This week, we’re headed to the Czech Republic to chat with Jan Kerner, one of the organisers of EURORANDO 2026.

EURORANDO is Europe’s largest hiking festival, organised every five years by the European Ramblers Association. Since its first edition in 2001, it has become a tradition that brings together thousands of walkers from across the continent.

The 2026 edition will be unique in that it is hosted across two countries — the Czech Republic and Germany — with the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory/Erzgebirge) serving as the central venue.

From 20–27 September 2026, the towns of Boží Dar, Loučná pod Klínovcem, and Kurort Oberwiesenthal will act as hubs for the event. Participants can expect 30 guided trails of varying lengths and difficulty, alongside marked unguided routes for those who prefer to walk independently. The programme also includes cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, and regional markets, highlighting the mining heritage of the UNESCO‑listed Ore Mountains.

EURORANDO 2026 coincides with the European Walking Day (26 September) and the European Week of Sport. It will also be closely linked with the 123rd Deutscher Wandertag (German Hiking Day), in Oberwiesenthal from 24–27 September.

Tickets are already available, and the cost includes access to guided hikes, cultural events, and shuttles.

To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at jim@walkingpost.com

Linda Åkeson McGurk is a Swedish‑American writer and journalist best known for her books There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather (2017) and The Open‑Air Life (2022).

Her work explores Scandinavian parenting and lifestyle traditions, especially the cultural ethos of raising children outdoors year‑round.

The Scandinavian philosophy of friluftsliv (literally “open‑air life”) is a cultural tradition that emphasises everyday immersion in nature — not as a sport or conquest, but as a way of living. Coined in the 19th century, it reflects a belief that well‑being, resilience, and harmony come from time spent outdoors, whether walking, skiing, or simply sitting by a lake. Closely tied to this is the right to roam (allemansrätten in Swedish), which grants people legal access to most land for walking, camping, and foraging, provided they respect nature and private property. Together, these traditions underpin McGurk’s advocacy for outdoor parenting and everyday connection to the natural world.

While friluftsliv and the right to roam emphasise free access, and are not just limited to Sweden, many regions are experimenting with fees and taxes linked to walking and outdoor recreation. Examples include park entry fees: Some national parks, like proposals in the UK’s Peak District, consider small charges (e.g. £1) to offset funding cuts. There are also tourist taxes, as cities and regions across Europe are introducing levies on overnight stays, which indirectly fund walking infrastructure and landscape maintenance. In other places, trail charges have been introduced. In heavily visited areas, fees are being imposed, or considered to manage overcrowding and environmental impact.

These measures are controversial: advocates argue they provide much‑needed investment in trails and conservation, while critics worry they undermine the tradition of free access and could discourage participation.

To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at jim@walkingpost.com

This week’s podcast guest is Emma Craig, author of Slow Travel Isle of Man, which will be published by Bradt in January 2026.

The book is part of Bradt’s award-winning Slow Travel series, designed for readers who want to explore destinations in depth and at a more leisurely pace.

The Isle of Man guide offers practical advice for discovering the island’s character, from its coastal paths and glens to its historic towns and seasonal traditions such as Hop tu Naa. It also includes tips for quieter routes and cultural events.

Craig grew up on the Isle of Man and has strong Manx roots. After studying in Paris, she moved to London before returning to the island recently. Her background gives the guide an insider’s perspective on the island’s landscapes, heritage, and community.

Slow Travel Isle of Man is available for pre-order now through Bradt and major booksellers.

To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at jim@walkingpost.com