The Gendarme Path

The Gendarme Path is named after the former border gendarmes who, for many years, guarded the national border and monitored shipping along the coast. Their patrols were carried out on foot, and each gendarme was responsible for a specific section of the border. In some areas, existing paths and roads were used, while in others, new trails were created across private land. This is how the Gendarme Path came into being.

The border gendarmes patrolled along what is now the Danish–German border from the Reunification in 1920 until 1958, after which the responsibility was taken over by the police.

Over time, much of the path fell into disuse. However, since 1988, the former Sønderjylland County, together with the state and local municipalities, has worked to restore and mark the historic route, making it accessible to hikers.

The project was completed in 1996, and today it is possible to follow the marked trail from Padborg to Skovby—a distance of approximately 84 kilometres.