Day 4 - Gmunden to Linz

Much more strenuous cycle today, longer and hilly. It was warm and sunny, 30C nearly too hot at times. The first part of the cycle was through open farmland - fields of corn and fruit trees. Spotted red squirrels and deer along the route. About half-way on the trip you come to a spot called the Traunfalle, a mini-waterfall on the Traun river. The guide recommended emulating the locals and jumping off the cliffs into the river. Gave it a go. It definitely woke me up, the water was even colder than the lake. They must use it as a hangover cure.

The wakeup call was well-timed because I discovered the map for the next leg of the trip was missing. Got to use all my limited German asking for directions over the next few miles. Made it to Lambach and took the train from there to Linz.

Linz’s tourist appeal is somewhat hampered by the fact that it is Hitler’s home town or at least his favourite one. The old town looks nice though and it has its own “Bermuda Triangle” pub area similar to Vienna.