On a pioneer wagon holiday most things are prepared in advance. The routes and day stages are given, the camps are fixed and the wagon's equipment is in place. Therefore, you can concentrate on the horses and the wagon and get a proper chance to see and experience during the trip.

Maybe you are tempted to take a swim in a lake or in the sea during the day, maybe it is time to build a cave on the way, or you want to catch some fish for dinner. Maybe you want to pick some mushrooms and berries or maybe there is a booth along the way with fresh vegetables and fruits.

At night, when you sit around the camp fire or enjoy the cosiness of the wagon, you only hear the quiet neighing of the horses and the sounds of nature – human, what else do you need?

You can go on a pioneer wagon holiday several places in Denmark, e.g. on the green and hilly island of Samsø (www.samsoeturist.dk) in Kattegat, around the fertile Silkeborg (www.silkeborg.com) surrounded by forest in the middle of Jutland and in the beautiful and open Himmerland south of Limfjorden (www.visitnordjylland.dk) as well as on the idyllic southern part of Funen (www.visitfyn.com).

The high season for pioneer wagon holidays is during the school holidays, i.e. from ultimo June to mid August. During this period, the usual holiday period is one week. Out of season, you can also book for shorter periods of time or for weekends.

There are no particular requirements and knowledge of horses or horse wagon driving is not necessary. After the arrival, you will receive thorough instructions in how to steer the wagon and how to deal with the horses. You will get a description of the tour and detailed maps – and then it is off.

The daily trips usually last 2-3 hours in the morning, and after a well-deserved lunch break, there are another 2-3 hours of travelling in the afternoon.

The pioneer wagon usually sits 4-5 people and it is fitted with table and benches that doubles as comfy sleeping places at night. Moreover, you get kitchen equipment and cutlery, gas jets, cooler or refrigerator, water container and fodder for the horses. Many wagons are fitted with a chemical toilet. Make sure to check whether duvets or blankets and pillows are included.

Remember to bring bed linen, towels, kitchen towels, kitchen cloths, matches and flash lights. It is also a good idea to bring food for the first day, so you don't have to worry about shop opening hours etc.

You sleep at fixed camp sites where the facilities are fairly sparse. I.e. there is a water tap, a primitive toilet, maybe an outdoor shower (with cold water!), a fire place, often a barbeque, tables and benches, so you have to prepare to be far away from "civilization". However, do not despair; there is usually an opportunity to get a hot shower several times during the trip.

It is recommended that you book the pioneer wagon holiday early, this type of holiday is popular, but the supply is fairly limited.

Expect to pay DKK 4,000-5,800 per wagon for a week during high season. Out of season, the price is approx. DKK 3,400-4,400 for a week, and weekends cost DKK 1,900-2,800.