…in my own city. That’s right!
I have traveled to some 50+ countries and each one of them was amazing, fascinating or simply eye-opening in their own ways and to differing extent. And believe me, there are many more on my list 🙂

However, I have never really explored my own backyard. I mean, living in Vienna I have never been to places as close as Munich, for example. Or even closer within my own country there is so much beauty I have not yet seen.
So, this past sunday I went for a hike around the woods of our gorgeous capital city. It was a decent walk, some 11 kilometres, not too steep, so pretty much anyone can do it. The weather has seen friendlier days, but it was alright, with some fog and a light drizzle now and then, which didn’t bother us. While walking I was never cold. I enjoyed the atmosphere of being in the forest with all the trees leaves shimmering in all tones of brown, yellow and gold combined with the humid fog hanging in between. It had something out of a horror movie, but never felt scary.

I discovered a small restaurant which has the feels of a mountain hut, yet overlooks the whole city and is easy to get to. Who would’ve known? It’s called “Häusl am Stoan” and on its menu you will find classic Austrian-meat-heavy dishes as well as high-calorie-to-die-for desserts, both of which should be ok for your conscience if you’re on a hike, I guess. 😉
Inside it’s mainly wood and a ton of decoration, all of which confirms the feels of a ski lodge, where you take a break from gliding down the slopes, while sipping hot chocolate with whipped cream and rum, while warming up.

We came by horses, sheep and donkeys and enjoyed dreaming about one day owning one of the few cute houses that are hidden in the woods. While partly overgrown by moss and other plant stuff they all boast beautiful views and gardens and provide the luxury of being in a city, yet giving the feel of living in the nature with no one else around.

I can only recommend to anyone to go on a hike around the city. Basically they’re all easy to get to by public transportation – because we’re living in one of the best connected cities of the world – and they’re all free to do and easy to follow by being marked with signs and color codes. So keep your eyes open, don’t get lost, take in the nature, the beauty of things so close to home. It’s a great way to escape the masses of tourists crowding the inner city and popular sights, but be warned: even here we came across a quite large group of Japanese who clearly had the same idea as we did. But there is enough room for everyone, no worries.

Walk, let your mind wander, observe, breathe and just be!