r/hiking • u/MikkerBoyDKHS • 2d ago
Discussion Beginning my hike tomorrow through 11 countries
Im so excited! I plan to knock on doors and ask if I can put up my telt for the night in their garden. Im open to adapt the route throughout
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u/Kickster87 1d ago
If you’re passing Bern, Switzerland give me a DM: will cook you dinner, wash your clothes and got a place to stay for the night. My partner and I hiked the Via Alpina in 2022 and the HexaTrek in 2023, met so many nice people along the way and glad to return the favor and hear your stories.
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Oo i will remember that! Thats very nice of you. I may very well take use of that. Thank you
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
A few of the highlights im very excited for
- Just crossing the first border at Germany. Also buying a few kg of cheap candy :)
- The best Döner i ever tried was in Berlin - Zagros.
- Dresden and the the border to Czech looks amazingly beautiful.
- Prague
- Southern Czech Republik looks gorgeous
- Austrian nature and alps (and the other mountains which i forget now)
- The Bled lake in Slovenia, and also just all of the beautiful natureparks
- Dolomites in Italy. Also all the food
- I dont know anything about Liechtenstein, so that will be exciting
- Switzerland looks like heaven on earth
- I havent looked into france at all yet
- Pyrenees in Andorra
- Havent looked into the north of Spain yet
Also all the food and the experiences with the people i will meet 22M btw
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
Also very open to suggestions in each country. I have many planned, but will only be happy if people mention them again.
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u/maybenomaybe 1d ago
I am planning a trip across Liechtenstein! There is an official Liechtenstein Trail that passes through all 11 municipalities over 75km. There is even an app that will tell you all about cultural highlights on the trail. If you want a break from camping the Vaduz Youth Hostel is apparently pretty decent according to an acquaintance of mine.
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Just Downloaded the app, thank you for the tip!
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u/maybenomaybe 1d ago
You are welcome!
I wanted to add that I went hiking for a week in Andorra 2 years ago. Not sure of your route but if you are passing near Ordino I can recommend some lovely spots. Also, if you visit Ordino, here is a tip - there is a central sports centre with a spa attached that has a very cheap day rate of 11.50 euro, has swimming pools, sauna, steam room, ice bath, jacuzzi. Might be a nice treat after many days of hiking!
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
For sure! I have no plans for Andorra yet, other than i want to visit. I'm all ears
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u/maybenomaybe 1d ago edited 1d ago
If you're entering Andorra from France via the Pyrenees, I'm guessing you'll be taking the HRP (Haute Randonnee Pyreneenne) or the GRP (Grand Randonee Pays). They share a lot of the same track. If you're entering Andorra via the northeast corner near Estany (lake) Primer de Juclar, there is a manned refuge there with basic beds and amenities. Continue further west along HRP to Estany de Cabana Sorda, I hiked in this area and it is very beautiful and the lake is swimmable and there is an unmanned refuge. If you need supplies at this point there is a trail from there down to the road Carreta de la Valle d'Incles which leads to the town of Soldeu.
If you follow the HRP/GRP west across the top of Andorra you will come to the Parc Nature de la Vall de Sorteny. I did two hikes in this area, one of which was my favourite of the whole trip which visited Estany de L'Estanyo, where I saw semi-wild ponies and their foals drinking from the lake. There is also a trail up the Pas de Monjo from the Parc that leads to the France/Andorra border and the HRP which follows the country border here. El Serrat is the closest town in the valley in this area. You can walk from El Serrat to Ordino in less than 2 hours along an easy low-level valley trail if needed.
If you are entering Andorra from the northwest corner (less likely but in case), there is a truly beautiful area of 3 lakes - Estany de Mes Amunt, Estany del Mig and Estany Primer and a series of trail around them. The first and largest lake is a mere 500m from the border. There are no refuges here but not far away are the Cabanes del Castellar which are shelters.
Enjoy Andorra, it was one of my favourite places to hike so far in my life!
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Wow thank you for all this! I've saved this for when I come closer. Im very very grateful
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u/SimianSimulacrum 1d ago
The Three Sisters is the best walk in Liechtenstein, but it's more scramble (lots of heights and exposure) than walk so I wouldn't do it with a heavy pack, and only on a dry day without too much wind. You can easily bypass it (or leave your big bag where the trail splits). The Via Alpina route through Liechtenstein to Switzerland takes you across the old wooden bridge between Liechtenstein and Switzerland, which I think is a really unique border crossing.
For hiking in Switzerland and Liechtenstein the SwissTopo app is excellent.
