Museum Quarter
Karlskirche
Hundertwasserhaus (Vienna's Gaudi)
Shop selling magic tricks
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Friday, September 05, 2008
Day 7 - Spitz to Tullin to Vienna
The best leg of the journey was kept for last. I decided to get up early to have enough time to complete the trip and see a bit of Vienna in the evening. It was just getting light when I headed off and it was good cycling in the cool of the morning. The route takes you through vineyards and several small towns selling all the local produce and crafts. It was hard not to stop in each one. They were up early in the vineyards harvesting the grapes. They grow a lot of flowers here as well - it looks like the kind of land where anything will grow if there is enough water.
The heat of the day soon arrived and it was into the 30’s at times.
Vienna is a bit of a shock to the system after all the small cosy towns. It took a long time to find the hotel. One thing I have learnt is don’t ask directions from people sitting outside pubs. They mean well but their accuracy is not to be trusted.
The best leg of the journey was kept for last. I decided to get up early to have enough time to complete the trip and see a bit of Vienna in the evening. It was just getting light when I headed off and it was good cycling in the cool of the morning. The route takes you through vineyards and several small towns selling all the local produce and crafts. It was hard not to stop in each one. They were up early in the vineyards harvesting the grapes. They grow a lot of flowers here as well - it looks like the kind of land where anything will grow if there is enough water.
The heat of the day soon arrived and it was into the 30’s at times.
Vienna is a bit of a shock to the system after all the small cosy towns. It took a long time to find the hotel. One thing I have learnt is don’t ask directions from people sitting outside pubs. They mean well but their accuracy is not to be trusted.
Day 6 - Grein to Spitz
Another longer leg, about 50 miles. It is hot and humid which makes cycling tiring. The cycle paths seem to go on forever, I read in the guide that the route I am on goes beyond Vienna all the way to Budapest. The towns along the route all cater for cyclists, down to having vending machines with various types of bicycle tyre valves.
Spitz is in the wine-growing region and is surrounded by vineyards. It is close to harvest time and with the weather the way it is, I imagine it could be a good vintage. I am getting a taste for Austrian red wine. They serve it chilled in tall tulip shaped glasses and it is a nice drink after a long cycle.
Another longer leg, about 50 miles. It is hot and humid which makes cycling tiring. The cycle paths seem to go on forever, I read in the guide that the route I am on goes beyond Vienna all the way to Budapest. The towns along the route all cater for cyclists, down to having vending machines with various types of bicycle tyre valves.
Spitz is in the wine-growing region and is surrounded by vineyards. It is close to harvest time and with the weather the way it is, I imagine it could be a good vintage. I am getting a taste for Austrian red wine. They serve it chilled in tall tulip shaped glasses and it is a nice drink after a long cycle.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Day 5 - Linz to Grein
Really warm again today. The route is now along the Danube and mostly flat. A longer leg to make up for the lack of elevation, about 40 miles. Forgot to turn on the GPS at various stages so the map is a bit deceptive.
And yes the Danube is more green than blue.
Some of the route was inland through orchards - it was possible to grab an apple as you were cycling along.
Arrived in Grein to find the hotel was 3 miles outside town up a steep hill worse than anything I encountered on the ring of kerry :(
Really warm again today. The route is now along the Danube and mostly flat. A longer leg to make up for the lack of elevation, about 40 miles. Forgot to turn on the GPS at various stages so the map is a bit deceptive.
And yes the Danube is more green than blue.
Some of the route was inland through orchards - it was possible to grab an apple as you were cycling along.
Arrived in Grein to find the hotel was 3 miles outside town up a steep hill worse than anything I encountered on the ring of kerry :(
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Day 4 - Gmunden to Linz
Much more strenuous cycle today, longer and hilly. It was warm and sunny, 30C nearly too hot at times. The first part of the cycle was through open farmland - fields of corn and fruit trees. Spotted red squirrels and deer along the route. About half-way on the trip you come to a spot called the Traunfalle, a mini-waterfall on the Traun river. The guide recommended emulating the locals and jumping off the cliffs into the river. Gave it a go. It definitely woke me up, the water was even colder than the lake. They must use it as a hangover cure.
The wakeup call was well-timed because I discovered the map for the next leg of the trip was missing. Got to use all my limited German asking for directions over the next few miles. Made it to Lambach and took the train from there to Linz.
Linz’s tourist appeal is somewhat hampered by the fact that it is Hitler’s home town or at least his favourite one. The old town looks nice though and it has its own “Bermuda Triangle” pub area similar to Vienna.
Much more strenuous cycle today, longer and hilly. It was warm and sunny, 30C nearly too hot at times. The first part of the cycle was through open farmland - fields of corn and fruit trees. Spotted red squirrels and deer along the route. About half-way on the trip you come to a spot called the Traunfalle, a mini-waterfall on the Traun river. The guide recommended emulating the locals and jumping off the cliffs into the river. Gave it a go. It definitely woke me up, the water was even colder than the lake. They must use it as a hangover cure.
The wakeup call was well-timed because I discovered the map for the next leg of the trip was missing. Got to use all my limited German asking for directions over the next few miles. Made it to Lambach and took the train from there to Linz.
