Guten Tag, meine lieben Freunde! (Good day, my dear friends!)

Today, I’ll take you with me on a 21.1 kilometers long stroll from the charming city of Wiener Neustadt, Austria to the delightful spa town of Baden bei Wien.

As my ceramic feet carried me through the Austrian landscape, I found myself completely taken by the multitude of vineyards that stretch as far as the gnome-eye can see. It was a sight to behold – a sea of green vines under the vast blue sky. It was so beautiful that it made even a grumpy gnome like me pause and admire.

Austrians have a saying, “Der beste Dünger ist der Schatten des Bauern.” (The best fertilizer is the farmer’s shadow.) It speaks volumes about their dedication to their crafts and fields. It’s not just about the work itself, but the love, care and attention that goes into it.

Now, let’s talk numbers. With this journey, I’ve covered a whopping 4635.3 kilometers. I’ve been on the road for 153 days, with interesting stops at places like Hartberg, Aspang-Markt, Wiener Neustadt, Baden bei Wien, and Klosterneuburg. Despite the language changes after crossing borders, I’ve managed to pick up a few phrases here and there.

A local song that I’ve learned goes like this, “Im tiefen Keller sitz’ ich hier, mit meinem Glase Bier…” (I sit here in the deep cellar, with my glass of beer…) It’s a classic folk song that Austrians love to sing when they’re in a jolly mood.

To sum up my thoughts, I’ll share a philosophical musing that has been on my mind: Auf der langen Reise des Lebens ist es wichtig, nicht nur das Ziel, sondern auch die Reise zu genießen. (On the long journey of life, it’s important not only to enjoy the destination, but also the journey.)

Until next time, auf Wiedersehen! (Goodbye!)

Ah Baden bei Wien, a city that whispers tales from the past while humming tunes of the present. One of the fascinating things about this city is its thermal springs, known as “Thermenregion“. As the locals say, “Wenn Sie sich entspannen wollen, kommen Sie zu unseren Thermen!” – If you want to relax, come to our thermal springs! Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, Austria’s renowned composers, were known to enjoy these soothing waters.

Secondly, the city is home to the summer residence of the great composer, Ludwig van Beethoven. It’s said he composed his masterpiece, the Ninth Symphony, here. They say, “Beethoven fand seine Inspiration in Baden” – Beethoven found his inspiration in Baden. So, if you’re in search of inspiration or relaxation, Baden bei Wien is the place to be. A city seeped in culture, springing with life, and resounding with the echoes of history where the past and the present dance in harmony.