# Vienna on Two Wheels – Austria Motorcycle Trip, May Edition

- Link: https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/europe/austria-motorcycle-may-holiday-in-vienna-part-1/
- Published: 2024-10-29T00:50:57+01:00
- Author: Filip Chochół

Ten wpis jest również dostępny w języku:  [⌊Switch to Polski⌉Polski](https://warsawtravelers.pl/europa/austria-motocyklowa-majowka-w-wiedniu-czesc-1/)

 Table of contents

## Hello! 👋

Our 2023 May weekend trip on two wheels began in Vienna. We blended relaxation with
remote work. This combination let us enjoy the city while keeping up with our responsibilities.
It was an ideal mix of leisure and productivity. This is the first part of our journey,
full of places to explore and quiet moments observing Vienna’s life from a motorcycle.
In this post, we’ll share practical tips and insights for anyone planning a similar
getaway.

 [ ⌊Vienna fountain in front of an ornate building façade, with a woman sitting by the blue stone basin⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Vienna city shopping arcade with glass roof and tall stone colonnade between storefronts⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Vienna #WeInLive sign with a seated person in a park setting in Austria⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-004-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Vienna city street café tables and colorful chairs along a narrow passage with an ornate archway and green dome church in view⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

## How did we get to Vienna?

We set off from Warsaw to Vienna early in the morning, ready for a long journey 
that took about nine hours. Our ride was a **BMW R1250GS**, offering 136 HP and 
143 Nm of torque. This power made for solid acceleration and comfortable handling
on the road. Along the way, we took short breaks to refuel, snack, and stretch. 
These pauses kept us refreshed and ready to keep going.

We took the highway to the Czech border since motorcycles don’t need toll stickers(
vignettes) in Poland or the Czech Republic. This made the trip easier. In Austria,
however, motorcycles do require a vignette. To avoid this, we chose scenic side 
roads instead. These routes not only saved us from tolls but also added charm to
our trip. Passing through Austrian villages and fields allowed us to connect with
the local atmosphere – a perfect start to exploring Vienna.

 [ ⌊Vienna street scene with two motorcyclists in helmets, one wearing a neon green jacket⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-006-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna street scene with parked motorcycles in front of a building with red shop signage⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna city street at night with a motorcycle in the foreground near the Karlsplatz sign⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-008-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna street scene with a motorcycle parked by a historic building, rider wearing a helmet and jacket⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-007-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Documents and border crossing

Traveling by motorcycle to Austria meant we could leave our passports at home, as
an ID card is sufficient within the European Union. The focus, however, was on vehicle
documentation. Since our motorcycle is leased, we carried authorization from the
leasing company, confirming our right to use the vehicle. This document was translated
into several languages, including German. Additionally, we needed to have the vehicle
registration, driver’s license, and proof of valid third-party liability (OC) and
comprehensive (AC) insurance.

Austrian regulations on vehicle technical condition seem even stricter than those
in Germany. Even the smallest detail, like a non-certified headlight cover, can 
lead to confiscation of the registration certificate. Austrians are also strict 
on speeding, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant on the roads. Since our motorcycle
is relatively new, technical issues were not a concern, and having all necessary
documents ensured peace of mind in case of any inspections.

 [ ⌊Vienna street scene with historic buildings and a domed landmark, Austria⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-009-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Vienna street scene with a horse-drawn carriage in front of classic buildings in Austria⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-010-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

## Road conditions and public transport

### Motorcycle

Traveling by motorcycle in Austria, especially in Vienna, presents its own challenges–
particularly with the numerous small intersections and traffic lights. It’s no surprise
that local motorcyclists often ride “na zdrapkę,” meaning without full protective
gear. We’re not here to judge, as we’ve often ridden without protective clothing
in Warsaw. Similarly, when traveling in Asian countries on scooters, we usually 
wear only a helmet. On longer routes, we always gear up, but safety shouldn’t be
downplayed in the city, where accidents are just as possible as on highways.

With such traffic and restrictions, it’s challenging to go above 40–50 km/h. Many
local roads are also designated as “tempo 30” zones, limiting speeds to 30 km/h 
to improve safety and reduce noise, especially in densely populated areas.

