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Travelling across Austria in a van for two weeks meant that lake hopping became a hobby. A hobby which we loved and the Austrian lakes inspired us each day. Each lake had an unique factor to it which was beautiful and awe-inspiring. Some where more touristy than others.

Traunsee Lake, Salzkammergut- “Cultured villages and crystal clear water”:

Being 12 km in length and 3 km in width you will find a number of towns located around Traunsee Lake. One of my favourite being the beautiful cultured village Ebersee. Each Sunday they have a Sunday market where you can pick up all of the local delicacies. Also, the river runs into the lake here, which creates winds good enough to kite surf. One of the locals described how it gets so busy within the summer months there are a number of crashes – daily!

Not forgetting the incredible sand beaches and crystal clear water . As well as this the view of the mountains from this angle is incredible. The colour of the rocks against the lake is an unforgettable view and the sunsets here are incredible. Last but not least, are the friendly locals who are always willing to offer you advice of where to go and what to do.

On the other side of Traunsee Lake is Gmunden. Being a lot bigger than Ebersee it is defiantly more of a town. Gmunden has a number of bars on the lakeside and also is where you will find the Traunsee Lake Castle. An elegant looking building located on an island which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. You do have to pay to go into the castle, although you can explore the edge of the castle for free.

Having to travel on a budget we chose the free option. Living in a van also means we used this spot to have a ‘bath’. The edge of the island has a number of weeping willows which made good shower curtains – although, it didn’t stop a number of tourists taking photos of us!

2. Langbathseen Lake, Salzkammergut – “A magical and mysterious lake”:

Twenty minutes from Ebersee high within the mountains you find Langbathseen Lake. Driving up through the winding roads you will start to feel the enchanted forest vibes. When you finally arrive the beautiful views will definitely leave you speechless. The crystal clear waters make it a popular diving and snorkeling spot.

However, if you feel like staying on dry ground then the walk around the lake is just as beautiful. With numerous cute beaches spotted around the edge of the lake and the forest surrounding it having a magical feeling – why would you not want to visit?

3. Hallstatt Lake, Salzkammergut – “A draw-dropping whilst charming place”:

Surrounded by a beautiful mountain range and fed by a winding river cutting through a deep gorge in the mountains. Hallstatt Lake is a jaw-dropping whilst charming place. A famous spot for locals to take a dip you will have a stream of cars turning up and venturing into the water. It is a skinny dippers paradise. Also, not forgetting the wildlife here, the swans and ducks see tourists as easy pickings!

The cute village is a prime tourist spot. With traditional Austrian houses decorated with flowers and wooden window shutters. Cable carts are there to take you high up into the mountain range if you wish. The view from the top is also stunning.

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4. Wörthesee Lake, Carinthia- “Unforgettable sunsets”: 

Again Wörthesee is one of the more tourist developed lakes. The majority of land which surrounds the lake is privately owned. Lucky devils have their garden on the lakes edge. Camping sites own the land and within season you will be expected to pay to enter them. However, if you visit out of season then you are allowed in for free.

The freshwater lake has murkier water than the others on the list. Despite this there is not an abundance of people swimming and wildlife. We had fish swimming through your legs and swans coming right up to you in their hunt for food. Wörthesee Lake is the sunset champion. The sunsets here are unforgettable.

5.  Lake Faak, Carinthia- “…Undisputed Charming Character”:

The 5th largest lake within the state. Surrounded by long and mysterious reeds and islands dotted across the water-bed. This lake portrays undisputed charming character with a hotel set upon one of the islands which is only accessible via boat. You can also hire boats and pedalos so you can explore the lake too.

Love Austria? Read our previous post on how we fell in love with the country!

Click Here:

 Adventuring Austria

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Once in a while when you’re travelling you come across a place you could happily call your home. For me I found this with Austria.

The country is full of beautiful lakes containing crystal clear water. This makes them a prime attraction for tourists and they are surrounded with cultured Austrian towns, cute bars and restaurants on the waterside. Being a lover of water myself I just travelled from lake to lake on my way through Austria. Albeit, they can get very busy, however you can always find yourself some beautiful spots just for yourself. Like at the Traunsee Lake where I had a ‘bath’ next to a willow tree. Or at Haltsee lake where I witnessed a family go skinny dipping whilst the dad took photos of his 20-year-old daughters boobs (before you ask no, I did not take photos).

The lakes are also perfect for water sports of different kinds: paddle boarding, kite surfing, kayaking and fishing. For me it’s inspired me to try kite surfing at some point, imagine kite surfing here:

    Looking for your own travel inspiration?

