In Search of the Third Man

[Robinhood]

A rather belated trip report this time. I found myself rather too busy whilst on our travels to write anything up, and that's rather continued since we returned. The current poor weather has remedied that somewhat. ;-)

 

After having a couple of good and enjoyable overseas trips last year, the challenge was on to set our destination for the early summer trip this year, and, despite possible choices of somewhere slightly less known, we both alighted on Austria at about the same time, and thus it was decided.

 

We did, however, want to vary our itinerary from previous visits, so, though the ultimate goal was the Tirol (with Vienna on standby if the weather dictated - hence the thread title), we resolved to vary our habitual trip through Germany by incorporating stopovers in areas we'd bypassed before, with a view to investigating them as targets for a longer visit sometime in the future. (Almost without exception, our past departures from the beaten track in Germany have found a few "gems").

 

Over the years, we've gravitated to more Aire and Stellplatz use; initially for overnight stops only, but more recently, by being carefully selective regarding location and ambience, we've also used a good few such for longer stays (where previously we would have favoured a more traditional campsite). Accordingly, some prior research was carried out as to potential locations, and this was augmented by further work whilst "on the road", using the MiFi and pre-loaded Three sim. A combination of this research and good luck led to some great locations, calling for further visits in the future.

 

So, on the afternoon of 24th May, we set off for the overnight Rotterdam sailing from Hull, with a target of at least one night heading South in the Eifel National Park, on the Belgo-German border. A reasonably early start was taken, since on our last journey to the ferry at Hull, we made it by the skin of our teeth after at A1 was closed with us on it! In addition, this time, on alternate nights the Zeebrugge ferry had been cancelled due to a ship failure (after a recent refit - that's preventative maintenence for you!) and there was a potential that our boat (as it was the night of a cancellation) would be busier than normal.

 

We've gravitated to the Hull crossings as they (in theory at least) give us a more relaxed journey to and from home, and deliver us to the Continent at an early hour and with decent routes to get well South on the first day. Well, that's the theory; the practice is turning out to be somewhat different. Two accidents on the A62 heading into Hull meant everything was at a standstill (getting across Hull to the ferry terminal is bad enough without that), so we diverted round the back roads, still suffering from delays, but by all accounts, not as bad as those on the direct route. Having allowed plenty of time, we weren't "sweating" this time, and after a prompt embarkation (not a lot of waiting to board this ferry) we had a smooth crossing to Rotterdam. (I did have to reverse up into a tight space at the rear of the deck, though, which made it very difficult to exit the 'van, even through the sliding door - the German in the motorhome that carried out a similar manouevre to the front of me had the greatest difficulty extracting a pushchair from his garage, the clearance was so tight!).

 

Rather at the last minute, an acquaintance living in Germany had reminded me that our arrival day would be "Christi Himmelfahrt" (Ascension), a bank holiday in Germany, with virtually universal closure. We generally travel lightly-provisioned, preferring to shop "on the other side", so, though it was also a holiday in the Netherlands, we decided to try to shop there before entering Germany, as the Dutch tend to be slightly less "uptight" about such things.

 

Despite it being a holiday (or maybe because of) the Dutch motorways were appallingly busy (my experience of them over the years has generally been similar, regardless of day or direction, but, given the hour of day, this was particulalrly bad, with queues at exits stretching well back down the main motorway). We decided to kill two birds with one stone, searched for a supermarket in the Breda area, and cut the corner between two very busy motorways. We eventually found the supermarket, despite it seeming that the satnav was taking me to a football stadium. (the "Jumbo" was underneath, open, and very well stocked).

 

So, amply provisioned but somewhat delayed, off towards the Eifel, to a pre-researched and rated Stellplatz, with bank holiday traffic all around.

 

To be continued (with pictures).

[Robinhood]

The Stellplatz we were heading for was at Gemünd, it having glowing reviews in a number of publications. The fact that it was a bank holiday, combined with the traffic delays, was adding a bit of doubt as to whether we would find space, but it isn't particularly small, with 40+spaces.

 

After leaving the Autobahn beyond Aachen, we had a pleasant drive through nice countryside towards our destination, albeit there was still a good amount of heavy traffic. We approached the Stellplatz (which is on a dead-end road on the edge of town) and it rapidly became obvious that not only was it full, but it was overflowing; a lot! The approach had motorhomes haphazardly parked nose-to-tail along the verges, and every designated place was taken. TBH, the fullness rather clouded our judgement, but it didn't look anywhere near as attractive as we had been led to believe, and there was no space anyway. (It did appear to have decent facilities attached, but whether they could cope with demand at double the number of designated spaces was questionable). We turned tail and departed.

