freebooter

I was hoping to do a tour along the Rhine to Germany and then along the Danube to Austria ealier in the year but didn't manage it. I could do it the end of this month and into next but am thinking it may be a bit late in the year. Main worry is of course the weather. Could be cold, wet and windy. Especially as I saw a report today that central europe, Poland/Germany have had early heavy snow in the past couple of days. I also considered whether to go the rhine route to Germany but then go South into France and back rather than carry on to Austria.

Has anyone got any experience of touring this part of the world at this time?

I also wondered about whether campsites along the route would still be open or if they would have already shut for the winter.

thanks

axolotl

I once toured in southern Germany, Czechoslovakia (it was one country then), Austria, and northern Italy (in that order) from late September to the 2nd week of November. I was very lucky and had great weather. However, it was early november when I cross the Dolomites, and I got across the mountains just a couple of days before the first snows of the season arrived. Campgrounds were closed virtually everywhere in October. It's easy enough to find weather averages online. But to be honest, if Poland and Germany have already had snow, I would forget about touring there for this year.

acantor

Although it's possible that you will have good weather, the odds are against you. Unless you enjoy grey weather, bitter winds, frigid temperatures, and rain and/or snow, stay at home, and plan your trip for next year -- preferably during the four-month window between mid-May and mid-September.

imi

^^^ this... plus a lot of campsites close at the end of september... you may get good weather even in april, but october and november ain't fun weather in N.Europe

st4rbucks

Currently we've got heavy wind and rain and temperatures about 2°C over here in Austria (Vienna region). November really is not the time to ride this country except you enjoy snow and frost.

freebooter

Thanks for the replies. It isn't sounding good It is annoying that I have the time but it looks as if the weather isn't likely to be good enough at this time of year. I was hoping to visit friends in Ger/Aus which was where the idea of that route first came from. Perhaps a change of route to southern europe may be better.

JohnyW

Hi,

Unforunately I have some experience. Because I live in Germany. It's the ugliest time for that tour. In general the weather can be could (2°C) and wet the days are quite short. Alongside the rivers you don't have major problems with snow. If it snows the snow normally disappears in the afternoon. Pensions and Hotels are open only a lot of campsite close in winter (Okt-Mar), but some don't close in winter. But if you want it - do it. There will be a few nice days, like today (-4°C in morning) cloudless

The wheater on the weekend (near Frankfurt):
Saterday 4°C 4-times rain. Sunday nice (partly cloudy) 4°C. (I was on 2 days MTB short trip)

Thomas

Windrush

I have found the best time to visit this area is early September to mid October. Have completed the Danube from Passau, Germany to Budapest. Another tour the Romantic Road from mid Germany to Austria. Other tours in southern France and Bavaria. MOST years the weather is great with some rain. Used small hotels, B & B and yes some were closed in early October.

JohnyW

Hi,

normally not. Guest house are opened. And if one is closed you have alongside the rivers several options. There are normally 2-3 options per village. And from village to village is about max. 4-5 km.

The problem is to find the nice and cheap ones...

Thomas

Pedaleur

I'll let you know in a week.

I'm going to ride the Elbe River Route from Hamburg to a conference in Dresden -- leaving tomorrow, totally playing it by ear.

Ding Ding

ive been thinking of doin a tour along the Danube did you get to take a bike path along most of the river or did you have to take side trips? i once took a day long bike ride along the Danube but that was west of Passau and we got to ride on a sweet path the whole time visiting Bergs and monasterys. Id love to do it again and make a month long trip out of it can you tell me a little more about your tour?

JohnyW

Hi,

some impressions of Germany you can find on homepage:

https://thomasontour.de

Go To "Reisen" -> "Europa" -> "2007 Deutschland - Hessen" -> "Tourübersicht"
there you'll find the latest ones.

Thomas