Hærvejen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hærvejen (Danish, literally: the army road, German: Ochsenweg) is the name given to an ancient trackway in Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein. The route passes from Viborg over Flensburg to Hamburg where it connected with other roads. It has been known by several other names throughout history, most importantly "the Cattle Road" (Studevejen) and "the Ox Road" (Oksevejen / Ochsenweg).
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[edit] History
The road runs more or less along the watershed of the Jutland Peninsula, similar to the ridgeways in England. By using this route one could avoid rivers, or ford them close to their origin where they where still shallow. As time went by this route was improved with paved fords, embankments and bridges. Concentrations of mounds, defensive ditches, settlements and other historic landmarks can be found along the road. While sections of it can be traced as far back as 4000 BC, newer road construction has erased many traces. The use of the road declined during the Viking age, as transportation by ship became more convenient. New cities where constructed along the coast instead of the road.
Two of Denmark’s oldest settlements, Viborg and Jelling are situated along the road.
[edit] Use
The road was primarily a trade road. The most important commodity was livestock, but also amber, hides, honey and fur went south. Metal, glass and weapons went north. Armies invading Jutland have used this road since ancient times. For this reason many defensive constructions can be found straddling the road up through Jutland.
[edit] Today
Today modern highways follow the route of the old road. At a few places it is still possible to see the old tracks, embankments, sheep pens and fords. Parts of it have been converted into a long-distance walking route. A popular walk known as Hærvejsmarchen takes place each year.
[edit] External links
- [1] (Danish)