 

I'd researched a fallback option at Nettersheim, maybe some 15 miles away. Details of this were rather more sketchy, and we'd decided that it would do, but didn't look as good as Gemünd. How wrong can you be!?

 

The Stellplatz is in an old quarry, on the edge of town (and not where Google maps shows it!), landscaped and quietly situated (except for minor disturbance from a few passenger trains), within easy walking distance of the town/village centre with a few shops/bars/cafes, and slightly further from the REWE supermarket (which had free WiFi) at the other end of town. It has roughly 20 pitches, divided in places by hedges, and has an adjacent, large, circular service area with full dump and watering facilities. Water was in theory coin-slot chargeable, but was free whilst we were there, and the charge was €8.50 per night via parking ticket (machine, correct change), inclusive of electricity.

 

It looked pretty full when we arrived, and we considered pushing in to a fairly tight corner space at the end, until we realised there was a very nice space back behind the entrance, and just at the limit of our hook-up cable; so we were sorted. (somebody did take the less-attractive position we'd considered shortly afterwards).

 

We really liked it here. There was an adjacent visitor centre, and both walking and cycling were well catered for. After a bit of local strolling and a quiet night, and in continuing good weather, we decided to stay, and set out on a 30+ mile bike ride (mainly byways and surfaced tracks using a map from the visitor centre) revealing countryside which encouraged us to return sometime in the future, as there seemed plenty of scope for more excursions. The second night was just as quiet as the first (though someone did squeeze in next to us).

 

There were a few things of note and amusement. The visiting ice-cream van could easily have been mistaken for a PVC motorhome. The area was widely covered with decorated birch trees (we understand these were "Pentecost trees" (Pfingstbaum), which you can Google). An imaginative use for coloured toilet tissue ;-)

 

To be continued....

[Will86]

Thanks for the posts especially as we are home tied these days. Looking forward to some more.

[Robinhood]

We liked Nettersheim; it was, however, now Saturday morning, the area was relatively busy with people making a long-weekend of the bank-holiday, and we had decided we wanted to more fully explore the area at a quieter time. ...And the South was still calling, so, resolving to return sometime (hopefully less busy), in excellent weather we headed off.

 

We knew that, given the habitual Autobahn roadworks, reaching even the German side of the Alps would be a long day, so an intermediate overnight stop was called for. An area we'd always missed as being just off our main track was the Schwäbische Alb, the high plateau area South of Stuttgart. Surrounded by some large towns, the higher areas are more sparsely populated, and a number of the villages have Stellplätze.

 

We only planned an overnight "transit" stop, but as always, wanted something of interest to look round whilst there, and ideally, since we had eaten "bei uns" at Nettersheim, somewhere to get a meal out in the evening. From a cluster of Stellplätze we selected the one at Trochtelfingen, which looked like it might be quiet, and within a close walk of the village centre - the other options around giving us some fall-back if it wasn't suitable.

 

A largely painless drive (other than some longish sections through towns limited to 30kph and protected by cameras) saw us arrive in the late afternoon to find an acceptable location with two 'vans already pitched. The Stellplatz is in a corner of the gravel car park of a local community hall, bordering open land and school playing fields, and adjacent to a (non-intrusive, at least at the weekend) light industrial area. The car park was virtually unused whilst we were there, but I wouldn't guarantee this would be the case on a workday (though most of the factories seemed to have their own parking).

 

Tucked into the corner was a borne (coin for water), and a drive over dump point. There were also (5 ISTR) electric points. The charge was €3 per night, and the electricity was included. It being very hot and sunny, we parked against the grass border, under the shade of a convenient tree, and set off into town.

 

Trochtelfingen is an attractive village, with all the facilities you might want for a longer stay. We wandered round the streets and the remains of a boundary wall, and found the local brewery and its restaurant which, it being nicely time for a meal, was visited for the evening's refreshment (which, it still being very warm, was taken in their Biergarten). After returning to the 'van for a short rest, we wandered some more around the village, before returning and ultimately retiring for a quiet night.

 

Signage at the Stellplatz indicated that someone would call for the fees, but, it being weekend, and it being a local council provision, no-one did. On our final stroll of the evening, we had checked the Rathaus, to see if we could drop the fee through the letterbox, but the appropriate one (of several, as it was a multi-occupancy building) wasn't obvious, so we reluctantly got a free night, something I'm not entirely comfortable with, especially given the use of free electricity!

