Hærvejen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hærvejen is the name given to an ancient track way in Denmark mainly between the modern cities of Flensburg and Viborg. The name derives from the Danish word "army road". It has been known under other names throughout history: Studevejen "Cattle Road", Oksevejen "Ox Road", Kongevejen "Kings Road".
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[edit] History
The road runs more or less along the watershed of the Jutland Peninsula. 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 cities, Viborg and Jellinge is situated along the road.
[edit] Use
The road was primarily a trade road. Commodities such as amber, hides, honey, fur and livestock went south. Metal, glass and weapons went north. Armies invading Jutland has used this road since ancient times. For this reason many defensive constructions can be found straddling the road up thru Jutland.
[edit] Today
Today modern highways follow the route of the old road. At a few places it is still possible to se the old tracks, embankments, sheep pens and fords. Parts of it have been converted into a long-distance walking route. A popular walk know as “Hærvejsmarchen” takes place each year.
[edit] External links
- [1] (Danish)
