We are happy to introduce some merchandise for our “tiny” sister trail Kungsleden.
First Via Suecia-hiker is off
On Swedens’s National Day Constantin Hauzeneder from Munich, Germany, took the bus from Trelleborg to Smygehuk to start his thru hike of Via Suecia.
This probably means he will be the first hiker thru hiking Via Suecia – The Swedish Trail.
Boredom in the small home office in the flat in Munich helped Constantin Hauzeneder to take the final decision: to make a long distance hike from Munich to the North Cape.
From the beginning the plan was to hike the Continental Divide Trail in the US, but Covid 19 stopped that, too. “I just wanted to get out of my flat and have some adventure and see some scenery,” he says.
The 33–year old system administrator from Munich is no stranger to hiking. He has done several hikes in Germany and section hiked the Pyrenees last October. But the one and two week hikes haven’t satisfied his hunger for more adventure.“I always wanted to stay out longer and go further,” he says.
Now he has been out hiking since April 1st, making his own route 1600 km’s through Germany. “It’s been a great experience. You kind of check out from normal life and just live very simple and in the moment.”
Covid 19 has been a problem along the route, though. Because of restrictions there hasn’t been so many places for Constantin Hauzeneder to rest. He has kept going and going, doing almost 40 km days, hiking for one and a half months with only one rest days.
That led to an injury (shin splints) recently and two and a half weeks off trail. “My aim is to go slower and take more rests along the way in Sweden,” he says.
After the start in Smygehuk Constantin Hauzeneder will hike to Gothenburg on the E1 trail, then continue north on the Via Suecia. Technically you could argue he’s not doing the whole of Via Suecia, but just like CDT there is not a single trail taking you north, there is a MAZE of trails. Also the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is full of alternates and detours (often due to fire).
“I’m really looking forward to the wilderness part,” says Constantin Hauzeneder. “I enjoy places where there are no civilization. That’s totally new for me.”
Even though self–chosen solitude is part of the fascination with a thru hike, Constantin Hauzeneder has also been amazed by the social part of thru hiking:
“I have met a lot of friendly people along the way, putting me up for the night, washing my clothes and helping me in other ways.”
You can follow Constantin Hauzeneder on his blog https://www.landstreicher.blog/ or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cozy.consi/
He expects to be at Treriksröset around September 9 and at the North Cape September 25, finishing a 5050 km hike.
Happy Trails, Constantin!
Trail Patch and Hang-Tag
We are delighted to introduce our fab Trail Patch and Hang-Tag.
®
The name “Via Suecia – The Swedish Trail” and its logo are now registered trademarks (®) by the Swedish Intellectual Property Office (PRV).
Trail Angel #2
#2: Ms Marianne Thorfve, owner of the famous Adolfströms Handelsbod & Stugor, welcomes our members. Here you can have a free shower, there is WiFi and you can charge your stuff. The shop has some food to buy or enjoy a coffee. Tel: +46(0)706173041. Map here.
The 50/50 Challenge
The SNSL is happy to introduce The 50/50 Challenge. It is for those who wish to hike the Via Suecia in two parts – hence the name The 50/50 Challenge. You hike The Swedish Trail in two halves in three years. This gives you maximum flexibility to enjoy Sweden by foot. Challenge yourself! More useful info here.
Web Shop Open
The Trail Shop is now open. We have added some really useful stuff.
New levels of Membership
We are pleased to introduce two levels of Membership: The Trail Angel and the The Ridge Runner.
Read more here.
News from our friends at ALD
The first Saturday in June we celebrate Alla Leders Dag (National Trails Day in the US). Join us! Speak up for your local trail! It can be a bike path, paddle path or, as here, a hiking trail – Bergslagsleden – for which we will be speaking up and celebrating this year.
The great thing about ALD is that everyone can create their own event to celebrate their local trail together with friends, associations or companies. Together we work for an equal and inclusive outdoor life – for everyone.
Read more at www.allaledersdag.se where you can also register your own ALD event and download the event guide which is full of tips on how to make a succesfull ALD event!
The concept originated at the American Hiking Society in the United States.
Welcome on June 5 at 10-14 at Ånnabodasjön, Örebro municipality!
ALD is an initiative of Sweden’s National Scenic Trail, SNSL, a NGO non-profit association. Its goal is to create a hiking trail between Smygehuk and Treriksröset.
National Trails Day June 5 2021
We are happy to introduce this event for the first time in Sweden: Alla Leders Dag.
Together with the American Hiking Society we strive to advocate for our trails.
Many people have found physical, mental and emotional restoration on trails during the covid pandemic. Let’s return the favor. Together we can care for our hometown trails and advocate for equitable access to quality green space, even while social-distancing.
To be part of this initiative, visit the website and register for free your event on the 5th of June 2021. Together we can do this.
