Ochsenweg

The Ochsenweg is an old long-distance route, it begins in Viborg in Denmark and leads into Hamburg. 1,000 years ago pious pilgrims, cattle drovers with their ox herds, merchants and craftsmen and, in times of war, kings and princes with their armies walked along it on their way from northern to central Europe. In the summer of 2008, the Midgard Foundation brought this time back to life: A small group of history enthusiasts traveled for a week following the example of the Old Saxons in the footsteps of their ancestors. The goal was not escaping into the past, but rather gaining inspiration from history for the future. During the walk, only everyday objects and equipment based on historical models were used; modern relief supplies were dispensed with. From handcarts to belt buckles, the entire equipment was manufactured or restored by the participants themselves. For the participants, the hike means more than just a leisure activity. Living through the psychological and physical pressure lead to a realistic experience. In this way, strengths and weaknesses of the equipment as well as human limits could be documented in an authentic context.