Bye Česká Republika - Hello Austria

On Monday morning, June 19, 2017, we set off towards Mühlviertel and thus to Austria. We leave Višší Brod on the picturesque Abtweg 1 along the Menčí Vltavice. Despite very summery temperatures and a partly steep climb, it is very pleasant to walk. The mixed forest provides shade and the water brings cooler air. On the way, we pass the waterfalls of St. Wolfgang and after about an hour we reach the pilgrimage site of Maria Rast am Stein. So far, this was probably the most beautiful hiking trail we have walked.

After a snack break, we continue south. Along well-developed cycle paths, we make our way to the border, which we cross shortly after 2:00 pm. There is still one last climb to master for today before we go downhill to the Sternstein-Lift-Talstation. Actually, there is no catering on Mondays, but the nice receptionist still gets me a coffee and some water for Rango. A short time later, we continue our hike through the forest to Bad Leonfelden.

According to the navigation system, there is a pond near the northern entrance to the village, where we will stop for today. On the way, I ended up in a mud hole, so the hiking shoes need to be roughly cleaned before they can go to the shoemaker. When we arrive at the pond, we immediately meet the tenant, the water is an old fire pond converted for fish farming. After a short chat, I leave Rango and my luggage behind and follow the directions to an orthopedic shoemaker. I can pick up my boots the next afternoon, so it looks like a rest day in Bad Leonfelden.

Back at the pond, I start talking to Friedel and the nephew of his brother, who has joined us in the meantime. Two hours and a few beers later, the search for a place to sleep for tonight is also taken care of. I can sleep at Friedel's bungalow, right by his pond. Great!