 

We'd happily use this Stellplatz again, but probably only in transit. The wider area, however, looked quite interesting and different, so a return visit is on the cards.

 

To be continued....

[AndyLou]

Hi

Just out of curiosity and in search of the correct protocol for these things.

 

You say that the car park was empty apart from 2 vans.

 

The picture suggests that you parked quite close to them.

 

Is this the "done" thing? Should you have parked far away from them or should one always park up next to existing vans?

 

[PJay]

Andy&Lou - 2017-06-30 1:24 PM

 

Hi

Just out of curiosity and in search of the correct protocol for these things.

 

You say that the car park was empty apart from 2 vans.

 

The picture suggests that you parked quite close to them.

 

Is this the "done" thing? Should you have parked far away from them or should one always park up next to existing vans?

 

Probably needed to be in shade!

On aires you have to find a space usually, often a squeeze, if you get there late

That aires was nice and spacious , by the look of it.

PJay

[BKen1]

Andy&Lou - 2017-06-30 2:24 PM

 

Hi

Just out of curiosity and in search of the correct protocol for these things.

 

You say that the car park was empty apart from 2 vans.

 

The picture suggests that you parked quite close to them.

 

Is this the "done" thing? Should you have parked far away from them or should one always park up next to existing vans?

We tend to park with other vans especially if its a large area ..feel a bit safer . if you are off in a remote corner you may get singled out by suspicious individuals

 

 

 

Nice post Robinhood enjoyed reading it ..

 

Brian K

[pkc]

 

Great stuff Robin, love reading this,could I be cheeky and suggest coordinates of sites .

Cheers.

[Robinhood]

Andy&Lou - 2017-06-30 1:24 PM

 

Is this the "done" thing? Should you have parked far away from them or should one always park up next to existing vans?

 

As you've highlighted, this is a (general purpose) car park. The corner in which the 'vans are parked is that designated as the Stellplatz.

 

My own parking was dictated by two main things, the desire for shade, and the position of the electric outlets, which were behind the 'van in the corner.

 

The picture foreshortens things a bit, we were certainly greater apart than the "20ft rule" would dictate (and also further apart than the two 'vans already there!).

[Robinhood]

pkc - 2017-06-30 2:26 PM

....could I be cheeky and suggest coordinates of sites .

Cheers.

 

....no ;-)

 

...but these may help:

 

http://www.nettersheim.de/tourismus-freizeit/unterkuenfte-gastronomie/wohnmobilhafen.html

 

https://goo.gl/maps/zR52NuaiiKS2

 

====

 

http://www.trochtelfingen.de/?q=node/648

 

https://goo.gl/maps/Lr79JasQ39J2

 

(the locations should be pretty obvious from the google maps links, which will also provide coordinates).

 

[Robinhood]

We departed Trochtelfingen the following morning, Sunday, still in excellent weather, and headed off for the Autobahn in the direction of Bregenz and deeper into Austria. Our target was the Montafon Valley, somewhere we had visited once previously, and we thought we'd like to renew our acquaintance. With the roads reasonably quiet, we made good progress, with the obligatory stop on the border to buy the Austrian Vignette (one of the perks of staying below the 3.5 tonne limit and thus not needing a Go-Box). We headed off up the Montafon Valley from Bludenz, noting that the Silvretta Pass (at the top, and providing an interesting exit route deeper into Austria), was still shut (presumably by snow).

 

As sometimes happens, we were less impressed with the surroundings lower down the valley than we remembered, and had no prospect of going much higher (given the pass situation) without having ultimately to retrace quite a few of our steps. In addition, the campsites (including the one previously used) were all pretty scrubby, being mainly static-infested. Invoking the first law of motorhomes (If you don't like where you are, go somewhere else!) we changed our plans.

 

We'd used the site at Sölden well to the East towards the top of the Ötztal valley once before, and very much enjoyed it. The village isn't much to write home about, being a typical skiing resort that doesn't look at its best in the summer, but the campsite is excellent, and the lift access to the mountains for walking is very good. Accordingly we set off to go over the Arlberg Pass, into the Inn Valley, and off to the Ötztal. We'd noted earlier in the day that the Arlberg (motorway) Tunnel was closed, which meant a steep run up over the top of the pass on the old road. It soon became obvious that, though the traffic was reasonably light in our direction, the tunnel closure was causing major problems in the reverse, with seemingly half of Germany heading home after the (extended-)weekend. There was queuing traffic for miles, which we were extremely grateful not to be in.

