„A bicycle ride is a flight from sadness.“- James E. Starrs, Bike Tour
There are days when you wake up and know: Today is the day. Not a cloud in the sky, 20 degrees Celsius, the city smells of spring, and somehow you just feel the urge to hop on your bike and ride. This was just such a day – and I’m taking you along on my little spring tour through Vienna.
The route is approximately 28 km long, but it takes about two hours, so you don’t have to worry about that. Personally, I’m more of a leisurely cyclist than a fast one. I love to look around while riding and take in my surroundings, while also exercising. Because cycling should be fun. So grab your partner or girlfriend and enjoy the day outdoors cycling together.
Start: Praterstern – and off we go
I grabbed my bike, put on my sunglasses, and set off from Praterstern, to start my bike tour. A classic, I know. But from there, it’s easy to get anywhere. I quickly picked up a bottle of water at the supermarket (and okay, maybe a small croissant for the road), then headed toward the Donau Island.
“ Vienna feels like a Mediterranean metropolis „
The Donau Island in spring? A dream. People are picnicking everywhere, dogs are zipping around, children are learning to ride bikes, and you glide along as if you were part of a cheerful music video. The sun reflects off the water, and honestly: In moments like these, Vienna suddenly feels like a Mediterranean metropolis. Only with better bike paths.
Along the Donau, wind in your hair
I cycled along the island, almost to the Nordbrücke. The Danube Island is the best place in all of Vienna to cycle. However, you have to be careful in places not to run over people crossing the paths, and you should also watch out for older racing cyclists. They won’t be paying attention to you. Over there, when you turn towards the 19th district, it gets a bit hillier – but nothing dramatic, don’t worry. The route winds through quiet residential areas, past charming old villas and green-lined streets, where you briefly forget that you’re actually still in the middle of the city.
My destination? The Flamingos restaurant. You might know it – a bit hidden, not fancy, but very relaxed. I was really craving something good to eat, but without the frills. And the terrace there on the Danube is really relaxing. So I arrived slightly sweaty but happy – sunglasses up, and immediately grabbed a spot in the sun. After dinner, an Aperol, a bit of people-watching – and then it was time to move on. The afternoon was calling.
Back to the city – along the Donau Canal
The return journey then took us over the Heiligenstadt Bridge to the Donau Canal. And I’ll tell you how: I love the Donau Canal. Especially in spring. Everything comes alive then – graffiti looks more colorful, people chill out on the banks, and you get the feeling that Vienna is showing its cooler, wilder side. Normally, on this route, you’re sometimes lucky enough to see graffiti artists in their natural habitat and marvel at their work. There’s also a lot to do along the Danube Canal. The bike lane is a bit narrow at the beginning, but at Spittelau, the path is much wider.
After a certain point, the bike path and the pedestrian path become blurred, so you should be careful not to accidentally run over anyone and pay a bit more attention. Leisurely cycling is much better anyway.
Along the Ring – urban flow
Then we continued toward the Ring. I know, for many, this is the annoying traffic route – but if you know the bike path, it can be really fun. Past the stock exchange, the Burgtheater, leaving the opera to the left – and everywhere that golden afternoon light. Vienna, you beautiful.
And then, after a few final meters and a few too many red lights, the grand finale:
Arrival at the Herrmann Beach Bar
I think the Herrmann Beach Bar is a bit like a living room for anyone who wants to end the day in style. I chained my bike to the many available bike racks (apparently, many people have the idea of stopping here for a bike break), took off my shoes, and dug my feet into the sand. Then I ordered a Spritzer, lay down in one of the deckchairs, and just basked contentedly in the sun.
People came and went, music played softly in the background, someone laughed somewhere, and I thought to myself: This is exactly why I love spring in Vienna so much. You don’t have to travel far to have a little vacation. All you need is a bike, a good route, and a bit of a sense of adventure.
(Blog post -> Link)
my summary
“Do it! Really.”
So if you have a free afternoon, the weather’s nice, and you just want to get out and about, try this route. From Praterstern across the Danube Island to Flamingos, then back along the Danube Canal, across the Ring to the Herrmann Strandbar.
Treat yourself to some good music, maybe bring a friend (or ride alone, which is also incredibly meditative), and experience Vienna’s vibrant side.
Spring on two wheels? It’s something.
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