Walking 1,500 km for the Capital of Culture

Jun 16, 2009
TBT Staff

VILNIUS- n a show of solidarity with the other European Capital of Culture 2009, two Austrian pensioners are walking from Linz to Vilnius, 1,500 kilometers.

Cultural ambassadors Herbert Hirnum and Wolfgang Mayrhofer are making the symbolic journey since both cities have the status of European Cultural Capitals this year according to the Austrian Times.

The pensioners have planned eight weeks for their long journey by foot, spending the nights with local churches and clergy.

 "Pastors have often called colleagues to inform them of our arrival," Hirnum and Mayrhofer said.

Vilnius Mayor Gintautas Babravicius will welcome the two when they arrive in the Lithuanian capital.

Going the opposite direction, from Vilnius to Linz, are another pair of Austrians. Ernst Janko and Ernst Schwarzlmuller, are walking from Vilnius to Linzand are expected reach their destination at the beginning of July. The duo leftVilnius on May 6, and are currently just south of Warsaw.

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