 

Down the Inn Valley, and as we approached the Ötztal turn, it suddenly occurred to me that the last time we'd attempted this we'd got right to the top of the Ötztal before finding that the site at Sölden was on its twixt-seasons closure. A quick check on the web saved us making the same trek, as it didn't open for two weeks. Bother! (or words to that effect).

 

Time was now gaining on us, and the fall-back (as it had been last time) was to go to one of our well-known sites, at Umhausen, part-way up the Ötztal. It was a mild disappointment, as it is only a couple of years or so since we were last there, BUT, it is an excellent site, with a good facilities and position. There are a couple of good eating/drinking places and a supermarket in the village, and it is attractively placed for walking (though less so for cycling given the Ötztal is effectively a succession of hanging valleys, with the main road being virtually the only option for the big inclines). So, off we set and booked-in in the late afternoon.

 

https://goo.gl/maps/zosMQi3gJNJ2

 

http://en.oetztalcamping.com/

 

This was the most expensive site of our trip; with chargeable electricity and showers, it worked out at roughly €32 a night. Realistically, however, for us about the only thing we can find to criticise is the difficulty in finding a level pitch if/when it is busy (which wasn't the case this time). It is well away from the main road, and its setting is improved upon by it having no statics on site; not a one. We had a quiet walk around the village, dinner back at the 'van, and a nice relaxing evening catching up with reading.

 

In addition to having a few more prosaic tourist attractions (Ötzidorf and an outdoor swimming lake) nearby is the Tirol's highest waterfall, Stuibenfall - the path to which leaves from the campsite entrance. This is a spectacular walk, but last time we were here, a couple of years ago, it was closed due to a quite dramatic landslip. The effects of this have now been overcome by the addition of copious metal stairs, accompanied by a spindly vertigo-inducing suspended bridge. For anyone who doesn't like heights, this is seriously scary - the couple in front of us turned back after the first few yards! It really is worthwhile attempting though (not least for the beer in the Gasthof at the top!) as the waterfall and wider views are amazing. All this infrastructure and still entirely free! It is pleasant to complete a shortish day's walk by taking a gentler "balcony" route, with views, back down to Umhausen, which is exactly what we did! Another rewarding day was completed by dinner back at the 'van. (With dining room views like this, who wouldn't?)

 

To be continued.....

[Robinhood]

The weather forecast the following morning was for thunderstorms late in the afternoon, (not an uncommon occurrence in the Alps), but more disappointingly, for more widespread rain and thunder in the days to come. It was currently hot and sunny, though, and being in no mood to move on, we decided to walk on the other side of the valley, and see how far up it we could get before we had to retreat in front of the weather.

 

It was likely to be a somewhat more strenuous day, but a notice in the Tourist Office window in the village intimated that, at least in this preseason period, the Gästekarte provided by the campsite was valid for free bus travel up and down the valley, so we didn't have to worry too much about having to walk back! (Pay, me?!)

 

We had a very good (if somewhat hot) day walking as far as Längenfeld on paths and tracks, with a bit of respite provided at a Gasthof in Köfels after a sapping climb. (We were the only customers, other than a German lady who was staying there, with whom we had a good long chat about this and that).

 

Having disturbed dear in the fields, Längenfeld was as far as we got, partly because there was a bus conveniently due, (which was free), and partly because it was already clouding up. Returning to the campsite, there was a little very light rain, so the awning came out. It rapidly became apparent that this was a mistake, as the main storm hit us without even a hint of its arrival, and I spent maybe 20 minutes hanging on to an awning leg (in the pouring rain) in order to prevent the whole thing going up and over the van roof. That was fun (not!).

 

The wind disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived, and the rain shortly after. With the awning retracted and me in changed clothes from head to foot, we set off for a very pleasant evening meal in one of the Gasthofs in the village - and sat outside in bright sunshine (but under an awning).

 

Given the poor prevailing weather forecast, which extended to most of the Alps, we checked that for the East, and Vienna was predicted to be fine and warm (read hot) for some days, so, time to invoke another fall-back and head towards there. It's quite a drive from Umhausen, and we decided that breaking the journey some 70 miles or so short would give us an opportunity to spend a late afternoon and evening looking round another unfamiliar area; We could then move on to Vienna and get most of the following day there anyway.