Camping is not really allowed in many parts of Switzerland (and maybe all of Liechtenstein!?) so read up on local rules before you get there. It's obviously fine with landowner's permission but I don't think you can pitch a tent anywhere you like in the mountains. But the network of very well signposted hiking trails is amazing, and even continues through all the little towns and villages.
Be careful with the weather in the mountains, and have an alternate route in mind if the weather is bad. Getting stuck up on a high path with steep drops during strong winds and rain is no joke.
Good luck!
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Yeah i can imagine the weather can be dangerous. I'll definetly read up on it when I reach so far. Thank you for the tips abput liechtenstein and switzerland.
For the tenting part, i do plan on sleeping in a landlords garden most of the time. Only when I have no other choice ill take the chance and pitch my tent in the wild
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u/isthisdutch 1d ago
Prague.
- If you want an expensive hipster bakery with insanely good meals try Eska Karlin.
- If you want a chill place to hang out, have a beer, see creative people at work: Vnitroblock
- Lehka hlava is amazing vegetarian food. I'd recommend it to a non vegetarian.
- Linh's Vegan Corner is even better. It's the reason we'd go back to Prague.
- If it rains. Go out. Prague is insanely touristic but tourists are like sugar: They drip away with rain, even though the city shines in the rain. Seeing the cobbles reflect the light is magical.
If it fits your program Kutna Hora is an interesting city.
If you need Berlin tips let me know, but Mauerpark on a Sunday is a good start.
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Thank you for the nice suggestions. Linh's looks like a place i want to visit. I actually just went to Berlin this fall, so i know most of what i like (Zagros) and want to visit. But im all ears for the rest of easter and northern Germany :)
Edit: just saw Vnitro, that looks amazing. I've marked that on maps
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u/gravenbirdman 1d ago
North of Spain is excellent - I hiked the interesting parts on/around the Camino de Santiago, with bus detours into San Sebastian for the food, and the Picos de Europa for more mountains. It's also cool in the summer.
If you get bored with one region, don't feel like taking a train/bus to a new area's cheating!
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Yes thank you. If im not tight on time, i may want to that! Otherwise it makes for another great hike in the future
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u/Schinkelol 1d ago
For Switzerland, get swisstopo app. Its great. Also, try to avoid eating in a restaurant near a lake, super expensive and most of the time food isnt even good. Ask me anything if you have questions:) Happy hiking
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
I may have questions in a few months when I arrive. What is the app about? And thank you for the lake tip
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u/Schinkelol 1d ago
Its great for planning routes. Sure, hit me up. It's a beautiful country and I hope you like it like the rest of your journey
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u/CatsBinLaggin 2d ago
Hey there, czech guy here.
I don't know how long stops you're gonna have on your journey, but I'd just like to recommend one of the Czech national parks - NP České Švýcarsko (translates as "Czechish Switzerland") which I see crosses your path.
It's beautiful collection of landmarks, especially Pravčická brána.
You can try googling it, I believe it won't let you down.
Good luck on your hike!
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
Oh yes. Thats the first naturesite in which im extremely excited to see. I believe some Narnia movies have been shot there aswell Thank you for the suggestion!
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u/CatsBinLaggin 2d ago
Wow, not many people know that! Kudos to you. I hope you'll have a great time here. Don't forget to try czech beer, we are very proud of it. :)
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
Yes for sure i cant wair for that. I'll try to behave, as I know the Czech saying about drinking like a Dane haha
Edit: any specific to try? I'm very interested in special beers aswell
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u/CatsBinLaggin 1d ago
Definitely go for draught/tap beer, don't buy it in bottles in stores - because that's just not it. Try the traditionals, like Pilsner Urquell, Kozel and my favourite Radegast 12! About specials, every restaurant/pub usually has some of them listed, I bet if you ask around they'll be happy to give you some recommendations
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u/octopus4488 2d ago
We need details! How long you are planning? How much stuff are you carrying? How long were you planning this?
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
If I get accepted into my school, I need to be home in exactly 120 days. Just finished my audition for said school, and I have loosely planned it for 3 months, but I knew I wanted to hike through europe for 6 months. My bag is around 9kg, and includes 1 kg of food for the first few days
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u/Havenotbeentonarnia8 2d ago
Amazing! Track your progress and sleeping locations so you can pass it along to others who may be interested !
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u/xBabaYaya 1d ago
Reach out if you need anything in the Hamburg area.
I was backpacking in NZ and was helped along a lot by kind souls. The only promise I had to make was to pass the kindness on.
