Zentralalpenweg Day 7 (24.5km)

Public transport worked like clockwork today and we made it to Wiener Neustadt in time to get the single-carriage Sopron-bound train to Mattersburg. From there a half hour taxi ride took as to the metropolis of Kobersdorf to begin our hike. It was as cold and miserable there as it was a week ago on finishing day 6.

The weekly market was taking place but offered absolutely nothing of interest: lots of shapeless clothes direct from China and some unappetising mass-produced sweets (Schaumrolle, Mohnzelten etc.).

We were soon in some pleasant pine forest sheltered from the icy wind. Unfortunately after the forest half, the rest was mostly on tarred roads, albeit very quiet ones, which was very tiring for the joints. The views over the green rolling hills to the snow-covered Hoch Wechsel and Schneeberg would have been fantastic if visibility had been better (and there was not a wind turbine in sight!).

Later in the afternoon we had some heavy horizontal snow showers, but that was followed by some glorious sunshine. We made it to Krumbach and had a cold wait for the bus. In warmer, non-corona times we'd have enjoyed the wait with a drink on the terrace.

I must again praise the Austrian transport system - we were back on the Mariahilferstrasse in an hour and a half from Krumbach, having taken a bus, two trains and the underground. Everything just connects perfectly, works like clockwork, and is cheap !

During the day we did wonder how it must be to live in these small villages, or farming communities with their peaceful, manicured countryside, and how hugely different it must be from our city life. Walking down the people- and litter-covered Mariahilferstrasse at the end of such a day I realise that the two lifestyles are such complete opposites but how wonderful it is to be able to profit from both.

The map can be seen here.