This was the most hilly day so far. Even more hilly than when I crossed the border into the Czech republic. At Strázny, where I now crossed the border to Germany, the highest top was the mountain of Strázny itself at 1115 m (3658 ft).

I must say it's wonderful to experience the Czech republic from the saddle, and that way really feel – not only read – how Bohemia as this part of the country is called is surrounded by mountains and therefore always has been an attractive area to rule. This feeling expressed itself in speed: My cruising speed was sometimes 10 kph (6 mph), sometimes 50 (30). At the most I hit 64 kph (40 mph), which is the record on this bike tour so far!

I biked on a rather big road since I wanted to reach Passau today. Especially between Bavorov and Prachatice there were numerous picturesque little villages east from the main road. I would have biked through them if I was to spend another night in the Czech republic.

I reached Passau at 6 pm and raised my tent on one of the last spots of a city camping. What a difference from all other campings: 90 percent of the guests are bicyclists! That is because the Danube Biketrail starts here. I am going to follow it the whole way to Vienna, as are probably many of my neighbours at this camping.

After having had a pizza downtown and seen some of the sights of this beautiful city, I will now doze off to sleep.