On September 2nd, 2024, Steen, a member of the European Ramblers Association (ERA) Board and the person responsible for the 75,000 km of 12 E-paths across Europe, joined an inspiring hike along the E-path E1. This journey was part of an extraordinary adventure undertaken by Mattias and his close friend Stefano from Switzerland.

Mattias, driven by a deep connection to his maternal ancestry in Næssjö, Småland, Sweden, embarked on a mission to walk from Switzerland to Sweden along the E1. His journey began a few years ago, covering the first stage from Switzerland to Schleswig, Germany. With his good friend Stefano by his side this year, Mattias resumed the hike, starting from Schleswig and aiming to reach his ancestral roots in Sweden.

During the planning phase of this remarkable journey, Mattias had been in contact with Steen, whose expertise and passion for the European long-distance paths made him a good resource. Recognizing the journey’s significance, Steen asked to join the hike for a segment in Denmark. On September 2nd, Steen met Mattias and Stefano in Vejle, Denmark, and they began their hike from a nearby location.

Their path followed the E1, which in this region is based on the historic Hærvejen trail in Jutland. As they walked, they passed through Jelling, a site of immense historical importance. Jelling is known as the birthplace of Denmark, a nation that was unified around the year 1000. It was here that Harald Bluetooth, the son of the last Viking king Gorm the Old, christened the Danish people, marking the official founding of Denmark. Gorm the Old had established Denmark as a kingdom, and Jelling remains a symbol of this pivotal era in Danish history.

After visiting Jelling, the trio continued their hike to Givskud, where their day’s journey concluded. However, Mattias and Stefano’s adventure is far from over. In the coming days, they will continue along the E1 and Hærvejen towards Silkeborg, and later to Aarhus and Grenå. From Grenå, they will cross to Halmstad in Sweden, where their journey will take them closer to their ultimate destination: Næssjö.

This hike along the E1 is not just a physical challenge; it is a journey deeply rooted in history, heritage, and friendship. Mattias and Stefano’s adventure embodies the spirit of the European Ramblers Association’s mission to connect people and cultures through the shared love of walking, nature, and history.