, we noticed a guard’s hut, and inside a model of a gendarme, still on the look out for dodgy deeds afloat.
Lovely stuff!
Whilst in Denmark, do avail yourselves of a bottle of Gameldansk. Its a strange concoction, like a very strong sherry that’s been embellished with odd spices. The older generation Danes have it as a chaser after a beer, but we think it’s best added to a fresh fruit salad which it enhances magnificently. But don’t tell the Danes as they’d think this sacrilegious!
Sounds like a great recipe!
You can let your imagination run free whilst strolling along the trail, knowing the background story to how it began. Enjoy!
Ahoy on board Lady Mayfair! Exciting new adventures are waiting