I am planning to travel with three other people from Vienna for the day for biking in in the Wachau Valley arriving in Melk, bike to Krems and leave from there back to Vienna via train. My question is, it is easy to rent bikes when I arrive? I have read about Nextbikes and wondered if anyone else has done that? We will be travelling end of May. Thanks!
Posted by
2545 posts
The path between Melk and Krems is easy on bicycles and offers great views. As for renting bicycles from Nextbikes, there are several negative reviews if you search the Internet. Here's a list of nine bicycle rental shops in Vienna. I'd contact several of the shops and then make your selection. http://www.danube-cycle-path.com/austria-bike-rentals.html
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5518 posts
No way do you want to rent a bike in Vienna and haul it up to Melk. You can't even take bikes in the Vienna subway during certain hours.
Rent a bike in Melk with Nextbike.
Posted by
2545 posts
Here's more information about transporting a bicycle about Vienna: https://www.wien.info/en/vienna-for/sports/cycling/bicycles-public-transportation
Posted by
Colorado
388 posts
I have this very same question...because I wasn't sure if I could pick up the bikes in Melk and drop off in Krems or if I'll have to transport the bikes back to Melk (via boat?).
Can someone clarify?
Also, on the same topic, if you don't mind I hijack your post, do the bikes come with helmets and can I rent kids bikes?
Thanks Ashleyd for raising this topic!
Melissa
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5518 posts
If you rent with next bike you can drop off at any location.
You'll probably have to find a mom and pop type shop to rent if you want helmets and kids' bikes. It is pretty uncommon to rent kid bikes and good luck on finding one the correct size.
Posted by
Charm City USA
183 posts
NextBike is the public bike share, so no helmets, no kids bikes.
Pedal Power in Vienna rents bikes, will add a helmet and basket for 3 Euros/day (helmets free for kids). I know people who have used their bikes and can vouch for the equipment. They will also deliver and drop off to your Vienna hotel if your pre-arrange it. End of May will be a busy time, so reserve ahead.
Info here:
https://www.pedalpower.at/z_english/bikerental.php
As for schlepping them from Vienna up to Krems, it's not a big deal, really. There are group tickets that include bikes at a discount--depends on the day of the week you go. And if you have a bike, you can just bike to the train station and skip the U-bahn. Probably make a short ride along the canal bikeway to Franz Josef Bahnhof. The trains can be a bit crowded coming back from Krems in the afternoons. Lots of people make this trip, esp on the weekends.
Choosing to rent in Vienna vs Krems depends on what equipment you want and need and whether you want to do more than just bike along the Donauradweg (Vienna is great by bike).