While this week was spent editing the Ireland footage and pictures, we found time to explore a new climbing spot and to celebrate Gmunden’s most loved tradition.

Saturday

We drove to the Beisteinmauer, a rock wall covered with via ferratas.

The Beisteinmauer is located on the edge of the Kalkapen National Park. To our surprise, it was a popular spot to climb. Being in the alps and dealing with snowy conditions for several months, most climbing routes do not open until May/June. This route however opened in March and was completely dry.

We climbed 433 feet. While it was not the highest climb we have ever completed, but it was one of the most technical.

In some spots there were no foot holds forcing you to hang on, press against the side of the wall and pull yourself up.

At the top was a cross with a book to sign. Everyone signs the book to show you completed of the climb. Eric and I have signed a handfull of these books throughout Austria.

We always sign

“Sarah and Eric Hollis. From Chicago and Gmunden (+ the date).

Today (Sunday)

We walked into the town square and celebrated Liebstattsonntag.

For the past two years, Gmunden's favorite festival could not be celebrated in the usual way due to COVID. Last year, Eric and I went into the town square and bought a heart shaped cookie, but that was the extent of the festivities.

This tradition beginning in 1641 was thankfully able to be celebrated again today, and we were excited to see the event in it's entirety.

Every year on the fourth Sunday of Lent, people march to the town square from church and gingerbread hearts are distributed to loved ones.

While Eric does not like gingerbread, he still gave me a gingerbread heart with a swan on it!

Last year, I wanted to hold onto our cookies as a keepsake. This year, I ate it right away in the middle everything and liked it much better that way.

After the people marched into the town square, everyone turned to the stage where we were welcomed by Stefan Krapf (Mayor) and Thomas Stelzer (Governor of Upper Austria).

Shortly after, an explanation of the Liebstatt custom was given by Franz Wolfsgruber (Chairman of the Trachtenverein–Traditional costume association preservation).

Also on stage was Gerald Geyrhofer, Gmunden’s city pastor and one other gentleman whom I cannot remember his name or role.

The 15-minute welcome speeches were all in German. While they were talking, I had my Google translate app running and in real-time it was able to translate what was said so we could follow along.

A few translated words from the Mayor that are in our video:

To all guests from near and far who found their way to us today on this beautiful love Sunday, it is with great pleasure and honor to warmly welcome them here on Lake Traunsee on behalf of the city.

At one point the Governor said:

I am very, very grateful and also very proud of our country for so many are now helping those who have to run away from home to save their lives from Ukraine and to offer you protection and to give you the opportunity to create your own life again.

Almost 120,000 refugees have arrived in Austria from Ukraine and some of them were in the crowd attending the festival. A woman name Irina came up on the stage and said a few words addressing the Ukrainian guests. For an event that is all about showing love, it was nice to show love to the Ukrainian people who are in need of a little extra compassion now more than ever.