 [ ⌊Vienna street view with ornate façade, statues, and red no-parking signs for San Marino embassy vehicles⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-012-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna city photos: grand classical building facade with statues and columns in a sunny square⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### Public transportation

During our stay in Vienna, we used public transportation for two days, primarily
taking trams, as our hotel was a bit outside the center. This was a convenient solution,
especially given that hotel prices are significantly higher in the center. However,
using ticket machines in Vienna is a bit different from systems we’re familiar with,
like in Italy – here, you can’t just tap your payment card directly at the validator.
Instead, tickets are purchased at larger, sometimes outdated machines, which accept
cash and cards, though card payments occasionally get declined.

The Wiener Linien network, which operates trams, buses, and the metro, also allows
ticket purchases through the WienMobil app. Tickets can also be bought at kiosks
and Wiener Linien information points, which is especially convenient if the ticket
machine isn’t cooperating.

It’s important to validate your ticket before boarding, as Vienna uses an open system
without gates or automatic checks. Properly validating the ticket is the passenger’s
responsibility.

 [ ⌊Vienna Public transport bus stop sign reading Stefan Fadinger Platz with glass shelters and schedules⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-013-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Vienna Public transport tram with number 643, white and red carriage on a street lined with trees and overhead wires⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-014-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Vienna public transport stop sign and LED departure board at Stefan-Fadinger-Platz with bus and buildings nearby⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-015-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Vienna public transport station platform with departure and arrival boards, passengers, and covered railway hall.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-016-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna public transport tram stop with a U-Bahn line sign on a modern train platform in Austria⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Accommodation

We stayed at the [Campanile Vienna South](https://vienna-south.campanile.com/en-us/)
hotel, paying **€366.12** for four nights with breakfast, which is quite reasonable
for Vienna. The hotel offers the basic standard typical of this chain – a comfortable
place to rest, without luxury but also without major complaints. The room provided
everything we needed: a bed, four walls, and an elevator, fully meeting our expectations.

We parked the motorcycle on the street since we didn’t see any secured parking nearby.
The area felt generally safe, so we weren’t too concerned about the risk of theft.

 [ ⌊Vienna accommodation and motorcycle parking: two touring motorcycles parked by a city street in Austria, with helmet on display⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-018-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## SIM card

During our stay in Austria, we didn’t need a local SIM card – our Polish numbers
worked without additional roaming charges, thanks to EU regulations. This allowed
us to use the internet, make calls, and send messages freely, without worrying about
extra costs.

Before traveling, it’s a good idea to check the terms of your mobile contract. Although
EU roaming is free of additional charges, data limits may apply. Depending on your
plan, roaming data allowances can be lower than at home, and exceeding this limit
can lead to extra fees. It’s wise to verify how much data is available to avoid 
unexpected charges.

If someone needs more Internet, for example, during an extended stay, they might
consider purchasing a local SIM card from an Austrian provider.

 [ ⌊Vienna Article photos of Vienna’s historic cathedral with twin spires and patterned roof panels under a blue sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-019-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna cityscape in Austria with the Danube River, industrial skyline, and vineyards in the foreground⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-020-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Food

During our stay in Vienna, we sampled various local specialties. For schnitzel, 
we chose **Meissl & Schadn**, a restaurant renowned for classic Viennese cuisine.
Located on the prestigious Ringstrasse, this spot serves authentic Wiener Schnitzel
made from veal, traditionally fried in clarified butter or lard, enhancing its unique
flavor. The atmosphere is pleasant, but the prices reflect the high quality – elegant
and definitely on the pricier side.

 [ ⌊Breaded schnitzel and lemon slices with potatoes and drinks on a table at Vienna Foods, Austria⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-022-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Vienna Foods in Austria: three glasses of beer with foam, set on a marble table in a restaurant.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-021-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

For a quick bite, we also visited **Würstelstand – Zum scharfen René**, where you
can try typical Viennese sausages in various styles, from classic to spicy options.
These sausage stands are a popular choice for a quick, local meal throughout the
city.

 [ ⌊Kiosk in Vienna Foods, Austria, with signage “Zum Scharfen Rene” and a Coca-Cola table in front⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-024-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna Foods, Austria: sliced sausages, pickles, and bread served on white plates with sunglasses nearby⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-023-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

For something more international, like pizza, we visited Lil’ Italy 1070 Halle, 
where they serve Italian classics – a great option when you’re in the mood for something
other than Austrian cuisine.

In Vienna, shopping mall hours can be surprising, as they are shorter than one might
expect. Typically, stores are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 
p.m., with some malls extending their hours to 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. On Saturdays, most
close between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. For instance, Wien Mitte and Lugner City stay open
until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, but on Sundays, most malls remain closed.

