I shall skip the post for Graz for now, because I think it will be terribly long and I’ll be so emotional just thinking of all the fond memories.

During orientation week in FH Joanneum, which was the university in Graz which I did my exchange programme at, a bunch of us decided to go hiking at Bärenschützklamm. Bärenschützklamm is not for the faint-hearted. It is an amazing place to hike. The ascent to the top involves climbing 164 wooden bridges and ladders along 1300m.

I almost didn’t go for the hike because we had to wake up really early to take the train. But I’m really glad I decided to sacrifice some sleep for this. It gave me the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen. Indeed, nature at its finest.

The hike involves climbing up a gorge with many perilous wooden ladders, all wet due to the roaring waterfalls. I can’t count the number of times I almost slipped, but I held on to my life, and a few times, I had someone hold on to me.

We didn’t manage to get to the top as we were taking too long and it would be dark. We ended our hike at a lodge, where we had some food. Then it was a race against the clock to get back down before we would be left in the darkness.

As we made the descent, I started losing the feeling in my fingers. Shortly after, they started to hurt really badly. I was so afraid I might get frostbite. But Clement was a good friend and he gave up his gloves so that I could warm up again. For that, I am extremely thankful. Thank you! 🙂

Topfenkuchen

The most beautiful view from the hike

Overall, it was a great experience. I’d never done anything like this, and I have never seen such beauty before.

By the time we got back to Graz, we were cold and hungry. Clement and I made some hot soup for dinner to warm up.

Needless to say, we slept very well that night.