Cycling holiday on the Danube from Vienna to Budapest via Bratislava
The Danube Valley by bike is an exceptional route for cyclists. Between Vienna and Budapest, you are on Eurovelo 6, a fully marked route with wide cycle paths. It is a unique opportunity to admire the landscapes around this majestic river and to discover the historical and cultural heritages of Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.
Highlights of the stay:
- The panoramas on the river
- Danube-Auen National Park
- The capitals of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
- Esztergom Basilica
- Carnuntum Archaeological Park
- "Seigetköz" protected area
- The Danube bend
- Szentendre artists' village
- Historical and cultural heritage of 3 countries.
Day 1: arrival in Vienna
Arrival in Vienna, check-in at the hotel and pick up the bikes. Take advantage of the day to visit Vienna, the imperial city and settle into a famous Viennese café. Night in Vienna.
Day 2: from Vienna to Bratislava (68 km)
On leaving Vienna, you cycle through a preserved alluvial landscape and a Nature Reserve with a rich and surprising biodiversity. This is the time to appreciate the peacefulness of the place, which is only interrupted by the singing of birds. On the way, the Carnuntum Archaeological Park invites you to travel back in time. Finish your ride in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bratislava is on the border between three countries: Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. Discover the museums, theatres and very eclectic monuments, medieval, art nouveau and baroque palaces influenced by several cultures over the centuries. Bratislava is also an important river port on the Danube.
Overnight in Bratislava.
Day 3: From Bratislava to Mosonmagyaróvár or its surroundings (45 km)
Today the route takes you to the heart of the protected area "Szigetköz", a paradise for birds and the aquatic environment. This wild region is dotted with almost 500 small islands and you pass through picturesque agricultural villages and a labyrinth of streams and canals of the Danube. You quickly reach Mosonmagyaróvár, its old town and its castle.
Overnight in Mosonmagyaróvár or its surroundings.
Day 4: from Mosonmagyaróvár to Komárom or its surroundings (43 or 88 km)
The day begins again in the heart of Szigetköz to the city of Györ and its magnificent historic center. We recommend a walk to discover the narrow streets, churches and pretty houses of the city center in baroque style. Take your route along the Danube by bike to reach Komárom. Overnight in Komárom.
The stage is 88 km long. To shorten it by 45 km, you can take the train between Györ and Komárom (cost of about €1, tickets to be bought on site at the automatic machines).
Day 5: Komárom to the Danube Bend (57 km)
By following the banks of the Slovak Danube, on minor roads with little traffic, you pass through small farming villages and the impressive Roman fort of Kelemantia. You then arrive at Esztergom, nicknamed "the city of Bishops and Kings". Its basilica is the largest Catholic building in Hungary. The city is absolutely charming and one of the highlights of the tour.
Day 6: Danube Bend to Budapest (50 to 67 km by bike, part of the journey by boat or train)
The hilly landscape of the Danube Bend is a remarkable spectacle. You cycle through idyllic villages and discover the artists' town of Szentendre. There is the possibility of visiting an open-air museum that immerses you in the rural and agricultural life of yesteryear, a nice surprise! Before arriving in Budapest, you will have beautiful views of the Hungarian capital.
Note: part of the journey is by boat or train (depending on the season).
Day 7: Budapest
End of this holiday along the Danube by bike after breakfast. You can take advantage of this last day to admire the capital of Hungary and why not book an extra night! If you want to return to Vienna, trains leave every hour (about 3 hours of travel).