Bev was keen to do a recce of public transport options back to the main station tomorrow for our trip to Zurich in order to save the €35 taxi (x2 U-bahn tix cost €6.40). Steve wasn’t sure it was worth the time out but at the 2nd attempt we now have a plan including lifts and escalators! So, where next for today, Tuesday 24 March?
We’d been recommended the Nachtsmarkt by Ian, a friend from Matlock Bath who lives in Vienna but isn’t here just now! There’s been a food market here ever since the 1770s, with the present pavilions being completed in 1916. The long alleyway is a mix of cafes and stalls just selling food produce. We chose an Asian one, as a change from the Viennese diet and enjoyed it very much – probably much more healthy as well!
After lunch, decided to take a tram the long way round to reach the Vienna Prater and see some more of the sights of Vienna. The Prater is an old park between the Danube and Danube canal. It’s popular with the Viennese for cycling, running and taking the dog for a walk. The terminus of the tram left us in the park, as expected, but it was a bit disappointing, being a bit monotonous and lacking in much flora or fauna – even more so as we approached the end where the famous ferris wheel still stands . . . Built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I, the Wiener Riesenrad (Ferris Wheel) was designed by British engineers Harry Hitchins and Hubert Cecil Booth. It was one of the earliest Ferris wheels ever built. Surviving a demolition order in 1916 it was severely damaged in the 2nd World War and rebuilt with half of the original 30 gondolas.
Featuring in numerous films, most notably ‘The Third Man’, Bev was keen to visit again having fond memories of walking in the Prater about 45 years ago (maybe some rose-tinted spectacles were involved). Sadly, it’s now sandwiched tightly into a fairly horrific theme park with some terrifying-looking modern rides. We didn’t stay long and took the U-bahn back to Stephansplatz. Last on the ‘to see’ list was the cathedral in the centre of Vienna, directly over the U-bahn station.
We stopped for a beer in the square before making our way back to get a few provisions to cook supper and pack. Bought pizza from the local bakery to heat up for supper, finished packing and tidying up, set the alarm for 0700. This apartment was good, in a great location, lovely and quiet with huge rooms and a balcony. Major downside (warned about before booking) is the massive three floors climb on huge stone steps, double flight for every floor = 6 flights!! Tomorrow we leave for Zurich.
