Hop on Hop off Vienna

We chose to do a solo ride in Vienna rather than join a bike excursion or the hop on hop off bus. We basically did a hop on hop off bike for 40.2 as we  meandered through Vienna.

They have amazing bike paths throughout the city. Pedestrians give way to bikers if the bike path has a green light, but just like everywhere, too many people walk while looking down at their phones. The only mishap was when I had to abort my crossing for an ambulance and smashed down on my toe. A big ouch but tucked into my riding sandals, it can’t move much, so it’s fairly stable, just painful. Fortunately, that was early afternoon, so it didn’t affect the whole day.

First up, we rode out to Schönbrunn, the summer palace. It was as amazing as our memories of it. We meandered around the beautiful grounds and up to the folly at the top of the hill. The views are fabulous. 

We returned to downtown and, on our way back, ended up on the pedestrian fancy shop streets. All those big-name places and it went on for blocks and blocks. There was an abrupt left-hand turn when I spotted an amazing chocolate shop. I regret that neither of us took a picture, but rest assured, I bought dark chocolate.

We then did the regular main sites such as Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere. This was the city palace of the Hapsbergs, but I feel like the summer palace is more magnificent.

We then cruised by St. Stephen’s and it is still incredible, but it was so crowded with the bank day people that we didn’t stick around. Same thing with any downtown sites like the Opera House or any of the other significant buildings.

Lunch was sausage and a bun with sauerkraut and beer near the cathedral. It was just as good as we remembered.

I am certain that per building Vienna has more gold per building than anywhere else in the world. It’s everywhere, old and new.

They also are home to a lot of art/graffiti. It’s obviously sanctioned because we saw artists working on their walls as we biked back down the canal to the barge. It was about 5 kms and most of it had some sort of wall (both old and new), and it was covered with colour the entire way. Not the gold column in the background!

All in all, we felt like we got off lucky weather wise. No drizzle, just cold, and I don’t say that lightly. It was 12 degrees with overcast skies and a decent wind. But we arrived back to the barge a significant amount dryer than the day before!!

The evening, as per usual, was started out by an amazing supper and capped off with beer and lounge time with our new friends. Rather fortunate we met some evening social types as our travel mates usually retire for the evening around 8:30/9:00. Whereas we hang out late and then go back and read/blog for an hour or so. They are full days, and we’ve loved every minute of them.

Bernie

Ps, this draft post is brought to you by a rest period for C (who isn’t feeling well)during our Chesky Krumlov day. Rather fortuitous as a rain shower blew through while we were reading/blogging on the balcony. Sun’s out again, and soon it’s time for a special supper. As you can see below, the view is not too shabby. 😏