Two of us are considering biking the trail this September or next April/May from Donaueschingen to Vienna. On numerous bicycle touring trips all over Europe over the years we've never pre-booked accommodations (B&Bs, pensions, private rooms, Zimmer Frei, small hotels) and have always easily secured a room within a few minutes. Until 2022 in Ireland, that is, when we found that the Internet had basically done away with that level of flexibility. Even tables at many restaurants had been reserved months in advance for dinner. However, some of this competition for rooms also came from the many thousands of Ukrainian refugees Ireland was housing.
For those, then, who have biked that section of the trail in the off season, what's been your experience in simply showing up without reservations and getting a room or two? Can easily do each day? Maybe? Impossible? We realize pre-booking may be the wise course of action, but we much prefer the freedom of picking and choosing our overnight spots each day as we go.
We'd appreciate hearing about your similar experiences along the trail.