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Atop the Castle Hill, you become one with the street music

Donauradweg from Vienna to Budapest

In eight days, you will explore three European capitals from the old Habsburg Empire: Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. You cycle less frequently along the river compared to other routes. Along the way, you pass through the Danube-Auen National Park, the beautiful city of Győr, and the impressive landscape of the Danube Bend, also known as Hungarian Switzerland. » read more about Donauradweg from Vienna to Budapest

Vienna, Bratislava, Mosonmagyaróvár, Györ, Komárno, Visegrád, Budapest
Entlang der ungarischen Donau
National Park Donau-Auen

Prices and dates

Culture, Nature, and History

In many ways, the historic district is the most beautiful part of Budapest. Atop the Castle Hill, you become one with the people reading on benches, children skipping around, and street musicians serenading you with violin melodies for some spare change. A sultry soundtrack as you revisit the highlights of this trip. It all began in baroque Vienna—the city of Sacher, Sissi, and Strauss—which also revealed a youthful side. Then, straight onto the bike into the tranquil National Park Donau-Auen. What a peaceful place.

Back to the Danube

Next up was charming Bratislava with its cozy alleys. Then crossing the border again into Hungary, where several picturesque villages appear. Later, you reach Győr with its impressive historic old town. The final stretch brings you back to the Danube, cycling through Komáron/Komárno, Esztergom (the Hungarian Rome), and finally Budapest. And there, you look forward to the return trip to Vienna—where (if you extend your stay) you can immerse yourself for one more day in baroque splendor.

Bratislava

Imperial Library

It’s called the State Hall — and rightly so, as the centuries-old library of the Hofburg in Vienna impresses almost every visitor. The Baroque hall houses more than 200,000 books dating from 1501 to 1850, while the entire library holds around 7.5 million books and artifacts. Built between 1723 and 1726, the hall features a statue of its grandeur-seeking founder, Emperor Charles VI, at its center. Later, the Habsburgs added priceless works from libraries in Brussels, Madrid, Budapest, Prague, and Milan. In size and significance, this library is now surpassed only by the Vatican and the British Museum in London.

Address: Josefsplatz 1.

Picturesque Györ

Halfway between Vienna and Budapest, you cycle into the historic city of Györ. The town hall, built at the end of the 19th century, is a fine example of the Baroque style, which you will find throughout this relaxed city. Rococo architecture also appears, such as in the houses embracing the square in front of the Viennese Gate. On that square stands the oldest house in the city: the Altabak House. The fact that Györ has won a European award for the preservation of its historic buildings already hints at the charming setting for the lively terraces. Only Budapest rivals its architectural richness.

Historic Gyor Heidentor

Varied Goulash

Romantic promenades, centuries-old coffee houses, and extraordinary bathhouses… whatever ingredients you choose, the goulash called Budapest always tastes delightful. Sometimes mild, as you stroll through the rustic Castle District, other times spicy, when you add more cosmopolitan flavors. But the key ingredient is undoubtedly the dreamy Danube. And of course, the famous bridges that connect the hilly Buda with the flatter Pest. A definite highlight is the Chain Bridge, magically illuminated at night. Enter the Castle District in style aboard the Síklo, the nostalgic funicular, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city.

When are you going to take this trip?

Donauradweg from Vienna to Budapest

Prices and dates

Routes

In 8 days, you will explore three capitals of the former Habsburg Empire: Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Unlike other routes, you’ll cycle less often directly along the Danube. Passing through the Danube-Auen National Park, you reach Bratislava, then follow the Nibelungenstrom and quaint villages toward the charming city of Györ. Komárom and Esztergom are also special overnight stops. The most beautiful part of the journey takes you through the Danube Bend, also known as ‘Hungarian Switzerland.’ You finish in Budapest via the artist village of Szentendre, with the option to take the train for the last stretch.