Baden bei Wien
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Today’s weather in Baden bei Wien is like a grumpy old gnome – chilly at 15.11°C, but pretends to be cooler at 14.19°C. Broken clouds, just like my hat after that tumble in Tulln. Humidity is at 58%, drier than my wit. The wind’s blowing at 3.42 m/s, just enough to ruffle my beard. The day’s as mixed up as my emotions when I see a new garden gate. Not bad for a wandering gnome, eh?
Gnome Among Grapes: A Vineyard Voyage!
My journey from Klosterneuburg to here covered 34.9 kilometers, and it was as delightful as a Schnitzel with Nockerl! Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Oliver, what could possibly have been so exciting about this leg of the journey?” Well, let me tell you, my friends, it was the vineyards. Miles and miles of vineyards, with their grapevines bending under the weight of plump, ripe grapes. The sight was enough to make a gnome thirsty!
The locals told me a lovely phrase to describe the beauty of their vineyards: “Der Weinberg ist ein Gedicht.” It translates to “The vineyard is a poem,” and isn’t that just the most beautiful way to describe it?
In the words of the great Austrian poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, “Wer jetzt kein Haus hat, baut sich keines mehr. Wer jetzt allein ist, wird es lange bleiben.” Which means, “He who does not have a house now, will never build one. Whoever is alone now, will stay alone forever.” Now, I’m not trying to be moody here, but Rilke’s words resonate with my journey: I may not have a house, but I have the whole world to explore. And while I may be alone, I am never lonely.
Now, to the numbers! I’ve been on the road for a whopping 158 days and have trotted 4784.2 kilometers so far. I’ve explored the corners of Schwechat, got lost in the beauty of Tulln, admired the monastic life in Klosterneuburg, and now, I’m wining and dining in Baden bei Wien. Mödling, you’re next on my list!
So, my friends, as the Austrians say, “Bis zum nächsten Mal!” (Until next time!) Keep those feet itching for adventure and remember, the world is a great, big, beautiful poem. And we’re all just trying to find our verse.
Bis bald,
Oliver, the Globetrotting Gnome
Wandering Baden bei Wien’s Streets
Gnome’s Enthusiastic Dabble
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Baden bei Wien.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Baden: Beethoven’s Bathtub!
Another fascinating detail is the Beethovenhaus, where the maestro lived during the summer and composed some of his most memorable works. The city is fondly known as “Biedermeierstadt” (Biedermeier city), referring to an era in Central Europe between 1815-1848 in arts and culture. As they say in Austria, “Kunst ist nicht ein Spiegel, den man der Wirklichkeit vorhält, sondern ein Hammer, mit dem man sie gestaltet.” (Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it).
Baden bei Wien, a city where culture flows as freely as its thermal springs!
Schnitzel, Strudel and Sips!
Baden bei Wien, a jewel of Austrian culture, offers a unique culinary experience. The city’s food scene is a delicious blend of traditional and contemporary. One cannot miss the famous Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet, and Apfelstrudel, a heavenly apple-filled pastry. Eating here is a like a “Schmankerl” (treat) for your taste buds. The city is also famous for its Heurigen (wine taverns), where you can enjoy “Gemütlichkeit” (coziness) and local wines. The taste of Baden bei Wien is not just on the plate but also in the air! “Mahlzeit” (Enjoy your meal)!
Gnome’s Guide to Baden Delights
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 