Danube cycle path (4) ramble | Vienna - Budapest

It is advisable to arrive in Vienna early. The city on the Danube has plenty to offer and is well worth a longer stay. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of Sacher torte in one of the many coffee houses, or treat yourself to a tour in one of the famous horse-drawn carriages.

The first section of the cycle route takes you through the Donau-Auen National Park. Along the way, you’ll encounter a rich variety of flora and fauna, as well as a diverse range of landscapes. Passing Orth Castle and Eckartsau, you’ll soon reach Bad Deutsch Altenburg.

You’ll start with a trip along the Roman Trail to Carnuntum. The Archaeological Park is regarded as one of Austria’s most significant archaeological sites and is well worth a visit.

Back in Hainburg, you’ll cross the border into Slovakia straight away, and its capital, Bratislava, is also your next overnight stop. The slightly shorter journey means you’ll have plenty of time to explore this charming city.

Your cycle tour takes you just a short distance through Slovakian territory before you cross the Hungarian border at Rajká. During your first few kilometres in Hungary, you’ll cycle through charming little villages. The entire section is characterised by agricultural countryside. Your cycle tour takes you through the so-called Szigetköz, the small alluvial island. This section is characterised by countless tributaries of the Danube and a vast floodplain. You have reached today’s destination: the pretty little town of Mosonmagyaróvár, also known as the ‘town of 17 bridges’.

Today, too, you’ll be cycling through the natural paradise of the small island of Schüttinsel. On your way, you’ll pass through Hédervár, which is the perfect spot for a lunch break. The imposing castle stands in the heart of a protected park. You should definitely allow plenty of time to explore Győr. The county town boasts a wealth of sights and a breathtaking Baroque old town.

Today’s stage takes you from Győr to the divided town of Komárom/Komárno along a newly built cycle path. You’ll cycle close to the course of the Danube throughout. At your destination, it’s well worth visiting Fort Monostor, which was built in the mid-19th century and is one of the largest fortresses in Central Europe. You can also relax in the thermal baths, and the local restaurants will treat you to regional specialities.

Another day spent largely near the river in the flat Danube Valley. You’ll pass through a wide variety of villages and can watch the vineyards roll by in the background. Those interested in history should allow time for the Roman fort of Kelemantia, which lies along the route. The absolute highlight, however, is Esztergom, also known as the ‘Hungarian Rome’. Its basilica is Hungary’s largest church. Make sure you allow plenty of time for a thorough visit.

Today you’ll cycle through the breathtaking countryside of the so-called ‘Danube Bend’, arguably one of the most scenic stretches of your cycle tour. The Royal Palace and the castle at Visegrád will leave you in awe, whilst the open-air museum and the Baroque town centre of Szentendre invite you to linger and enjoy yourself.

You’ll soon reach the Hungarian capital, where, whilst strolling through the city in the evening, you can reflect on the many highlights of this wonderful cycle tour. This stage has been deliberately kept short to ensure there’s plenty of time to explore the Hungarian capital.

There is plenty to discover in the Hungarian capital. An extended stay - which we’d be happy to book for you on request - is definitely worthwhile.