Vienna business travel - Information required?

Question

I'm traveling to Vienna for a training, specifically in the Klosterneuburg area for 15 days.

I have the following questions for which I need help.

1. I have planned to stay at Hotel Kärntnerhof which is near Schwedenplatz and commute via U4 till Heiligenstadt and from a bus to Klosterneuberg. Any comments on this plan? What will be the approximate cost of travel and time in the office commute hours (8AM/6PM). Any other hotels that are good (price Euro 80 per day) in that locality?

2. How is the food at Gasthaus and its acceptance to the Indian-Asian palate? Are there healthy gasthaus options around the stephansplatz area? Any recommendations welcome.

3. How is the weather in Vienna at this time? What shall I carry?

Answer 1

Hi Sathi!  Listen to Ingmar, he knows what he is talking about.  I am not a real expert on Vienna, but have visited there a lot, and my grandmother's grave is in Klosterneuburg, so I visit there also.

I can't add anything to what Ingmar said about the commute.  He's right.  If it is important to you to stay in Vienna to enjoy a little social life, the commute is manageable.  If this is not an issue, stay in Klosterneuburg and go to Vienna for fun.  It would probably be cheaper.

About food:  My family and I always eat in a Gasthaus, but we are not Asian, so it is different.  One thing you should know about a "real" Gasthaus (a local traditional place, not a tourist restaurant) is that they will fix you the combination of food you want, even if it is not on the menu exactly that way.  For example, if you eat mostly vegetarian food, it is possible to get just that, but you need to ask, not just go by the menu.  Also, don't be afraid to just order one thing (like vegetable soup), even if the menu is set up for people who want several courses.  (This is why you would go to a local traditional place rather than to a tourist place.)  If you are in a training program, I am sure there will be people who can point you to good places to eat.  Maybe they will even know restaurants with Asian food you might like.

One thing I wanted to add is that you should stay away from the Stephansplatz (except to visit the cathedral, if you are interested -- and even if the religious aspect means nothing to you, going up to the top of the tower to see Vienna is worth it!).  There is nothing right on the Stephansplatz that is not either too touristy or too expensive, or both.  (Ingmar gave you some good alternatives.)

I hope you have a very nice time in the Vienna area.  Even though it will be autumn, go for a walk in the Vienna Woods, which are between Vienna and Klosterneuburg.  You can take a bus either from Vienna or Klosterneuburg and enjoy a wonderful view from the top.

Answer 2

Please be advised that Klosterneuburg, as such, lies outside of Vienna, more specifically in "Lower Austria" (a different state, strictly speaking). It is not very far, and many people from Klosterneuburg commute to Vienna on a daily basis. The other way round would be a bit of an exception, to be sure. (Like commuting to New Jersey, if you know what I mean :-)

ad 1) If you really must stay within the city limits, this is probably your best choice. It will be about 40-50 minutes each way, though. On a single-ticket basis, this will cost EUR 3,40 each way (crossing 2 zones), so it is highly advisable to get a weekly ticket (cost is EUR 24 for unlimited rides both to Klosterneuburg and within Vienna. Which would be useful for sightseeing and such, I suppose.)

Of course, you could always try for a hotel or boarding house within Klosterneuburg. This site might help: http://www.tiscover.at/klosterneuburg (Click "English" in the upper right corner.)

ad 2) Difficult to say, and will depend upon the Gasthaus. Generally very acceptable, but does not necessarily cater to Indian or Asian tastes. Typical Austrian cuisine is not overly spicy, and it's safe to try almost everything. (You might want to stay away from "Beuschl" though, which is lung and trachea as well as heart large blood vessels of a calf. And, no, it's not to the taste of all the locals neither.)

You could also try some of the "ethnic" restaurants in Vienna, but they, too, cater to local tastes and will probably disappoint natives of that country. If you are in the inner city, try the "Plachutta" in the "Wollzeile", where arguably Vienna's best boiled beef is served. (If you do eat beef, that is, no offense meant if you don't.)

ad 3) Autumn is knocking at our door early this year. You might be lucky and catch a few last rays of sunshine, but bring a pullover or two, especially if you are used to warmer weather. You might want to bring a jacket or a coat, too. We get rarely more than 70°F during the day anymore, and about 55° or so in the morning and evening.