Schwechat
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 162, Schwechat: The weather is as fickle as a gnome’s mood, eh? 18.28°C, but feels like 17.13°C. As if I could tell the difference with my stone-cold skin! Scattered clouds overhead, pretending to be sheep. Bah! Humidity at 37%, just enough to keep my beard from frizzing. A slight breeze of 2.24 m/s – enough to ruffle my hat but not enough to sweep me off my feet. A gnome’s life, my friends, is full of such monumental moments. Onward!
Vienna Sausage to Schwechat Cheese!
Now, you might be wondering what caught my eye on this particular journey. Well, it was the way the urban landscape of Vienna gradually gave way to the more rural, rustic charm of Schwechat. It’s as if I was walking back in time, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city for the serenity of country life. It made me quote the great Austrian philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein, who once said, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” I felt like my world was expanding with every step I took away from Vienna and towards Schwechat.
In the local language, as I passed locals, I’d greet them with a hearty “Servus!” (Hello!) and they’d respond with a warm “Grüß Gott!” (God greet you!). It’s these small interactions that truly enrich my journey and make every kilometer worthwhile.
To add a bit of a local flavor, here’s a line from a popular Austrian folk song, “I bin a stiller Zecher, trink gern a Glaserl Wein”, which translates to “I am a quiet drinker, I like to drink a glass of wine”. It’s a simple phrase, but it captures the laid-back, contented spirit of the Austrian countryside.
Today’s journey brings my total distance traveled to a grand total of 4831 kilometers. Over the past 162 days, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting beautiful cities like Baden bei Wien, Mödling, Vienna, and now Schwechat. And there are still so many more towns to explore, so many more kilometers to walk, and so many more experiences to share with you all.
So, here’s to the open road and the journey ahead. Until next time, Auf Wiedersehen! (Goodbye!)
Wandering Schwechat’s Streets
Gnome’s Humble Palette Play
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Schwechat.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Hopping Through Schwechat’s Brewtiful History!
The first fascinating thing about Schwechat is its connection to Anton Dreher, the man who revolutionized the brewing industry. It’s here, in Schwechat, that Dreher brewed “Schwechater Lager” (Schwechat Lager) in 1841, the world’s first lager beer. Now that’s what I call a hoppy history!
The second delightful discovery is the Refinery Cultural Landscape Park – an industrial monument turned green oasis. It’s a testament to Austrians’ love for nature and culture. As the famous poet Rainer Maria Rilke said, “Wer spricht von Siegen? Überstehen ist alles.” (Who speaks of victory? To endure is everything.)
Austria is so much more than Mozart and schnitzel, it’s a country full of surprises. And Schwechat, with its beer and greenery, surely is one of them. Stay tuned for more of my gnome-azing adventures! Prost! (Cheers!)
Schnitzel, Suds and Schwechat!
With its rich culture and history, Schwechat boasts a unique food scene that’s deeply rooted in Austrian tradition. It’s a place where “Guten Appetit” (Bon Appetit) rings in the air as people relish hearty local dishes. A standout is the Schwechater Schnitzel, a delectable twist on the classic Wiener Schnitzel, crusted with cheese and herbs. Pair it with a frosty mug of Schwechater Bier, a local brew dating back to 1632, and you’ll be echoing the Austrian saying, “Das Leben ist zu kurz, um schlechtes Bier zu trinken” (Life’s too short to drink bad beer). A stroll down the local farmers market, Wochenmarkt Schwechat, reveals a cornucopia of fresh produce and homemade delicacies. Schwechat’s food scene is a reflection of its people – gemütlich (cozy and convivial), proud and deeply traditional.
Schwechat’s Gnome-Nificent Sights
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 