PHOTOS: Hiker duo WALKS from Czech Republic to Liberland

Two youthful hikers went on a seven-hundred kilometre trek from Broumy, Czechia to the Free Republic of Liberland (plus Apatin, Serbia)! Martin Berner and Jan Urban (the hiker duo), spent forty-nine days on their backpacking journey.

“We are two friends that decided to visit Liberland using only our strength.”

As is the case with virtually every international backpacking trip, the friends were subject to many variable conditions, including weather, border passage, and physical health. Nonetheless, the team persevered and made it all the way! Most of the trip was by foot, and the last portion was by boat, paddling on the Danube River.

To put that in perspective, here is a map showing Google’s recommended walking route for the same starting and ending points. The trip went through at least four countries (not including Liberland).

Berner spoke with Liberland Press, saying, “Hello dear citizens of Liberland, my name is Martin and behind the camera there is Jan. We are two friends that decided to visit Liberland using only our strength. Our journey started on 6th of September and we reached [Liberland] after forty-nine days. During our journey we slept in forests, someone’s houses, or—when it was necessary—in hotels. From…our home, we are walking for over 700 kilometres and in Mohács we have bought a boat and sailed on the route to Apatin.”

Berner added that the trek had “one great reason” which motivated them to complete it: “collecting money to support Barbora Štancová, who is a wheelchair girl with mental health issues. She is going to turn eighteen and medical insurance won’t pay for her rehabilitations anymore, so we decided to help her and her family through Instagram. During this journey we are actively posting photos, videos, and stories on Instagram and we did ask people if they can support” her.

The team told Liberland Press that “It’s not a[n] official charity,” but that they are seeking to help her by spreading awareness through “Czech language” Instagram posts. The hikers provided Liberland Press with the following banking information for those who are interested in financially contributing to help Štancová:

Name: Barbora Štancová, Bank account: 2889255153/0800, Bank: Česká spořitelna, Address: Prague 4, Olbrachtova 1929/62, 140 00

Liberland Press independently verified with Česká spořitelna (bank) the accuracy of the information. Filip Hrubý, Česká spořitelna press officer and leader of the external communication team, told Liberland Press, “I do confirm that aforementioned account belongs to our portfolio of transparent accounts, which you can access here.”

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The hikers met many people along the way and visited homes, tasted food, and even watched a local sporting event!

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Berner signed-off his video message by saying, “thank you very much for listening, and have a great day. Liberland!”

“During our journey we slept in forests, someone’s houses, or—when it was necessary—in hotels.”

The hikers provided Liberland Press with a collection of photos from their journey.