If you need to shop on a Sunday, alternatives include stores at major train stations
like Wien Hauptbahnhof and Westbahnhof or shopping centers near tourist spots like
Stephansplatz, where select stores may be open.

## Exchange office or ATM?

We’ve been using currency cards for ATM cash withdrawals for a long time, which 
works well in Vienna too – ATMs help avoid currency exchange offices, and withdrawals
are often more favorable. In Austria, as in Germany, ATMs of major banks (e.g., 
Erste Bank, Bank Austria) usually have lower fees or none at all, especially if 
the bank is part of global partner networks. However, ATMs from private operators
like Euronet may charge additional fees ranging from about €2 to €5 per transaction.

The ATM always displays any potential fee before confirming the transaction, allowing
you to cancel if the charges are high. To avoid extra costs, it’s best to choose
withdrawal in euros (EUR), which bypasses unfavorable currency conversion rates 
some ATMs may offer.

 [ ⌊Berlin ATM surcharge screen showing cash withdrawal fees and currency conversion options⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/germany-013-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Climate and weather conditions

In May, Vienna welcomed us with spring weather, making the motorcycle ride enjoyable.
Of course, we’re mainly talking about the pleasant weather here, as by the end of
the day, we’d both had enough of the motorcycle seat!

Temperatures in May average between 15 and 21°C. Days are getting longer, with around
10 hours of sunshine daily, allowing plenty of time to enjoy sightseeing. By the
end of the month, temperatures can even reach up to 28°C, adding a warm touch to
the spring atmosphere. However, May is also a month of moderate rainfall, with about
9 rainy days on average, so it’s a good idea to carry a rain jacket or other protection
in case of sudden weather changes.

May is the perfect time to explore the city – from parks to numerous cafés and restaurants
offering outdoor seating.

 [ ⌊Vienna Sightseeing in Austria: a large glass greenhouse building with manicured gardens and visitors.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-025-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Aerial view of Vienna Sightseeing in Austria with a winding river, green parks, and city skyline⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-026-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna Sightseeing in Austria: colorful historic apartment façade covered in ivy near a streetlamp and pedestrians⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-028-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna Sightseeing in Austria: a tall observation tower beside a landscaped garden with modern buildings in the background⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-027-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Safety

Vienna left a very positive impression on us in terms of safety. We felt comfortable
throughout our stay, even during evening walks around the city center. We didn’t
encounter any suspicious individuals – just a few homeless people, which is typical
for any large city.

Online, we read that typical risks include petty theft, especially in crowded areas
like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, or main train stations (e.g., Hauptbahnhof).
It’s wise to stay mindful of your belongings, keeping them close and avoiding placing
wallets or phones in back pockets, especially in busy areas.

Interestingly, we also noticed that local public transport is safe and well-maintained,
even late in the evening – a point confirmed by various sources.

## Places we visited

We invite you to a separate article where we share our experiences exploring Vienna’s
attractions ⛪️. For example, we visited the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a
symbol of Vienna, and the famous Schönbrunn Palace 🏰 , where we enjoyed the beautiful
gardens and learned about Habsburg history. Each site includes practical tips to
make your visit easier.

👉 [Click here to read more!](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/europe/austria-what-did-we-see-and-recommend-visiting-in-vienna/)

 [ ⌊Couple taking a selfie near a fountain in Vienna Sightseeing, Austria, with a green reflecting pool and trees⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-032-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna Sightseeing: tree-lined garden avenue with visitors walking toward an arched structure in Vienna, Austria⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-031-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna Sightseeing in Austria: ornate facade clock with a statue inside an arched opening⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-029-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vienna Sightseeing skyline of Vienna’s historic cathedral with towering spires and arched facades under a cloudy sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-030-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Next stop – 🇸🇰 Bratislava

Our Viennese adventure has come to an end, leaving us with plenty of impressions
and inspiration. We thoroughly enjoyed discovering this beautiful city, from its
elegant palaces to its charming streets and local restaurants.

Now it’s time for the next stop on our May trip – Bratislava. Join us in the second
part of our journey, where we’ll uncover the charms of Slovakia’s capital. 👉 [Read on to see](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/europe/slovakia-motorcycle-may-holiday-in-bratislava-part-2/)
what this part of the route has in store!

 [ ⌊Vienna, Austria: a rider kneels beside a motorcycle in front of the “Vienna Next stop in Bratislava” venue sign⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/austria-vienna-000-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)