The 12th day was forecast to be miserable and drizzly, so we planned another cultural day at the impressive Schönbrunn schloss.
4 kms of multiple, confusing, city cycle lanes didn’t impress Sue, but we arrived no problem.
It was a magnificent palace built when Austria had an Empire with Emperors and Empresses .
A massive garden with mature tree avenues that stretched for miles.
A painting of the hall where we’d seen the Lipazaneer horses training, but this was a couple of hundred years prior. Very ornate ceiling
We were Schlossed out so headed back to Vienna centre for some night views of the fabulous buildings.
Parliament buildingSt Peter’s ornate church where we heard a very professional string quartet perform. Actually it was the night before, but who cares!
After our 2 day break in Vienna we mounted our bikes on 9 th May and set off into a sunny day.
The route soon took us to the Blue Danube and dropped us onto a 20 km long artificial island in the middle of the river. A great place for cycling, walking, and other activities, such as naturism!
View towards Vienna from the island.At the end of the island a funky floating bridge took us to the mainland.The straight trail followed the top of the river flood defence and was a good surface but a bit tedious.Needing a break, westopped on a barge for a break The barge was also a pontoon for the river ferry. Whilst enjoying our break and watching a few crossings, we decided to change banks and follow a more varied track on the side of the river. So much of this trip there have been routes both sides of the river, but this « Danube Cycle Path» sign has been our guide for many kms on either side.Wind turbines as far as you could seeWe saw this arch from a distance in the open fields. It is a 1700 year old Roman construction called the Heidentor. It used to look like the small model on the leftA little after passing this sign into Slovakia, we crossed the river once again into the capital, Bratislava. Near the centre, Sue was happy to find that Prosecco was available in Slovakia at a much reduced price- €7 which included a pint of beer for me😁
Whilst resting, we watched this guy endlessly making bubbles for children who didn’t tire from chasing them
Sue had found this city centre 6th floor apartment whose lift was just big enough to take our loaded bikes; and for only £40 per night. I’m liking Slovakia already. After a delicious Thai meal, it was time for bed!Unfortunately our noisey neighbours disregarded this! I hope they had a fine, but I very much doubt it.
Euro Vélo Route 6 