Heiko Gärtner and Franz Bujor: On the World’s Longest Charity Walk
But their story doesn't stop there. In 2020, they paused their walk to take on another ambitious project—building a massive expedition vehicle. Nestled in the remote wilderness of northern Sweden, the duo spent four years converting an old shipping container and a truck trailer into a mobile base camp. This eco-friendly "container house" is now a fully equipped hub for future expeditions, with potential to support projects as far away as Africa.
With the container house completed, Heiko and Franz are back on the move, this time in a new, thrilling way. Their latest adventure? Riding two ICE Adventure HD trikes from northern Sweden to southern Germany. The goal is not only to continue their charitable mission, but also to do something profoundly personal—spend Christmas with their families for the first time in ten years.
Their route begins in a small, remote village in northern Sweden, following the stunning coastline of the Baltic Sea. As they pedal south, they pass through charming towns and cities, heading towards Uppsala. Along the way, they take in cultural landmarks like the birthplace of Astrid Lindgren, the beloved author of Pippi Longstocking. The journey continues down to Trelleborg, where they’ll cross the Baltic Sea by ferry to Rostock, Germany. Once on German soil, they follow the scenic path along the Polish-German border, navigating through forests and countryside, until they finally arrive in their hometown of Nuremberg.
What comes next for these intrepid explorers is still being mapped out, but the horizon is as wide as the world itself. After reuniting with loved ones, they plan to take their trikes on an epic ride through Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, all the way to Australia and New Zealand. This time, Heiko’s partner, Shania Tolinka, who has already joined them on previous legs of their journey, will once again be by their side.
Whether they’re trekking across continents or building sustainable homes in remote regions, Heiko, Franz, and Shania document their adventures online, sharing their extraordinary experiences via YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms. They also collaborate with media outlets—television, radio, and print—to inspire others to think differently about travel, charity, and the way we engage with the world.
Stay tuned, because their journey is far from over. Whether on foot or on trikes, Heiko Gärtner and Franz Bujor are charting new paths in adventure, and human connection.
Website: https://charitywalking.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebensabenteurer/
YouTube: //www.youtube.com/@heikogaertner/">https://www.youtube.com/@heikogaertner/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaertner.heiko/
The Adventure HD is the pinnacle of touring trikes, crafted for those who value comfort, resilience, and a touch of style on long journeys. Engineered with a durable, wider frame and a higher seat, the Adventure HD offers an accessible, comfortable riding experience tailored to extended trips and varied terrain. Its robust construction, paired with a sleek design, means you’re not only touring but doing so with sophistication and ease. Heiko Gärtner and Franz Bujor currently travel on the Adventure HD, relying on its exceptional stability and comfort for their expeditions. This trike is ideal for riders looking to explore the world in style without sacrificing performance, whether on winding roads or off-road paths.