>>Click here<<

 Austrian Culture:

The culture of Austria is another thing which I love about the country, many walk around in Austrian outfits without a need for an occasion; the men wear the typical lederhosen outfit and women wear dirndl dresses. Every body is very friendly and welcoming, they actually want to talk to the tourists and find out why you are here (even if it’s 3 drunk teenage boys who think they get laid by asking if they can fuck you over and over again). The beer is also incredible (might explain why there was so many drunk kids everywhere) and sitting next to a lake with a pint of Austrian’s finest is a good way to pass the time…

When you walk through the little villages and towns their culture thrives all around you rooted wishing farming, ceramics, religion and mining this can be seen in the beauty of the houses and streets. You will often come across random religious statues and ornaments in the street showing Jesus on the cross. realistically recreated with intestines popping out of where a long would be on the sculpture. The houses are well-kept and you can see that the owners take pride in their houses.

On a weekend their culture thrives even more. Saturday and Sunday sees them set up market stalls and sell their traditional pastries and pretzels. Which I was more than happy to have a little taste test of and yes they are incredible! The pretzel van impressed me the most looking rather holy with the sun behind me, I felt like god was telling me to have a pretzel so of course I obliged…

Sunsets in Austria:

One more thing which I love about Austria is watching the sunset over the lakes and mountains and the beautiful views. I will just let you check the picture out so see why, no need to ramble on!

Want to see more Austria sunset photos? Check out our instragram.

When I started writing my love story of Austria it grew, as I travelled I found more parts of Austria that I fell in love with bit by bit. So my love story escalated from wanting to revisit a few lakes to know wanting to explore the whole country, I may be a romantic at heart, who knows? Although I do happen to fall in love with every country I go to and leave, most of the time, with the decision that I could totally live there. For me, Austria it is out doing all countries I’ve visited so far! Taking some big guns out in the process including: Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Holland! Lets see how Slovenia and Croatia do…

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The definition of coddiwomple is “to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination”.

Coddiwomple is an English slang word but one which should easily be added to your vocabulary. currently I am coddiwompling my way through life. I’m officially a coddiwompling addict. Ask anyone who knows me… If I don’t coddiwomple daily withdrawals kick in I get moody, irritable and I moan – a lot! Therefore, I require lots of snacks to get me through the boredom of being in one place for too long.

It all sounds like a fairy tale word. Here is how it actually applies to real life travel.

When I do travel, I travel with a purpose. My purpose is to adventure, have fun, laugh, explore, learn, try new things and meet new people. Mostly, in places where I have no idea what to expect. This is one part of travelling I love, when you have no expectations of where you’re going, what is going to happen. Then you stumble upon unexpected moments and memories, which if they hadn’t occurred wouldn’t have left you disappointed. Sometimes in travel and life expectations can be the very thing that destroy an incredible place, a moment, even a memory. All because it was not how you imagined it. For me, this shows why coddiwompling is the best way to travel. You have your purpose, but you have no expectations of what you will find.

Take for instance my previous blog where I climbed and kayaked over to the Svartisen glacier in Norway. When travelling on the road I had no idea it would be there. Even if it hadn’t of accidentally stumbled upon the glacier, it would not have mattered to me. When the glacier came into view, I imagined what it would be like to touch it and that is what I did. My purpose to explore was the bit inside me which drove me to kayak over to the glacier. I wanted to know what it was like close up. It left me with questions in my own head, what did it look like close up? What would it feel like? Would I be able to touch it?

The Norwegian coddiwomple:

If you want to know the answers to my previous questions then check out ‘The Svartisen Glacier’ blog:

 >>Click here<<

Or to see an incredible video of the glacier:

>>Click here<<

When expectation can ruin travel:

I travelled to Geiranger fjord to see the world-famous seven sisters water fall, which turned out to be a major disappointment for me! Because the expectation had been built up that it was going to be incredible and a jaw dropping moment, for the thousand of other tourists maybe it was. For me who had visited the incredible Lofoten islands, which has incredible mountain range which go on for miles, waterfalls, lakes and views around each corner.

Also, I had witnessed whirlpools at the Saltstraumen a few weeks ago which has the world’s strongest tidal current and each day you can see whirlpools. Which are jaw dropping and the power of nature leaves you breathless. Still although disappointed in the beauty of what I saw my purpose had still been fulfilled. I don’t dispute that I was only disappointed as I had been spoiled by the North of Norway!

You can see the video of the Gerainger Fjord with the Seven Sister’s and Fiancee waterfall here let me know what you think and leave a comment below:

Finally, one of the underlying aims of The Adventure Diary is to guide whoever reads this to work out there coddiwompling purpose! Your coddiwompling may be completely different to ours it may involve you driving around where you live, even walking around the area, long road trips, holidays abroad or anything which just pushes you out of your comfort zone! Have a purpose and go and see the world before it’s too late…get yourself a bit coddiwompling in your life!