 

A review of Stellplätze (yes, there are a few in Austria) provided a possible candidate north of the Danube Valley, and about at the correct distance from Vienna, so Waldhausen im Strudengau was pencilled in.....

 

To be continued........

[PJay]

Great photos Robin

 

Not sure I would have liked that walkway (Bridge) Though Not to good with heights these days!!

I never had a problem in my younger days, but age has made me change and not so steady on my feet

 

Hope you keep on showing more pics, great ones at that

 

PJay

[Robinhood]

PJay - 2017-07-02 12:34 PM

 

Not sure I would have liked that walkway...........

 

PJay

 

It challenged Mrs H somewhat....

 

She prefers Terra Firma (The more firmer, the less terror ;-) )

[Robinhood]

Oddly enough, the next day dawned bright and warm. The weather forecast was still poor, however, and, decision already made, we upped sticks, and off back to the Inntal and the Autobahn, with stops to refuel and revictual. The journey to the East, mainly on Autobahn, would have been quite uneventful if it hadn't been for two interruptions.

 

Germany has re-instituted border checks on the crossings from Austria which means variable lengths of tailbacks as the traffic is slowed, and some checked. Heading East to Vienna entailed crossing and recrossing the German border, so we were subject to this. As it happens, they filter the heavier traffic separately (and more slowly!) and the break-point is 2.7 tonnes MGW. I did consider following the cars, but knowing the German attitude to "rules" remained with the HGVs in the longer queue, and, to be honest, it only cost us a few minutes.

 

Somewhat worse were the motorway roadworks around Salzburg which, despite expecting them and an attempted circumvention, led to us traversing Salzburg through the suburbs, on a diversion, slowly. All in all, we were glad we'd decided that Vienna was just too far for a day's journey.

 

We dropped off the Autobahn a little early to enjoy a scenic drive along the side of the Danube (there are a few Stellplätze around that might merit a bit more research, but none of them made a convincing first impression), and then climbed up a steep and narrowish road out of the valley, towards Waldhausen. The surroundings were bucolic enough to encourage us that the choice might be OK.

 

In fact (as was the case throughout the holiday, except for the first attempt, already described) this Stellplatz turned out to be a good choice. Located next to the village bathing lake, a little way from the town, which was at the other end, it was a designated area of a large, but very quiet gravel car park. The designated space would take 6 or 7 'vans, with electric for 8, and plenty of scope for overflow. In fact, there were 7 'vans there when we arrived, but given two were in "overflow" we easily got a space in the designated area, a short distance from the electrical connections, and with a nice grassy area behind the 'van to sit out on.

 

https://goo.gl/maps/7zndEeUcjMP2

 

http://www.waldhausen.at/index.aspx?beitragNr=20163229252993

 

Payment was €3 per night in an honesty box, with electricity being €1 for 8 hours (and you could pre-load 2 coins allowing for 16 hours at a time - avoiding having to get up in the middle of the night!). Other services were all adjacent and free (the website says water was payable, but it wasn't whilst we were there). A hundred yards or so away was a (very clean) public toilet block serving the bathing lake. The local service buses parked adjacent (not too close) overnight, but were parked up by mid evening, and we didn't hear them at all in the morning. There was little movement on the car park throughout our stay.

 

We spent the late afternoon and evening wandering around the lake (which had a ski-tow for practice, which was in use, so provided some entertainment) and into the village. There was also a cafe/bar next to the water, far enough away not to intrude in the slightest. The village had a few shops, a well-stocked supermarket, and a few eating houses. It being fine and warm, however, we returned to the 'van for dinner, before a walk back round the lake, and a perusal of the church and kloster set high above its opposite end.

 

A grand choice for a stopover, and, with some more research, it looked like it might be a good area for some middle-difficulty walking and cycling - one marked for further consideration.

 

The pictures show the Stellplatz, the lake (with the Stellplatz to the right at the far end), and a closer view from the end of the lake where you can just see the motorhomes beyond the bus.

 

The following morning, by way of the supermarket, we set off for Vienna, only about 70 miles away. We've been here before (once in a 'van, when we stayed at the campsite in Klosterneuberg) and this time we were going to use the Stellplatz which, though it looks fairly spartan on their website, I had heard decent reports about.

 

to be continued........

[Robinhood]

And so, to Vienna, and hence the title of the thread.