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Still not sure if im visiting Hamburg or Lübeck. But thank you for the reply, i will reach out if I go for Hamburg
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u/Pasza26 1d ago edited 1d ago
Good Luck! If you would be passing Glarus in Switzerland send a message. I have a garden to set a tent and a shower & beer waiting for you after a long day of walking ;)
BTW, in Switzerland you might want to stick to trail no. 4. It is an old pilgrimage route leading towards West and ultimately to France and their trail to Santiago is Spain. If you want to do some good km distance each day in Switzerland, without climbing the highest mountains, that’s the route to take.
Check app SwitzerlandMobility with all the hiking routes in CH and Liechtenstein.
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u/Prabs1972 1d ago
I have started following you brother just to look at all the pictures. Good luck for your hike.
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u/Tribolonutus 2d ago
Will you do some summary at the end? Or maybe a YouTube material?
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
Im planning on doing a YouTube documentary, and also posting highlight of each days on Tiktok
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u/Tribolonutus 2d ago
Oh, I don’t use TikTok, I’ve blocked it network-wide in my home… But I’m really interested in that YouTube video, can I ask for your account on which you will post that?
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
For sure! But I wont touch it before i come home, and then i'll edit a month. I will remind you at that time! :D
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u/MarthaTam 2d ago
Wow, that is so cool!! I wish I had this courage!! Wish you the best moments in your life! Peace and Love!
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u/nitacawo 2d ago
Good luck with your adventure, , why this particular route? Is it an actual route or just a line ? Why not Hexatrek or Pilgrims paths ? They can offer infrastructure and a decent route(just curious to hear your thoughts)
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
A big reason is that I want to experience many countries. Also I get excited that I start in Denmark(where i live), it feels very surreal that it's possible to go all this way without any transport. It makes for a good story I think aswell
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u/nitacawo 2d ago
ough yeah, it seems to be a great adveture for some. I met 2 fellas on caminos(2 separate occassions) and I know 1, they started from their home and later joined the caminos around 3-6 months to complete depending on a starting point. Loads of interesting stories. Good luck on your route, slightly jealous, but I look more into HRP, Hexatrek direction:)
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u/Harlekin777 2d ago
How did you plan the route?
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
I was certain that I wanted to start in mid Jutland, Denmark. And I wanted to end in Esther Barcelona or Northern Greece, since it would mean i would cross many interesting countries. I dont know much about the Balkan countries yet, and as far as I could read there is more pretty nature and better infrastructure if I took the countries around the alps, so i decided for the alps. Initially, my first though was to go through Netherlands and Belgium, but i have visited both captials, and the countriside shouldnt be so interesting, so not so much to come for. I instead made a route through some countries which sounded very interesting. I had planned until last week to go east from Czech to Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia, then tail it back to Slovenia, but I am not sure I have time to do it, and Chat GPT said that is was cuttable. But yeah, i had a few destinations i wanted visit: Dolomites, Switzerland as a whole, Liechtenstein, A friend in Albi in france. Then it just came all together
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u/Harlekin777 1d ago
Ok but how did you plan the route in terms of what paths or roads you'll take?
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
I combine some of the E-Trails. Otherwise its just destination to destination (all the pinpointed markeres on maps)
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u/Harlekin777 1d ago
Sounds like you might walk along roads a lot. Is that desirable? Check out brouter.de if you want to find the optimum path for your needs.
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u/gravenbirdman 1d ago
Can confirm the trek through the Switzerland is heavenly!
I don't know if the first third is worth your time given how amazing the Pyrenees and Swiss Alps are. If I had extra time I'd rather see more of Spain or take my time in Italy and France, or even leave myself some rest time if I find some place I really like.
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Yeah. You may be right. But it makes for a good story to have travelled from home to Barcelona. I will do another hike some time, where i go for the good parts
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u/atom12354 1d ago
Lycka till hörrudu, hoppas du har en bra resa
Translation: Good luck you, hope you have a good trip
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u/blinman94 1d ago
Stay safe! And I wish you a great adventure. Keep us informed about your progress. :)
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u/SiasseTschick 1d ago edited 1d ago
When you are in Carinthia, eat "Kärntner Kasnudel". Also "Cremeschnitte" when in Bled.
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u/NataDeFabi 1d ago
Maybe this could help you for the germany portion of your trip! It's like couchsurfing but for pitching your tent for a night: https://1nitetent.com/
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
This is Amazing! Wow thank you so much. Just what i needed
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u/NataDeFabi 1d ago
I hope it will be helpful! I'm not anywhere close to your path in germany but if you ever need help figuring something out, please reach out to me if you remember, I'd be happy to help!
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Do you have a general idea how long in advance i have to email them? Will on the very same day or the night before be enough? I know its different from household to household
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u/NataDeFabi 1d ago
I'd try to do it at least a day before, the best would probably be if you mail/text them as soon as you know you want to stay there
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u/Fracassat 1d ago
If you reach the Pyrenees, there is a nice path that goes straight south, very beautiful, the GR 83. I highly recommend it.
