Aschach to Grien

After a good nights sleep and a 90 km day ahead of us we awoke early and had everything ready to go by 7AM. Unbeknownst to us, breakfast was not until 8AM. So we used the time to prep the bikes for the day. (Unlocking the bikes, getting our pannier loaded, water bottles filled etc.)

After breakfast we set out to a wonderful clear and cool morning ride along the south side of the river. The scenery was spectacular and some of the best thus far. The path was generally quiet and we enjoyed the morning beauty.

As the kilometers ticked away we followed our planned route to a ferry crossing at Ottensheim. We marveled at the Ottenshiem castle from the ferry and wondered what it was. A Monastery or a Castle etc? Apparently it’s a privately owned Castle.

Once we crossed the river on the ferry the route took us along the northern side of the river and next to a highway. We followed the busy road on and off into the city of Linz. Linz appeared to be another metropolis, and with a longer day ahead of us we choose not to visit, and instead press on.

After meandering the north side we followed close to the river which was pleasant enough, but hindered by the lengthy industrial area that filled the south side of the river. Definitely not an area where the river cruise ships would linger. As we left the industrial area and the city of Linz behind the scenery improved.

As we were leaving the industrial area and into more scenic areas, we encountered an aid car helping an elderly woman cyclist who had crashed or had some sort of accident. We seemed to have arrived only a few minutes after the aid car as she was still being treated and appeared to be skinned up pretty bad. Reality set in and we offered prayer for the woman and the medics attending to her. Witnessing events like this reminded us how grateful we are for God’s protection on us thus far on this journey. We pedaled on with a renewed sense of caution to be as careful as we can be.

After stopping for a snack lunch at a park bench along the river we reached the next river crossing point where we crossed over the dam and locks to the south side near the town of Wallsee. On the approach to Wallsee we noticed a castle on the ridge, and decided to take a side trip to see what it was. After huffing up some very steep roads, we made it to the top and the gates of the Wallsee Schloss (castle), only to find it closed. A bit of research shows that it’s privately owned but is used as an event center.

Descending the hill from the Schloss, we connected back to the cycle path and traveled for several kilometers through some scenic farm land of corn and pumpkins fields before arriving at our destination of Grien. We navigated to our hotel and set into the routine of washing the road grime off and relaxing a bit before enjoying a hearty dinner.

Thus we close out another day on the Danube cycle path with hearts full of gratitude. (and thoughts and prayers for the injured woman. )