 

The Stellplatz was a fairly easy destination to reach, skirting the Wiener Wald on the Autobahn to the South of the city and a final shortish drive through the suburbs.Having started promptly, we arrived somewhat before 11am in hot and humid weather with plenty of time to have an initial afternoon and evening exploring.

 

The booking-in process was efficient and friendly; we were invited to go and choose a pitch from the many available, and return to pay. We were then given a large amount of tourist bumf, including maps, guides and what's-on info, and paid out €21 per night for two nights (by card). This was inclusive of electricity, all the 'van service facilities, and showers/toilets; the latter, though somewhat "building site clinical" were functional and kept spotlessly clean. There is free WiFi, but currently only in the coffee lounge/reception area. The site is purpose-built for motorhomes, and with a group of 4 well-equipped service points, you shouldn't have to queue long to dump or replenish.

 

The surrounding area is mixed industrial and residential, and for a major city area, safe-feeling and acceptably quiet. There is a well-equipped Spar supermarket within but a few yards, and the U-Bahn station is a couple of hundred yards away. Though not exactly campsite ambience, this was pretty good (and, after all, being in Vienna you don't expect to spend much time there other than sleeping).

 

https://goo.gl/maps/RcsAQx7rE4o

 

http://www.reisemobilstellplatz-wien.at/uk/index.html

 

The U-Bahn (which is largely not underground) has regular trains to/from the centre until late, and it takes around 20 minutes. A 24 hour ticket (covering the suburban trains, U-Bahn, buses and trams) is €7.60 per person (48-hour and 72-hour tickets can be bought at slightly further reduced rates) and are useful for convenience, but also pay-off against buying-as-you-go after the third journey (AFAIK, you can change lines and even mode of transport even on a single ticket, as far as it is a contiguous single journey without a break). If we are within travelling distance, we quite like to return to the 'van for the evening for a short rest and freshen-up, which increases the transport use. We thus purchased 48-hour tickets (Ticket Machine taking cards) at €13.30 each and set off for the centre.

 

Now, as I've already said, we've been to Vienna a couple of times before, and thus have visited the major indoor tourist attractions. It was hot (I did mention that didn't I!) so we wanted to take advantage of the outdoors, and we ended up doing what we often do, just picking an area or two and just strolling, following our noses and jumping on and off trams and trains at will.

 

I have to say that, though the weather certainly had something to do with it, I really enjoyed Vienna this time. It is very cosmopolitan, with probably more, and a greater variety of, eating and drinking places per square kilometre than we have seen anywhere else. It was very enjoyable just wandering about, absorbing the atmosphere of the different areas. In passing, we noted an "interesting" way of swimming in the Danube!

 

We just had to take in the Naschmarkt, which we'd enjoyed years ago. A vibrant combination of (exotic) food market and eating places, with a small number of tat stalls thrown in for good measure. A great place to browse, or sit and drink/eat and watch the world go by, and pretty good value too. Pausing for a beer, we decided to return in the evening to eat after a refresher back at the 'van.

 

When we got back to the Stellplatz, two of the very large pitches were occupied by "BeatTheStreet" "band" buses (one of which ultimately departed). A UK-based company with an Austrian offshoot, they provide fully-equipped bus-sized accomodation for bands and road crews. Though these were Austrian registered, at least one of the drivers, from his Essex accent, was English. There was a multi-artist rock concert scheduled for the weekend on the Danube Island, and we can only assume they were using the pitches as a convenient parking space (as we never saw anyone on board bar the drivers). How about one of those for an extended road-trip, then?

 

We returned to the Naschmarkt for a tasty and good-value al-freco evening meal (did I mention it was hot!) and then an evening stroll around more streets and the river, before returning and retiring for the evening.

 

To be continued.......

[keninpalamos]

Great pics! The last looks like a Kassborra Setra. ( the big black coach) Have spelt that wrong? Anyway, a Rolls Royce in coach building. And the old pre '93 Mercedes Hymer has something missing on the body work. Can anyone spot it. They are great vans and always good to see a Mercedes one. The Setra will be a Mercedes as well

[Bulletguy]

Robinhood - 2017-06-30 5:07 PM

 

pkc - 2017-06-30 2:26 PM

....could I be cheeky and suggest coordinates of sites .

Cheers.

 

....no ;-)

 

...but these may help:

Why so furtive about giving out co-ords? :-S

 

Surely part of the spirit of motorhome travels is sharing good locations, be it Stellplatz or quality sites at sensible prices? I've lost count of the folk i've handed out co-ords to on my current trip who are heading for the Baltics.