Check this blog out to read more about the Lofoten Islands:

 >>Click here<<

Or to see some incredible whirlpools click here:

>>Click here<<

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1. Keeping Busy-

It may seem a totally obvious solution but I don’t think, (until you’re in the situation), people realise how essential keeping yourself busy is. Make use of those times when you know you would have been together. Fill your time with good people and good moments to ensure that you’re mind doesn’t keep pondering on how much you miss them.

2. Random Calls-

  Be prepared for phone calls at any time of the day (or night in some cases) The time may not be convenient for you, but make it! You never know when your other half may have good signal or WIFI again so make use of those moments that you have together, Don’t let the physical distance put emotional distance between you both.

3.Plan things for you both to look forward to-

  They may be travelling now, but that’s not going to be forever. Plan things for you both to look forward to. Whether that be concerts, future dates or even little getaways for yourself. Keep things interesting for the both of you. Also, write bucket lists together and set targets to fulfill them together when you are reunited.

4. Give yourself something to do together, even while they’re away-

Its hard sometimes finding things that you can both do considering at any given time you could be thousands of miles apart. Give yourself challenges or games that you can both do or play together even from afar. I personally highly recommend the game ‘Puzzle 10’. There’s a forfeit hanging on to the top scorer in our case (Good luck Lauren, you’re gonna lose haha).

5. Keep each other updated-

  Keeping the lines of communication open is a huge factor in maintaining a good relationship when there’s distance involved. Try keep each other updated on what is going on in your lives, even if it’s the small things that would probably seemed insignificant if they were around all the time.

6. Be cautious of what you say-

In my experience this has only applied to food! When your girlfriend is travelling around Europe in a van on a budget, you be careful about what food you mention you’re having for tea that night. I mentioned a donut once and I think I heard her heart break through the phone. Be considerate of their situation, for your own sake as well as theirs.

Get to know us more and find out what we are really all about…

>>click here<<

7. Keep Some routine if possible-

  Keeping a routine can be difficult at the best of times but sometimes even the smallest little things help. From the way you end your phone conversations to silly things you do when you do get to talk. Some stability in what you do with each can be a huge source of comfort.

8. And finally, That time of the month…

  So if you or you partner is a woman (Or in our case, the both of you are) then you have to pay particular attention and be aware for that time of the month. We all know when women are due on, emotions are heightened, everything seems that much harder and everyone is that much more sensitive. We have a knack of handling those times these days. Expect those ‘Typical Women’ moments as we like to call them and take them with a pinch of salt. It’s the hormones talking, things will be back to normal in a few days, You still love each other, Its okay, You got this!

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After going on some incredible walks through the Norwegian mountains myself these are my 10 reasons you should go hiking in Norway, they are in no particular order!

1. The Views:

When you hike high up into the Norwegian mountains what you get to see is incredible. Snow covered mountains, jaw dropping glaciers, beautiful fjords, mountain ranges which go on for miles,  These are views which you will never forget and you will end up telling everyone about them, the true beauty of nature will stick in your mind forever and leave you wanting more!

2. Personal Achievement-

Some of the hikes can be physically exhausting. For example, the Trolltunga rock hike in Norway can take between 10-12 hours. With the first 4k of the hike being a very steep 1100m hill, the first 1k is defiantly the hardest but after this you still have another 10k to go before you even reach the Trolltunga and then another fun 11k back! For some this is easier than others but when you do reach the summit or the view point the sense of achievement is over whelming.

Don’t be put off by the length of the Trolltunga hike either there are much shorter ones too, take for example the hike to Pulpit rock 4k each way taking 1.5-2 hours each way. Also, the Kjerag rock hike is a 9k hike which takes between 6-8 hours depending on your speed! Always remember it doesn’t matter how long it takes you just be proud that you made it to the destination!

3. Photos-

You have seen the classic look at me photos plastered all over social media everyone needs to get that photo surely? Add that to your collection? Even if you are not going for the classic look at me on this famous rock photos the ones you will get on the way will be just as beautiful, When walking up to the Trolltunga rock and Pulpit rock I had to stop every 20 minutes just to take photos of the incredible scenery!

Check these out:

4. Mythology-

In Scandinavian folklore trolls are a key feature. When travelling around Norway you will come across a number of different statues and posters of troll festivals which are taking places. The troll mythology can also be applied within the mountains it was once believed that trolls roamed around at night and when caught within the sunlight they would turn into rock making up the notorious mountain ranges of Norway. The Trolltunga rock is said to be a troll caught sticking its tongue out,

Check it out for your self… A troll’s tongue or just a rock? Who knows…

5. Networking-

On your hikes and waiting to get your photographs at the rocks you will often meet like-minded individuals. It is a great place to network with people who have similar interests as you! It opens up new opportunities and often these people become friends for life, people you travel with in the future or who you go and visit in the future and who knows you could meet a future partner?