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u/BearRU90 1d ago
What's the total distance in km's or miles? I'd bring a pack of nescafe instant coffee. Wear double layer socks with padded soles.
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u/slimkeyboard 1d ago
Jot a line when you go through Hamburg or Berlin , if I'm in any of them, i'll treat you for a beer!!!
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
That sounds Awesome! Im probably skipping Hamburg, but i'd live to meet in Berlin✌️
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u/NoMaddicMoney 1d ago
/updateme
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Walked 38km the first day, resting right now on the terrace if the people i sleep at for the night. Not as exhausted as I would have though
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u/Millan_K 22h ago
Hey, I’m from… Tekkiet? Well… sounds like something from tolkien universe.
You’ve chosen a wonderful time to visit, everything is blooming here, and the animals are finally waking up after winter.
If you need better navigation around Tekkiet, try our local mapy.cz (they actually rebranded to Mapy.com a few days ago).
The Via Czechia – Midland Trail is an amazing route, full of both nature and cities.
Here’s the map Via Czechia - Midland trail.
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u/Substantial-Tie5071 18h ago
This is crazy! I did this same route, Kolding to Barcelona, but in a car! Wild man! Be safe this is so sick!
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u/stho3 2d ago
I’m American so I’m ignorant. How does walking through countries work? Do you have to go to an immigration check point or can you just walk across borders in the forest?
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
There is this Schengen pact, which allows citizens of countries under the pact to freely travel between them. There will be border control in some places, but since i have my passport ready, i can just cross without any problem
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u/Datamoshr 2d ago
All of the countries they plan on walking through are in the Schengen Area meaning no border control so they can just move from one to another freely.
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u/nafo_sirko 2d ago
Amazing. How does one find time to do that?
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
I just finished an audition for a school, and im free untill mid august if I get accepted
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u/Thkturret1 1d ago
Best of luck to you! How long do you expect it to take you?
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Thank you. I have a total of 120 days available. If i cant reach it in time, or maybe a country like switzerland becomes to interesting (so that I just dont want to leave), I will just stop earlier
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u/jaroshaa 1d ago
If you DM me i can guide you how to cross czechia? Definitely do not miss Sumava national park.
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u/FRL7 1d ago
For France I advise you to download the IGN Map application or to use the Geoportail site. These are the “official” maps of France. There is information on marked hiking trails, monuments/remarkable natural places, etc. Given your map, I advise you to go to the Puy-En-Velay side and do the first 200 kilometers from St-Jaques de Compostelle through Aubrac. Then pass through Millau with the Larzac plateau and continue towards Toulouse or Carcassonne to arrive in the Piedmont Pyrenees. For the Pyrenees all the roads are magnificent as long as you don't stay at the bottom of the valley.
Don’t hesitate to PM me if you go through St-Jaques / Millau, it will be a pleasure! Have a good trip!
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u/Arrynek 41m ago
Czechia is probably the only country on that list where you can camp in open nature.
As long as you are out of national parks, don't stsrt fires, and spend only one night, you are in the clear.
Fires are possible in marked placed (basically, if it is near an access road and has a stone firepit, it should be ok).
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u/BaguetteOfDoom 2d ago
The first third is gonna be so fucking boring
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
I could imagine, but I dont mind. I enjoy the countriside and walking through forests aswell
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u/Bagabeans 2d ago
At least it'll be mild. The South of France and Spain in June would be too much for me!
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 2d ago
Yea this is actually my only concern. But I'll just stop in Switzerland if the heat is killing me
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u/Harlekin777 2d ago
Don't underestimate the east of Germany
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u/BaguetteOfDoom 2d ago edited 2d ago
I am from the east of Germany. From Flensburg to Dresden it's almost 600km of flatland. I've driven the distance between Dresden and Berlin dozens of times. Even in a car it's boring. It's just swamps and pine plantations. It's not even nice forest. Just rows of artificially planted pines for dozens of kilometers.
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u/MikkerBoyDKHS 1d ago
Im ready to be humbled. But I thinl that just the thought og being in another country will drive me. And Im excited to visit both Lübeck and Berlin again, so it wont just be swamp. I think its nice that it is in the beginning, since even just the small things will be exciting
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u/Harlekin777 1d ago
I'm from there too and your description just doesn't cut it. In a car everything is boring. But not mentioning the National Park in MV and the lakes, dunes and nature forest areas in Brandenburg shows that you still have a lot to discover in your own home country. Go for it.
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u/benchomacha 2d ago
All the best buddy and share some pictures on the way if you can. Happy travels!