The Totally Knackered Tour

Across Europe and Central Asia by Bicycle 2006

Introduction

France/Belgium

Luxembourg Germany Austria Hungary
Serbia Bulgaria Turkey Tajikistan Kyrgzstan Equipment

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AUSTRIA


Tim and Rowena Barnes' route through Austria
Our route through Austria - click to enlarge

Obernezel to Vienna

By the Danube in Austria
By the Danube on the way to Linz
Obernezel is actually the last town in Germany. We had a day of rest here because Rowena was still ill. The only thing that stopped us getting a Doctor out was my lack of German.

The next day we were quiet relieved to cross the border into Austria, it felt more relaxed straight away.

It doesn't look it from the photo, but the Obernezel to Linz stretch of Danube cycle path was the most picturesque bit of the stretch of the Donau Radweg we did. Here the valley walls become steep, deep and forested, and you really do leave the rest of the world behind. For the most part, the path runs along narrow road by the river with very little traffic.



Pedalling into Linz
Pedalling into Linz
Perhaps it was because we arrived there on a cold clear sunny morning, but we liked Linz alot. Having a coffee and Linzertorte (almond cake) on the main square was particularly. The city is putting in a bid to be European City of Culture, so we wish them luck. We also brought some really good brake blocks here that lasted right through to the end of the trip.

The day after Linz we had miserable weather, with snow right down to river. By early afternoon, it was just too cold and unpleasant to contine so we got a room at Melk. The next day we had a better run to Tulin and the following day we arrived in Vienna. Cycling into Vienna was a real pleasure, we were able to follow the cycle path right into the center - brilliant. On the way in we met our a couple of cycle tourists (the first of the trip) on their way to Japan.


Vienna

We thoroughly enjoyed our two and a half days in Vienna. It's very cycle-friendly and biking is actually a really good way to see the city. The highlight was the Hundertwasser museum, complete with wonky floors.

Hundertwasser Museum Ferris wheel in Vienna
The Hundertwasser Museum Looking for Harry Lime on Vienna's Riesenrad


Schonbrunn
The Schonbrunn Vienna - Rowena really liked this place!

To the border

Campsite in Austria
Enough culture - back to biking
Wild camp on the way out of Austria
Getting out of Vienna took ages, but compared to other capital cities, was not too traumatic. Being a Easter Sunday, the roads were quiet and we had an OK pedal to wild campsite near Parndorf. The following morning we battled a strong headwind all the way to the Hungarian border.



CyclabilityAGood pedalling on the Danube path. Really impressed with the stretch into Vienna - It's incredible you can have such a stress free pedal into the centre of a major city. Once you are in the city, cycling is great way to get around too. All in all a very cycle-friendly place.
Cake ratingAWonderful Linzertorte and Sachertorte, and some great turkish pastries too. Great food at the markets.
AccommodationBPlentiful B&Bs and campsites along the Danube. Reasonably priced hotel in Vienna.

Introduction

France/Belgium

Luxembourg Germany Austria Hungary
Serbia Bulgaria Turkey Tajikistan Kyrgzstan Equipment


© All text and photos copyright Tim Barnes 2006