Check out my blog Stranger Danger’ for more inspiration of why talking to strangers always opens up new avenues for you!!

>Click here!<<

6. Become a story teller-

Everyone has heard of the saying, “travelling it leaves you breathless and turns you into a story teller”. This is very very true. the stories you will acquire whilst hiking can’t be predicted you never know what is going to happen. Maybe you will come across a moose? Be able to touch a glacier?

That is the beauty about hiking you never know what you are going to see and by putting yourself in a new and exciting position you increase your chances of seeing amazing!

Check out this glacier I found on one of my adventures:

7. Learn new things-

Whilst adventuring through the mountains not only will you learn things about yourself but also about the country you are in and the environment around you. This is how I learnt about the Scandinavian folklore and also I have learnt about the berries which grow wild within Norway and what to look out for to get yourself a free snack whilst you hike through.

Check out my blog ‘What is the Wanderlust life all about?’ to see what berries grow wild and where else you can find free food in Norway! 

>>Click here!<<

8. Inspiration-

On your hike you will often be inspired by nature and the things that you see around you. It will inspire you to try new things or to add them onto your bucket list, it might inspire you to read more, take up photography, explore where you live more. Only you can find out what it will inspire you to do!

Check out my bucket list for some extra inspiration

>>Click here!<<

9. For fun!

Surprisingly hiking can be fun. On the way you will find yourself laughing at ridiculous things, reminiscing over previous memories, talking about what you have to come in the future and lots more. You will talk to people you barely know and see things that can’t be unseen. Challenging yourself and playing games become innate, whether that is trying to beat your 1k time or stupid games you make up. Plus, you will have fun trust me!

And you can make videos like this:

10. To Adventure the world!

The cliche motto you only have one life, live it slips into my mind here! You have one chance to explore the world, see thins you have never seen before and create some unbelievable memories for yourself, so push yourself out of your comfort zone and go beyond your usual every day to day life. There is so much you and I still haven’t seen so get out and go and see it! You will be surprised at what will pop up along the way, what you learn and the memories you gain. But it well worth it… Trust me, give it a go and find out for yourself!

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If you were to google what a Wanderlust Life is all about you will probably get some quote appearing like this on your screen:

Wanderlust (n.) – A strong desire or urge to travel or wander around the world.

Real life wanderlust:

This blog is designed to give you a taste of what a wanderlust life is actually about, past the words and the deep quotes. The aim is to inspire you through real life experiences and memories, to try something new and possibly see something that could end up changing your perspective on adventure and life. To find your own version of wanderlust, so to speak. Personally, for me Norway has given me the biggest taste of a ‘Wanderlust Life’. The country itself is beautiful and around each corner a new adventure is waiting for you. The countryside allows you to live off the land, if you know how to use it or take the time to learn. Throughout my time travelling I have learnt, in turn I have got more effective and efficient when it comes to living off the land.

Norwegian Wanderlust:

For example, within the Efjord i scrambled to the top of a waterfall and took a ‘bath’ within one of the pools naturally created there. This was all whilst having an incredible view overlooking the stunning Efjord in front of me and a mountain behind me. The water was coming from the snow which had recently melted off the mountain so it was freezing cold (you can imagine on the nip on) but also really refreshing at the same time.

The day after a short drive down the road we came across the Sagfjorden. There were a number of small islands a short distance off the shore so we decided to kayak out to these. On the way around I found out that these islands were completely owned by the birds after being dive bombed by seagulls and the whole Norwegian bird life (that’s what it felt like). Docking up on to a less bird populated island for a little adventure and of course a photo opportunity, I found mussels on the sea bed which we collected for dinner the next day. On the way back to the main land though a few pilot whales just decided to pop up out of the water. I got super excited and started screaming to George who had already made it back to the main land in some high squeal pitch I never knew I was capable of making.

Having cleaned and soaked the mussels overnight they were ready to eat. It took about 4 hours to clean the mussels and it definitely was not the most pleasant of tasks I have completed. Tonight though we were cooking in an awe-inspiring place. Next to whirlpools. The Saltstraumen in Norway has the world’s strongest tidal current so four times a day when the tide goes in or out you can see whirlpools. Click here for whirlpool timetable. Although the whirlpools are absolutely better when the tide goes out. Witnessing the strength of nature unquestionably an astonishing thing to witness. What I enjoyed the most were the seagulls who would just float around on the whirlpools… the little things in life hey!!

Wanderlust:

So a wanderlust life, what exactly is it? Well for me a wanderlust life is a life where no plans are created. You go with the flow. Make the most of the nature around you, becoming resourceful and using it to your benefit. Not to destroy it. A life where you never know what adventure awaits around the corner. The really beauty of a Wanderlust life is that you need to discover what exactly it is for you..

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