Post #6

Rolled into Viena Day 1: 09/01/25

We left the hostel at 7:30 because we wanted to spend most of the day in Vienna. The ride was fantastic with miles and miles of excellent bike paths. We pushed the pedal to the metal and arrived at our AirBNB around 12:00. 

We had booked a history tour which started at 2:30. It was about Hitler and his years in Vienna. With our early arrival we had plenty of time to shower and walk to the tour location; we even got lunch along the way. A woman, Siggy, was our tour guide and she did a great job. We saw where Hitler gave his famous speech at the Hofburg before 250,000 people and many other notable sites. It was well worth our time.

The most moving monument was the one dedicated to the Jews of Vienna. It was made to look like books shelved backwards which represent the wisdom of the lives and wisdom lost to the world.

After the tour we walked the streets back to our AirBnB. It had been a long day and both Sarah and I were pooped. We made a quick dinner and called it a night.

Rode 44 miles

Keep on rolling,

Scott and Sarah

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Vienna Day Two: 09/02/25

Our second day in Vienna kicked off with a visit to Schönbrunn. We decided to do the hour walk and meander through the city’s streets, soaking up the sights as we went. This sprawling palace, once home to the Habsburg emperors during their more than 600 year reign, is the definition of grandeur—1,441 rooms, anyone? Don’t worry, we didn’t try to see them all; a handful was more than enough to leave us feeling overwhelmed.

After the palace tour, we strolled through the sprawling gardens to the Café Gloriette, perched regally on a hill like it’s auditioning for a postcard. This elegant spot was once used as a ballroom, dining hall, and even Emperor Franz Joseph’s personal breakfast nook. Today, it’s serving up incredible pastries that we paired with a cup of coffee that hit all the right spots. We savored every bite.

Next, we wandered over to the Naschmarkt, a vibrant open-air market bursting with colorful stalls of food, spices, and, you guessed it, more pastries. One particularly persuasive vendor reeled me in, and I walked away with a container of fresh baklava. Because, apparently, I hadn’t already reached my sugar quota for the day!

Our final stop was St. Charles’s Cathedral. A concert featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons was happening that very evening! Instead of just paying the entrance fee for a quick peek inside, we bought tickets to the performance. So, we got a double treat: the cathedral’s stunning interior and some world-class music. Talk about a grand finale to an already fantastic day!

Walked 14 miles.

Keep on rolling,

Scott and Sarah

Vienna Day 3: 09/03/25

Holy schnitzel, what a night! I’m no classical music connoisseur—but last night’s symphony at St. Charles Church was an absolute game-changer!

We set out under a drizzly, gray evening sky looking for a cozy Italian restaurant for dinner. Then, it was off to the concert, where St. Charles Church wrapped us in its centuries-old charm. Talk about a venue with character—those ancient stone walls practically spoke with history.

From the first note the music was captivating. The lead violinist led with great intensity, wielding the bow with ferocious energy one moment and delicate finesse the next. I’ve been to my fair share of concerts but hearing Vivaldi’s notes soar through a Viennese cathedral? Unforgettable. 

Today, we didn’t roll out of the Airbnb until 11:00 AM. With no rush in our step, we strolled to the Vienna City Hall and the Votive Church, both architectural stunners that left us in awe. Those buildings don’t just stand there—they demand your admiration.

After soaking in the sights, we popped into a charming café for lunch, then headed back to the Airbnb for some thrilling domestic adventures: laundry, grocery shopping, eating dinner, packing and laying out some plans for the next few days.  We hit the hay, ready to bid Vienna a fond farewell and roll on to our next adventure.

Steps taken today: As few as humanly possible.

Keep on rolling,

Scott and Sarah