Linz’s tourist appeal is somewhat hampered by the fact that it is Hitler’s home town or at least his favourite one. The old town looks nice though and it has its own “Bermuda Triangle” pub area similar to Vienna.
Day 4 - Gmunden to Linz
Much more strenuous cycle today, longer and hilly. It was warm and sunny, 30C nearly too hot at times. The first part of the cycle was through open farmland - fields of corn and fruit trees. Spotted red squirrels and deer along the route. About half-way on the trip you come to a spot called the Traunfalle, a mini-waterfall on the Traun river. The guide recommended emulating the locals and jumping off the cliffs into the river. Gave it a go. It definitely woke me up, the water was even colder than the lake. They must use it as a hangover cure.
The wakeup call was well-timed because I discovered the map for the next leg of the trip was missing. Got to use all my limited German asking for directions over the next few miles. Made it to Lambach and took the train from there to Linz.
Linz’s tourist appeal is somewhat hampered by the fact that it is Hitler’s home town or at least his favourite one. The old town looks nice though and it has its own “Bermuda Triangle” pub area similar to Vienna.
Much more strenuous cycle today, longer and hilly. It was warm and sunny, 30C nearly too hot at times. The first part of the cycle was through open farmland - fields of corn and fruit trees. Spotted red squirrels and deer along the route. About half-way on the trip you come to a spot called the Traunfalle, a mini-waterfall on the Traun river. The guide recommended emulating the locals and jumping off the cliffs into the river. Gave it a go. It definitely woke me up, the water was even colder than the lake. They must use it as a hangover cure.
The wakeup call was well-timed because I discovered the map for the next leg of the trip was missing. Got to use all my limited German asking for directions over the next few miles. Made it to Lambach and took the train from there to Linz.
Linz’s tourist appeal is somewhat hampered by the fact that it is Hitler’s home town or at least his favourite one. The old town looks nice though and it has its own “Bermuda Triangle” pub area similar to Vienna.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Day 3 The tour operator took pity and hired a taxi to the start of the second leg of the cycle tour - Unterach to Gmunden. As it turned out, both legs could have been cycled in a day with time to spare. Unterach is a lovely little village near an Alpine lake. Once I figured out which direction to go in (couple of false starts), it was time to hit the road. It was a lovely cycle, first along the lake and then through a valley with a river running alongside. Arrived at a place called Essenden and took the ferry about half-way up Lake Traunsee. From there it was a short cycle to Gmunden. Went for a swim in the lake. The water is really cold - the shock of it takes your breath away when you put your face in it. Definitely a glass of something warm this evening as a reward. |
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Day 2 Sunday 31st Aug
Up at 6 AM to get a connection to Stansted. There was a flight at midday but, this being Ryanair, they did not recommend taking a flight with only a 5 hour gap to the next connection. Rather than spending the day in the airport, I went into London and walked around some familar places full of memories. It was a strange day, misty rain but really warm - the leaves falling from the trees to remind you it was autumn. Back to the airport to discover the flight was delayed. It did eventually take off only an hour or two late. Landed in Salzburg whose two main claims to fame are being the birthplace of Mozart and the location for the movie the Sound of Music. By the time I reached my hotel if felt like I had crossed the Atlantic. The holiday starts tomorrow - I am already one leg of the cycle journed behind so I have a little catching up to do.
Up at 6 AM to get a connection to Stansted. There was a flight at midday but, this being Ryanair, they did not recommend taking a flight with only a 5 hour gap to the next connection. Rather than spending the day in the airport, I went into London and walked around some familar places full of memories. It was a strange day, misty rain but really warm - the leaves falling from the trees to remind you it was autumn. Back to the airport to discover the flight was delayed. It did eventually take off only an hour or two late. Landed in Salzburg whose two main claims to fame are being the birthplace of Mozart and the location for the movie the Sound of Music. By the time I reached my hotel if felt like I had crossed the Atlantic. The holiday starts tomorrow - I am already one leg of the cycle journed behind so I have a little catching up to do.
Day 1 - Saturday 30th August
Not the best start to a holiday. Using Ryanair always introduces a random element and so it proved. First the flight was delayed an hour. Then as we waited on board for takeoff we were informed that the stairs would not retract. The girl beside me got more and more upset as it became increasingly obvious that we were going nowhere that evening. She got on her mobile several times and talked with great emotion in a language I did not understand. Eventually she burst into tears and nothing would console her. Just before they announced to us that the flight was cancelled, ground staff came on board and took her to another plane. It is one of those times where you are forever left wondering what the full story was.
So it was back to queue in the terminal to arrange alternative flights. The best they could do for me was a flight out of Stansted the next day at 6 PM.
Not the best start to a holiday. Using Ryanair always introduces a random element and so it proved. First the flight was delayed an hour. Then as we waited on board for takeoff we were informed that the stairs would not retract. The girl beside me got more and more upset as it became increasingly obvious that we were going nowhere that evening. She got on her mobile several times and talked with great emotion in a language I did not understand. Eventually she burst into tears and nothing would console her. Just before they announced to us that the flight was cancelled, ground staff came on board and took her to another plane. It is one of those times where you are forever left wondering what the full story was.
So it was back to queue in the terminal to arrange alternative flights. The best they could do for me was a flight out of Stansted the next day at 6 PM.
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