 

Nice photo's anyway and at least you have some sun. Poland is currently going through the weirdest "summer" i've ever experienced.

[Robinhood]

Bulletguy - 2017-07-04 10:00 AM

 

Why so furtive about giving out co-ords?.

 

I'm not (hence the smiley!)

 

I simply CBA to go out to the 'van to pull all the details off the sat nav that could be determined by a quick Google.

 

The Google maps links provided serve two purposes an overview of the location, and by right-clicking and selecting "what's here", the elusive coordinates. ;-)

[Bulletguy]

Robinhood - 2017-07-04 10:17 AM

 

Bulletguy - 2017-07-04 10:00 AM

 

Why so furtive about giving out co-ords?.

 

I'm not (hence the smiley!)

 

I simply CBA to go out to the 'van to pull all the details off the sat nav that could be determined by a quick Google.

 

The Google maps links provided serve two purposes an overview of the location, and by right-clicking and selecting "what's here", the elusive coordinates. ;-)

Oh fair enough....i did wonder! Maybe it's just me but i'm a tad obsessive about coordinates, not only logging 'em via gps but keep written copy. Comes in useful as i find locations i've visited years ago but want to re-visit.

[Robinhood]

The next day dawned even hotter; It was 27C at 9am (and as it turned out, also at 9pm, with it well to the North of that in between). We determined to stroll around again, but this time, not having ever been out to the main channel of the Danube, we decided to head East, explore the DonauInsel, and have a look round "UNO" City (where a number of the UN organisations have historically had their headquarters, and a new office and residential development is under way). It also gave us a bit of a closer look at the Donauturm, the trip up which we decided to miss.

 

After catching the U-Bahn across town, we strolled a good length of the DonauInsel, North to South, and headed for UNO City. The walk provided a welcome contrast to the city centre. It looked like we'd be staying another day, and we'd considered transporting the bikes on the U-Bahn on the morrow (allowed outside weekday rush hours), to ride part of the riverbank but realised that, with stages being set up along for the weekend of rock concerts starting that evening, it probably wouldn't be the quietest of rides, so that idea was binned.

 

Pausing only for cafe/kuchen in UNO City, we crossed back over the river for a quick look around The Prater. We'd done a good session here on our last visit - with the kids - including a ride on the famous big wheel, so it was really only a pass through to the shade of the park behind, and though we saw plenty of invitations to join a "Third Man Tour", we caught nary a sight of Orson himself ;-) .

 

From the far end of the park, we caught the tram back to the centre, and strolled out to the Naschmarkt for, (as we hadn't had much refreshment) an early evening meal at a different restaurant, again, because it was hot, al fresco (not al freco as per the previous occasion, the post about which missed the edit deadline!)

 

Then, back to the Stellplatz, where we booked a further night and had an hour's feet-up, before returning for a short evening stroll around the centre. Heading back to the U-Bahn to the Stellplatz, we ended up in front of the Karlskirche, with the setting sun reflecting on the facade. Did I mention it was hot? Behind us was a little kiosk with some tables selling wine by the glass, so we sat and watched the sun slowly disappear whilst sipping a nicely chilled glass of Grüner Veltliner, and then back to the 'van.

 

To be continued.....

[pkc]

 

Cheers, (^) (lol)

[Robinhood]

The decision to remain in Vienna for another night had been take partially because it was so hot (I did mention that, didn't I?) and partially because the forecast was deteriorating, so we wanted to make the best of the good weather (by not travelling in it).

 

Having spent a couple of days walking the streets, we were interested in getting out a little further, into the Wienerwald. We'd picked a few walking and transport maps up over the previous sessions, and studying them raised the easy possibility of heading North on the tram to Nussdorf, and then walking up to to Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg (the hills which you can just see to the North in the preceding post's picture up the Donau). This turned out to be an excellent decision.

 

After buying 24-hour tickets for the transport, we set out via U-Bahn and changed onto the tram. Alighting from the tram, we had a little stroll around Nussdorf, stopping at a pleasant cafe for coffee and cakes, and then set out in blistering heat towards the hilltops. Whilst it was hot, the vista which opened up made it worthwhile, with the walk through vineyards revealing the whole of Vienna behind, and back down the Donau plain.

