Day van (sort of) and touring overseas

[T32Rich]

If you’re flying. We had a week in Salzburg/Vienna last year. Flew to Salzburg, had a few days, then got the train to Vienna and flew back from Vienna. Salzburg is a gem.

She lived near Salzburg and we had a good few trips there, lovely place and HOT in the Summer (as is most of Austria I believe). Flying will be a last resort for me, I get reduced rate rail Travel from my old BR days and am waiting for them to get back with a price and dates, so that may be an option, Brighton-London-Paris-Stuttgart-Munich-Vienna. Could be a nice adventure.

 

[Ayjay]

@T32Rich Thanks for that - I had already IDd that one but it’s always good to see a recommendation.

 

[T32Rich]

@T32Rich Thanks for that - I had already IDd that one but it’s always good to see a recommendation.

Also worth mentioning that there were a lot of crickets/grass hoppers when we were there and a little road noise (close to main road into Vienna).
I think there is another site on that website linked, but not been there.

 

[FWhite]

Also worth mentioning that there were a lot of crickets/grass hoppers when we were there and a little road noise (close to main road into Vienna).
I think there is another site on that website linked, but not been there.

Also note that now Vienna turned quite car unfriendly, so any car without a Vienna plate (and a parking license paid to the same district where you park) must pay per hour for parking in ANY public place . You need to download an App, fill up upfront some 20 Euros, and then pay a couple of Euros per hour. But you cannot stay more than 2 hours anyway. There are literally thousands of semi-policemen hunting you for that.
In alternative there are Parkhouses of course (but most limited to 2.1 or 2.0 meters tall) but they will cost you a fortune.
So if you get to a Camping place in.Vienna, let the van there and use the public transport, that is very convenient, safe and efficient. Or use/rent bikes/e-bikes/e-scooters. Vienna is almost all flat and dedicated cycling roads are growing eving day (at expense of regular car roads).

P.S. that camping is actually INSIDE Vienna.
That is 22nd district (aka Donaustadt), that is the biggest and most inhabited one, with plenty of industrial sites, so no surprise there are highways everywhere. It comprises most of the "new" Vienna, on the left bank of the Danube river. There are still huge amounts of green though. From that Camping you are close to the Donau river, place of one of the biggest city parks in Europe, stretching many Km both ways, with bridges connecting to the Prater one, forrests, ponds, lots of swimming , sailing/rowing places, FKK, etc.

 

[Ayjay]

@FWhite Good info there, thank you. Personally speaking, we never drive into major city centres and always try to find a site with easy(ish) access to public transport (or just don't bother to go!).

 

[T32Rich]

That particular site is good for us. Our Daughter has now started working at the local wakeboard park, 10 minute walk away from camping. Bought me a 2 day pass for my Birthday last year. Probably to make sure I go back and pay for dinner all week again She only takes Public transport or Bike around Vienna. Also useful to know that you need to get your ticket before travel, they like to catch out the tourists that don't have valid ones and fine them.

 

[Frigo110]

As an aside to this. Wild/stealth camping (call it what you will) is Verboten in Austria, it’s either campsites or official park ups. It’s not like France where you can practically park anywhere and have a kip. So an element of planning and foresight is required when visiting Austria. If this is the OP’s first foray abroad, may I be so bold as to suggest somewhere closer to home on the other side of the channel. Maybe Normandy or Brittany or French Atlantic coast. France is much easier logistically than Austria & Germany when it comes to campervanning. Vienna is also a fair old jag driving wise, fuel might be a consideration in the current climate.

Under German and Austrian law, “regaining fitness to drive” is permitted.
“camping” as in putting your chairs out and the BBQ on isn’t.

Translated with ChatGPT:
Important rules for regaining fitness to drive:

• Duration: The rest period is usually limited to one night or up to 10 hours.
• Location: Permitted in public car parks, service areas, and at the roadside, provided it is not explicitly prohibited by signs (e.g. no parking).
• No camping: Setting up camping furniture, awnings, or barbecuing is prohibited and is considered illegal wild camping (significant fines may apply).

 

[Salty Spuds]

Under German and Austrian law, “regaining fitness to drive” is permitted.
“camping” as in putting your chairs out and the BBQ on isn’t.

Translated with ChatGPT:
Important rules for regaining fitness to drive:

• Duration: The rest period is usually limited to one night or up to 10 hours.
• Location: Permitted in public car parks, service areas, and at the roadside, provided it is not explicitly prohibited by signs (e.g. no parking).
• No camping: Setting up camping furniture, awnings, or barbecuing is prohibited and is considered illegal wild camping (significant fines may apply).

That’s very informative, thanks for the info