Wednesday was a holiday in Austria, so Eric and I drove to the Almsee. We came here on week 53 with our friends and walked around the lake. This time we hiked up to a mountain top called the Ameisstein.

The trail is not marked very well. The only way we even knew about it is from others sharing the route descriptions. As we started our hike, Eric tracked our route on his AllTrails app. So now anyone using the app will be able to follow in our footsteps with maybe one or two wrong turns–oops 😂

The 776 m high mountain is easy-ish to conquer. After only an hour uphill, we reached the top and were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the snow covered Almsee.

We made our way back down the mountain and headed for the hut serving hot punch and pastries. One of the best parts of hiking is getting to the cute little alpine huts to enjoy yummy refreshments.

Pre-Austria, Eric and I did not do much hiking. Living in Illinois, I worked all day in downtown Chicago, so I was surrounded by sky scrapers. On the weekends, we spent our time doing house projects. Usually only getting our outdoor fix from walking the dogs, playing basketball in our drive way, or sitting in our backyard.

Moving to Austria really ignited our love for the mountains, discovering new trails, and challenging ourselves to get to the top of whatever mountain we found ourselves at. With over 4,100 trails, hiking and the outdoors in general is a big part of the Austrian lifestyle.

If you are not used to hiking, it can be tough. The elements whip you into shape. Half-way through the strenuous hikes, I tend to think to myself why are we doing this? Our muscles are aching, heart rates climbing, and blisters are popping from rubbing in our boots–but then we reach the top and my question is answered. The views here are breathtaking.

I researched a few benefits of hiking:

1. Hiking Soothes and Clears the Mind. In today’s world of chaos and constant stimulation, getting into nature offers a way to find some silence and clarity.

2. Hiking Makes us More Mindful. In nature, the birds serenade us, and the fresh air electrifies more than coffee ever could. The vibrancy of the trees and flowers overwhelms our eyes; while the deep blue of the sky inspires. All our senses are awakened when we spend time in nature.

3. Hiking Rejuvenates and Increases Happiness. Physical activity induces the release of endorphins which energize your spirit, making you feel happy. As we deeply breathe in the wilderness, the hike ends with us refreshingly fatigued, and yet somehow better equipped to handle “civilization”.

So, I encourage you to find a trail near wherever you live. Take yourself, your friends, your family, your pet, or your neighbor. Especially with today’s covid challenges and frustrations…find a trail and take a hike.