 

It was Saturday, and we passed a few "Buschenschank"s on the way up. It being weekend , some of them, though they have restricted opening times, were due to open at 12 O'clock. Marking one as potential for the return, we persevered on upwards to the Kahlenberg (to which, if a less strenuous day is required, there is a bus service), walking round through the woods to a different viewpoint at Leopoldsberg. We just had to stop for an obligatory Bier on the way! The trip up here is really worthwhile - if you want to avoid the climb (but still get an easy stroll in the woods), then the bus route is covered by the transport day ticket.

 

Heading back down again, we stopped off at the "Buschenschank". The licence allows them to sell their own-made wine, with light (cold) meals, and the "Buschen" comes from the twigs or branches hung at the entrance to denote their presence/opening. €3 or €4 for a good glass of wine (or two ;-) ), and €6 to €8 for a large cold platter of meat, bread, cheese, salad and pickles makes it a pleasant stop, enhanced by the fact that it is consumed outside at one of many trestle tables with the view overlooking Vienna. (and somewhat oddly, they charged a €2 deposit for glasses).

 

We then found a different route back down to the tram, and slowly returned to the 'van, where only a light snack was required to prepare for a final evening's walk round the city centre.The atmosphere outside the Karlskirche had been so pleasant the previous night that, after the stroll, we ended up at the same place for another glass of cold white!

 

We were still debating where to head for the next day, Sunday, given a very mixed weather forecast, but we postponed the decision until the morning, and retired (weary).

 

To be continued.......

[Will86]

You haven't mentioned the displays of decorative patisserie or the samples you've tried. Surely a must for any visitor to Vienna.

[Robinhood]

We'd rather set our hearts on revisiting Virgental, over near Lienz (albeit using a different location). The weather forecast was looking decidedly iffy, however, and as the reason to go there was to savour the outdoors, it wasn't looking promising.

 

It would be a long hop for a day, however, so we decided to hedge our bets, and get partway there, stopping as the inclination overtook us and then reconsidering the next step. I think we both had the possibility of Oberwölz in the back of our minds, since we like the campsite, and it was about the correct distance. As it happens setting out on a quiet Sunday morning, the weather was still OK when we were in the environs of Oberwölz, and we looked at each other and diverted to the site.

 

The one problem we have with here (apart from a large wasp nest once found in the electric box!) is that, regardless of us arriving in decent weather, it never lasts! There is some good intermediate walking and long-distance cycling to be had, but we've never really managed more than one decent day out (and even that has involved the odd thunderstorm). The campsite, however, at least off-season, suits us down to the ground. Quiet and attractive with simple but acceptable facilities, and set on terraces above the small town in the grounds of the Schloss (In fact, when we first used the site, years ago, booking in was in the Schloss, the elderly couple being proud to show us the views, and making a fuss of the kids. Nowadays, booking-in is in a hut near the castle entrance and at the top of the site.

 

We booked in for one night (with an eye on the weather) costing €21.90 inclusive of electricity, showers, etc. and spent the evening walking down to and around the town, before eating in the one Gasthof (of a few in the town) that was open that evening - and then it rained! Oberwölz, despite being small, has just about everything you need in the way of services, with a copule of supermarkets, and a variety of places to take refreshment.

 

https://goo.gl/maps/8mrZ6LGsNUu

 

http://www.camping-rothenfels.at/

 

(Note that the higher part of the campsite is a separate (and hidden/secluded) FKK (naturist) section - it does have warning notices though!)

 

The morning dawned dry, but a bit overcast, and we decided to re-book and chance another day (not least because it was the Pentecost bank holiday, accounting for the small number of other people on the site). As we had had a long cycle up the valley on our last visit, we decided to head down the local valley to Murtal, and then have a good cycle along there to see how far we got. Using mainly bike routes along side roads, and heading parallel at times to the narrow-gauge railway that sometimes has steam services, we got as far as Sankt Georgen ob Judenburg before turning back, diverting via Scheifling on the way back to pick up a few victuals at the petrol station there (It being a bank holiday, hardly anywhere else was open, including cafes! (and we were short of bottled provisions)).

 

So, the trip was somewhere in excess of 30 miles, and it stayed (almost) dry all day. Evening meal was taken at the 'van, having dragged one of the many picnic tables close to savour the open air and the view.

 

The weather forecast was, if anything, deteriorating, and remaining so in the medium term. Reluctantly, we acknowledged that we might have to head back into Germany, as it looked as if a long day travelling there in poor weather might position us for a good fine spell.

 

Back to Germany in the morning!

 

To be continued........