Linz

I went to see a festival in Linz on Saturday night, so in the end I explored the city on Sunday. As I hadn’t sat on a bike for a while, I decided to start sightseeing on two wheels in Pöstlingberg. This is the main landmark in Linz: a double spired church at the top of a hill, with a fantastic view. The square and its surroundings are awe-inspiring, but the rest is a predominantely industrial landscape.

I went to bed early that night because I planned to pack in the morning.

In numbers: 17.0 km – 1.3 hours in the saddle –  average speed 11.9 kph – maximum 51.45

Linz

I woke up early in the morning, packed my things and set off towards Linz. The city lies in a bend of the Danube. Although it is an industrial city, it is also one of the most significant cultural cities in Europe (it was the Capital of Culture 2009) . Every year it appears in

lists of the best European cities to live in.

I took quarters in a scout shelter and after having a refreshing shower, I set off to discover the city.  My goal was the information center and to find an Internet connection.

We had lots of fun with the scouts in the evening, and they even taught me how to shake hands in the original scout way. I explained how rose wine is produced and why  red wine is red to a couple from Vienna.  Previously I had worked as a sommelier, and it was nice to be able to share some of the knowledge that I had gained from this job :)

In numbers: 23.2 km – 1.3 hours in the saddle – average speed 15.5 kph – maximum 34.21

Krems- somewhere before Linz

Today I found myself pedalling in picturesque countryside: rolling hills rising around the Danube, rows of vines lining their sides.  I could not get enough of this view: it was fabulous!  The villages were amazing too. Some of them seemed touched by the air of Tuscany (and when I arrive there, I will see if this feeling is justified).

I left the town of Melk, which was originally supposed to be my next stop, with 100 km left to reach Linz. Luckily there were information centers with maps in every village.

I spent the night in a forest 24 km from Linz. I felt a bit more unsettled than on the previous night, but I slept well enough in the end.

In numbers: 134 km – 7.3 hours in the saddle – average speed 17.96 kph– maximum 52.42

Vienna – somewhere past Krems

I got news at night that I must get to Linz by Friday in order to obtain the keys for my shelter. Therefore the planned rest day had to be skipped...

The plan was to cycle more than 100 km today, but after setting off I had to go back because I had forgotten to pack my newly-washed clothes!

With the help of a map it was easy to find my way out of the city.  I reached Tulln really quickly, although I had not even gone 50 km. According to my itinerary I was supposed to camp somewhere around this region. A statue of Attila is situated here on the banks of the Danube. I took some photos and made a video of it before setting off again. I finally pitched my tent in this winemaking region, where the Kis-Duna flows.

In numbers: 108.7 km – 5.5 hours in the saddle – average speed 18.36 kph – maximum 33.63