Guten Tag, meine Freunde! Greetings, dear friends from the land of Mozart and strudels!

I, your favorite grumpy gnome Oliver, took a delightful little 31.5km stroll from Hartberg to Aspang-Markt recently. Don’t ask how long it took, my little legs were quite busy!

Hartberg, with its charming medieval center, was a sight to behold, but it was the journey to Aspang-Markt that really lit up my gnome heart. The mesmerizing scenery, the rolling hills, and the vibrant wildflowers, it felt like walking through a living painting.

But let me share with you one interesting observation. Along the way, I came across an ancient oak tree, standing tall and proud, seemingly unaffected by the passage of time. As a gnome, I have a deep-rooted respect for trees, but this one, it spoke to me. I couldn’t help but quote the Austrian poet, Georg Trakl: “Tiefer Herbst. Nachts stürzt ein Stern”. It translates to: “Deep Autumn. At night a star falls”.

This is my 151st day on the road, and so far, I’ve traveled a whopping 4583.2 km. Yes, yes, I know, quite the expedition for a gnome, eh? I’ve made my way through Graz, Hartberg, and Wiener Neustadt, each place leaving its unique imprint on me.

As I journey through this beautiful country, I’m constantly reminded of an Austrian saying, “Das Leben ist kein Ponyhof”. It translates to “Life is not a pony farm”, meaning life is not always as easy or as pleasant as one might wish. It’s a perfect reflection of my journey, filled with challenges, but also with immense beauty and joy.

And remember, there’s a famous Austrian song that goes, “In der Heimat, da gibt’s ein Wiedersehn!”. It means “Back home, there will be a reunion!”. So, until we meet again, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep sharing. Wiedersehen, my friends!

Auf Wiedersehen! Goodbye for now!

Aspang-Markt is more than just a city, it’s a living testament to Austrian history. The city sparkles with tales of the past and the present intertwined, making it an intriguing place to visit. One of the most fascinating things about Aspang-Markt is its deep connection to the famed Austrian artist, Egon Schiele. It is said that he often found inspiration in the city’s quaint charm and picturesque landscapes. His paintings, such as “Houses with Colorful Laundry (Suburb II)” were a tribute to the city’s vibrant culture.

Another point of interest is Aspang-Markt’s link to the intriguing history of the Iron Curtain. The city was one of the last stops on the Austrian Eastern Railway before reaching the border. A local phrase “Der letzte Zug ist abgefahren” (The last train has left) is often used to reference this historical period.

In short, Aspang-Markt is a city that thrives on its past, yet is firmly rooted in the present. It’s a city that truly embodies the Austrian spirit of “Gemütlichkeit” – a sense of comfort, contentment, and camaraderie.