Day 4 - Liechtenstein to Italy

I dubbed this area the "hybrid lands" as it seems that some of the towns I went through were known by multiple names, I assume the Germanic and/or Swiss and the Italian. It was very busy. I preferred the Swiss side as the Italian side felt as though it was just one long tailback. The temperature was stifling at sluggish traffic moments but it didn't matter, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking! I was in search of pyramids.

I had planned all my routes to avoid motorways, however, sometimes this was not possible. The day before I left the UK, purely by chance, I found out about vignettes! They're basically prepaid tolls for use of the motorways. I simply did not have the time to research or prearrange anything, I just had to wing it and hope for the best. Only a few countries use this system; Switzerland and Austria are both Vignette countries. I did spend quite a bit of the day in Switzerland but couldn't for the life of me find a place that sold them. When I did finally manage to get one, it turns out I'd already left Switzerland and was now in Austria (It would appear I missed the sign)! I crossed the Italian border about ten minutes after I'd bought it! Yesterday I missed a toll booth and I'm now a little concerned about riding on the Autobahn as well. I wonder, am I now a wanted man in both Switzerland and Germany?

The Earth Pyramids of Platten are an odd phenomenon, created by erosion and eluviation*, they look like large stones delicately perched on top of tall, thin termite's nests rather than pyramids. This does not detract from how amazing and special they are, but to me, the area felt strangely menacing and the sculptures reminded me a bit of the Weeping Angels in Doctor Who, needless to say, I was feeling a little spooked.

The Earth Pyramids of Platten.

(above) A little taste of the ride along Martinsbrucker Strasse on my way to the Italian Border. This was where I missed the sign on entering Austria.

This was a bit weird!

Stone cradled in carved hands, it seemed somehow symbolic.

I remembered to go to the supermarket! Woohoo! i got to the campsite and was finally set up by about 7.00pm.

Spoiled for choice and loving it!

Stocked up and on a mission to find the campsite.

Click for Day 5 - Italy to Slovenia

*More information here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_pyramids_of_Platten